Matthew Various Passages The Olivet Discourse ~ Prophetic Issues

Matthew Various Passages The Olivet Discourse ~ Prophetic Issues In this session I showed a short video, The Rapture An Overview of Dispensational Eschatology A. Introduction B. Premillennialism C. The Pre-tribulation Rapture A. Introduction: Last week I suggested we spend a session with an overview of the Pre- Trib, Pre-Millennial view of prophecy. This is the approach I believe is most consistent with scripture and reflects the position we hold here. Since we are entering a prophetic section of Matthew, this seems to be an appropriate place to do this. And as I suggested last time, I think Wiersbie s introduction to the Olivet Discourse is a good place to begin. The Olivet Discourse grew out of some questions the disciples asked when Jesus told them that the temple would one day be destroyed. First, they wanted to know when. This answer is not recorded in Matthew but is given in Luke 21:20-24. Second, they asked about the sign of Christ s return. This is answered in Matthew 24:29-44. In their final question, they asked about the sign of the end of the age. Christ s reply is in Matthew 24:4-8. Matthew 24:1-44 indicates that our Lord was discussing events that will take place on earth during the time of Tribulation. (See Matt. 24:8, where birth-pangs are a symbol of the Tribulation; and see also Matt. 24:21, 29). After the church has been suddenly taken out of the world, there will be a period of peace and safety (1 Thes. 5:1-4) followed by a time of terrible suffering. Many Bible scholars believe this period will last seven years (Dan. 9:24-27). It is this period of Tribulation that Jesus described in the Olivet Discourse. At the end of that period, Jesus will return to the earth, defeat His foes, and establish the promised kingdom. 1 All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8). For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now and never to be equaled again. Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (Matthew 24:21, 29) Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, Peace and safety, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4). 1 Wiersbe, Warren, W., The Bible Exposition Commentary, New Testament, Vol. 1, Victor, Colorado Springs, CO, 2001

Seventy sevens are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven sevens, and sixty-two sevens. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two sevens, the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one seven. In the middle of the seven he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. (Daniel 9:24-27). Now, let s consider the individual elements the reflect this prophetic approach. A. Premillennialism Definition: This position presents a literal thousand year rule of Christ. This will occur after the Second Coming. Christ will return, and establish His kingdom from Israel. His throne will be in Jerusalem. Foundation: The Premillennial position is grounded in the literal-historical method of interpretation. If the word is read in its normal sense there is no other understanding of the Millennium which can be derived. Clearly, an accurate reading of Scripture requires the holding of this view of prophecy. This does leave a lot of room for disagreement in the specific issues though. And, keep in mind that all four of the Tribulational positions, Pre, Mid, Pre-Wrath, and Post can be taught and still be Premillennial. One can be correct in all things related to interpretation and the millennium and disagree on rapture positions. Consequently, we are not called to be dogmatic in our handling of prophecy! But, we can and should be dogmatic regarding our approach to handling God s Word. B. The Pre-tribulation Rapture Definition: The basic teaching of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture position is that Scripture teaches the Church will not to go through the Tribulation period. Christ will translate the Church and remove it from the world for this seven year period. The purpose of the Tribulation is to be a period in which the nation Israel is restored to their relationship with God. This occurs as the Jew recognizes and accepts that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, and therefore the source of their salvation. The other activity which occurs is God s judgment of a rebellious world. This occurs as Satan is given free reign over a fallen world. Foundation: Let us start by noting the teaching of Scripture is the absence of the Church during this period. Newell presents an interesting question when he asks: ) 678 (

