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The Saint Palm Tree
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11-11-2024, 11:16 AM
Jesus will most definitely return in 2024. Maybe
By Robin Schumacher, Exclusive Columnist Monday, December 25, 2023 I vividly remember the first time I got snookered on the whole Jesus parousia date-setting thing. I was a baby Christian who had just been saved by studying eschatology, which started with me reading Hal Lindsey’s best-seller The Late Great Planet Earth. Now, let me quickly pause and say that plenty disagree with Lindsey and his eschatology, but even if he’s wrong, my salvation is proof that God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick. Anyway, still brimming with massive Second Coming enthusiasm after reading his first book, I rushed back out to the Christian bookstore and bought his sequel, The 1980s: Countdown to Armageddon. In it, Lindsey did some dot-connecting where he: 1. Asserted that when Jesus spoke about the parable of the fig tree in Matthew 24:32-34, He was referring to the rebirth of the nation of Israel. 2. Said that the “generation” referred to in Christ’s statement “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” could be biblically interpreted as being roughly 40 years, and so… 3. Concluded, “the decade of the 1980s could very well be the last decade of history as we know it” because Israel reemerged as a nation in 1948, and 1948 + 40 equals… A Message from The Christian Post Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone I was sold! I became a Jesus-is-returning-now evangelist and talked eschatology with anyone who had the fortune (or misfortune) of being near me. Being a newbie, I guess my bell never got rung with that all-important verse that comes just two lines later in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matt. 24:36). And so, here we are about 50 years later, and Jesus still hasn’t returned. Wink-wink predictions like Lindsey’s and more outlandish ones made by people like Harold Camping who shot himself in the foot at least four times (judgment would fall, he said, on 9/6/1994, then 9/29, then 10/2, and then on 5/21/2011) accomplish nothing but damaging the credibility of Christianity and cause people like atheist Dennis McKinsey to make remarks like those he records in his Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy: “It is, indeed, unfortunate that millions of people still cling to the forlorn hope that somehow a messiah will arise to extract them from their predicament. How many years (2,000, 10,000, 100,000) will it take for them to finally say, ‘We can only conclude that we are the victims of a cruel hoax?’” Of course, the Bible tells us there will be scoffers like McKinsey: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Pet. 3:3–4). Even so, it would be good for us to do what we can to not aid those ‘mockers’ in their jeering by getting square on some facts concerning Jesus’ return. Things to come Getting a grip on the second coming takes a little time because the Bible is loaded with prophetic talk. Prophecy takes up 1/5 of Scripture and of that, 1/3 refers to the second coming of Christ. Some 1,500 passages in the Old Testament refer to the Messiah’s return and one out 25 verses in the New Testament mention it also. For every time the Bible mentions Jesus’ first coming, it mentions His second coming 8 times. All this underscores the fact that the Bible isn’t shy about trumpeting the return of Christ. But, let’s be honest, it’s been a long time since Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives and talked about His return. Is it true, like Peter’s fictitious scoffer said, that “all continues just as it was” since that time? Actually, no. Quite a few theologians in centuries past who studied prophecy asserted that, before Christ would return, Israel would regather as a nation. They were shouted down by many who allegorized the prophecies concerning a reestablished Jewish state or applied them to the Church, which many still do today. Then came 1948. The Bible had predicted, “Then it will happen on that day that the Lord Will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people … and assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth … Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons” (Is. 11:11-12; 66:7-8). World War I had prepared the way for the Jews as control of the land passed from the Turks to Britain. On May 14, 1948, Israel declared her independence, and the nation was recognized and established in one day just as the prophecy in Isaiah said. The very next morning, the nation was attacked, and her war for independence was fought just as the Bible predicted with the birth pains coming after the birth. And just like that, one of the biggest prophecies in Scripture was fulfilled to the letter for everyone alive in the 1900s to witness firsthand. Bible prophecy scoffers were left limping away with their tails between their legs. So, with Israel now re-established in their land, what else must happen before Christ’s return? Well, that depends on your interpretation of biblical eschatology. If you ask me, my