This and That

So, there is this errant theology where people teach and say that Jesus came back already... in 70AD.

So far, as I have seen or heard from those who argue from this position, they get stuck on one word, in one passage and claim that as the hill to die on.

I find it baffling that people so easily try to make sense of one passage, create a doctrine, all the while ignoring vast amounts of scripture. It happens a lot.

Here is the section in question:

Matthew 24:30-34

[30] "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.

[31] And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

[32] "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.

[33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.

[34] I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

The problem is in verse 34, with the word "this".

They say Jesus is clearly saying "this" is referring to those He is talking to. The people living as He was speaking. If that were true, then their argument has some merit, for Jesus doesn't lie. So, if, "this" means the generation alive at that time, then He had to fulfill all spoken of regarding the end before the last of them died... thus the AD 70 return.

From there, they can present a firm sounding argument, and if you add music, drama, us against them, and a whole lot of stated credentials, you can create a group of arrogant men who claim to see what no one else does.

"I will ascend".

The problem all starts with a misinterpretation of that one word, "this".

What they seem to miss is the first clue in verse 30. "At that time"...

That, refers to the people alive when the signs begin. THAT is what it says!

So, following basic literary norms, what follows is for THOSE who will see the coming events.

The second problem they totally miss is that the events didn't happen!

The Sun wasn't darkened.

The sign of the Son of Man didn't happen.

The trumpet didn't happen.

... and the big one... Jesus isn't here yet!

Looking at verse 33 again:

[33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.

When you see ALL these things...

No, no one has seen all these things.

I know you want to be right, but only a fool will not listen or consider the opposition. It doesn't matter how impressive the folks are in your corner. There are many impressive people in hell.

Why be blind to the obvious? Pride. It is the only logical reason.

Wouldn't you rather know truth?

"Examine yourselves", Paul said. To see whether you are in the faith.

Know Scripture.

Know the power of God.

Thinking you are more right doesn't make you more saved. It only puts your faith in God at risk, by trusting in impressive men, riveting videos, and puffy arguments.

The truth is simple and it elevates no one except Jesus Christ.

This, is all that.