Has Jesus Returned? Part I
“Tis evident that when Christ speaks of His coming; His being revealed; His coming in His kingdom or His kingdom coming, He has respect to His appearing in those great works of His power, Justice, and Grace, which should be in the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM and other extraordinary Provinces which should attend it.”
- Jonathan Edwards 1776
“And all this prophecy of what would result from their insolence against Christ has been clearly proved to have taken place.”
- Eusebius 314 AD
Show 32 407 Has Jesus Returned? Part I
August 5th 2014
Live from the Mecca of Mormonism, this is HEART OF THE MATTER where . . . Christian Fruits Meet Religious Nuts Face to Face. And I’m your host, Shawn McCraney
Available Resources
We have three books that are of benefit in different ways: “I Was a Born Again Mormon,” “If My Kingdom Were of this World then my Servants would Fight,” and “Where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face.” We also have four full music CDs which contain 57 songs that cover 136 passages of scripture that will go directly from your ears to your heart. Take a look. Go to www.hotm.tv to order. If you are poor and cannot pay, write us, and we will send them to you free of charge. You can also go to iTunes and type in Mallory Mccraney and find them there.
Online Interactions
I’ve recently learned that people are writing to us via email, asking us questions—some of which we refuse to engage with—and then go to other social media outlets (like disgracebook and blogs and even their own church websites) and report what has or has not been said. The other day I was sitting in a public place and writing when a friend walked up and said:
“I hear you have been having online dialogues with (so and so).”
I didn’t even know who he was talking about and had to go back into our emails and find the written interaction. What was disturbing to me is I was never told the person was using every word I typed as a means to critique me and my person. This type of stuff is becoming more and more the way of corporate Christians. As I reflected on it, a song came to my head, and I want to share it with you right now as it speaks my heart so well it’s as though I wrote it myself:
Thanks to Brett Gurwitz for the lyrics which go like this:
Here’s the story of an honest man losing religion. Climbing the pulpit steps before an eager congregation. And while praying came a wicked inspiration – Brothers, Sisters, this is what he said:
Dearly beloved, dearly beloved, dearly beloved, I can’t relate, I can’t relate to you!
I can’t relate to you oo.”
I do not think I am superior to anyone—because I’m not. But I cannot relate to people (Christian or not) who are constantly putting others on trial, who are always sizing up our faith, and who seem to live to separate from others rather than congregate. If you fit this description, you are welcome in my life, at our church, as my brother, but . . . “I can’t relate to you.”
Christians and Government
We haven’t had much going on relative to American Evangelical Christianity and American politics but I want to just take a minute and read some passages from the Bible relative to Christians and government. We live at a time where American Christians are generally known more for what we stand against than what we stand for. If we questioned most educated people today that are not believers and asked: “Describe the general characteristics of a committed Evangelical Christian?” I am sure we would hear something about Christians being:
American Christians and Political Involvement
Politically conservative, anti-abortion, against homosexuals and homosexual marriage, anti-stem-cell research, pro prayer in school, often great unbridled criticism for President Obama, and sometimes other names that ride in on such attitudes like Tea Party, the Moral Majority, Christian Coalition, Christian voice, and the Eagle Forum. Ironically, we might also find many people describing Christians in America as being highly supportive of the NRA, militias, and groups protecting our borders. And then in the end, if we are lucky enough, someone just might suggest that American Christians follow . . . Jesus.
Jesus' Stance on Social and Political Issues
The irony is Jesus never addressed any of these social ills – especially from a political point of view. Neither did His apostles. As the author and finisher of our faith He didn’t lobby for any rights or get people to fight the government. He submitted to injustice and explained very clearly: “If my Kingdom were of this world then my servants would fight.”
In 1st Timothy Paul says something to believers about the attitude we ought to have for those in rule over us and says:
1st Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Biblical Instructions on Government
Earlier, in Romans chapter 13 we read these instructions to believers relative to government:
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
My point? Maybe it’s time that Christians back away from all things political and bent on social reform. Maybe it’s time to spend our time and money sharing Jesus?
I have frightened believers tell me all the time: “But we have to fight for our rights to share Jesus or else they will be taken from us.” This is the way I see it – we obey and submit to the laws of the land and the kings placed over us. If it comes to the point where we have to choose between God and the laws of man we always choose God – possibly suffering for such choices (like the early Christians). But until that time we do not fight, we do NOT war against flesh and blood – we pray, we submit, and in Jesus name, we honor the King’s placed over us.
Understanding the Timing of Jesus' Return
I have learned over the years in dealing with the LDS that there is a period in every discussion or presentation when nothing being delivered is being heard. It’s usually at the beginning of a discussion or when too much time and information has been presented and a break is needed. It’s understandable. We all have so much swimming around in our heads that when we are confronted with information that challenges our traditions and preconceived notions, we automatically put up walls and defenses – it’s human nature. I’ve also discovered that often most of us do not really hear what a challenger is saying but are instead trying to think of exceptions and responses to the things that sneak through and upset us. With all of this in mind, I am going to approach our topic of “When does the Bible say Jesus should return” in a rather unusual way.
Are you ready? I am going to start by offering you another way to consider viewing the book of Revelation. Now ask yourselves, who was the book of Revelation written to? Why was it written and then delivered to them? When the recipients received it, did they read it and say to themselves: We’ll these writings don’t have anything to do with us – they are for the future! Or did they gather around and dissect every word, and take them seriously?
Historical Perspective on Revelation
So let’s put all this together and examine the book of Revelation from a genuine historical perspective. First of all, let’s touch on the date that it was written. Today many believers teach and are taught that the book was written by John in 95 AD. Let’s just agree to this for now and take a few minutes and examine what the revelation actually says. It opens up chapter one, verse one, and says:
Revelation 1:1-2 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” That word translated shortly comes from the Greek word Tachos, and it means in a brief period of time. It does NOT allow for a hundred or a thousand or two thousand years but a short span. It is only used fifteen times in the New Testament and always means “in a quick period of time.”
