Category Archives: Second Coming

OUR BLESSED HOPE (1)

Interpretation, Second Coming March 2, 2015 Leave a comment

Blessed hope 1PMT 2015-027 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Pessimistic eschatologies often use Titus 2:13 as evidence that postmillennialism wrongly directs the Christian’s hope regarding the future as it promotes true revival and cultural renewal. Here Paul states that he is “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” Non-postmillennialists see postmillennialists as taking their focus off of the second advent.

Yet postmillennialists recognizes that Paul urges believers to see the second advent as their “blessed hope.” In Romans 8:22–25 he mentions that we groan in this fallen world “waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved.” This eager expectation looks to our resurrection at the end of history. Continue reading →

COMING AS LIGHTNING

Israel, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse, Second Coming November 14, 2014 Comments: 6

False prophetsPMT 2014-138 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

As I argued in the two preceding postings, Matt 24:1-34 presents Christ’s great prophecy against the temple. In that prophecy, known as the Olivet Discourse, he denounces the temple and warns of its soon-coming destruction. I noted that the Discourse deals with AD 70 as well as the end of history, with the line of demarcation drawn at Matt 24:34–36.

Nevertheless, a Second Advent intrusion appears in the near-term prophecy. Though I previously held that Matt 24:27 spoke of his judgment-coming in AD 70, I have come to realize I was mistaken. Read carefully in its context, it refers to the Second Advent. That statement reads: “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

How can this be? Continue reading →

AD 70 AND THE SECOND ADVENT IN MATT 24 (Part 3)

AD 70, Preterism, Second Coming May 5, 2014 Comments: 2

AD 70 flightPMT 2014-054 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

This article concludes a three-part discussion of the question of whether the Olivet Discourse focuses solely on AD 70, or if it also looks ahead to the Second Advent. I believe that it speaks of both events. This should not surprise us, since AD 70 is a preview of the Second Advent, like all the several “Day of the Lord” events in the OT anticipating the final “Day of the Lord.” Please consult the previous articles (PMT 2014-051 and 052). See my book The Olivet Discourse Made Easy for more detailed information.

10. Argument from flight opportunity

In the first section Christ urges desperate flight from the area, clearly implying there will be time and opportunity to flee: “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matt 24:16). In fact, one particular sign — the abomination of desolation — will be the cue to leave the area. Because of this opportunity of flight, many lives of God’s elect will be saved: “unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short” (24:22). Continue reading →

AD 70 AND THE SECOND ADVENT IN MATT 24 (Part 2)

AD 70, Preterism, Second Coming May 1, 2014 Leave a comment

Second comingPMT 2014-053 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

In this article I am offering a second installment on the question of whether the Olivet Discourse focuses solely on AD 70, or whether it also looks ahead to the Second Advent. I believe that it speaks of both events. Which should not surprise us, since AD 70 is a preview of the Second Advent. Please consult the previous article (PMT 2014-051). See my book The Olivet Discourse Made Easy for more detailed information.

5. Argument from demonstrative distinction

In Matthew 24:34–36 provides further evidence of a subject transition. Jesus contrasts near and far events:

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matt 24:34).

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (24:36)

Continue reading →

AD 70 AND THE SECOND ADVENT IN MATT 24 (Part 1)

Preterism, Second Coming April 30, 2014 1 Comment

AD 70 (1)PMT 2014-052 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

The Olivet Discourse (Matt 24–25) is one of Jesus five major discourses structuring Matthew’s Gospel. It is prompted by Jesus’ dramatic denouncement of Jerusalem and the temple (Matt 23:37–38), his ceremonial final departure from the temple (Matt 24:1a), his disciples’ confused question regarding the temple as a beautiful place to worship (Matt 24:1b), and his declaration of its coming destruction (Matt 24:2).

In this discourse Jesus prophecies the coming AD 70 destruction of the temple. But he does more. Let us consider the question of whether or not he also refers to the Second Advent of Christ. Continue reading →