Study 22
The New Earth and
the last invitation
Chapter 22
In this chapter we learn more about the Heavenly City. And we have here the first mention of a river called the water of life.
John sees the river coming right down the middle of the street.
The river comes from the throne and proceeds out to the earth. Is this real or symbolic?
And he sees the river banks on either side lined with 'the tree of life'.
For the earliest mention of the tree of life, we turn to Genesis.
Ge 2:9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Ge 3:17 ¶ Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.
Ge 3:22 ¶ Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" --
23 therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.
24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Some of those 'curious' types of questions come to mind ... the angels stand at the edge of the Garden of Eden and will guard the tree of life ... for how long? Why is there no place today where the angels still stand guard over the tree of life? Was the tree of life eventually removed from the garden? Was the Tree of Life permitted to die? What would have been the original purpose for the tree of life if Adam and Eve had not sinned? And then this last one, Where is the tree of life now?
There is a lot we are not told about the tree and we surmise a few things. It may be the The Tree of Life was not a single tree, but rather type of tree. Just as many Fir trees exist, perhaps many trees of the Tree of Life family exist ... but only in heaven at this time.
Months are mentioned, 12 of them. Perhaps this is why some bible teachers think that this earth will be the new earth of eternity. But there will be no sun to mark days and months. This is eternity. How can you measure eternity? Some people say that to God, existence is an eternal 'now'. Interesting theory but it is not based on scripture. So, taking it at face value, literally, time goes on in eternity ... with no sun and no night. How? We are not told. It just does.
Leaves are for healing ... or for health. Why?
This is the first mention of there being no curse. Why was this not mentioned regarding the millennial earth? We read statements from the OT that seem to imply that there will no curse in the Millennium. Such as flesh eating animals now eating straw. Poisonous snakes no longer dangerous. But yet ... we find that man still has the 'fallen' nature. The curse in the garden was that the earth would not yield its fullness.
But in the millennium
1 ¶ The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, The excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
5 ¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.
7 The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water; In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray.
9 No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; It shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isa 35:1-10
Isa 51:3 For the LORD will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in it, Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
Whether the earth will yield its fullness during the millennial reign ... one would have to check more scripture on that ... but one thing is certain ... because man still has the fallen nature, to that extent at least ... the effects of the curse are not all removed. Now we read that there is no more curse.
Why are leaves necessary for the health of the nations ... now that the sin nature is gone?
He said earlier that there would be no more sickness and no dying.
So what kind of health, if not physical? The last effect of fallen man was mentioned earlier when God said that He would wipe away all tears from their eyes. How unhealthy it is to live in sorrow over wasted years, sorrow over lost loved ones, with no hope of ever changing their status, from death unto life. So God wipes away the tears. Could it be possible that the leaves are provided for on-going relief? To recap a bit, we KNOW that the millennium is over. We KNOW that death and hell are in the lake of fire. We KNOW that we are now talking about eternity on a brand new planet called the New Earth. Yet we read about the need for some to partake of the leaves of the trees ... for their health. The leaves are for the health OF THE NATIONS . Nations of saved walk in the light of the city. Kings of the earth bring the glory and honour of the nations into the city. The city is called 'the bride'.
What I am about to say is conjecture, but it is a possible scenario that explains all of the above. It is possible that there are two categories of believers in eternity. Those who have suffered with Christ1. Those who 'followed on' to know the Lord2. Those who did not stop adding to their faith3. Those who did not remain 'babes' but moved on to the meat4. These represent category one.
Category two.
Those believers who drew back from suffering with Christ. Those who were ashamed of Christ. Those who did not follow on, did not add to their faith. Those who forsook the assembly, thinking it to be unnecessary.
It is possible that category one represents the 'kings of the earth. That they represent the bride (have access to the city which is called by John, the bride). They rule and reign. They bring the glory and honor of the nations into the city.
