Finding Jesus in the Bible…So We Can Follow Him in Life
Bible Reading Plans
- Plan One: New Testament Only
- Plan Two: New Testament + Psalms
- Plan Three: New Testament + History
- Plan Four: The Entire Bible – Year 1 of 3, Year 2 of 3, Year 3 of 3
Don’t know which plan? Go to A Christ-Centered Bible Reading Plan: Quick Start.
Extras
Verse of the Day, Audio Capsule, and Video Minute
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(Today’s Reading)
The Biblical Case for the Second Coming as Accomplished Fact
(Book Installment 14)
Part Two – The Timing of the Second Coming
Chapter 2 – What the Gospels Say
Other Signs To Be Fulfilled, Too
The temple was the key sign, but there were others as well. Jesus goes on to tell His disciples that no one could know the exact day or hour of His coming, which makes sense given the kind of timetable He gave them. The temple’s destruction was a sign, but the proliferation of false Christs and false prophets was also a sign. Jesus’ coming could not occur before the first sign. It would definitely occur sometime after the temple was destroyed and while the false brethren were in prominence.
These unfolding events were all backdrop to the essential mission of the apostles. Jesus made clear in His discourse that the conclusion of the timeline would be driven by the fulfillment of their mission.
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14
The Acts of the Apostles and other New Testament books give evidence that the gospel was considered spread around the world even in that age. Paul could write to the Romans,
“…your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.” Romans 1:8
And to the Colossians Paul writes,
“… the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing…” Colossians 1:5-6
Such an effective job was being done by the apostles of Jesus, that even unbelievers were aware of its worldwide influence, for when Paul finally arrived in Rome (the “Big Apple” of its day), he was asked about the movement of which he was a part:
“…this sect…is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” Acts 28:22 [emphasis added]
And it is no wonder, God Himself having paved the way for them, for even on the day of Pentecost when Peter first spoke about the resurrected Messiah there were Jews from all over the world present for the feast in Jerusalem to hear him (Acts 2). Of course, God would have to remain the final judge of when all the nations had heard enough and judgment should begin. He’s the only one who could be completely fair and impartial about it.
Someone may argue at this point that I am not dealing with everything that is written in Matthew 24 and 25 – that is, with all of Jesus’ answer to the disciples question. That’s right. I am only dealing with timing, or when these things would happen. In the next part of the book, we will deal with what would happen – that is, the nature of the Second Coming. If we can’t accept
the when, about which the Scriptures are straightforward, clear, and emphatic, how will we ever accept the what?
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