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Return of Christ

26th May 2008, mgh

 

3) Israel & Jerusalem as a Sign of the Return

The gospel of Luke quotes from the prophecy given by Jesus and this gives an indication of the time of the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. A time is given. Jerusalem would be 'trodden down of the Gentiles' until the time when the Jews would once again be established in their homeland. In 1967, the city of Jerusalem was once again ruled by the Jews and freed from Gentile, that is non-Jewish domination. Jesus also states that there will be a time of distress and fear on the earth. As far as the early Christians were concerned, this was to be many years in the future, during which time the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God would be spread throughout the world. Jesus said,

“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles (Non-Jews), until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh. (Luke 21:24-28)

The apostle Paul, with confidence, when writing to Timothy stated that the reward for the faithful would be given at Jesus' 'appearing', which is the return of Jesus to the earth.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2Timothy 4:7-8)

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