The ones dwelling all over the new earth, the nations of saved who are not called the bride, are not called the kings of the earth, dwell in the light of the city ... but not in the city. The leaves of the trees are for the health of the nations.
I call this conjecture. Since I believe in taking this literally, I have to 'do something' with these verses'. I have no other thought or theory at this time.
The epilogue 6-17
Verses 14 and 15 do not fit with my 'conjecture'. Verse 14 does to a point ... and then, in verse 15 it seems obvious that he is talking about OUTSIDE meaning WAY outside ... in the lake of fire. Or does He? I cannot possibly see how those 'on the outside' could be children of God and be called these horrible things. Perhaps I am wrong to think that. Perhaps these are those who made a serious profession of faith .. and then went back on their commitment totally. They got away from fellowship. They stopped reading their bibles. They got into porn and other worldly and evil things. But in their heart of hearts they did not reject Jesus. They did not discontinue believing in him. Salvation is not based on works ... good or bad. It is based on trusting Jesus as personal Saviour. So I will leave this here ... undecided.
The present invitation.
At this time ... the Spirit says, “Come!”
The bride, the church says (or SHOULD say) “Come!”
Individual Christians say, “Come!”
And thirsty ones are invited to come ... and drink of the water of Life.
There an incredibly solemn warning to those who add or take away from the book of Revelation.
Over 2000 years ago Jesus said He is coming quickly. But remember, He really only said that a couple of days ago .... since a thousand years is like a day to Him.
And finally John breaths his desire, Lord Jesus come soon!
That is our prayer.
Part Two – Matthew 24
Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This prompts the following three part question:
Jesus answers. He skips to the last part of their question ... the signs of the end.
The parable of the fig tree. - this may be open to some conjecture, but most commentators agree that this refers to 1948 when Israel became a nation again. The tree buds in spring, leaves fill out, fruit ripens etc. All in one season. All in one generation. How long is a generation? I think Jesus means that it could be completed after there is only one person left standing. Or sooner? He points out in verse 36 and 42 that we don't know the day or the hour.
The analogy of Noah and his time.
- Noah and family were lifted up in the ark ... just like the rapture ... as the water built up ... eventually everyone outside the ark died.
The additional analogy of Lot and his time. (Luke 17.28) Lot and his family (part of his family) were taken out of the city ... the rest of the city died.
Jesus makes a statement ... Like it was in the days of ... He mentions life going on ... to some degree normally. I don't know what normal would look like at the end of the tribulation, but people will be trying to survive and make the best of it. It is noteworthy that Jesus uses these two as examples. In both cases it is the extreme wickedness of the world (or in Lot's case, a city) that prompted God's removing of his children.
In the example of Lot what stands out is the particular type of wickedness that was common in Sodom. We get the word, Sodomy from it. It was the sin of homosexuality. I suppose we could open an argument as to whether the bible is just too archaic in this instance, since we now 'know that homosexuality is, among other things, a genetic predisposition'. The Bible would win. Homosexuality in not genetic, it is sin. It can be repented of, forgiven, and change can take place5.
40-47 Here Jesus says that if you have an idea that His coming is near, there is some kind of preparation that can take place. We need to be THAT prepared as we would be if we new exactly when He would come. What kind of readiness is meant? The only thing mentioned is in verses 46-51. This has to do with 'not goofing off' but faithfully carrying on with regular tasks i.e. Feeding on His Word. Mt 13:52 Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."
The letters to the churches of Revelation are for us. Clearly we are encouraged to be 'overcomers'.
The message of Peter – add to your faith, regularly, systematically –so that your calling and election will be a sure thing.
The message of the parable of the ten virgins in the next chapter of Matthew ... is a strong recommendation for us to be constantly waiting and in a state of having plenty of oil (Holy Spirit)
The message of the parable of the talents, also in the next chapter – is for us to be faithful with our use of what we have been given (entrusted with).
Re 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
1Th 1:10 ...(We) wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Even so ... come Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Appendix A
30 days in heaven?
