Matthew 24
Edgar Whisenant wrote ’88 reasons for 1988’ predicting the date of the rapture in that year to be between September 11 and 13th. Amazingly 4.5 million copies were sold! He stated, ‘Only if the Bible is in error am I wrong. ‘ Hmm!
So can Jesus help us in this chapter regarding the end-times? Here it is in brief note-form.
Jesus walks away from the temple for the last time, v1
Jesus prophesies the ruined temple (AD70), v2
Jesus describes the state of the world prior to His 2nd coming
· False Messiahs
· Natural disasters
· War
· These are described as birth-pains, so it can be rightly assumed that if they develop with an intensity and frequency it will show that the return of Jesus is very near.
Jesus describes what will happen to His people prior to the 2nd coming, v9-14
· Persecution from outside the Church
· Division and deception from within
· The increase of overseas Missions!
Jesus gives THE sign of his 2nd coming, v15
· The abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel (ch 11,12)
· It is the Anti-Christ of all anti-christs set in a temple to be worshipped.
Jesus warns that before the joy, the pain, v21-28
· A persecution unknown like never before.
Then the Joy, v29-30
· Everyone will see Jesus!!
Some advice then, v32-51
· Think of how nature reflects the season change and you will understand even though no one knows fully when Jesus will come. It will be a normal day when the world is once again over-indulging. Be alert, think on His return. Be like a faithful servant, stay true to the end, unlike one who thinks he has all the time in the world.
And the rapture? When is the rapture?
Thankfully for me, Jesus doesn’t mention it in this chapter.