"This Generation"

Covenanter · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 1446

Matthew 24:34 Verily I say to you, this generation may not pass away till all these may come to pass. (YLT)

Are we, alive today, "This Generation" - the generation that will see Jesus' return?

I have prepared a study based on many internet discussions.
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May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will ... (Hebrews 13:20-21)

jtheb · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 1452 Location: second childhood

We may be, but I think it unlikely.
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davelarge · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:57 pm Post subject:

How about an answer that says "It's possible, but no-one will know the day or the hour"?

What's your opinion, Covenanter?
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Covenanter · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 1446

davelarge · Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject:

Why not have all three options?

The return of Jesus is a subject that I've never studied in earnest. It seems too big to know where to start...
At the same time though, I know that I personally don't live my life as if Jesus' return is imminent. (Incidentally, I believe to be the correct approach to take, even if Jesus' return isn't actually imminent. If we don't know either way then we should still be prepared, in my opinion.) That is a challenge that I must confront myself with more often. Thanks for (indirectly) raising it, Covenanter. 8-)
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Covenanter · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 1446

Whatever did Paul mean?
1 Cor. 7:29 What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;

The thrust of the passage seems to be that the Lord's return is so imminent that marriage is only to to engaged in to avoid temptation to fornication. And there would be few children to be brought up in the faith.

Have we that Gospel urgency 2,000 years on? I think not. Any further thoughts?
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May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will ... (Hebrews 13:20-21)

davelarge · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Well clearly we don't have that urgency!

I suppose I would be branded a heretic if I were to suggest that Paul might have been getting a bit too enthusiastic as he wrote that part?
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bobbyc · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 1367

I don't think it's a case of Paul being too enthusiastic Dave, but rather a genuine belief of his (and the apostles) that he/they would witness Christ's triumphant return in their own lifetimes. As such spreading the gospel would/ought to take precedence over 'mundane' matters like getting married and taking on the responsibility of another person. Now if that puts me among the heretics I hope you're good company! Icon_biggrin