Many look to the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 as Jesus’ teaching about the end of days and His return. It can be a difficult teaching to fully understand and its interpretation varies widely. I suppose none of us will truly fully understand until that time comes when the veil is removed and these prophecies are finally fulfilled. My approach to understanding these passages is to take them in the plain sense reading in the … Continue reading →
Dispensationalists look to the last seven years of the present age known as the Tribulation Period when God will pour out great judgments upon the world because of the sins and wickedness of men. Although not the ultimate judgments, these terrible judgments associated with the Tribulation Period are pictured as seven seals opened (Revelation 6), seven trumpets blown (Revelation 8-9), and seven bowls poured out (Revelation 16) in God’s last effort to reconcile man to God through the grace of … Continue reading →
Did Jesus prophesy that a time of great trouble would occur on the earth just before His return? This passage contained in the Olivet Discourse seems to be one of the more controversial ones within the Church. While it doesn’t directly deal with our salvation or “who” Jesus is, it does nonetheless spark debate among Christians regarding the coming of Christ and the last days. From my research, it wasn’t really all that controversial prior to the 1800’s when John … Continue reading →
Was Jesus ever questioned about the “end of the world” and the sign that would point to His return? Well, yes and no. The Greek word translated “world” in the KJV in Matthew 24:3 is ‘aion’, more accurately translated in other versions meaning “age” – not the physical planet on which we live. He wasn’t talking about the physical “end of the world” and He wasn’t talking about His final coming. Jesus left the temple and was walking away when … Continue reading →
