Notice all 3 of these conditions are portrayed as
just the beginning of sorrows. But, it is stated that "The End is still
not yet" (Right?) All of these signs are present in
all ages of human civilization, including the first century as well as in
the 20th century. They will however, be compounded of
course when the last days White-horse riding Anti-Christ appears.
Then in Matthew 24 and verse 9, Jesus indicates that "they will
deliver you up to be afflicted ". Who is the "they'
and the "you' that is referred to here? They is a reference
to the nations of the world while the "you", specifically meant of
course to be Israel directly, but is also inclusive of the
saints that aspire to the Kingdom. Notice: it says
"You will be hated of All nations". This is a precise
condition that history has recorded. No other nation
has been subjected to the degree of persecution as
has been Israel during the Diaspora. This is the very
scenario that is painted by John in Revelation chapter.
twelve. There the Great Red Dragon is seen hastily
in pursuit of Israel, seeking its total destruction during the Great
era of the Tribulation, just as well as all throughout history.
Israel is so hated and afflicted because "Jesus" name
is inextricably connected to the nation of Israel.
Then, iniquity and hate are seen as the prevailing
environment of the earth during the great Jewish dispersion
and especially during the Laodicean Church age. But, only
after all these conditions have existed do we finally get
near to the anticipated "time of the end", that was specifically
enquired about by the disciples third question. Many equate the
"Gospel of the Kingdom" to be the message of Grace
that is presently being extended to all during the Church Age,
but actually the Kingdom message is for Israel, and after
a remnant of Israel has returned to its land.
Israel is back in the land today in a condition
of unbelief; but someday all Israel will be saved, but only after it
recognizes its Covenant with Death has resulted
in the horrible action of the "Abomination of Desolation" which occurs at the
middle of their covenant relationship with the Anti-Christ.
Then the gospel of the Kingdom really shall begin to
permeate through to the Jewish mindset and they are advised
to flee from Jerusalem, so as to survive, in the hope of populating
the coming Kingdom.
Death, ( the Pale Horse ) is the sad culmination of
Mankind’s usurpation of Christ's rightful authority in
this world. It is also the end-result of the rebellion of the forces of the Great
Tribulation ( Matt. 24:21), an era in time of such vast terror and atrocity
that it exceeds all previous historical devastation. But for the Elects sake, (Israel) the time
of Tribulation is limited by the hand of God.
In verse 25, Jesus says; I tell you these things "beforehand"
( that is prophecy). Why does he tell us beforehand? So everyone
can escape this last epoch of historical turmoil. Notice too that this
time of great Wrath is the Lords Wrath, not the wrath of
the Devil. ( see Joel 2 : 1-2 ) ( also Amos 5:18-20
and Zephaniah 1:7, or Rev 14:19 and Rev 15:1)
What bridegroom would so persecutes his Bride? For our
Lord to take out his Wrath upon the Church would
be a direct violation of his instructions to men to
love their wives, even as he loves the church.
In Matthew 24:9 ( Mark 13:24 and Luke 21:25 )
Jesus answers question number two from the disciples, about a sign of
his return. The Sun, Moon, and Stars shall be affected Has this already occurred? Of course not. It is still yet future. Has Jesus already returned? If
so, where is the eternal world-wide Peace today?
Notice too from Matthew 24:31 that the trumpet is
sounding, gathering all the elect ( saints, past, present
and future ) in an instant. This is the trumpet that is
mentioned in II Thessalonians 5:16 where all the saints shall be coming
back with Him. Not only those who have died, but
even all those who have remained unto the end will have
assembled in the clouds previously; all in one great single
grouping, in one gathering reunion. I Corinthians 15:52 says
the time-lapse for this universal gathering is in an
instant. In the twinkling of an eye all the saints will be immediately
assembled. How can this be, you ask?
This event is outside the scope of Earth's linear
passage of time. All shall be gathered in the twinkle
of an eye, and if all come back with the Lord when he
expropriates his wrath, it is only logical that the
event commonly known as the Rapture is an external
event outside of Universal dynamics of time progression, which is
pre-arranged to coincide with the beginning of the
Great Day of the Lord, back on the Earth. John was
supernaturally time-transported forward to that great event, or
Day that is described in Revelation 4:12, when he heard the very same trumpet
and was immediately transported "Up Hither" into the
throne in Heaven. He foretold the scene that we all
open our eyes to at death, or evacuation. (rapture)
Now then, Matthew 24, verse 35 says, Heaven and Earth will
pass away. When will this happen? This is the “end”
that the disciples asked about with question number
three. Revelation 21 says the that old earth and heavens
will be replaced when it is time for the New city of
Jerusalem to be positioned, which comes at the end of a 1000 year
long reign of Christ on this Earth. (Rev 20:2-3). And
( Jeremiah 31:35-37 ) says that before the Sun, moon
and stars cease to exist that the nation of Israel will enjoy the
reality of their promised Kingdom. So, the world can
not “end” until after God keeps his word about the
Gospel of the Kingdom that he long ago promised to Israel
through Abraham.