Chart provided by Ed Stevens - www.preterist.org
It's AMAZING what can be learned from GOD'S WORD by studying one word or phrase!
For example, a lot can be learned from the word AGE or AGES which is translated from the Greek word: AIO¯N
WORLD - STRONG'S CONCORDANCE G165 = AIO¯N
ahee-ohn'
From the same as G104; properly an age; by extension perpetuity (also past); by implication the world; specifically (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): - age, course, eternal, (for) ever (-more), [n-]ever, (beginning of the, while the) world (began, without end).
NOTE: I did not copy the definitions from the STRONG'S CONCORDANCE on the website. I copied them from my e-Sword app on my laptop. Therefore, they may not match exactly. I put the links in for your benefit.
NOTE: All of the Scriptures in this document are copied from the New King James Version unless noted otherwise.
Galatians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 1:4 WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR OUR SINS, THAT HE MIGHT DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL AGE, according to the will of our God and Father,
Galatians 1:5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
A MAJOR MISTAKE people make when reading scripture is that they insert themselves into the text and assume that it applies to them!
The first thing people should do is find out WHO wrote it and TO WHOM was it written because the scripture definitely applied to whom it was written.
Doing that will help you determine AUDIENCE RELEVANCE.
Audience Relevance is one of the rules of Hermeneutics (the science of biblical interpretation).
You can learn more about Audience Relevance HERE: Audience Relevance
Therefore, you should determine what the scripture meant to whom it was written first and then determine if it applies to you.
By reading the following 2 verses we can determine that the Apostle Paul and all the brethren with him wrote the epistle (letter) and it was written to the Churches of Galatia...
Galatians 1:1 PAUL, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
Galatians 1:2 and all the brethren who are with me, TO THE CHURCHES OF GALATIA:
So when we read Galatians (a letter) we must keep in mind that we are reading someone elses mail...
It was NOT written to US (you & I)!
Therefore, when reading verse 4, the word "US" is NOT You & I but it is the WRITERS and the MEMBERS of the CHURCHES of GALATIA!
Hopefully, you understand Audience Relevance now so let's get back to our word study.
When reading verse 1:4 we learn that THEY were living in an EVIL AGE and Jesus Christ gave himself for THEIR sins, that he might deliver THEM from that EVIL AGE.
We can't determine from this verse alone whether or not Jesus Christ died for OUR sins and we can't determine if THEIR EVIL AGE is the same one that WE are living in either.
However, by reading the entire letter written to the Galatians we can determine WHAT AGE THEY WERE LIVING IN...
Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, BORN UNDER THE LAW,
Galatians 4:5 to REDEEM THOSE WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
So according to verses 4:4-5, GOD'S SON (Jesus Christ) was BORN UNDER THE LAW to REDEEM THOSE WHO WERE UNDER THE LAW that WE (Not You & I but the WRITERS and the MEMBERS of the CHURCHES of GALATIA) might receive the adoption as sons.
Compare verses 4:4-5 to what we read in verse 1:4 and you should be able to determine that the EVIL AGE THEY WERE LIVING IN was the AGE OF THE LAW aka the MOSAIC AGE aka the OLD COVENANT AGE.
Many will say, "That can't be True! The Law was Nailed to the Cross!".
That's True, the Law was Nailed to the Cross...
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
Colossians 2:14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, HAVING NAILED IT TO THE CROSS.
So the LAW was NAILED TO THE CROSS but had it DIED yet?
When talking about the Law the Apostle Paul said...
2 Corinthians 3:11 For if WHAT IS PASSING AWAY was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.
Read all of chapter 3 to get a better understanding.
So far the only scriptures I have used came from the Apostle Paul - so did Paul contradict himself?
Was Paul a False Teacher, a False Prophet?
Another important rule to know when interpreting the Bible is that the Bible (GOD'S WORD) can NOT contradict itself!
If you read something in the Bible that you think is a contradiction then either you have a BAD INTERPRETATION or a BAD TRANSLATION!
Another important rule to know when interpreting the Bible is to use the Bible to interpret itself...
Hebrews 8:13 In that He says, "A NEW COVENANT," He has made the first obsolete. NOW WHAT IS BECOMING OBSOLETE AND GROWING OLD IS READY TO VANISH AWAY.
