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Behold, He Came

The Return of Christ as Taught by the New Testament Writers

You also must be patient ; for the Lord's Coming is near ... James 5:7-8 

But the end of all things is near ... 1 Peter 4:7

It is the last hour ; many Anti-Christ have already appeared ... 1 John 2:18

The time is near ; Yes I am coming soon ... Revelation 22:10-12

Some people have a Berean Attitude , eager to study the Scriptures every day to find out if what they have been taught is Truth or Tradition ... Acts 17:10-12

Introduction

It was in the early 1980's when I started taking my bible study seriously. During this time I began to question things I had been taught at church. One topic, the Return of Christ, really puzzled me. The N.T. writers were teaching the Return of Christ as NEAR, in their generation, and not 2000 years later.

In the 1990's I heard of ( preterism ). I started reading some of their writings. BUT, I disagreed with them on the ( Rapture, Resurrection, New Heaven / New Earth ). 

They were teaching what I call FIGURATIVE PRETERISM. So to set myself apart, I decided ( in the 1990's ) to write a short article on what I call ( LITERAL PRETERISM ).

My short article, Behold He Came, is a Literal Preterist teaching on the Return of Christ. This teaching, in my opinion, is more accurate than Futurism or Figurative Preterism.

Day of the Lord

Simply put, the ‘Day of the Lord’ is a time when God would pour out His wrath on wicked people and nations. This is so important to understand. Many people will read the third chapter of second Peter and the book of Revelation (both of which are about the Day of the Lord) and come to the conclusion that they seem to contradict other New Testament writings. So that is why I have decided to start with this topic.

Read II Peter 3:10-13 and note the words:

Day of the Lord, melt, heat , burned up, (vs. 10)

Dissolve (vs. 11); day of God, (vs. 12)

Peter is writing about the “day of the Lord” to teach his readers how they should be living while they are looking for “the day of God.”

Did you know that the O.T. also teaches about “the day of the Lord”? Please take the time to study Isaiah 34:1-9; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Micah 1:3-4; and Nahum 1:1-6.  Other O.T. scriptures teach about ‘the day of the Lord’ and they also use “end of the world” type language when describing the wrath of God, much like II Peter 3:10-13 and as we shall see, the book of Revelation.

I believe that Peter and other writers were NOT teaching a complete destruction of our globe (planet earth) when they wrote about “the day of the Lord.” The reason I believe this is because both the O.T. and N.T. writers taught that the “day of the Lord” was NEAR.  Stay with me and I will use the plain and simple teaching of the Bible as evidence to prove my point.

Question: How would Peter’s original readers (over 2000 years ago) have understood I Peter 4:5-7?  Note the words: “the END of ALL things is NEAR.”

If you will take the time to learn about (the day of the Lord), I think you too will come to the conclusion that the human race does not cease to exist and planet earth does not come to an end when God pours out His wrath on the wicked.

Revelation and the Day of the Lord

The book of Revelation is about the “day of the Lord” or the “wrath of God” being poured out on wicked people and nations. Note these verses below.

(6:16) the wrath of the Lamb (6:17); the day of His wrath has come (11:18); thy wrath has come (14:7); hour of judgment has come (14:10); the wrath of God (14:19); the wrath of God (15:1); the wrath of God (16:1); pour out the wrath of God (16:19); fierceness of His wrath (17:1); judgment of the great whore (18:10); thy judgment has come (19:15) the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Question: Do you think that this verse “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (1:10) has any reference to Sunday? 

                                                                                                                                                  John was looking into the NEAR future and saw the wrath of God or the Day of the Lord unfolding. That is why he wrote “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day.”

Revelation…All That John Saw

God gave Jesus a Revelation to SHOW His servants things which must SHORTLY take place (1:1).  And the Lord God sent His angels to SHOW His servants the things which must SHORTLY take place.  I John SAW these things (22:6-8).

Question: How do you think the seven churches of Asia (1:4) would have understood these verses?

