In order for those who teach a "pre-tribulation" rapture to get around the clear teaching of Matthew 24, they will have to assume that this chapter is written to and about someone else. They will have to say that this subject is for Jews only, and has nothing to do with the Christian Church. They will point out that it is Israel that is going to be punished for its rejection of God's program, especially their treatment of Messiah. Being told that, believers skip over the clearest evidence in Scripture for a post-tribulation catching- up with Jesus.
I find it incredible that the words of this chapter are assigned to Israel only. Using that logic there are many other Gospel teachings that must be so assigned. For what have we here? The disciples of Jesus, triggered by a statement made by their Lord regarding an utter destruction of Jerusalem in the future, ask him some questions, and receive answers.
Matthew 24:3b : "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" The question seems to be in three parts. Some can find three answers to match.
Question one: When shall these things be (Jerusalem's buildings literally torn apart) ? Answer one: Though there is a buildup to the answer in verses 4-14, it seems He does not answer the question about Jerusalem's fall until verses 15 and following. And verse 15 is connected to the great tribulation! Regarding the "buildup": Deception will come through false Christs (5), troubling events (6-8), even persecution and betrayal (9-10). There will be national and natural disasters, hatred of believers, false prophets.
Question two: What shall be the sign of your coming? Answer two: The preaching of the Gospel to all the world must come first. Just before mentioning this, Jesus says something that is overlooked, but that ties directly to Paul's Thessalonian letter. Compare: Matthew 24:12: "...because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." And II Thessalonians 2:3, "...that Day will not come unless the falling away comes
first ...then the lawless one will be revealed."
A world with no law. Democracy run amuck? The spirit of the age in America is gradually becoming saturated with lawlessness. Nothing is wrong. No one should be punished, at least severely. Chaos. One day the world will be this way, and the one who follows no laws but his own will take charge.
The idea of a deteriorating faith situation, taught specifically here by Jesus, negates the concept of a worldwide revival ushering in the return of Jesus. Rather, a great cooling off is coming, a vacuum of faith, filled by the Liar from the Pit. When the world has been reached by the Gospel, and that can happen through a relative handful of committed believers without a worldwide revival, there will come a clearly visible identifiable sign for those "watching" : the abomination of desolation that triggers the worldwide tribulation (15-21). This is the only "event" that answers the second question.
Question three (or question two, part two): What shall be the sign of the end of the age? The only other "sign" given in the text is the "sign" of the Son of Man. Others find one large question, with three parts, but still all the parts point to events of the final days of history. Whatever the number of questions, the answer comes to the same thing: The Gospel will be preached everywhere, then these buildings will fall during a worldwide tribulation, just before I come. That will be the end of this age.
Now to return to the question of the intended hearers of this Gospel of Matthew. To whom is it given, and about whom? Were the disciples Jews? Oh yes. But the Gospel story, especially in John (as in 5:10, 6:41, 7:11, etc) makes a clear distinction between unbelieving Israel , called "the Jews", and the Jews who were disciples of Messiah. When Jesus is addressing His own, He addresses us. These followers and their teachings later became the foundation stones of the Church. Teachings given them are crucial for us. Questions asked by them must be heeded, and likewise the answers given.
When this series continues: What in the world is "the abomination of desolation"?
http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!
And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.
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