First, in the foreword, we offer a brief testimony that God is not a God who issues commands for our actions all the time. Second, we discuss the prophecy of the temple’s destruction. Third, we address the signs of the end times, specifically noting that the calamity here refers to suffering like the pains of childbirth. Fourth, it mentions suffering for the gospel and not premeditating what to say, as the triune God will preserve us in His own way. Fifth, it speaks of the Lord’s return and some of its circumstances. Sixth, it refers to gathering the elect of the Church. Finally, we have to be alerting and watchful regarding the Son of Man’s return.
1. Foreword
We often speak of obeying God, yet God is by no means a deity who issues commands for actions all the time. The triune God grants us a measure of freedom to make certain decisions, as the Scriptures also affirm. Jesus, incarnate as the Word, obeyed God, as the scripture declares: “…I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. …”(John 14:31) Yet in healing the leper, “Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” …”(Mark 1:40-41) Similarly, in healing the two blind men, “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.”(Matthew 20:34) If God were to command every action without exception, how could there be instances like Jesus being moved with compassion?
During His incarnation, He remained fully God, for this is His inherent nature, unchangeable. Yet He “…emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”(Philippians 2:7) We do not know how He accomplished this, but He truly became fully human, as Scripture declares, “and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.”(John 5:27) During this period, He never once exercised His divinity. That is why it says, “…for He gives the Spirit without measure.”(John 3:34) If He had used His divinity during this time, why would He still need the Holy Spirit?
In this topicwise Bible study, we have talked about that God is absolutely not a God who issues commands for our every actions. Those who participated in the study know that, if I remembered, I usually reminded everyone of the topic: this time was ‘1164 Temple, end times, tribulation and rescue, second coming, gathering, vigilance – Mark(13)1-37’. The final topic we saw was ‘1164 Temple, end times, tribulation and preservation, second coming, gathering, vigilance – Mark(13)1-37’. Why the discrepancy? Because the original fourth sub-topic instructed us not to worry beforehand, thus ‘rescuing’ us—in other words, ‘preserving’ us. Initially, I didn’t consider this point. Later, I realized this phrasing was better in Chinese and revised it in the fourth sub-title and outline, but forgot to update the main title, hence the discrepancy.
Thus, “let the Holy Spirit lead Bible study” does not mean that the said words are repeating everything the Spirit says verbatim. If that were the case, there would be no room for error. In reality, corrections are sometimes needed when we misinterpret or make wrong decisions within our freedom. When correction is required, the Holy Spirit may reveal it directly through thoughts or through others’ words. This time, it was merely replacing a title with a better one, yet it sufficiently demonstrates that God is not a God who issues commands for our every actions.
As before, this article is based on a topicwise Bible study. The hymn chosen in this study relates to Christians living a vibrant life. For Christians to live a vibrant life, they must follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. If we cannot even study the Bible truly under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, how much less can we manage other daily aspects of life? In our previous post,
“250823 1 A method for having life by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide Bible study,” we proposed a method that is absolutely feasible. I know it is absolutely feasible because it is a promise from the Bible. However, it does not specify how long it will take, as the Holy Spirit holds absolute sovereignty in determining when to begin guiding us in Bible study.
My situation was unique—it took me over twenty years to reach this point. Yours likely won’t take that long, but I estimate you’ll need at least five years of such Bible reading. Consider that Paul spent three years receiving his first revelations in the wilderness. We call his “first” because revelations continued to come, which is why he said, “If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know.”(1 Corinthians 8:2) He understood clearly that God is infinite while humans are finite. So, five years is truly not excessive for us. Remember that slow work produces fine results. God called Moses only after forty years of shepherding. We certainly won’t wait that long.
2. The prophecy of the temple’s destruction
“As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.””(Mark 13:1-2)
The same event is recorded in Matthew 24:1-2 and Luke 19:41-44, both stating that not one stone would be left upon another. The latter reads: “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.””(Luke 19:41-44)
Jesus clearly foretold Jerusalem’s destruction, yet it remained hidden from them—their eyes were not opened. Just as He plainly prophesied His resurrection three days after death, yet the disciples only believed when they saw it, so too did God still show favor to Jerusalem at that time, sparing it from destruction.
Here lies an apparent contradiction: the Books of Mark and Matthew describe events occurring after the cleansing of the temple, while the Book of Luke places them just before entering Jerusalem—before the cleansing. Some might suggest that if Jesus had prophesied twice, this apparent contradiction would not exist. Yet He never prophesied the same event twice within such a short span. In truth, this apparent contradiction in the prophecy draws our attention to the fact that “not one stone will be left upon another”—thus fulfilling the purpose of the apparent contradiction.
Some explain this by suggesting that when the Second Temple was destroyed, Roman soldiers burned the temple, melting the gold leaf into the stones. People then dismantled the temple to extract the gold, leaving “not one stone upon another.” This seems a reasonable explanation, but where is the evidence?
3. Signs of the end times
“As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (G5604).”(Mark 13:3-8)
They asked about Jerusalem, but here Jesus’ answer clearly refers to the end times. The same event is recorded in Luke 21:7-13 and Matthew 24:3-8. Though there are some differences, they are based on the same reality. The account of this event must align with all the records, meaning we must take the union of all descriptions.
Regarding the former, we previously discussed in “1. The signs of the end and countermeasures” under “1080 The end of the world, the return of Jesus, and the parable of sprouting – Jesus (32),” where we discussed Luke 21:7-18 in detail. There we stated, “we see in the scriptures the signs of the end times and the Christian countermeasures, which is not to think in advance what to say, but to rely completely on the Holy Spirit, and in the process, to endure to the end.” Please visit our website ‘https://a-christian-voice.com/‘, click ‘On spiritual understanding about life’, and locate this article.