answer is “nothing” and “something.” It’s “nothing” because I believe the rapture event described in Scripture (1 Thessalonians 4, John 14, and 1 Corinthians 15) is a signless and imminent event that cannot be discerned. But Jesus’ physical return is also preceded by “something” in that the bodily second coming of Christ is heralded by many signs that are very observable as Jesus’ Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 and the book of Revelation make clear. So, will Jesus return in 2024? It’s certainly possible. But since “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Pet. 3:8), we could be kept waiting. Nevertheless, whether it happens in 2024 or not, all of us benefit from knowing as much as we can about His return and prophecy because “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Rev. 1:3). Just please don’t set a date for it. Robin Schumacher is an accomplished software executive and Christian apologist who has written many articles, authored and contributed to several Christian books, appeared on nationally syndicated radio programs, and presented at apologetic events. He holds a BS in Business, Master's in Christian apologetics and a Ph.D. in New Testament. His latest book is, A Confident Faith: Winning people to Christ with the apologetics of the Apostle Paul. https://www.christianpost.com/voices/jesus-will-most-definitely-return-in-2024-maybe.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is Jesus Coming Back in 2024? February 26, 2024 by Benjamin Reinke The question of whether Jesus is returning in 2024 is a topic of much speculation and debate among believers. While some believe that there are significant signs and prophecies pointing to this year, others caution against setting exact dates for Jesus’ return. Let’s explore the different perspectives and interpretations surrounding this topic. Key Takeaways:
The Prophecy and Significance of Jesus’ Return According to biblical teachings, Jesus promised to return to earth at an unknown time in the future. This belief has fueled the anticipation and speculation surrounding his Second Coming. Many religious texts, including the Bible, contain prophecies and signs that are believed to foreshadow Jesus’ return. The year 2024 has gained attention as a possible timeframe for this event, leading to discussions about its significance and implications for believers. Since ancient times, religious believers have eagerly awaited the Second Coming of Jesus. The prophecies found in the Bible and other religious texts serve as a foundation for these deeply-held beliefs. These prophecies outline specific events, signs, and conditions that are believed to precede Jesus’ return. “The coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning, which shines and lights up the sky from one end to the other.” – Matthew 24:27 Interpreting these prophecies can be a complex and subjective process. Some believers see the year 2024 as significant due to the alignment of certain celestial events or the fulfillment of specific prophecies. Others view it as purely speculative and caution against setting exact dates for Jesus’ return. Significance and Implications The belief in Jesus’ return in 2024 carries great significance for many believers. It brings hope for a future filled with peace, justice, and eternal life. The anticipation of Jesus’ Second Coming serves as a powerful motivator for spiritual growth and encourages believers to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Additionally, the belief in Jesus’ return fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility among believers. It prompts them to actively engage in spreading the message of the Gospel, sharing the love and hope found in Christ with others. The significance of Jesus’ return in 2024 varies among different religious communities and individuals. While some may see it as a specific timeframe for dramatic change, others may view it more metaphorically, symbolizing an ongoing process of spiritual transformation. Continue reading to explore biblical teachings on the timing of Jesus’ return and to understand the different interpretations and predictions surrounding this topic. Biblical Teachings on the Timing of Jesus’ Return The Bible provides insights into the timing of Jesus’ return, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the exact date. According to passages such as Matthew 12:36, Mark 13:32, and Luke 21:8, Jesus himself affirms that only the Father knows the day or time of his Second Coming. These teachings serve as a cautionary reminder against following anyone who claims to possess knowledge of the specific date. While believers are encouraged to remain watchful and prepared, the timing of this event remains a divine mystery. Uncertainty Emphasized in Biblical Teachings In Matthew 24:42, Jesus instructs his followers to “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Similarly, in Mark 13:35-36, he compares his return to a homeowner returning unexpectedly, urging his disciples to stay vigilant. Luke 12:40 echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to be ready for Jesus’ return at an unforeseen hour. These passages highlight the biblical teachings on the uncertainty surrounding the timing of Jesus’ return. Warning Against Date-Setting The biblical teachings on the timing of Jesus’ return serve as a caution against falling prey to those who claim to have knowledge of the exact date. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, the apostle Paul admonishes believers not to be easily deceived by false prophecies or speculations about the Second Coming. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of remaining grounded in faith and discernment, focusing on living a life aligned with the teachings of Jesus. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36 Living with Faith and Watchfulness While the exact timing of Jesus’ return remains unknown, believers are encouraged to live with faith, watchfulness, and readiness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, Paul urges believers to be like “people of the day,” sober and alert, prepared for the return of Jesus. This involves nurturing a vibrant relationship with God, studying His Word, and actively living out the teachings of Jesus in daily life. Remaining Hopeful and Faithful Despite the uncertainty surrounding the timing of Jesus’ return, believers are called to remain hopeful and faithful. In 1 Peter 1:13, the apostle Peter encourages believers to set their hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus is revealed. The anticipation of Jesus’ return serves as a source of comfort, assurance, and motivation for believers to press on in their journey of faith. In Summary The Bible emphasizes the uncertainty of the timing of Jesus’ return and cautions against setting specific dates. Believers are called to remain watchful, faithful, and prepared, living lives aligned with the teachings of Jesus. While the exact moment of Jesus’ return may remain unknown, the anticipation of this event serves as a reminder to live with hope, faith, and purpose. https://versesandprayers.com/is-jesus-co...k-in-2024/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What Adventists Believe About the Second Coming “The Second Coming” refers to the return of Jesus Christ as described in Revelation, Hebrews, the Gospels, and many other places. The first time Jesus came to earth, He was only a baby. After His ministry on earth, crucifixion, and resurrection. He returned to Heaven “to prepare a place” for His followers (John 14:3). He also promises His return (1 Corinthians 15:23), in which the first resurrection occurs, He brings His followers to heaven with Him, and sin and Satan will be destroyed forever. The Second Coming is something to hope for. It is a literal event, a personal encounter, a visible experience, and a worldwide occasion. It’s the culmination of the plan of salvation! Belief 25: The Second Coming of Christ The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21.) What Will the Second Coming Be Like? Literal The Second Coming is not a secret for only the most educated, or a prize for the rich. It’s not metaphorical or symbolic, or only happening on a spiritual plane, as once believed by many Christian communities. It is and will be a literal event described in Scripture.
“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4, ESV). Acts 1:11, when an angel was addressing Jesus’ disciples after they witnessed His ascension, also confirms the visible manner of His return. He will “come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven” (ESV). Personal Jesus’ return is about reuniting Himself with us. In John 14 He informed His disciples He was ascending back to heaven, but He would be preparing a place for us. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3 ESV). Not only will we be called up to the clouds with Jesus, but we’ll be with Him forever. Philippians 3:20 tells us that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV). Even if someone hasn’t yet made the decision to follow Jesus, He is always ready for us to come to Him so He can bring as many of His children with Him to heaven as possible.. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Visible Revelation 1:7 says “every eye shall see Him” (ESV). We will not have to guess or wonder if this is really Jesus or not. No matter where we are, we’ll be able to “see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30, ESV). Before His crucifixion, Jesus told the high priest, “from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64 ESV). Jesus will be visible to all—those who hurt Him, those who choose to believe in Him, and those who don’t. The Second Coming will not be something anyone can miss! Worldwide Through the Bible we can see the Second Coming is not only a literal event, but a global event. Just as referenced in the section above, “every eye will see Him”—no matter the time zone, continent, etc. It’s hard to imagine something like this, but with God nothing is impossible. We’re told, “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day…” (Luke 17:22, ESV). We will also be able to hear the trumpet calls and victory shouts of the Angels who will accompany Jesus when He returns. No one knows “the Day or the Hour” of the Second Coming Though Jesus was clear that He would return, He also explained that the details for when it would happen are not ours to know. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36 ESV). Not even the angels know the day Jesus will return. This is similar to how Noah knew the rain would come, but not the exact moment it would begin. God warned Noah that He would send a flood to destroy the corruption on earth (Genesis 6). Noah knew the rain would come, but did not know when it would begin. Like the flood in Genesis, no creature in existence will know when Christ will return, but we know He will. Throughout His ministry, Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for His departure (crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension) as well as His second coming. To prepare them, Jesus used parables for lessons and examples. Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1 ESV). In the story Jesus tells, there are five virgins who are wise and five who are foolish. All ten gather to wait for the bridegroom to arrive so they can enter the wedding feast. The wise bring extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish bring none. Before the bridegroom arrived, those who brought no oil for their lamps had to go buy more. While they were gone, the bridegroom came. The wise virgins got to go into the wedding feast. When the five foolish virgins returned they could not go in (v. 1-12 ESV). Jesus finishes His warning by telling them “watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13 ESV). It is not for us to know, because our job is not to focus on “when” it’s happening. Our task is to keep our eyes on Jesus, take the Great Commission to heart, and live as a walking testimony—knowing that Jesus will indeed come to save us, and put an end to sin and evil forever. And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray (Matthew 24:4, 5 ESV). No one knows when the events of the second coming will occur–no one but God the Father. This means anyone who claims to know is either mistaken or seeking to manipulate. Bible Prophecies Proclaim Christ’s Second Coming The book of Revelation in the Bible proclaims Jesus’ second coming in the first chapter. The author of Revelation, John, writes of his vision of Christ’s return. He says “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him” (v. 7 ESV). In Revelation 14, he recounts other images from his vision John included in this vision the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with 144,000, a number to represent those believers who stand with Jesus at the end of time on earth (v. 1). This vision continues until John sees Jesus on a white cloud. On a cloud, He descends to earth with a sickle in His hand and He “swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped” (v. 16 ESV). In vivid word pictures and poetry, the Bible tells of the triumphant coming of Christ in Revelation chapter 19. John says, “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war” (v.11) The heavens will open like a crowd parting for royalty and Christ will appear on a white horse, as a conquering king. He brings heavenly armies with Him and will keep His promise to redeem and to judge. “His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself” (v. 12). Jesus’ eyes pierce through to our hearts where we can hide nothing from Him. He doesn’t wear one crown, but many, as He is the King of Kings. “He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God” (v. 13). Jesus’ victory is displayed on His garment. While some believe the blood on His robe is the blood of His enemies, it is more likely the blood represents His victory at calvary. “And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses” (v. 14). When Jesus comes, He will lead an army of heavenly beings, also riding white horses and wearing clean, pure white robes. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (v.15). Jesus’ victory over the nations comes from His mouth, from the power of His words. With His voice and with a rod of iron, as prophesied in Psalm 2. He will wield the rod as a shepherd uses a staff, but it will be made of iron so that even the most rebellious will submit. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (v. 16). The name, King of kings and Lord of Lords is written on Jesus’ robe as well as His thigh, so it will be easily seen from His place on the white horse. Symbolism in Revelation There’s a lot going on in Revelation, much of it described in symbolism because we have no frame of reference yet for the things that will happen. We know the symbolism and prophecies are modes of telling the most important truth and hope for humanity. The gospel, that is Jesus’ death on the cross and His promised Second Coming, is a beacon of light in a darkened world. Revelation is viewed by many as mysterious and scary, but it’s actually a story of hope and love. In the first verse of the first chapter of Revelation we’re told: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” Revelation is not about the end of the world, but rather it is the climax of the entire story of existence. It is the transformation from