Preterism teaches that most, if not all, of the Book of Revelation and the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21) were fulfilled in conjunction with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in A.D. 70. If this notion is granted, then almost all of Bible prophecy is not to be anticipated in the future, but is past history. Their false scheme springs forth from a misinterpretation of Matthew 24:34 (see also Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32), by which they launch an upside-down view of eschatology, which does not look to the future but instead gazes at the past...
Jesus said in verse 34 that "this generation will not pass away until all these things take place." Now, in verse 35, He tells us about one thing that will pass away and another thing that will not pass away. The passing away in verse 34 would not happen until "all these things take place." In verse 35 Christ does not mention until but issues a pronouncement concerning a couple of items- "heaven and earth," and "My words." ...
With the prohibition clearly stated against attempts to date-set, our Lord says that no one knows the time of His return, not the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father. But, what does this mean in light of the fact that Matthew 24:4–31 speaks concerning the tribulation period that is seven 360-day years, divided at the midpoint by the abomination of desolation? In other words, alert believers in the tribulation should be able to know the exact day of the second coming...
In the early 1970s, probably the most popular song within the "Jesus movement," was one entitled: "I Wish We’d All Been Ready," by Larry Norman. I was involved in this movement and we rarely met when we did not sing Norman’s song. This song about the rapture includes the following lines: ...
Three major themes are emphasized in the parables that conclude the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. Watchfulness was the emphasis concerning the parable of the fig tree (24:32–34). The comparison of Christ’s return to the days of Noah focuses on preparedness (24:36–41). The section I am now entering (24:42–51) provides two parables that teach lessons of faithfulness in service to our Lord. The first parable in this section is found in verses 42–44. Mark’s account of the Olivet Discourse does not have this identical parable, but Luke does in a different context (12:39–40)...