Where does this come from?
We arrive at this conclusion by comparing two numbers given in scripture that apply to this time period.
The first number is 1260 days.
The second number is 1290 days.
Revelation mentions only the 1260 and not the 1290, and it states the time period in three different ways:
a). as 42 months
b). as Time, times, and half a time.
c). as 1260 days.
Here are the verses.
Re 13:5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.
Re 12:14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent
Re 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days
Re 11:3 ¶ "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
Daniel is the book that uses the number 1290
Da 12:8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
Da 12:11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
The Anti-christ will have 'power' over the earth for 42 months, or 1260 days.
From the time this world dictator assumes power, to the time he actually comes to his end, is 1290 days.
This is a difference of thirty days.
Believers go to be with Jesus at the end of the 1260 days, the day that the angel blows the seventh trumpet.
Antichrist does not come to 'his end' until Jesus comes back down from heaven, after the judgment seat, after the marriage supper in heaven. This is at the end of the events described when the seventh bowl of God's wrath is emptied on the earth. The Anti-Christ is destroyed in an event called 'The Battle of Armageddon'. This battle is 30 days later than the rapture ... 1290 days.
1 2Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
2 Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
3 2Pe 1:5 ¶ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, - etc. To verse 11
4 1Co 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
5 First Corinthians 6:9-11
John sees the river coming right down the middle of the street.
The river comes from the throne and proceeds out to the earth. Is this real or symbolic?
And he sees the river banks on either side lined with 'the tree of life'.
For the earliest mention of the tree of life, we turn to Genesis.
Ge 2:9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Ge 3:17 ¶ Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.
Ge 3:22 ¶ Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" --
23 therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.
24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Some of those 'curious' types of questions come to mind ... the angels stand at the edge of the Garden of Eden and will guard the tree of life ... for how long? Why is there no place today where the angels still stand guard over the tree of life? Was the tree of life eventually removed from the garden? Was the Tree of Life permitted to die? What would have been the original purpose for the tree of life if Adam and Eve had not sinned? And then this last one, Where is the tree of life now?
There is a lot we are not told about the tree and we surmise a few things. It may be the The Tree of Life was not a single tree, but rather type of tree. Just as many Fir trees exist, perhaps many trees of the Tree of Life family exist ... but only in heaven at this time.
Months are mentioned, 12 of them. Perhaps this is why some bible teachers think that this earth will be the new earth of eternity. But there will be no sun to mark days and months. This is eternity. How can you measure eternity? Some people say that to God, existence is an eternal 'now'. Interesting theory but it is not based on scripture. So, taking it at face value, literally, time goes on in eternity ... with no sun and no night. How? We are not told. It just does.
Leaves are for healing ... or for health. Why?
This is the first mention of there being no curse. Why was this not mentioned regarding the millennial earth? We read statements from the OT that seem to imply that there will no curse in the Millennium. Such as flesh eating animals now eating straw. Poisonous snakes no longer dangerous. But yet ... we find that man still has the 'fallen' nature. The curse in the garden was that the earth would not yield its fullness.
But in the millennium
1 ¶ The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, The excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
5 ¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.
7 The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water; In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray.
9 No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; It shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isa 35:1-10
Isa 51:3 For the LORD will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the LORD; Joy and gladness will be found in it, Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
Whether the earth will yield its fullness during the millennial reign ... one would have to check more scripture on that ... but one thing is certain ... because man still has the fallen nature, to that extent at least ... the effects of the curse are not all removed. Now we read that there is no more curse.
Why are leaves necessary for the health of the nations ... now that the sin nature is gone?
He said earlier that there would be no more sickness and no dying.