We know that most of the church cannot go through the Tribulation for the vast majority of it, during the nearly two thousand years has already gone to be with Christ, to return with Him at his Second Coming. I wish we might let that sink deep into our hearts! Why should a small number at the end be subjected to a test and trial that the rest, even carnal saints have entirely escaped. 2 Another point we re already made is that if we know, and we do, that the first sixty-nine of Daniel s weeks were fulfilled literally, then the Seventieth must also be so fulfilled. He will confirm a covenant with many for one seven. In the middle of the seven he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him (Daniel 9:27). We have already seen a type of this fulfillment with the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. But this only foreshadowed that which is still to come. With the fulfillment of this period we see the close of God s program for Israel. The nation is restored, and the kingdom is reestablished. Christ will rule during the Millennium from the throne of His father David. The events of the Tribulation occur between the translation of the church, the close of the current parenthesis, and the Second Coming. Arguments for this view: 1. Historical: While the Pre-Tribulation view wasn t an established doctrine of the early church, the central position, the imminent return of Christ was clearly understood and taught. 2. Interpretative: The main differences between this view and the others, arises over the fact that Premillennialism uses a literal historical method of interpretation. This same difference carries over into the Pre-Trib versus other positions debate. This approach depends on a literal interpretation of Scripture. The Post-Trib view tends towards the Spiritual Method of interpretation and therefore spiritualizes the Tribulation passages. 3. Arguments over the Nature of the Tribulation: First, and most obvious is that no matter where this period is discussed in Scripture there is no reference made to the presence of the Church. There is no evidence for the presence of the Church in the Tribulation. a. In the New Testament relating to the Tribulation the Church is absent. b. In the Old Testament pages the references are to Israel and the gentiles. There is emphasis on the need for people to be saved from both groups. But missing is any reference to a corporate body made up of both. We might argue that this is because the Old Testament doesn t recognize the existence of the Church, more correctly we see the distinction between Israel and nations interacting with her, and the Church. The Church is totally separate from God s prophetic program for Israel. Even if one understands Matthew 24:31 2 Newell, William R., The Book of Revelation, Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1935, p. 382. ) 679 (

And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. and Mark 13:27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. as God s gathering His own into the Kingdom, the ones gathered can be seen as the Jews. This still allows for the return of the Church from Heaven. c. Let me reemphasize the Tribulation is a period of time that relates to God s working with His people Israel. There is no Scriptural support for it having anything to do with the Church. The purpose isn t the purging of the Church and preparing it for Heaven. It is the prelude to Israel s restoration as a people and her exultation in the Millennial Kingdom. d. God deals with Israel primarily from a national perspective. It is elect nationally, though clearly it will be the individual Jews making up the nation that repent and turn to Him. Conversely the emphasis with the Church is elect individuals making up a corporate body. e. The differences between Israel and the Church are clear. i. Israel looks for earthly promises. The Church looks for Heavenly. (Or at least that should be the case in spite of current bad teachings.) ii. The Scripture as a whole is the account of God s program for the restoration of fallen humanity. But God s prophetic program is essentially tied to the nation Israel. iii. Israel is the physical seed of Abraham. The Church is the spiritual seed. The Church also includes some of those of the physical seed. iv. One receives his place in Israel through physical birth. One receives his place in the Church through spiritual birth. v. Abraham is the physical source of Israel. Christ is the spiritual source of the Church. vi. Israel is a racial and national entity. The Church is made up of peoples of all races and nations. vii. The Holy Spirit only fell on specific individuals within Israel. Conversely the Holy Spirit indwells all believers. ) 680 (

f. The Tribulation is the final act in the history of Israel prior to her restoration. It is at this point that she turns back to God recognizing Jesus as Messiah. But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him (Deuteronomy 4:29-30). These are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: This is what the Lord says: Cries of fear are heard terror, not peace. Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. In that day, declares the Lord Almighty, I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. So do not fear, O Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, O Israel, declares the Lord. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. I am with you and will save you, declares the Lord. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished (Jeremiah 30:4-11). 4. Arguments over the Purpose of the Tribulation: a. Wrath: They called to the mountains and the rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand? (Revelation 6:16-17). for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers (Zephaniah 1:15-16). b. Judgment: He said in a loud voice, Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water (Revelation 14:7). ) 681 (

