DAY 20 - Not Knowing the Day or Hour - 3

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” (Luke 12:40)

This verse from Luke 12:40 is the only verse which is not actually given in a chronological timeline of events.

However, it MUST speak of the same coming as the “Olivet Discourse” verses that we have just examined.

Even if it didn’t, since the same terminology is used, and since those same exact words in Matthew certainly do not teach imminency, then we cannot conclude that this passage must.

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” (Luke 12:40)

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44)

If “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” cannot in any way speak of an any-moment return in Matthew 24:44, then we cannot conclude that “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not” must speak of an any moment return in Luke 12:40.

To do so would be both irrational and illogical.

If no other verses existed, other than Luke 12:40, then we could perhaps conclude that this return was imminent, but such is not the case.

Also, we only have two potential options for what event these verses speak of.

At most, there are still two possible “comings” of Jesus; either the Battle of Armageddon or the Rapture.

Obviously the Battle of Armageddon cannot occur at any moment, and these verses certainly do not speak of that event. Unfortunately for the “Doctrine of Imminency”, these verses do speak of Christ’s return for His believers, and that event is certainly not imminent.

Since that is the case for all the Scriptures from the “Olivet Discourse” that I mentioned (Matthew 24:36, 24:42, 24:44, 24:50, 25:13 & Mark 13:32, 13:33, 13:35), that is also the case for Luke 12:40.

Not knowing “the hour” does not necessitate imminency, only ignorance.

This is stated clearly and repeated frequently.

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Since the return of Jesus for His believers is obviously not imminent, we must also take heed and notice when it does occur:

• After the Abomination of Desolation,

• After the sun turns into darkness and the moon into blood,

• And before the Day of the Lord starts.

• Scripture seems to be very clear about all of this.

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Though this reality may not be desirable, our wishes cannot change what the Word of God records.

I would rather not have to die for my faith, but if that is what will happen, I cannot change it.

This timeline of events occurring prior to the Lord’s coming is given for our benefit, so that we will not be caught off guard.

As Jesus told us when wrapping up His teaching on this in Mark 13, “I say unto all, Watch.”

Point #1: Claiming to not know the day or hour does not necessitate imminence.

Point #2: No use of such a phrase in Matthew 24 & 25, or in Mark 13, can be used to promote an imminent event.

Point #3: Since that is the case for all other verses in Scripture, Luke 12:40 cannot use the same words to arrive at an opposite meaning.

2+2=4

Thanks, @narrowminded

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In case you missed them,

Introduction
Back Cover
1 : The Foundation
2 : The Tribulation
BONUS : A Biblical, New Testament Understanding of Tribulation
3 : The Seventieth Week of Daniel
4 : Not Appointed to Wrath
5 : Wrath vs. Tribulation
6 : The Day of the Lord
7 : The Lord Alone
8 : The Exaltation of the Antichrist
9 : Promises
10 : The Presupposition
11 : 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
12 : The Revealing of the Antichrist
13 : Same Day - 1
14 : Same Day -2
15 : Hand in Hand
16 : Overtake You as a Thief
17 : Another Thief
18 : Not Knowing the Day or Hour - 1
19 : Not Knowing the Day or Hour - 2