Jesus Christ is Coming Soon!

[rockytopva]

Well... Not very popular teaching these days... But... Jesus is coming soon! In which we are warned time and time again in scripture...

Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.- Matthew 24:44

I was taught early on to look forward to the Lord Jesus coming as something that can happen any day now. And such teachings, I believe, helps keep one pure. And for me helps make for a more enjoyable day.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. - 1 John 3

 

[CoachedByChrist]

Amen. Thank you for sharing 1 John 3. The hope that we will see Him as He is calls us to live pure and ready now. This reflection on walking worthy in daily life may encourage you: Christian Volleyball Team Culture & Athlete Character | Walk Worthy

 

[SovereignGrace]

Didn’t they say this in the 1970’s when all those things were happening in the Middle East? Phillip Mauro wrote a commentary on Revelation where he stated the formation of the League of Nations meant the anti-Christ was soon to appear. He wrote that around 1918-20.

 

[SovereignGrace]

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 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.[Revelation 1:1-3]

Here are two time indicators of that book. Soon and near do not mean millennia later. And no, I’m not a hyper/full Preterist.

 

[rockytopva]

Predictions gone bad.... An unfortunate reality among so many in which I believe Isaac Newton addressed best... And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half. -Daniel 12:7

From a folio cataloged as Yahuda MS 7.3g, f. 13v:

"So then the time times & half a time are 42 months or 1260 days or three years & an half, reckoning twelve months to a year & 30 days to a month as was done in the Calendar of the primitive year. And the days of short lived Beasts being put for the years of lived kingdoms, the period of 1260 days, if dated from the complete conquest of the three kings A.C. 800, will end A.C. 2060." - Isaac Newton

As Charlemagne was crowned king on December 25, 800 by Pope Leo the III so the day of Christ's coming may be on Christmas Day, 2060. If the rapture of the saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) occurs seven years before the time of Christ's coming the date of the rapture 12.25 2053. However Isaac Newton notes...

"It may end later, but I see no reason for its ending sooner. This I mention not to assert when the time of the end shall be, but to put a stop to the rash conjectures of fancifull men who are frequently predicting the time of the end, & by doing so bring the sacred prophesies into discredit as often as their predictions fail. Christ comes as a thief in the night, & it is not for us to know the times & seasons which God hath put into his own breast." - Isaac Newton

 

[SovereignGrace]

Predictions gone bad.... An unfortunate reality among so many in which I believe Isaac Newton addressed best... And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half. -Daniel 12:7

From a folio cataloged as Yahuda MS 7.3g, f. 13v:

"So then the time times & half a time are 42 months or 1260 days or three years & an half, reckoning twelve months to a year & 30 days to a month as was done in the Calendar of the primitive year. And the days of short lived Beasts being put for the years of lived kingdoms, the period of 1260 days, if dated from the complete conquest of the three kings A.C. 800, will end A.C. 2060." - Isaac Newton

As Charlemagne was crowned king on December 25, 800 by Pope Leo the III so the day of Christ's coming may be on Christmas Day, 2060. If the rapture of the saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) occurs seven years before the time of Christ's coming the date of the rapture 12.25 2053. However Isaac Newton notes...

"It may end later, but I see no reason for its ending sooner. This I mention not to assert when the time of the end shall be, but to put a stop to the rash conjectures of fancifull men who are frequently predicting the time of the end, & by doing so bring the sacred prophesies into discredit as often as their predictions fail. Christ comes as a thief in the night, & it is not for us to know the times & seasons which God hath put into his own breast." - Isaac Newton

My point is that even in the 1800’s dispensationalists were seeing things going on around them and thinking the rapture was soon to take place. Yet they were proven wrong. Even in the 1970’s, after Egypt signed a treaty with Israel, nine allies dropped Egypt, and Russia was thought to come on the scene as the bear coming from the north, soon ushering in the rapture of the church. Same going on today. Yet none of them were right in their assessment of a soon to come rapture. What makes ppl think that today what is going on makes them right, when others from decades ago were wrong while using the same exact scriptures?

