This is our last post in the series on dispensationalism.
Much of dispensationalism is built on twisting the plain reading of Scripture as well as taking Scripture out of context. Our post today focuses on one chapter in the Bible to highlight how dispensationalism accomplishes this feat.
In Matthew 24:1-3, we read, “Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. And He said to them, `Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.’ As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, `Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?'”
In the verses following, Christ proceeds to answer both questions. We must notice plainly that what follows are answers to the two questions.
Much of the modern end-times teaching is taken from Matthew chapter 24, so to conclude our posts on dispensationalism, we will take some time to try and understand this chapter.
Christ answers the first question in verses 4 through 36. There seems to be difficulty in the perception of time when we come to verse 29. There, it seems that Christ is shifting from the first question (when will the temple be destroyed) to the second question (what is the sign of the second coming). The older commentators of the Bible believe that there is no difficulty at all. It would appear that Christ is referring to the cross from verse 29 through verse 36.
The events which Christ describes here did occur upon the death of Christ and are documented elsewhere in Scripture. Christ also says “immediately after”, which does not leave us looking very far into the future. Further, Christ says “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” Both of these are references to time which help us follow Christ’s words and meaning.
We can understand that Christ is continuing to answer the first question (when will the temple be destroyed) all the way through verse 36. Verse 36 also gives modern readers trouble in thinking it is referring to the future. Christ is merely saying that it is not for us to know in advance the precise day and time the events surrounding the temple’s destruction will occur. If you are in doubt about this, go back to the beginning of the chapter and read the disciples’ question again.
Their question was “when will these things occur?” Christ is here answering that question by declining to reveal the precise day and time. Instead, the greater focus is on watchfulness. The command to watch continues through the end of the chapter. If we know precisely when something will occur, then watchfulness is unnecessary.
Verse 36 could also be read as, “You want to know when these events will occur. I will not reveal that information, but if you pay attention [watchfulness], the signs I am giving you will be your warning to get away from Jerusalem.”
The second question (what is the sign of the second coming) is answered beginning in verse 37. Matthew 24:37-39, “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
In other words, there is no tribulation preceding the second coming. There is no rapture. None of the signs foretold by dispensationalists, such as the Left Behind books, is in view. Christ simply says it will occur suddenly and unexpectedly. If we could predict the second coming of Christ by observing the signs of the times, then it is expected. From verse 37 to the end of the chapter, Christ explains how the second coming will occur.
It will be unexpected and sudden. However, the charge He gives us is to always be ready and watchful. Obviously, many generations have come and gone since these words. One thing is true, and that is we do not know the time of our death. Thus, we must always be ready, for we do not know when the second coming will occur or, if it occurs first, when we will die.
This harkens back to the accosting question sometimes asked, “If you die tonight, where will you spend eternity?” In the days of Noah, they were not expecting rain but instead were expecting to continue partying and enjoying life. By the time they realized a flood was coming, the door to the ark had been shut.
We do not know when Christ will return or when our life will end. However, by carefully reading the words of Christ, we can understand and debunk common misunderstandings. There will be no advance warning, no signs, and no unmistakable tribulation.
If I may, one of the greatest concerns I have with the rapture and dispensationalism teaching is that it has greatly steered the church off track. We think that because tribulation is the sign of Christ’s coming and we are not in tribulation yet, there is still time.
In reality, this has significantly weakened and undermined the church, to the point that the church is no longer relevant in many communities. This is a sad but very real outcome of the rapture and dispensational teaching. This is why dispensationalism is a false teaching and a false doctrine. It is Satan coming as an angel of light and as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is worming his way into the hearts of people who are not content with Christ and want something more. Let us simply heed the words of Christ and always be ready.
If we are always pursuing to love God with our whole heart, body and mind and our neighbors as ourselves, watching, and praying, we will be ready for His coming. Hear these words of benediction from the hymn, Christian Seek Not Yet Repose:
1
Christian, seek not yet repose,
Hear thy gracious Savior say;
Thou art in the midst of foes:
Watch and pray.
2
Principalities and powers,
Mustering their unseen array,
Wait for thy unguarded hours:
Watch and pray.
3
Gird thy heavenly armor on,
Wear it ever night and day;
Ambushed lies the evil one:
Watch and pray.
4
Hear the victors who o’ercame,
Still they mark each warrior’s way;
All with one sweet voice exclaim,
Watch and pray.
5
Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
Him thou lovest to obey;
Hide within thy heart His word:
Watch and pray.
6
Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray, that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray.
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