So what kind of health, if not physical? The last effect of fallen man was mentioned earlier when God said that He would wipe away all tears from their eyes. How unhealthy it is to live in sorrow over wasted years, sorrow over lost loved ones, with no hope of ever changing their status, from death unto life. So God wipes away the tears. Could it be possible that the leaves are provided for on-going relief? To recap a bit, we KNOW that the millennium is over. We KNOW that death and hell are in the lake of fire. We KNOW that we are now talking about eternity on a brand new planet called the New Earth. Yet we read about the need for some to partake of the leaves of the trees ... for their health. The leaves are for the health OF THE NATIONS . Nations of saved walk in the light of the city. Kings of the earth bring the glory and honour of the nations into the city. The city is called 'the bride'.
What I am about to say is conjecture, but it is a possible scenario that explains all of the above. It is possible that there are two categories of believers in eternity. Those who have suffered with Christ1. Those who 'followed on' to know the Lord2. Those who did not stop adding to their faith3. Those who did not remain 'babes' but moved on to the meat4. These represent category one.
Category two.
Those believers who drew back from suffering with Christ. Those who were ashamed of Christ. Those who did not follow on, did not add to their faith. Those who forsook the assembly, thinking it to be unnecessary.
It is possible that category one represents the 'kings of the earth. That they represent the bride (have access to the city which is called by John, the bride). They rule and reign. They bring the glory and honor of the nations into the city.
The ones dwelling all over the new earth, the nations of saved who are not called the bride, are not called the kings of the earth, dwell in the light of the city ... but not in the city. The leaves of the trees are for the health of the nations.
I call this conjecture. Since I believe in taking this literally, I have to 'do something' with these verses'. I have no other thought or theory at this time.
The epilogue 6-17
Verses 14 and 15 do not fit with my 'conjecture'. Verse 14 does to a point ... and then, in verse 15 it seems obvious that he is talking about OUTSIDE meaning WAY outside ... in the lake of fire. Or does He? I cannot possibly see how those 'on the outside' could be children of God and be called these horrible things. Perhaps I am wrong to think that. Perhaps these are those who made a serious profession of faith .. and then went back on their commitment totally. They got away from fellowship. They stopped reading their bibles. They got into porn and other worldly and evil things. But in their heart of hearts they did not reject Jesus. They did not discontinue believing in him. Salvation is not based on works ... good or bad. It is based on trusting Jesus as personal Saviour. So I will leave this here ... undecided.
The present invitation.
At this time ... the Spirit says, “Come!”
The bride, the church says (or SHOULD say) “Come!”
Individual Christians say, “Come!”
And thirsty ones are invited to come ... and drink of the water of Life.
There an incredibly solemn warning to those who add or take away from the book of Revelation.
Over 2000 years ago Jesus said He is coming quickly. But remember, He really only said that a couple of days ago .... since a thousand years is like a day to Him.
And finally John breaths his desire, Lord Jesus come soon!
That is our prayer.
Part Two – Matthew 24
Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This prompts the following three part question:
- When will all these things happen,
- what will be the sign of your coming and of
- the end of the age.
Jesus answers. He skips to the last part of their question ... the signs of the end.
- Jesus first cautions against being deceived. One of the signs of the end, He says, is many coming and saying “I am the Christ”. This can be taken in one of two ways. Jesus is either warning us that (A) false Christs will appear ... or (B) He is saying that preachers would show up who preach that Jesus is the Christ, but that will be their cover, and they are actually deceivers, when it comes to preaching about end times. Later he specifically mentions false Christs.
- Wars and rumours of wars. - War has been a part of human history from the beginning. Therefore this statement refers to a dramatic increase. World war one and two stand out in history and fit this statement of Jesus. So he is saying that World Wars 1 and 2, as big as they were, was not a sign of the end.