 

[Lewis HB]

Ezekiel 4:4-6 with Leviticus 26:27-28 foretold May 14, 1948 as the beginning of the final 80 year generation Psalm 90:10, Matthew 24, etc etc
Showing we are already five years into double overtime for the pre trib rapture! Are you looking UP???
Lewis

 

[Salty]

Ezekiel 4:4-6 with Leviticus 26:27-28 foretold May 14, 1948 as the beginning of the final 80 year generation Psalm 90:10, Matthew 24, etc etc
Showing we are already five years into double overtime for the pre trib rapture! Are you looking UP???
Lewis

"88 reasons why the Lord will return in 1988"! In fact, I interviewed the radio on the radio. In addition, I met him in person.
I was informed that he had not attended church in years so he could stay home and study about the End times. (BTW, he was a retired NASA employee)
I happened to mention this in SS this Morning - and it was mentioned that is a good reason to fellowship with a church, so we dont go off on tangents!

Bottom line: there is no timeline for us to be aware of the Rapture/ return of the Lord. If you start setting dates - you are a false prophet!

 

[SovereignGrace]

Shouldn't the OP thread title be "Jesus is Coming in the next two-plus millennia!"? Seriously, we have soon in Revelation 1:1 of things that "soon" must take place. Then ppl try to redefine it to mean this, that, or the other. So, if "soon" can mean two plus millennia later in God's holy writ [I am not buying that argument, by the way], then it can mean that in the thread title.

Not trying to be snarky here, just consistent.

 

[rockytopva]

Shouldn't the OP thread title be "Jesus is Coming in the next two-plus millennia!"? Seriously, we have soon in Revelation 1:1 of things that "soon" must take place. Then ppl try to redefine it to mean this, that, or the other. So, if "soon" can mean two plus millennia later in God's holy writ [I am not buying that argument, by the way], then it can mean that in the thread title.

Not trying to be snarky here, just consistent.

No... Definitely not...,

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. - 1 John 3

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: - 1 Peter 3:15

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Peter 4:8

Without the sufficient hope of seeing Jesus soon there is no purity. People who live with the hope of seeing Jesus appearing soon lack purity and discipline (from correct discipleship) in their lives. And are quick to do evil.

 

[SovereignGrace]

No... Definitely not...,

1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. - 1 John 3

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: - 1 Peter 3:15

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. - 2 Peter 4:8

Without the sufficient hope of seeing Jesus soon there is no purity. People who live with the hope of seeing Jesus appearing soon lack purity and discipline (from correct discipleship) in their lives. And are quick to do evil.

Explain to me how "soon" in your OP title means close, and then tell me how "soon" in Revelation 1:1 means something entirely different.

 

[rockytopva]

Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.- Matthew 24:44

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. - 1 John 3

I am influenced by three denominations...

1. GARBC Baptist
2. Free-Will Baptist
3. Pentecostal Holiness

All who can be highlighted by one word... Decency...

Decency of mind
Decency of body
Decency of spirit

Bring up a congregation as anticipating the coming of the Lord Jesus as imminent... Or something that can happen any day, and I will show you a decent people. I can remember hearing of a GARBC Baptist church preacher who was preaching that was and at the end of the service he had a trumpet player in the balcony sound his horn. This is also something that ought to excite the congregation... Jesus is coming soon!

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. - 1 Thessalonians 4:13

 

[SovereignGrace]

Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.- Matthew 24:44

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. - 1 John 3

I am influenced by three denominations...

1. GARBC Baptist
2. Free-Will Baptist
3. Pentecostal Holiness

All who can be highlighted by one word... Decency...

Decency of mind
Decency of body
Decency of spirit

Bring up a congregation as anticipating the coming of the Lord Jesus as imminent... Or something that can happen any day, and I will show you a decent people. I can remember hearing of a GARBC Baptist church preacher who was preaching that was and at the end of the service he had a trumpet player in the balcony sound his horn. This is also something that ought to excite the congregation... Jesus is coming soon!

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. - 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Again, “Explain to me how "soon" in your OP title means close, and then tell me how "soon" in Revelation 1:1 means something entirely different.”

 

[rockytopva]

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. -Acts 1:6-7

 

[SovereignGrace]

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. -Acts 1:6-7

Again, “Explain to me how "soon" in your OP title means close, and then tell me how "soon" in Revelation 1:1 means something entirely different.”