death to life, from tribulation to peace. And Jesus and His love for humanity make up the theme for all of it . The Second Coming is the Hope of Adventists The second coming is so important to Seventh-day Adventists that it’s part of the name—The word Advent means “arrival.” Jesus first came to earth as a baby in a manger over 2000 years ago. This is the first Advent, and it’s why Christmas calendars are often called “Advent Calendars.” The second advent, the second coming, is not just the hope of Adventists, but of all Christians. We have this hope because Jesus promises His return. Near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, during the last night with His disciples, He told them “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2 ESV). Christ’s second coming is a promise from the Bible. It will be the triumphant return of a king. It is the blessed hope of Adventists that Christ’s future return will be the climax to our story on earth. It is not the end, but the beginning of how life was meant to be all along. With Christ’s coming, our existence will be perfect and complete. Christ’s Return as a Key Topic in Adventist History Before the Advent movement became a global church, most churches believed the second coming would be a spiritual or figurative event. It likely wasn’t even discussed very often. However, soon after the Second Great Awakening in the United States, a Baptist named William Miller decided to study scripture more deeply after returning home from war. Through his study of Daniel and Revelation, Miller discovered that Christ’s second coming must be a literal event. This was a big deal. It changed the way Christians could look at the present and the future. So Miller kept studying and sharing what he found. However, there was one issue with Miller’s message. He also predicted the exact date of Christ’s return—somehow missing the counsel of Matthew 24:36 that “no one knows the day or the hour” of this event, “not even the angels in heaven,” but only the Father. Even though it became clear Miller’s prediction was incorrect, many people decided to do further study to find out where he went wrong. As more and more people realized new truths from Scripture about the Second Coming, this began the “Advent Movement” that eventually paved the way toward the organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In a way, Miller’s mistake led to a revival of personal and small group devotion among believers. Many of the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs were discovered after in-depth studies following this time. And as Christians learned more about scripture and God’s truth, they were more motivated to follow the Word and continue studying it. How to Prepare for the Second Coming Like the ten virgins in Jesus’ parable, we must be prepared for the bridegroom’s coming. We are all sinners and need Him. It’s through Jesus Christ alone that we may enter the “wedding feast” (heaven). It’s through Jesus that we prepare for His coming, and as long as we have a relationship with Him, we will be ready. We won’t lose our spot in heaven if we make a little mistake. We won’t need to fear the end of time. We can rest assured knowing our home is in heaven, despite our sinful nature. Scripture tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That means every one of us has sinned and doesn’t deserve heaven. Because of the fall of mankind in Eden, we are left with a legacy of sin. Through Jesus Christ we are saved from the consequences of sin. That’s why Romans 3 continues, telling us we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (vs. 24, CSB). Additionally, Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ESV). Jesus took that death upon Himself, dying in our place and being raised again to return to heaven to minister on our behalf. We have the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. To prepare for that life is to prepare for His coming. To prepare we must believe in Him (John 3:16). We must know Him. To know Jesus and grow our faith in Him, we must cultivate a relationship with Him. Some things to help us do that could be:
To grow our faith in Jesus and our relationship with Him, prayer and personal Bible study are extremely important. Bible study and prayer through the Holy Spirit is our direct connection to the Savior we’re waiting for. It is the best way to prepare for His soon coming. Walking this journey with other believers is a crucial part of the experience. Yes, this world is in chaos. Political and social unrest is imminent. Sin runs rampant. Physical and mental health is suffering around the world. But with all this working against us, we still have hope. This world is not what God intended, but Jesus’ return will be the end of this world as we know it. His return will be the first step in restoring this world into the perfect world it was always meant to be. The Advent movement began because of hope in Christ’s return. Now the Seventh-day Adventist Church rests its hope in Christ alone, in His promises, and in His return. https://www.adventist.org/second-coming/ |
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