Since all that John SAW would SHORTLY take place, we need to learn what he SAW. But first, note how often John writes the words “I saw:”  4:4; 5:1-2; 6:,19; 7:1-2; 8:2; 9:1; 10:1; 13:1,11; 14:6; 15:1-2; 17:6; 18:1; 19:1,17; 19:19; 20:4,11; 21:1,22.

ALL that John SAW would SHORTLY take place (22:6-8), not thousands of years later. Now note that John SAW the Resurrection and Judgment of the dead (20:4-5,11-15).  And John SAW a New Heaven and a New Earth (21:1).

Since all that John SAW would SHORTLY take place, John was told “Do NOT seal the words of the prophecy of this book for the time is NEAR” (22:10).

Did you know that Daniel was told just the OPPOSITE concerning his vision. ”Seal UP the vision for those things won’t happen for a LONG TIME” (Daniel 8:26; 12:4).

Question: Since the book of Revelation was written to seven churches over 2000 years ago, how do you think they would have understood these words? “shortly take place,” “time is near,” and “I am coming quickly” (1:1,3; 22:10,12).

Jesus told some Christians over 2000 years ago to ”hold fast what you have till I come” (Revelation 2:25).

Question: How do you think those Christians over 2000 years ago would have understood the words “hold fast” and “till I come”?

Question: How do you think those original readers, over 2000 years ago, would have understood these words? “Surely I am coming quickly” (22:20).

Question: Do you think it’s important to try to understand scripture in its historical context?

I think much confusion has been created by removing scripture from its context. So as we continue this study, let’s first try to keep scripture in the context of the original readers before we seek to make application for us today.

Please take the time to read these scriptures for yourself. I want you to examine the evidence (scriptures) that I am using to challenge your thinking.  Remember, we are studying the Word of God, so let’s take our study seriously. Ok?

Also, please take some time to study about “the day of the Lord.” A good Bible encyclopedia or dictionary should be helpful.

Jesus Said to THEM, not US

For many people, Matthew 24-25 are two difficult chapters. The reason is because these people are reading these two chapters with what I call a “Rubber Band Theology.” They simply take scripture from its context and STRETCH it over thousands of years.

Now let’s examine the CONTEXT of BOTH chapters. I think you too will agree that both chapters are about The Son of Man Will Come and both chapters exhort the disciples to Be Watchful / Be Ready.

Examine the context:

Matthew 24: 3, 27, 30, 37, 39, 42, 44 - Son of Man Coming

Matthew 25: 13, 31 - Son of Man Coming

Matthew 24: 42, 44-51 - Be Watchful / Be Ready

Matthew 25: 13 - Be Watchful / Be Ready

Now let’s learn who Jesus was speaking to. Was He speaking to us today or to His disciples over 2000 years ago?

Matthew 24:3, 4 - the disciples came to Him…and Jesus said to them.

Note what Jesus said to THEM: “you will hear” (24:6); “you will be hated” (24:9); “if they say to you” (24:26); “when you see” (24:33); “you be ready for the Son of Man is coming” (24:44).

Note that Jesus told them, not us, to be ready for His coming. Note also that Jesus told them this: “when you see all these things” (24:33). What would they see?

They would see “the desolation spoken of by Daniel,” “the Tribulation,” and “the Sign of the Son of Man coming.” Please read Matthew 24:15, 21, 30-34.

Question: How long after the tribulation (24:15-28) would it be before the Son of Man would be seen coming on clouds, with power and glory, to gather His elect?

Please read Matthew 24:29-34: ”Immediately after the tribulation of those days…they will see the Son of Man coming…so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near.”

Question: How do you think the original audience that heard Jesus speak would have understood these words:  “when you see all these things”?

Now compare Matthew 24:30-31 with Matthew 25:31-32 and note that Jesus would return with power, angels, and glory to gather and separate the nations.

I think the evidence speaks very clearly; both chapters (Matthew 24-25) are about the same topic, namely, “the Son of Man coming” and should not be ripped from their context.