Make that makes sense.

 

[rockytopva]

Again, “Explain to me how "soon" in your OP title means close, and then tell me how "soon" in Revelation 1:1 means something entirely different.”

Make that makes sense.

God did not disclose, "soon" in the form of earthly time. People who are trying to put an earthly clock to the return of the Lord have missed the significance of the event altogether. If we could get preachers to paint a lovely picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and teach it in the form of something imminent, or that could come any day, we would have a church more readily to receive spiritual things from God. And such teachings ought to keep such a congregation ready to meet God. Holy... Without spot and blemish.

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. - Matthew 24

 

[SovereignGrace]

God did not disclose, "soon" in the form of earthly time. People who are trying to put an earthly clock to the return of the Lord have missed the significance of the event altogether. If we could get preachers to paint a lovely picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and teach it in the form of something imminent, or that could come any day, we would have a church more readily to receive spiritual things from God. And such teachings ought to keep such a congregation ready to meet God. Holy... Without spot and blemish.

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. - Matthew 24

Yet, when you say Jesus is coming soon, you mean He is close to returning to rapture the church. But soon in Revelation 1:1 means the exact opposite of that. That dog won't hunt my friend.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 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.[Revelation 1:1-3]

Your assessment does not pass the smell [or biblical] test. Soon means soon and near means near. These words are not up for grabs. Love means love, hate means hate, strawberry means strawberry, roses mean roses, &c. John was writing Revelation to first century believers who were suffering persecution for their faith in Christ, and John was as well. In fact, John called what they were experiencing tribulation per Revelation 1:9. This was the tribulation that the bible was speaking about in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

What benefit would it be for them if John was warning them about things they would never experience? Why warn them of things they will never see, never be confronted with? Why bother them with information that has nothing to do with them?


Revelation was written to first century believers and not 21st century believers. There is not one verse in all of God's holy writ that was written to us. However, every verse was written for us per Romans 15:4.

 

[rockytopva]

Yet, when you say Jesus is coming soon, you mean He is close to returning to rapture the church. But soon in Revelation 1:1 means the exact opposite of that. That dog won't hunt my friend.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 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.[Revelation 1:1-3]

Your assessment does not pass the smell [or biblical] test. Soon means soon and near means near. These words are not up for grabs. Love means love, hate means hate, strawberry means strawberry, roses mean roses, &c. John was writing Revelation to first century believers who were suffering persecution for their faith in Christ, and John was as well. In fact, John called what they were experiencing tribulation per Revelation 1:9. This was the tribulation that the bible was speaking about in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

What benefit would it be for them if John was warning them about things they would never experience? Why warn them of things they will never see, never be confronted with? Why bother them with information that has nothing to do with them?


Revelation was written to first century believers and not 21st century believers. There is not one verse in all of God's holy writ that was written to us. However, every verse was written for us per Romans 15:4.

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. - Luke 12

 

[SovereignGrace]

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. - Luke 12

Yet another non-answer answer.

Dispensationalists teach that Revelation 4------->18 deals strictly with the great tribulation which is yet in our future. Why fill their heads with info about a two plus millennia later great tribulation? Why warn them about things that they will never witness or experience?

Since the 1830's [or so] each generation has been believed to be the terminal generation yet here we are today. Why were they wrong and you are right? They taught Jesus was coming soon back in the 1800's, yet here we are today. Ppl have no idea what the word soon means it appears.

 

[rockytopva]

Yet another non-answer answer.

Dispensationalists teach that Revelation 4------->18 deals strictly with the great tribulation which is yet in our future. Why fill their heads with info about a two plus millennia later great tribulation? Why warn them about things that they will never witness or experience?

Since the 1830's [or so] each generation has been believed to be the terminal generation yet here we are today. Why were they wrong and you are right? They taught Jesus was coming soon back in the 1800's, yet here we are today. Ppl have no idea what the word soon means it appears.

But... The scripture must be fulfilled....

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. - Matthew 24

First world - The flood came unlooked for
Flood - The death of the old world
Second world - Christ will appear unlooked for
Tribulation - The death of the current world

It must needs for words like the rapture dissipate away so we can continue to liken that event to the death of the first world.