So what we should have learned is that even though the LAW had been NAILED TO THE CROSS, it was NOT DEAD but it had received a Deadly Wound and was PASSING AWAY, BECOMING OBSOLETE, GROWING OLD and READY TO VANISH!
Ok, let's get back to our study of the word "AGE"...
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Notice the phrase THIS AGE which would be the same as PRESENT AGE in Galatians 1:4.
Therefore, THIS AGE also means the AGE of the LAW aka the MOSAIC AGE aka the OLD COVENANT AGE.
We have already learned from Galatians 1:4 that THEY were living in an EVIL AGE and now we see that the Ephesians who lived in the same age needed to put on "the whole armor of God" in order to "BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL."
They wrestled against the "RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 4:3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
2 Corinthians 4:4 whose minds the GOD OF THIS AGE has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Now, from these verses and what we have already learned it should be easy to figure out that the "GOD OF THIS AGE" was the DEVIL.
Remember, that "THIS AGE" was the AGE of the LAW aka the MOSAIC AGE aka the OLD COVENANT AGE!
Matthew 12:32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either IN THIS AGE OR IN THE AGE TO COME.
Wow! Now, there's a sin you don't want to commit... speaking against the Holy Spirit!
It will not be forgiven, either IN THIS AGE OR IN THE AGE TO COME!
We know what THIS AGE means but what about the AGE TO COME?
Is it the AGE of the MESSIAH aka the CHRISTIAN AGE aka the AGE of GRACE aka the NEW COVENANT AGE?
Mark 10:29 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's,
Mark 10:30 who shall not receive a hundredfold NOW IN THIS TIME - houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions - AND IN THE AGE TO COME, ETERNAL LIFE.
In verse 10:30 "NOW IN THIS TIME" must mean "THIS AGE" because we learned from Galatians 4:4 that Jesus was BORN UNDER THE LAW.
In verse 10:30 we learn that ETERNAL LIFE was available in the AGE TO COME.
Ephesians 1:18 ...that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
Ephesians 1:20 which He worked in Christ when HE RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD AND SEATED HIM AT HIS RIGHT HAND IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES,
Ephesians 1:21 FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER AND MIGHT AND DOMINION, and every name that is named, NOT ONLY IN THIS AGE BUT ALSO IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME.
Ephesians 1:22 And HE PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET, and GAVE HIM TO BE HEAD OVER ALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH,
Ephesians 1:23 WHICH IS HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
What can we learn from the verses above?
In verse 20 we learn that GOD the Father raised Christ from the Dead and seated him at his right hand in Heaven.
In verse 21 we learn that Christ was "FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER AND MIGHT AND DOMINION, and every name that is named, NOT ONLY IN THIS AGE BUT ALSO IN THAT WHICH IS TO COME."
In verse 21, "THAT WHICH IS TO COME" means the AGE TO COME. Therefore, it was still in the future when Paul wrote Ephesians.
According to most Biblical scholars, Ephesians was written in the early 60's AD.
In verse 22 & 23 we learn that Christ was the "HEAD OVER ALL THINGS TO THE CHURCH, WHICH IS HIS BODY.
Therefore, the AGE TO COME had to be the AGE of the MESSIAH aka the CHRISTIAN AGE aka the AGE of GRACE aka the NEW COVENANT AGE.
So when did THIS AGE End and the AGE TO COME Begin?
END OF THE AGE
The phrase END OF THE AGE or END OF THIS AGE is used 5 times in the Book of Matthew...
It is used twice in the Explanation of the Parable of the Tares (WEEDS)...
Matthew 13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, "EXPLAIN TO US THE PARABLE OF THE TARES OF THE FIELD."
Matthew 13:37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.
Matthew 13:38 The field is the WORLD, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.
The word "WORLD" in 13:38 is translated from the Greek word "KOSMOS" and that's where the English word "COSMOS" originates.
WORLD - STRONG'S CONCORDANCE G2889 = KOSMOS
kos'-mos
Probably from the base of G2865; orderly arrangement, that is, decoration; by implication the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively [morally]): - adorning, world.
Matthew 13:39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, THE HARVEST IS THE END OF THE AGE, and the reapers are the angels.
Matthew 13:40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the END OF THIS AGE.
Matthew 13:41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
Matthew 13:42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Is the END OF THE AGE referring to the END OF THIS AGE or the END OF THE AGE TO COME?
Verse 13:40 REVEALS the answer...
...so it will be at the END OF THIS AGE!