More Return of Christ Scriptures

Be patient brethren until the “COMING of the LORD, for the COMING of the LORD is NEAR” (James 5:7-8); “the END of ALL things is NEAR” (I Peter 4:7); “it is the LAST HOUR” (I John 2:18); “Surely, I am COMING QUICKLY” (Revelation 22:20).

These words were written over 2000 years ago and they all teach the return of Christ to be soon, not thousands of years into the future. Can you think of any scripture that teaches that Christ would return thousands of years later?

Some would live to see His return according to Matthew 16:24-28. Let’s examine these verses and see if there is enough evidence to support my interpretation.

In Matthew 16:24-28 Jesus is explaining why it was important to “deny self, take up the cross, and follow” Jesus. Please take the time to read these verses and note especially vs. 27-28.

For the Son of Man will come (vs. 27).

See the Son of Man coming (vs. 28).

Do you agree that the CONTEXT of BOTH verses is about the Son of Man coming?

Note that when He comes, it will be with GLORY, ANGELS and to REWARD (judge) and also that some of THEM would LIVE to see all this.

Many people teach that vs. 27-28 are separated by thousands of years and our Lord was speaking of two different comings. But the CONTEXT of vs. 24-28, in my opinion, does not support this “Rubber Band (s-t-r-e-t-c-h) Theory.”

Question: How many times did Jesus promise to return (come again)? “To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a SECOND TIME, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9: 27-28).

When Will The End Come?

“And this Gospel will be preached in all the world to all the nations and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). This is the answer Jesus gave to His disciples. Please read Matthew 24:3-14.

Has the Gospel been preached in all the world and to all the nations? Let’s see what the Bible teaches.

Jesus commanded His disciples to go and preach the Gospel to all the NATIONS and all the WORLD. Please read Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15. The book of Acts is about THEM obeying this command. Please read Acts 1:8.

Note what Paul wrote: “the Gospel has been made known to ALL NATIONS” (Romans 16:26). The Gospel has come to “ALL the WORLD” and has been preached to “Every Creature Under Heaven” (Colossians 1:6, 23). Also read Acts 2: 5-11.

What Happened When Christ Returned?

Again, let’s use the scriptures to support the evidence. Note that the scriptures teach what would happen.

The TRIBULATION would take place before His return (Matthew 24:1-28).

IMMEDIATELY after the tribulation, Christ would RETURN to GATHER His elect and JUDGE the Nations (Matthew 24: 29-34 and Matthew 25:31-46).

The dead in Christ were RAISED and those still living were RAPTURED to meet the Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The UNFAITHFUL DEAD were raised and all were JUDGED (Revelation 20:11-15).

Those whose names were not found in the Book of Life were cast into the Lake of Fire along with Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet (Revelation 20:10-15).

What Nations Were Judged and Separated?

Again, using scripture, we read that it was those nations that heard the gospel preached; those nations that existed over 2000 years ago. Let’s look at the evidence.

You will be HATED by all NATIONS … Preach the gospel to all NATIONS

(Matthew 24:9,14)

Those nations that heard the gospel and PERSECUTED the saints experienced the “Day of the Lord” or “The Wrath of God.”

Please take the time to read and compare the following verses:

(II Thessalonians 1:4-10; Revelation 16:6; 17:6; 19:2)

Those faithful Christians are now with God in the New Heaven and New Earth. For them, this first heaven and earth has passed away. Unlike this heaven and earth, they will no longer experience death, sorrow or pain. (Revelation 21:1-4).

What About Us?

By now you may be asking, “WHAT ABOUT US?” So let me use the Bible to answer that question.

The Scriptures teach that God is eternal and that we too are eternal. We may die physically, but we will all spend eternity in one of two places, Heaven or Hell. This all depends on our commitment to Christ.

We read in Ecclesiastes 12:7,14 that when people die, their bodies returns to dust and their spirits return to God to be judged.

Some day this heaven and earth will pass away for us too.

