I will add each verse of Matthew 24 with commentary, in order of verse. Some verses will be missing if not written yet. Some will be added if I have been asked about a particular verse and have written an explanation about that verse.
Matt.24:1
"Departing now, Jesus was on his way from the temple, but his disciples approached to show him the buildings of the temple."
Our scene begins with Jesus leaving the Jewish temple, likely for the last time
due to his disgust with the corruption of the religious leaders (see Matt.23:38,39;
Psalm26:4,5).
His disciples may be perplexed and shocked by Jesus' decision to abandon the
religious system of his day. They try calling his attention to the stature and meaning
of the Jewish Temple, perhaps hoping to reason with what they may view as
a rash, drastic, and dangerous decision on Jesus' part.
Jesus' disciples were not only trying to make Jesus look at the physical
architecture. They well knew that he had already seen that, countless times
throughout his life (Luke2:27,41,46,49).
Jesus once referred to this Temple before.....
“Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 Therefore the Jews said: “This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you
raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was talking about the temple of his body."
(John2:19-21)
According to an accuser, Jesus had said,
“We heard him say, ‘I will throw down this temple that was made with hands
and in three days I will build another not made with hands.’” Mark14:58
Jesus was going to cause the system of worship symbolized by the literal temple,
to collapse. He himself was going to "throw down" the "temple made with hands".
Yet as we will see, he also referred to his own physical body as the Temple.
While Jesus did freely surrender his flesh as a ransom (John2:19; 10:17,18),
he did not kill himself (nor throw down the temple of his body).
Nor did he "raise" himself (see pearl-raiseitup.blogspot.com ).
The temple being thrown down then (the one "made with hands"), was
not his physical body. So then, according to scripture, what "temples" are being
"thrown down" and "raised up"?
[for the meaning of this, see 1Cor.3:16; Col.1:18; Eph.1:22; 4:15; 5:23; 1Pet.2:5;
2Cor.5:1; Hebrews11:10; 1Cor.3:9)
From these previous scriptures, we see that the temple which would be
"raised up" would be the "temple" of God, the 144,000 holy priesthood.
These are, at the same time, Christ's body, with Jesus as Head of that body.
Therefore, when we read Mark14:58 and John2:21...
"I will throw down this temple that was made with hands and in three
days I will build another not made with hands." and "But he was talking about the
temple of his body." ...we see that according to the scriptures, that Temple/Body,
are the Chosen Ones who faithfully conquer Satan's tests, and enter in among
those 144,000 who become sealed. These "living stones" form God's "temple".
That "holy priesthood" would become the new place of pure worship, in accord
with "spirit and truth" John4:24; Rev.7:4; 1Pet.2:5.
These scriptures also indicate, that the "temple" made with hands that was due
to be "thrown down", was the Jewish System of worship and the Law Covenant.
(Matt.21:43; Romans11:17,24; 9:25; Gal.4:9,10,11,24,25,30; 5:3,4,6).
Jesus established this new "temple", by means of the ransom.
Through his blood, a New Covenant would be inaugurated for a new "temple"
of his "body" (Matt.26:28)...a temple for "God to inhabit" (Eph.2:21,22;
2Cor.6:16)...the one built upon the True Cornerstone (Acts4:11),
the "foundation" of the Twelve Apostles and prophets (Eph.2:20),
and the 144,000 "living stones" ..."parts" belonging to Christ's "body".
(1Cor.12:12; Eph.4:16) Even with the interpretation of Jesus' "thrown down"
"temple" being his literal flesh, that ransom sacrifice was the means by which
the temple of 144,000 would be "raised up" to become Christ's "body".
When this temple becomes completed (Rev.14:1; 6:10,11; 12:10,11),
it will become Jesus' "bride" (Rev.21:2; 22:17), who will be "one flesh"
with her Lord and Head, the Christ. (Eph.5:23,27,29,30,31,32; John17:21)
This great consummation between Christ and New Jerusalem, will result in the
restoration of Creation, to everlasting life in perfect peace. (Romans8:22,19,21)]
----------------------
Jesus was on his way from a temple made with physical stones, constructed
by human hands. According to the disciple's actions in Matt.24:1, these men were
impressed by the accomplishment of these stately temple buildings, and the
authority they represented. The Jewish Temple also represented YHVH's
Covenant with His chosen nation. Did Jesus need to be reminded of this?