The Audience of Revelation
So in the introduction of the book of Revelation, the Lord gives (the Revelation that God gave Him) which was to show His servants (who were alive at that time) things which must SHORTLY come to pass. Now, I don’t know about you, but this passage causes me to think two things: Either when the scripture says shortly it doesn’t mean shortly, and the readers of this revelation were fooled, and the book has need of constant revision since it was written to fit the changing times OR it meant exactly what it said and those who read it (AT THAT TIME AND TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN) believed and trusted in what it said, that it was true and reliable and trustworthy from God’s mouth, to Jesus ear, to John’s pen. Simple as that.
But let’s move on. Third verse first chapter – ready? “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 The Greek word is Engoos and it means nearby. Three verses into the Revelation and we’ve already had two warnings to the reader that the time (for the things written in Revelation) to occur.
Well, who is reading this Revelation? Who was it written to and who was Jesus telling that the time was at hand? (first line of verse 4 we read) “John to the seven churches which are in Asia.” Those churches had people in them. And those people were trusting in the words John was delivering to them on Jesus' errand, right? Or no?
See, at this point a great majority of believers today are ready to offer up resistances. “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” they will say, “but there is so much in Revelation that hasn’t happened yet so we know that . . .” Know that what? Jesus was wrong. The time was not at hand?
Let’s move on. Jump to verse seven, which says, yet again: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also
The Return of Jesus
From the passage in Revelation 1:7, we understand that the verses are referring to the imminent return of Jesus. Would you agree so far, or is there a misunderstanding? Verse seven also indicates that Jesus will come in the clouds, just as He left, and every eye shall see Him. This line is often used by futurists, those who believe Jesus' return is still ahead of us, to argue that since not every eye has seen Him return, it hasn't happened yet. However, we must consider all scripture before concluding what a single verse means.
Understanding Scripture Context
In Hebrews 9:28, it is written, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them ‘that look for him shall he appear the second time’ without sin unto salvation.” This suggests that when Jesus says every eye shall see Him, it refers to every eye looking for Him. Revelation 1:7 further states, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him.” We know that those who participated in His death and are looking for Him will see Him return, indicating the timeframe being discussed.
Futurists often justify the phrase “and they also which pierced Him (shall see Him)” by claiming it refers to all of us, as if we all pierced Him. However, the Bible only speaks of those who pierced Him as the actual people involved in His crucifixion.
The Implications of Revelation 1:7
Finally, verse seven mentions that “all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.” The term “foolay” could mean “tribes,” as in the twelve tribes of Israel or kinfolk, and “ge” in Greek could simply mean the country. Thus, the last line of verse seven could be read as “And all the twelve tribes of the country will wail because of Him,” possibly due to His presence or the judgment He brought upon Jerusalem.
Verse 11 emphasizes the context, with Jesus instructing John: “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia.” These were real house churches at that time. Why would Jesus have John write what he sees and then send it specifically to those churches?
What would the recipients of these house churches think upon hearing these words from Jesus to John? Would they believe the events weren't going to happen, or that they were imminent?
As we move from the first chapter of Revelation to the last, remember that everything in between has been assigned a future date. It has been received in churches today and historically as not having occurred. If it did not occur, why did Jesus say it was going to happen shortly? Why did He have John send it to actual churches in actual places at that time? Was it for none of it to have application, or for them to ponder the content and question its timing?
Understanding the Revelation
So in chapter one Jesus emphatically repeats that He is coming quickly, He tells John who this Revelation was for, and He even goes on to say that those who pierced Him would see Him. In the last chapter of Revelation, the other bookend as it were, John continues to write the things he saw. At this point we would have to agree that the Revelation is choked full of imagery. Christian’s post Christ’s resurrection were involved in spiritual warfare and so the language (though extremely apocalyptical in nature) is speaking to images and solutions and advice that is discovered in realms of the spirit FOR the BELIEVERS OF THAT DAY and is not a map of future destructions.
We cannot possibly think we can sufficiently comprehend the book outside the obvious – Jesus came and conquered all, hang on amidst suffering for His cause, He’s coming back to get you (and we might understand that last part spiritually and even physically.)
The Messages in Chapter 22
So, to chapter 22. At verse 6 John writes: “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Because this is at the end of the Revelation I take this to mean that all the things between chapter one and twenty two must shortly be done. There’s that Tachos word again which means “speedily, near at hand.”
The next verse? (7) A repeat of what was said in the first chapter: “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he (who are in the seven churches) that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Revelation 22:7 Again from the Greek, I come without delay.
The Repeated Promise
Verse 10 (listen carefully folks) as John writes: “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. The word for at hand means “nigh,” “before you.” Again! Again TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES, TWO VERSES AWAY JESUS REITERATES AGAIN, saying: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
And then after warning the readers there in the Seven Churches about messing with the contents of the Revelation, we read from John (in the second to the last verse): “He (meaning Jesus) which testifieth these things saith, “Surely I come quickly. Amen.” And then the apostle John adds to all of these warnings, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Four reminders in the opening chapter of the Revelation that He was coming quickly and four reminders in the last chapter that does the same. Why haven’t the majority of believers read these simple Bible verses and accepted them as true but have instead been waiting for Jesus to return?
Because they have all together missed what Jesus and His apostles said about His coming, and believing that He has yet to arrive, have created a series of fictions that fit with their ideas of what books like Revelation, Daniel and Ezekiel say. And for nearly two thousand years people have been running about getting ready for His imminent second coming – a term that is not even in the Bible.
