Question from a friend of WordTruth Ministries:
>>can you explain to me the
verse in matthew 24:29-30? Has this been fulfilled already or is it talking
about a future event?
WordTruth.Com Response:
Here is the Scripture you asked about:
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. 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 24:29-30, NKJV)
The short answer to your question is that this verse refers to a future
event. Our LORD Jesus Christ is speaking to His disciples about events
both preceding and associated with His second coming. The "tribulation
of those days" refers to the preceding events
-- referred to in the Bible by various terms such as the "great tribulation"
or the "time of Jacob's distress". It is a seven year period of judgment
on the earth because of a nearly global rejection of God. This will immediately
precede the second coming of Christ which everyone will see, not just His
followers. Notice the reference "all
the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man..."
Those who in this life have put trust and faith in the LORD Jesus Christ
as Savior will rejoice at His second coming. But those who reject Christ
will mourn because of their sin.
As you can see by the startling references to the sun, moon, and stars
being shaken in the heavens, the second coming of Christ will be unmistakable.
Some religious groups teach that Jesus' second coming was invisible or
secret. This totally contradicts the word of God which you see in this
text. It is a spectacular event. The only question regarding the second
coming of Christ at this point is "Are you ready for the second coming
of Christ?" Have you realized you are a sinner (Romans 3:23) and that your
sin separates you from the love of God (Romans 6:23)? Have you believed
in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for your sins (Romans
5:8) and have you committed your life to Him as LORD and Savior (Romans
10:9-10)? For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved
(Romans 10:13). If you have responded to His call on your life to follow
Him, then you are ready for His glorious appearing, even rejoicing at the
thought. If not, then you should turn from your sin and put your trust
in the LORD Jesus Christ today. Read more on this good news -
click here.
May the LORD Jesus Christ bless you with wisdom and courage to live
for Him!
Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth.Com Ministry
Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would
like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please
send your e-mail to:
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Web Site: WordTruth.Com
Copyright 5/17/2000, Randy Lariscy.
