We have examined two previous
arguments on Matthew 24. See
the previous articles in the links
below.
Here, the focus of dividing Matthew
24 – in that day deserves our
attention.
Why is this argument important in
the discussion?
It’s because most futurists conced
it is the second coming of Christ.
We do understand that there are
some who see the entire chapter
of Matthew 24 as fulfilled.
Matthew 24:36
“But of that day and hour no one
knows…”
In the next lesson, we will discuss
the concept of “no one knows.”
Our purpose here is to show that
“that day” refers to the destruction
of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, not a future
event.
To demonstrate our premise, we
focus on an event mentioned
earlier in the chapter in verse 15.
In connection with Jerusalem’s
fall, Jesus issued warning concerning
the abomination of desolation.
It’s appearance served to forewarn
Jesus’ disciples to flee the city of
Jerusalem.
Those of the surrounding areas of
Judea were to flee to the mountains.
Any who were on the housetops
would have no time to enter the
house for possessions.
Those in the fields could not return
for clothing or other belongings.
Most interpreters recognize that
this event would be pointless
were Jesus describing a global
conflagration burning the earth.
There would be no time and no
place to flee in a “world ending
event.
Thus, they correctly reason that
the Lord spoke only of events
associated with the flight from
Jerusalem.
Dividing in Matthew 24 – In That Day
In view of the approaching Roman
army, those who recognized the
sign and believe the Lord would
leave in haste.
This they believe separates this
event from the alleged future
second coming.
According to Luke, when the
disciples saw Jerusalem compassed
with armies, they knew its demise
was near, Luke 21:20–22.
You may notice that Luke also
records the command to flee the
city.
However, can this fleeing event
be excluded from “that day” in
which it admittedly refers to the
second coming?
The scriptures demonstrate that
the disciples are told to flee in
“that day.”
But “that day” is the second coming.
Here’s the delemma. The time of
the disciples flight is the flight from
the doomed city of Jerusalem.
Do you see the pickle in which futurists
find themselves?
Luke makes it clear that there can be
no distinction.
“Even so will it be in the day when
the Son of Man is revealed.
In that day, he who is on the housetop
and his goods are in the house, let him
not come down to take them away.
And likwise the one who is in the
field, let him not turn back.
(Luke 17:30–31).
Thus Christ has placed all fleeing
events in the same “that day”
when the Son of Man is revealed!
Disciples Flee
Matthew 24:15 = A.D. 70
Luke 21:20–22 = A.D. 70
Luke 17:30, 31 = A.D. 70
This is conclusive evidence that
the events of Matthew 24 cannot
be divided in verse 36.
Verse 36, is the time of the coming
of the Son of Man.
Luke 17:30–31, is the time of the
coming of the Son of Man.
But the flight from the city and
surrounding country takes places
per Luke 17:31.
Therefore, Matthew 24:15, 36, and
Luke 17:30–31, refer to the same
event.
It proves the Lord’s return happened
in the first century, in A.D. 70, before
that generation passed.
In our the next segment, we’ll discuss
the next argument made on verse
36, “no man knows the day and hour.”
Order your copy of The-ReExamination,
a clear concise study of the second
coming of Christ, by the author.
Go here now to order over our secured
servers.
Part 1, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5
Related articles by Zemanta
- The Ancient Fortress of Machaerus Jordan
- Israeli archaeologists unearth Herod family tombs