END OF THE AGE is used once in the Parable of the Net...
Matthew 13:47 "Again, the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind,
Matthew 13:48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.
Matthew 13:49 So it will be at the END OF THE AGE. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,
Matthew 13:50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
So what can we learn about the END OF THE AGE from these 2 Parables?
1) The HARVEST is at the END OF THE AGE.
2) The REAPERS are the ANGELS.
3) The WICKED are Cast into the Furnace of FIRE.
4) There will be Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth.
5) The RIGHTEOUS will SHINE like the SUN in the KINGDOM.
The phrase "KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" is used 33 times in the New Testament but ONLY in the Book of Matthew.
The phrase "KINGDOM OF GOD" is used INSTEAD in the Synoptic Gospels of Mark and Luke and also in the rest of the New Testament.
The phrase "END OF THE AGE" is also used in the Olivet Discourse...
Matthew 24:1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up TO SHOW HIM THE BUILDINGS OF THE TEMPLE.
Matthew 24:2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, NOT ONE STONE SHALL BE LEFT HERE UPON ANOTHER, THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN."
Matthew 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "TELL US, WHEN WILL THESE THINGS BE? AND WHAT WILL BE THE SIGN OF YOUR COMING, AND OF THE END OF THE AGE?"
NOTICE in verse 24:3 how the disciples associate the Destruction of the Temple with Christ's COMING and the END OF THE AGE!
What does the word "COMING" mean in 24:3?
COMING - STRONG'S CONCORDANCE G3952 = PAROUSIA
par-oo-see'-ah
From the present participle of G3918; a being near, that is, advent (often, return; specifically of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physical aspect: - coming, presence.
Some people say that the disciples were CONFUSED and should not have associated the Destruction of the Temple with Christ's COMING and the END OF THE AGE. Others say that the disciples were asking questions about different events:
1) When would the Temple be Destroyed?
2) What would be the Sign of Christ's Coming at the END OF THE WORLD?
So WHO is Confused? Is it the disciples or the people making these claims?
Let's see if we can figure out the answer.
Remember when I mentioned that if you thought you had found a CONTRADICTION in the Bible, it was either a BAD INTERPRETATION or a BAD TRANSLATION?
I believe that the King James Bible's translation of the Greek word "AIO¯N" into the English word "WORLD" has caused more CONFUSION about the Study of the End Times (ESCHATOLOGY) than anything else!
(KJV) Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the END OF THE WORLD?
Many False Doctrines about Eschatology exist because of the Beliefs about the END OF THE WORLD!
Scripture may be INERRANT but translations are NOT!
What does the Bible actually teach about the END OF THE WORLD?
GOD Promised Never Again To Destroy All Life on Earth...
Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; NOR WILL I AGAIN DESTROY EVERY LIVING THING AS I HAVE DONE.
Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night SHALL NOT CEASE."
Many believe that the 2 Peter 3 teaches that the entire earth will be destroyed by fire...
2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, ARE RESERVED FOR FIRE UNTIL THE DAY OF JUDGMENT AND PERDITION OF UNGODLY MEN.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which THE HEAVENS WILL PASS AWAY WITH A GREAT NOISE, AND THE ELEMENTS WILL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT; BOTH THE EARTH AND THE WORKS THAT ARE IN IT WILL BE BURNED UP.
2 Peter 3:11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
2 Peter 3:12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which THE HEAVENS WILL BE DISSOLVED, BEING ON FIRE, AND THE ELEMENTS WILL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT?
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless WE, according to His promise, LOOK FOR NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH in which righteousness dwells.
I admit that it is easy to interpret 2 Peter 3 as the Destruction of Heaven and Earth by Fire!
However, the Destruction of Heaven and Earth by Fire would DESTROY Every Living Thing on Earth!
Therefore, that would mean that GOD LIED when he said that he would NOT "DESTROY EVERY LIVING THING AS I HAVE DONE" in Genesis 8:21.
It would also mean that we have a CONTRADICTION in Scripture!
So what are we to believe?
The Apostle Peter said...
1 Peter 4:5 They (the Gentiles mentioned in 4:3) will give an account to Him (Christ) WHO IS READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.
1 Peter 4:7 But THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND...
Therefore, since Peter said that "THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND" almost 2,000 years ago and the earth is still here then either he was wrong or he meant something else when he said that the Heavens and the Earth would be Destroyed by Fire.
