Theme = events leading to and accompanying THE END
Problem = What END?? end of the TEMPLE? end of the Jewish Nation? end of the world (time)? all of these?
Additional problem = Some of these evens = obviously, literally fulfilled (example: destruction of the temple - roughly 35 years after Jesus crucifixion/resurrection)
However, some events NOT fulfilled!! (ex. return of Christ)
So.... (1) what = already fulfilled?
(2) what = yet to be fulfilled?
(3) which have seen Partial fulfillment? (multiples)
(4) are any of these events NON-LITERAL? (symbolic -a s is common in Apocalyptic Literature? - end times)
(5) Why are all these events MIXED TOGETHER?? (literal/non-literal - fulfilled/not fulfilled)
(6) CAN WE REALLY KNOW answers to these questions??
NOTE: (1) Christians have been studying Mark 13 ( and other tests) for 2,000+ years!!
AND, we should! Rev. 1:3
hence ... (2) Many theories/explanations/timelines/charts/etc....
BUT (3) ALL who have been Specific.... have been (at least partially) WRONG!!
Problem is not the theory/speculation/viewpoints...
Problem = DOGMA .... ie. holding a view/explanation as if it were Uncontroversial and beyond questioning!!
Results in more than disagreement. = (1) division (a test of fellowship)
even (2) accusation (of unbelief!)
Fact is.... to Some Pre-Millennial = Best Sense!
to others .... Post/A-Mill makes best sense. Early leaders of our country were almost all Post-Millennials
Again ... No problem to have a theory (IF Scripturally based)
But to say "I KNOW!: = arrogant (ignorant) - (especially in light of MANY failed predictions)
So... The Text ... IN BRIEF!!!
Mark 13:1-4
Matt. 24:3 "end of age"? - disciples had no notion of Christ's return. Didn't know he would die.
Mark 13:5-13 (he = Messiah their view = destruction of temple means end of the world.
"beginning of pains" = things that will occur and Re-occur before and until the Lord's return.
Things that Jesus said in the text:
false Messiahs
wars (and rumors of wars)
Earthquakes
Famines
Persecution (of believers)
Strife and Division (even among families - because of Christ)
Gospel preached throughout the world..
Additional events not spoken of here?
Anti-Christ?
Great Apostasy?
Etc.
Generally assumed; these signs will increase in occurrence and intensity as His Day approaches.
Mark 13:14 with Matt. 24:15 ("spoken of.... "Standing in the Holy Place")
Definition? Something so disgusting/horrible it causes abandonment (desolation)
Fulfillment? 167 BC by Antiochus Epiphanes
AD 70 by Titus and Roman army
in future? Anti-Christ? TEMPLE RE-BUILT??
Next = "days of distress" - Mark 13:15-23
then "Cosmic disturbances" - Mark 13:24-25
(often listed in conjunction with Day of the Lord - literal or no?)
Finally ... Return of Christ
Mark 13:26-27, Mat. 24:27 = obvious, visible, literal, physical
And NOTE ... Matt. 24:30-31 (non-believers mourn, Christians gathered)
Mark 13:28-31 - "this generation" = ????
(a) disciples' generation? (b) generation that see all these things (c) this people group? (Jews)
popular recent = generation that sees Israel regathered (which happened 74 years ago!)
Mark 13:32 w/Acts 1:6-7
Mark 13:33-37
TWO THINGS TO NOTE:
#1. Points of agreement - *by nearly all Christians of all times)
(ie: orthodox Overview without specifics!!)
A. Christ will return - to earth ... AS promised - in glory and victory
B. The dead will be raised
C. Christ will judge all men ... (in righteousness)
D. The unrighteous will be consigned to hell (everlasting punishment)
E. The righteous will be rewarded
(glorified body - place in heaven ... eternally)
F. All this will be done according to the Lord's timing. As HE chooses and directs!!!
#2. (and Most Important) Jesus' Emphasis here!!
"watch out/ don't be deceived/ be on your guard/ stand firm/ keep watch/ BE READY!!"
Which means (A) know enough NOT to be deceived - not be be taken in (aside) by false teachers, false prophesies, world's philosophies, media hype, etc.....
(B) Know enough NOT to be ALARMED!! - afraid, distraught
suppose we see ... temple rebuilt, world ruler arise, great apostasy, increased persecution...
On one hand, wouldn't be pleasant
However, = :Lord's plan? "your redemption draweth nigh"
(C) Don't expect to know it all
On one hand, don't be discouraged from studying prophecy
However, you're NOT going to unravel this ball of twine!!
(D) TRUST CHRIST!! - initially for salvation. Subsequently - for care, providence, direction, protection... AND trust Him with the future!! and how it unfolds!
Even when the 'unfolding' doesn't go the way WE think it should!! (example: disciples and Jesus' death)
(E) Be Prepared - get prepared/prepare yourself!!!
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