But as we read on I believe that verse 7 is speaking of the three large wars that will happen during the tribulation. Jesus calls this stage, the beginning of birth pains. Paul mentions this as well. 1Thess 5:3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. So prior to the tremendous time of world war will come world wide talk about finally achieving world peace. This corresponds with the white horse of Revelation. The Antichrist will promise and establish some kind of peace. Paul refers to sudden destruction ... how sudden? It will come in stages – just like a woman in labor. Some of the early labor pains involve world war. This would be the Red horse of Revelation ... when one quarter of earth's population dies. Verse seven includes all four of the ' horsemen' of Revelation. - Verse 9 refers to the opening of Seal 5 in Revelation., where John sees the souls of the martyrs in heaven. Betrayal will take place in the churches, as well as deception by false prophets. Because Christianity becomes hated everywhere ... and perhaps because this takes many churches by surprise (if anything, they were expecting a rapture and were not prepared for this) believers will betray believers to death. False prophets will arise ... they are already here, many of them, but at a time like this they will seize the opportunity to get a following. The lawlessness that Jesus mentions has a result – coldness in the church. (verse 12) He did not say when the era of lawlessness started. Paul also speaks to this. 2Thess 2:3 ¶ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
I believe the time of lawlessness, the falling away, began in the sixties. We are in the midst of lawlessness in most of our churches. No rules. Only love. Kids are being raised with the same philosophy. Reward good behaviour and your kid will turn out good. Well, God also rewards bad behaviour – and not merely by allowing a person to fall into the natural consequences of their actions. Jesus implies that endurance to the end is 'not a given'. The lawlessness that Jesus mentions is something that could have had its beginning earlier, developed to the present situation, but has devastating results when the church is put to the test. Please understand that I do not advocate legalism. The point of reference that I want to bring to our attention is biblical practice compared to contemporary practice. In the book of First Corinthians Paul commands that a certain young man who was in an immoral situation with his father's wife, be put out of the church and turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. When is the last time you heard any evangelical pastor use language like that? In our time in the western world the response from our churches would be something like ...
“What? Are you judging him? Are you without sin? What right do you have to interfere in someones personal life? They will have to answer to God just like you will have to answer to God. It is our job to love him and accept him just as he is.” God has a reason for discipline in the church. And that has to do with the picture God wants to have displayed in the community. The image that God accepts sinners, washes them clean and changes their daily behavior. He puts His Law in their hearts. But sadly, for the most part, we are quite 'lawless' in our churches today. In many cases the world does not look at the church and see changed lives. God is not seen as the one, the only One who saves and cleanses repentant sinners, but more as One who accepts everyone without convicting them or reminding them that they presently stand condemned. - Jesus puts in a fourth 'sign'. The gospel has been going out into all the world. But when Christians sense that we have just entered the last “seven year” period, evangelism will increase. The end will come at a time when we discover just how far into the world we have reached (verse 14).
- Peace has been achieved. And then Peace is suddenly and violently lost. Christianity becomes hated everywhere ... maybe even blamed for the loss of world peace. This is the middle of the tribulation and is marked by the Antichrist defiling the temple. Those Jews (who have not fallen for the politics of the Antichrist) are commanded to run for their lives. This corresponds to the 'woman' (remnant of Israel, Rev 12) fleeing to her hiding place in the wilderness for the remaining 3 and 1/2 years.
- Time will be shortened (v22). We read that the 1260 days of tribulation is going to happen. There is no mention of it's becoming 1245 or 1100 or any other number of days. Does Revelation mention anywhere that those days will be shortened? Actually, it does.. In Revelation 8:12 each day and each night become one third shorter. In other words, 16 hour days. (Don't think God can't do something like this. He stopped the earth's rotation for an entire day during Joshua's time. He rotated the earth backward for a part of a day during king Hezekiah's time.) This will be a remarkable (and welcome) sign for believers.
- During the tribulation there will be a predominance of false Christs and prophets. These, just like the two witnesses, will have the power to perform signs and wonders. Believers will have to be grounded in scripture in order not to follow one of these leaders. A part of the false message will be announcements to the effect that Christ is now returned! Jesus says how to know that they are wrong. Simply this ... we are still here. We have not been taken up. (verses 24-28)
- Signs in the heaven – verses 29-30. This corresponds with the opening of the sixth seal ... heaven rolled back as a scroll. Men will be terrified and seek hiding places. Luke speaks about this. Lu 21:25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 "men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.