Don't Worry! GOD did NOT LIE, Peter was NOT WRONG and there's NO CONTRADICTION!
GOD has Established the Earth FOREVER!
Psalms 78:69 And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like THE EARTH WHICH HE HAS ESTABLISHED FOREVER.
Ecclesiastes 1:4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But THE EARTH ABIDES FOREVER.
(KJV) Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
(KJV) Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, WORLD WITHOUT END. Amen.
Want to learn more?
VIDEO: What the Bible Says About the End of the World
We can learn more about the END OF THE AGE by researching the word "END".
END - STRONG'S CONCORDANCE G5056 = TELOS
tel'-os
From a primary word tello¯ (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid): - + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare G5411.
In the verses below Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the PERSECUTION they were going to suffer...
Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
Matthew 10:18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
Matthew 10:21 "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. BUT HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED.
Matthew 10:23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. FOR ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, YOU WILL NOT HAVE GONE THROUGH THE CITIES OF ISRAEL BEFORE THE SON OF MAN COMES.
Was Jesus referring to the END OF THE AGE in verse 10:22?
If so, was Jesus associating his COMING in verse 10:23 with the END OF THE AGE?
Is that why the disciples associated Jesus COMING in Matthew 24:3 with the END OF THE AGE?
Let's continue with the study of the word "END" and see if we can learn more...
Matthew 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but THE END IS NOT YET.
The END OF WHAT?
What END did the disciples ask about just 3 verses before in Matthew 24:3?
Answer: The END OF THE AGE
Notice that Jesus said the END IS NOT YET...
Therefore, "Wars and Rumors of Wars" were NOT signs of the END OF THE AGE!
Here's the parallel verse in the Gospel of Mark...
Mark 13:7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but THE END IS NOT YET.
Here's the parallel verse in the Gospel of Luke...
Luke 21:9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but THE END WILL NOT COME IMMEDIATELY.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to TRIBULATION and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
Matthew 24:10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
Matthew 24:11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:13 But HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED.
Jesus is still answering the questions that the disciples asked in 24:3 so the END in 24:13 still means the END OF THE AGE.
Didn't we see a phrase like "HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED" earlier?
Yes we did! In Matthew 10 when Jesus was warning them about their PERSECUTION...
Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. BUT HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED.
The only difference in the 2 phrases are the words "will" and "shall" and both have the same meaning.
Here's the parallel verse to Matthew 10:22 in the Gospel of Mark...
Mark 13:13 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. BUT HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED.
Therefore, there should be NO DOUBT that Jesus was talking about the END OF THE AGE in Matthew 10.
Furthermore, the word "TRIBULATION" in 24:9 was translated from the Greek word "THILIPSIS" which can also be translated as "PERSECUTION".
TRIBULATION - STRONG'S CONCORDANCE G2347 = THLIPSIS
thlip'-sis
From G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively): - afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.
In Matthew 24:10 we read about BETRAYAL & HATE. In Matthew 10:21-22 we also read about BETRAYAL & HATE.
Matthew 24:14 And THIS GOSPEL of the kingdom WILL BE PREACHED IN ALL THE WORLD as a witness to all the nations, AND THEN THE END WILL COME.
The word "WORLD" is translated from the Greek word OIKOUMENE¯ and often refers to the World of the Roman Empire.
WORLD - STRONG'S CONCORDANCE G3625 = OIKOUMENE¯
oy-kou-men'-ay
Feminine participle present passive of G3611 (as noun, by implication of G1093); land, that is, the (terrene part of the) globe; specifically the Roman empire: - earth, world.
So we see that the Preaching of the Gospel into all the world (Roman Empire) was a sign of the END OF THE AGE.
What does the Bible say about this being accomplished?
Colossians 1:4 ...since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
Colossians 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
Colossians 1:6 which has come to you, AS IT HAS ALSO IN ALL THE WORLD, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
Colossians 1:23 ...if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, WHICH WAS PREACHED TO EVERY CREATURE UNDER HEAVEN, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began
Romans 16:26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures MADE KNOWN TO ALL NATIONS, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith -
Romans 16:27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Many of the False Teachers of today claim that the END OF THE WORLD has not come because the Gospel has NOT been Preached to the entire World...
Let the WORD OF GOD be TRUE and Every Man a LIAR!
Luke 1:30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Luke 1:31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.