Regarding the latter, a specific phrase is added: “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (G5604).”(Matthew 24:8) This word G5604 appears only four times, referring to the pains of childbirth. Its meaning is clearly seen in this scripture: “While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains (G5604) upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.”(1 Thessalonians 5:3) The final occurrence is in this verse: “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony (G5604) of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”(Acts 2:24) The agony of death is likened to the pain of childbirth, for there is no greater physical suffering in life than that endured during childbirth.
4. Persecution for the Gospel and its preservation
“But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”(Mark 13:9-13)
The final passage describes events we indeed witness in reality: non-Christian relatives persecuting Christians who endure to the end. Regarding being flogged in the synagogue, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”(John 15:20) Christians are all servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider how they treated Jesus: “They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.””(Mark 10:32-34) How could the disciples, who were to bear witness by preaching the gospel to all nations, avoid suffering the same fate?
Regarding not worrying about what to say beforehand, Luke’s Gospel states: “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives (G5590, soul).”(Luke 21:14-19)
The Book of Matthew records a similar passage: ““Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”(Matthew 24:9-14)
Indeed, if God does not permit it, not even a hair of the head will be harmed despite persecution. One must always endure, and will be preserved. Here it clearly states that some will be killed as martyrs. From a human perspective, one might ask: How is this called preservation? This is because God’s view of death is vastly different from man’s. Are not those who are martyred for the Lord blessed? Do they not share in the millennial kingdom, as the scripture says? “…I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, …they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”(Revelation 20:4) Not everyone is qualified to be martyred for the Lord.
Matthew’s Gospel speaks of similar things: “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”(Matthew 24:9-14)
Do not let your love grow cold, as it did in the church at Ephesus. Does not the Scripture clearly state this? “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”(Revelation 2:4) This love refers to the love for the Lord, which must not be forsaken. For humans were created in the image and likeness of the triune God (cf. Genesis 1:26-27). When Christians reflect on this, their love naturally extends to others. Doesn’t Scripture say, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.”(1 John 4:20-21)
5. The Lord’s return
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that it may not happen in the winter. For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.”(Mark 13:14-23)
These verses clearly describe certain aspects of Jesus’ return, so I won’t elaborate further. The same event is recorded in Matthew 24:15-25, specifying it will not occur in winter or on the Sabbath, and identifying it as Daniel’s prophecy. From Daniel’s book, we know this refers to the passage: “Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation.”(Daniel 11:31) Furthermore, in Matthew 24:25, following the warning about being forewarned, this passage is added: “So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”(Matthew 24:26-28)
We know the cult Eastern Lightning, now renamed the Church of Almighty God, bases itself on these scriptures. Be wary of their attempts to pass off counterfeit as genuine. The Scriptures clearly state the purpose of foretelling: “Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.”(John 14:29) Jesus acted for our sake, not to exalt Himself. He is “…gentle and humble in heart, …”(Matthew 11:29). Here, too, the circumstances of Jesus’ return are clearly described, though no specific time is given, for “(“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”)”(Revelation 16:15). If you hear anyone claim the Lord will come on a specific year, month, or day, do not believe them, for it will surely be false. Numerous such predictions have already been proven false, and future claims will meet the same fate.
6. Gathering the elect of the Church
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.”(Mark 13:24-27)
The same event is recorded in Matthew 24:29-31. When He returns in glory, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.”(Revelation 1:7) This scripture does not refer to the actual person who pierced Him on the cross, but to those who do not believe in Him. They will certainly mourn for Him at that time. As for Christians, “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”(Luke 21:28)
7. Be alerting and watchful regarding the Son of Man’s return
““Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’””(Mark 13:28-37)
This certainly does not mean we cannot physically sleep, but rather that we should be alerting and watchful. It shows that one can remain alerting and watchful even while sleeping—otherwise, what if Jesus came while we were asleep? Matthew’s Gospel addresses this matter in this way: ““Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”(Matthew 24:32-44)
The first part is identical to Mark’s account, while the latter part is new. It begins by comparing Noah’s flood—which came unexpectedly—to the coming of the Son of Man. Next, the example of women is given, suggesting a fifty-fifty chance, but this is merely a figure of speech. If we look at the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, we see that fewer than half are victorious. We must strive to be among the victorious, not merely saved. Finally, the example of the thief also illustrates that we do not know the exact time of the Lord’s return.
We must truly be watchful and alert at all times, for not only does Jesus be “…coming like a thief. …”(Revelation 16:15) but also “…Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5:8). This underscores that if we remain in our old selves, we will find that “…For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”(Romans 7:18). Only the Holy Spirit’s leading can transform our lives.
Because “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”(Mark 13:32) we understand that during the incarnation, the Son and the Father were distinct in this regard—a special case, since ordinarily “I and the Father are one.”(John 10:30) Another exception occurred when He was on the cross: “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?””(Matthew 27:46)
The Bible never states that the fig tree represents Israel; it explicitly identifies the vineyard as Israel, as the scripture declares: “For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel And the men of Judah His delightful plant. …”(Isaiah 5:7) Therefore, those who claim that the sprouting of branches and leaves signifies Israel’s restoration are merely projecting their own thoughts, with no biblical basis whatsoever. Here, it simply describes a natural phenomenon: ““Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.”(Mark 13:28) We previously shared this clearly in “4. Use the sprouting of fig tree and all the trees to recognize that the kingdom of God is near” of “1080.” Please find that article.
(Verses refer to those in NASB95 unless otherwise specified.)
(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)
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