50 Days to Understanding the End-Times More Accurately - Day 19 - Not Knowing the Day or Hour 2
DAY 19 - Not Knowing the Day or Hour - 2
When looking at the coming of Christ mentioned in the “Olivet Discourse” we certainly see events preceding it.
Though one may not know the specific day or hour, the time period in which this return will occur should be clearly understood.
One can, and should, be able to know in what watch this return will take place, for events clearly precede it.
Just as we see a step by step, one event after another, timeline given in Matthew 24, we likewise find the same in Mark 13.
Mark even continues with the following.
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” (Mark 13:28-33)
This passage certainly does end with such statements as “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man” and “for ye know not when the time is”.
However, these only come after a chronological timeline is given and the following statement is made; “when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh”.
Again, the specific day and hour are not known, but the time period in which it is to occur should be plainly understood.
Based on the parable of the fig tree, we CAN tell when His return is close.
When we “see these things come to pass”, we will “know that it is nigh”.
Though we will still “know not when the time is”, the season and period in which it will occur should be understood.
Jesus continues.
“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:” (Mark 13:35)
Terms like “at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning” specify specific times of a certain day, and not of a period of time or season.
It is the exact day and the hour upon that day which is a mystery.
However, that does not necessitate that the event is imminent.
All the verses previously mentioned from Matthew 24 & 25 and Mark 13 fall into this category of a day which is definitely preceded by certain signs and events.
None of these verses can legitimately be used to teach an any-moment return of Jesus.
Some will also point to the fact that Mark records, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree”.
This “fig tree” they will claim is representative of Israel and therefore this passage has nothing to do with “the Church”.
However, this chapter ends with, “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37).
Would Jesus make such a statement if the Jews of future Israel were His only intended audience?
Also, when this parable is recorded in Luke 21, it reads as follows, “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;” (Luke 21:29).
Yes, “Behold… all the trees.”
This is clearly just an example using trees, any and all trees, to illustrate a point.
When certain things begin to happen, you can know that something else will happen shortly thereafter.
Point #1: Mark 13 records the same events in the same order as Matthew 24, which are followed by the Lord’s return.
Point #2: We are told that we will know when it is near.
2+2=4
Thanks, @narrowminded
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