Luke 1:32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
Luke 1:33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE WILL BE NO END."
While verse 1:33 does not refer to the END OF THE AGE it does mean that Christ's Kingdom has NO END!
The following verses confirm that fact...
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:7 OF THE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT AND PEACE THERE SHALL BE NO END, upon the throne of David, and UPON HIS KINGDOM, TO ORDER IT, AND TO ESTABLISH IT WITH JUDGMENT AND WITH JUSTICE FROM HENCEFORTH EVEN FOR EVER. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Daniel 2:28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar WHAT WILL BE IN THE LATTER DAYS.
Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom (ROMAN EMPIRE) shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings (the Roman Empire) the God of heaven will set up A KINGDOM WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and IT SHALL STAND FOREVER.
Daniel 7:13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.
Daniel 7:14 THEN TO HIM WAS GIVEN DOMINION AND GLORY AND A KINGDOM, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM THE ONE WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED.
Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and POSSESS THE KINGDOM FOREVER, EVEN FOREVER AND EVER.
Daniel 7:27 Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. HIS KINGDOM IS AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded (The Last Trumpet): And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER!"
Earlier we learned that The AGE TO COME refers to the AGE of the MESSIAH aka the CHRISTIAN AGE aka the AGE of GRACE aka the NEW COVENANT AGE.
The Bible teaches that the AGE TO COME has NO END!
Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.
The Gospel will always be preached on earth if it is EVERLASTING!
There's NO NEED for the GOSPEL to be preached in HEAVEN is there?
In the Parable of the Tares and the Parable of the Net we learned that the HARVEST was the END OF THE AGE.
The Harvest seems to be referring to the Resurrection and Judgment.
When was the Resurrection and the Judgment supposed to occur?
1 Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so IN CHRIST ALL SHALL BE MADE ALIVE.
1 Corinthians 15:23 BUT EACH ONE IN HIS OWN ORDER: CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS, AFTERWARD THOSE WHO ARE CHRIST'S AT HIS COMING (PAROUSIA).
1 Corinthians 15:24 THEN COMES THE END, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
1 Corinthians 15:25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.
1 Corinthians 15:26 THE LAST ENEMY THAT WILL BE DESTROYED IS DEATH.
Verse 15:23 REVEALS that the Resurrection occurs at Christ's COMING or PAROUSIA!
Then COMES THE END in verse 15:24.
Most believe that 15:26 is referring to the DEATH of the physical BODY but is that what it really means?
I don't have time to cover that subject in this article so I will write an article about that later.
We have already learned that THE END refers to the END OF THIS AGE and that the AGE TO COME has NO END.
We also learned that the Disciples associated the Destruction of the Temple with Christ's COMING and the END OF THE AGE.
Jesus heard their questions so if they were wrong he would have corrected them as he had done before when they were wrong.
We also learned that Jesus Christ also associated his 2ND COMING with the END OF THE AGE!
Is the Jewish Temple that Jesus prophesied would be Destroyed in Matthew 24:2 still standing?
If not, then if we can determine when it was Destroyed then we should know WHEN the END OF THE AGE occurred shouldn't we?
Have you ever read the following book?
THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM BY GEORGE PETER HOLFORD
"An Absolute and Irresistible Proof of the Divine Origin of Christianity: Including a Narrative of the Calamities which Befell the Jews, So Far as They Tend to Verify Our Lord's Predictions Relative to that Event. With a Brief Description of the City and Temple" - 1805 AD.
The Destruction of Jerusalem is an extraordinary Preterist account that demonstrates that the End Times, so-called, occurred nearly two thousand years ago by showing facts in a convincing manner that no contradictory view (i.e. modern 'End Times' beliefs) can offer.
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The Destruction Of Jerusalem by George Peter Holford
What more can we learn about the timing of the Resurrection?
Let's research the phrase LAST DAY...
John 6:39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should RAISE IT UP AT THE LAST DAY.
John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE; AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY.
John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY.
John 6:54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood HAS ETERNAL LIFE, AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY.
John 11:24 Martha said to Him, "I know that HE WILL RISE AGAIN IN THE RESURRECTION AT THE LAST DAY.
According to JESUS the Resurrection occurs AT THE LAST DAY.
The LAST DAY of WHAT?
It must be the LAST DAY of THIS AGE aka the AGE of the LAW aka the MOSAIC AGE aka the OLD COVENANT AGE.