The parable of the fig tree. - this may be open to some conjecture, but most commentators agree that this refers to 1948 when Israel became a nation again. The tree buds in spring, leaves fill out, fruit ripens etc. All in one season. All in one generation. How long is a generation? I think Jesus means that it could be completed after there is only one person left standing. Or sooner? He points out in verse 36 and 42 that we don't know the day or the hour.
The analogy of Noah and his time.
- Noah and family were lifted up in the ark ... just like the rapture ... as the water built up ... eventually everyone outside the ark died.
The additional analogy of Lot and his time. (Luke 17.28) Lot and his family (part of his family) were taken out of the city ... the rest of the city died.
Jesus makes a statement ... Like it was in the days of ... He mentions life going on ... to some degree normally. I don't know what normal would look like at the end of the tribulation, but people will be trying to survive and make the best of it. It is noteworthy that Jesus uses these two as examples. In both cases it is the extreme wickedness of the world (or in Lot's case, a city) that prompted God's removing of his children.
In the example of Lot what stands out is the particular type of wickedness that was common in Sodom. We get the word, Sodomy from it. It was the sin of homosexuality. I suppose we could open an argument as to whether the bible is just too archaic in this instance, since we now 'know that homosexuality is, among other things, a genetic predisposition'. The Bible would win. Homosexuality in not genetic, it is sin. It can be repented of, forgiven, and change can take place5.
40-47 Here Jesus says that if you have an idea that His coming is near, there is some kind of preparation that can take place. We need to be THAT prepared as we would be if we new exactly when He would come. What kind of readiness is meant? The only thing mentioned is in verses 46-51. This has to do with 'not goofing off' but faithfully carrying on with regular tasks i.e. Feeding on His Word. Mt 13:52 Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."
The letters to the churches of Revelation are for us. Clearly we are encouraged to be 'overcomers'.
The message of Peter – add to your faith, regularly, systematically –so that your calling and election will be a sure thing.
The message of the parable of the ten virgins in the next chapter of Matthew ... is a strong recommendation for us to be constantly waiting and in a state of having plenty of oil (Holy Spirit)
The message of the parable of the talents, also in the next chapter – is for us to be faithful with our use of what we have been given (entrusted with).
Re 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
1Th 1:10 ...(We) wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
Even so ... come Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Appendix A
30 days in heaven?
Where does this come from?
We arrive at this conclusion by comparing two numbers given in scripture that apply to this time period.
The first number is 1260 days.
The second number is 1290 days.
Revelation mentions only the 1260 and not the 1290, and it states the time period in three different ways:
a). as 42 months
b). as Time, times, and half a time.
c). as 1260 days.
Here are the verses.
Re 13:5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.
Re 12:14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent
Re 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days
Re 11:3 ¶ "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
Daniel is the book that uses the number 1290
Da 12:8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"
Da 12:11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
The Anti-christ will have 'power' over the earth for 42 months, or 1260 days.
From the time this world dictator assumes power, to the time he actually comes to his end, is 1290 days.
This is a difference of thirty days.
Believers go to be with Jesus at the end of the 1260 days, the day that the angel blows the seventh trumpet.
Antichrist does not come to 'his end' until Jesus comes back down from heaven, after the judgment seat, after the marriage supper in heaven. This is at the end of the events described when the seventh bowl of God's wrath is emptied on the earth. The Anti-Christ is destroyed in an event called 'The Battle of Armageddon'. This battle is 30 days later than the rapture ... 1290 days.
1 2Timothy 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
2 Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
3 2Pe 1:5 ¶ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, - etc. To verse 11
4 1Co 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
Heb 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
5 First Corinthians 6:9-11