Please take the time to study all these scriptures for your self. It’s so easy to just read this short article and not actually take the time to examine the evidence.

The Day and Hour

Only God knew the exact DAY and HOUR that Christ would return. But Jesus gave His disciples SIGNS to look for so they could know when His return was NEAR. That is why Jesus told THEM to WATCH and BE READY (Matthew 24: 33-44; Mark 13:32-37).

Question: If planet earth  (the entire globe) is going to be destroyed by fire, then why would Jesus tell His disciples that THEY would live to see the tribulation and NOTHING as great as this will ever happen again to that part of the world (Matthew 24:15, 21, 33)?

Jesus also said, this generation will by no means pass away till ALL THESE THINGS are fulfilled (Matthew 24:34; Luke 21:32 and Mark 13:30).

Question: What do the words ”All These Things” mean or include?

Question: How long is a “generation” according to Scripture?

Note how the word “generation” is used in Hebrews 3:7-10: I was angry with that GENERATION…the people within a life period of 40 years…Israel’s wandering in the wilderness. Also read Matthew 1:17...11:16...17:17

Last Days Predicted and Fulfilled

The New Testament provides the EVIDENCE that the predictions taught by Christ and the Apostles were fulfilled during their generation.

(P) = predicted and (F) = fulfilled

(P) “many FALSE PROPHETS shall rise, and shall DECEIVE many” (Matthew 24:11).

(F) ”many FALSE PROPHETS are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

(F) ”many DECIEVERS have entered the world (II John 7).

(F) ”it is the LAST TIME, now there are many ANTICHRISTS, whereby we KNOW that it is the LAST TIME (I John 2:18 and I John 4:3).

(P) ”there shall arise false Christ’s and FALSE PROPHETS, and shall show GREAT SIGNS and WONDERS” (Matthew 24:24).

(F) “he performs GREAT SIGNS, and DECEIVES those on the earth (Revelation 13:13-14).

(F) “the FALSE PROPHET who worked SIGNS, by which he DECEIVED those who received the mark of the beast (Revelation 19:20 and Revelation 16:13-14).

You can see that the future predictions made by our Lord are represented as actually present or fulfilled by the time John wrote his letters. That is why they could write that THEY were living in the LAST DAYS and LAST HOUR (Hebrews 1: 2 and I John 2: 18).

Please see the article: Our Lord's Prophecy; Predicted and Fulfilled ... for more evidence on this topic.

Historical Context

If you will take the time to examine the evidence (scriptures) that I have provided, and keep it in its original context, I think you too will come to the conclusion that…

The Gospel was preached to all nations

The dead in Christ were raised from their graves

The faithful Christians still living experienced the rapture

The nations who persecuted the Christians experienced God’s wrath

The New Heaven and New Earth is where the faithful are spending eternity

The unfaithful dead were raised to face judgment and were cast into the lake of fire

When people die their bodies return to dust and their spirit returns to God for judgment

AND

Jesus kept His promise to return within that generation of 40 years

Think About This

As you read the New Testament, you will find that the writers encouraged the Christians to BE READY, BE WATCHFUL, BE ALERT for the coming of the Lord was near. Remember that our Lord gave THEM signs to look for so that THEY would know that His coming was NEAR.

For me, it all seemed to fit together perfectly when I realized that the CONTEXTS of II Peter 3:10-13 and Revelation were about the DAY of the LORD. I had remembered reading the O.T. prophets and began to think about how often they wrote about the Day of the Lord. And I realized that they were not teaching the literal destruction of our globe (planet earth) because you can read their writings and discover that some people and even animals would still be living after the Day of the Lord (God’s Wrath) was finished.

The Double Fulfillment Theory

Some people will more than likely come to the conclusion that the scriptures I have used as evidence will have some sort of ‘Double Meaning’ of fulfillment. In other words, history will repeat itself.

If that is true, then these scriptures would have to have been FULFILLED once already, or their could be no second or double fulfillment!

The End

Lee Howell

www.Freedom.ws/term                                                    

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