WHY? Because it can't be the LAST DAY of the AGE TO COME aka the AGE of the MESSIAH aka the CHRISTIAN AGE aka the AGE of GRACE aka the NEW COVENANT AGE since that AGE has NO END!
And it can't be the LAST DAY of the WORLD because the WORLD has NO END!
What else occurs in the LAST DAY?
John 12:48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WILL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY.
According to JESUS the JUDGMENT occurs IN THE LAST DAY!
Is the LAST DAY just one 24 Hour Day?
Answer: I don't know but if you make it to Heaven you can ask Jesus.
Here's some applicable verses from the Apostle Peter about the JUDGMENT and THE END...
1 Peter 4:5 They will give an account to Him who is READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.
There are many now who believe that it was Jesus Coming in Judgment when the Jewish Temple and Jerusalem were Destroyed in 70 AD and that was a Judgment of the Living but what about the Judgment of the Dead?
The Apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 4:5: "READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD"!
Some will say that he has been READY for 2,000 YEARS.
People will say anything instead of admitting that they Believed a LIE!
1 Peter 4:7 But THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; therefore be serious and WATCHFUL IN YOUR PRAYERS.
The Apostle James (Jesus half-brother) said...
James 5:8 YOU also be patient. Establish your hearts, for THE COMING OF THE LORD IS AT HAND.
James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest YOU be condemned. Behold, THE JUDGE IS STANDING AT THE DOOR!
The YOU in the verses above are the 12 tribes of Israel who were scattered abroad...
James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, TO THE TWELVE TRIBES WHICH ARE SCATTERED ABROAD: Greetings.
Some would have you believe that the 10 northern tribes of Israel were lost but it appears that James knew where they were!
So Jesus and the Apostles John, Peter and James taught that JUDGMENT would occur at the END OF THE AGE.
Notice also that Peter and James said Christ's 2ND COMING was AT HAND (NEAR) almost 2,000 YEARS AGO!
Did Jesus have anything to say about the TIMING of his 2ND COMING?
YES HE DID!
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
Matthew 16:28 Assuredly, I say to YOU, THERE ARE SOME STANDING HERE WHO SHALL NOT TASTE DEATH TILL THEY SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN HIS KINGDOM."
Who was Jesus speaking to?
Answer: HIS DISCIPLES
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to HIS DISCIPLES, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
You don't believe some of the Disciples are still alive do you?
Jesus also said...
Matthew 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Matthew 24:30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 24:31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:34 Assuredly, I say to YOU, THIS GENERATION WILL BY NO MEANS PASS AWAY TILL ALL THESE THINGS TAKE PLACE.
What THINGS?
Answer: Tribulation, Christ's 2nd Coming in his Kingdom, the Resurrection, Judgment and the End of the Age.
Who was the "YOU" Jesus was speaking to?
Answer: THE DISCIPLES
Matthew 24:3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, THE DISCIPLES came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
So did Jesus do what he said that he was going to do when he said that he was going to do it?
If not, then that makes him a FALSE PROPHET!
Are you going to believe what Jesus said?
OR
Would you rather believe the false doctrines of men?
The Decision is YOURS to make.
Remember this...
Hebrews 11:6 But WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Thank you for reading all of this!
I know that MOST of those who read it will be SHOCKED and will have a hard time accepting this teaching because of their old learning.
I have done my best to show you what the Bible says.
You can believe what you want but as for me I will always Seek the Truth and base my Beliefs on the WORD OF GOD!
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU A REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU, WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR;
1 Peter 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
The Apostle Paul wrote the following to Timothy but I believe that it APPLIES TO US (YOU & I) as well...
2 Timothy 2:15 BE DILIGENT TO PRESENT YOURSELF APPROVED TO GOD, A WORKER WHO DOES NOT NEED TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.
2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and ALL WHO DESIRE TO LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS WILL SUFFER PERSECUTION.
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
2 Timothy 3:15 and that from childhood you have known THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, WHICH ARE ABLE TO MAKE YOU WISE FOR SALVATION THROUGH FAITH WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.
2 Timothy 3:16 ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS,
2 Timothy 3:17 THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE, THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
THE LAST DAYS AND THE AGE TO COME - ED STEVENS (PDF)
Provided with permission from Ed Stevens - https://www.preterist.org/