c. Indignation: Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed upon her; she will conceal her slain no longer (Isaiah 26:20-21). Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it! The Lord is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will send up a stench; the mountains will be soaked with their blood (Isaiah 34:1-3). d. Punishment: The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind; so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion that it falls never to rise again. In that day the Lord will punish the powers in the heavens above and the kings on the earth below (Isaiah 24:20-21). e. Hours of Trial: Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth (Revelation 3:10). f. Time of Trouble: How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it (Jeremiah 30:7). g. Destruction: Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty (Joel 1:15). We find throughout Scripture other similar passages describing this period, and, note in it s entirety. While these judgments are directed as God s wrath against an unbelieving world, there is a special focus related to Israel. (see Jeremiah 30:7) Israel is to be saved out of this period. The focus behind the Day of the Lord relates to Israel as noted in the Daniel passage we ve already read. To summarize, the purpose of the Tribulation is two-fold. The first purpose is to bring Israel back to God so that she can be lifted up in the Kingdom. The second purpose is to bring down God s wrath upon a fallen mankind. Again as we can see these purposes are entirely unrelated to the Church. ) 682 (

Two more points that we should consider: 1. If as Christians the Thessalonians were expecting the church to go through the Tribulation and then for Christ to return for them, do you really think that they would be worrying about those that had already died in Christ? Actually the dead would be lucky because they would be avoiding the Tribulation. Instead the hope of these believers was the coming of Christ for the Church, and they were concerned that the dead believers would miss out. 2. Most important is the understanding that the restrainer of 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 is the Holy Spirit. And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. This appears to be the most clear way of understanding the passage. Divine providence restrains and strives against sin. Then the Lord said, My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal ; his days will be a hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3). The Holy Spirit is a resident in the world indwelling the Church. This being the case the Church must be translated prior to the Tribulation if Satan is to function unrestrained. Only when the Holy Spirit is removed in His role as the indweller of the Church does the Man of Sin appear. After the sixty-two sevens, the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed (Daniel 9:26). Though the Holy Spirit no longer functions in His role related to the Church, and therefore as restrainer, this doesn t mean that He no longer has any role on earth. We see Him working throughout Scripture, Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2), and it is only through His work of drawing that any are saved. But, with the restraining force of Him working through the Church is removed, He returns to the role we see in the Old Testament. The real message of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, is the hope of Christ s imminent return. And because He may be here before we can come together again, we need to be serving Him fervently, knowing that while He may tarry the time to work is short. Let us live in the reality ) 683 (

that our daily lives are testimonies for Him. We are constantly His witnesses. How we choose to present that testimony, that witness is up to each of us. But just as our hope is to be His soon coming, our desire is to be hearing Him tell us, Well done, thou good and faithful servant. ) 684 (

Matthew Various Passages The Olivet Discourse ~ Prophetic Issues An Overview of Dispensational Eschatology A. Introduction B. Premillennialism C. The Pre-tribulation Rapture A. Introduction: (Matthew 24:8, 21, 29; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4; Daniel 9:24-27) A. Premillennialism Definition: Foundation: B. The Pre-tribulation Rapture Definition: Foundation: (Daniel 9:27) Arguments for this view:

1. Historical: 2. Interpretative: 3. Arguments over the Nature of the Tribulation: a. b. (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27) c. d. e. i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.

f. (Deuteronomy 4:29-30; Jeremiah 30:4-11) 4. Arguments over the Purpose of the Tribulation: a. Wrath: (Revelation 6:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Zephaniah 1:15-16) b. Judgment: (Revelation 14:7) c. Indignation: (Isaiah 26:20-21, 34:1-3) d. Punishment: (Isaiah 24:20-21) e. Hours of Trial: (Revelation 3:10) f. Time of Trouble: (Jeremiah 30:7) g. Destruction: (Joel 1:15) Two more points: 1. 2. (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7; Genesis 6:3; Daniel 9:26; Genesis 1:2)