Was his abandonment of the Temple an act of rebellious unfaithfulness?
Matt.24:2
"In response he said to them: “Do YOU not behold all these things? Truly I say to YOU, By no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”
Here we receive confirmation that the "temple" to be "thrown down", is indeed
the physical temple in Jerusalem (not Jesus' body). "All these things" that were
to be thrown down, were the stones the disciples were "beholding"; ...confirming
again that this was the temple buildings, and not Christ's literal flesh.
Yes, for a certainty, it was the Jewish system that was about to expire...to be
replaced by the gathering of a spiritual temple of righteous men, made perfect
(Heb.12:22,23) ["perfect", according to a mature stature of Christ (Eph.4:13,15;
1Pet.5:10; 2Tim.4:6,7,8; Rev.12:11; Gal.3:27; 2Thess.2:14; Rev.20:4; Rom.6:3)].
We now today, also have in place a religious age, a "temple" of "stones"...
a system of worship that has emerged (Matt.13:39,40) and is flourishing
in this world (Luke16:8). These too, are prophesied to reject and persecute the
true and faithful seed (Gal.4:29; Rev.13:7,8; 2Thess.2:4,9,10,2; Rev.16:13,14;
Matt.24:15,24).
These "stones" too, will suffer destruction (Nahum1:6; Rev.20:10; 14:9,10,19,20;
Rev.8:8; Matt.24:51; Matt.7:27).
This present system of worship is also due to be replaced (2Thess.2:8; Zeph.1:4,14)
Jesus compared the end of the Jewish system of worship, to the end of the system
of worship in the last days (Matt.24:3).
(This will be examined fully as we continue our hike through Matthew chapter 24.)
The heavenly Jerusalem, is not based in an organization of imperfect men (Rev.21:2).
There is not one imperfect man who can rightly direct the steps of another (Jer.10:23).
To obey an imperfect man, is to become his slave (Rom.6:16). In order to be a loyal
slave of God ; we must obey God, Christ, and the Bible (Col.3:24) exclusively.....
and not men (1Cor.7:23; Ex.20:5; Gal.1:10; Ps.146:3) whose doctrines dare to
go beyond the teachings of the true God (1Cor.4:6; 2Thess.2:2; 2Cor.11:13;
Mark7:7; Rev.2:2). It is God's spirit which "completely equips us for every
good work" (2Tim.3:16,17), that we may worship Him in spirit and truth (John4:24).
Men of truth do not deviate from it (John7:18; 14:6; 8:47).
Only God, Jesus Christ (John14:6), and his completed, glorified "Bride" can
provide everlasting life. (Job 14:4; 1Cor.15:50; John4:14; Rev.22:17; Isa.43:11).
When the Kingdom government truly does arrive, it will "crush, and put an end
to all other kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite" Dan.2:44; 1Cor.15:24.
It will "come down out of heaven from God" (Rev.21:2), not rise up from the "earth"
while Satan still holds dominion and authority over this world (Rev.13:11; 1John5:19).
Soon the New Covenant will also expire and be fulfilled, just as the Law Covenant did.
This is why the symbols of the New Covenant (the partaking of the bread and wine)
cease when Christ arrives (1Cor.11:26).
Once 144,000 of the "seed" are all sealed (Gal.3:29; Rev.7:4), the living stones are
placed in the Holy Temple, the "trees of life" are in the Holy City, and 144,000
are seen with the Lamb on Mt. Zion; the New Covenant is fulfilled. (Rev.22:1,2; 14:1)
God's "Chosen Nation" of literal, physical Israel were in Covenant with God, for
the bringing forth of the seed, Christ. When this was fulfilled, so was that Covenant.
(Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:6,7,8,9,10; Gen.28:14; Gal.3:16).
(The Jews had the choice to move forward to keep pace with God's
progressive purpose (Matt.15:24; 10:6).Those who did not, by rejecting the
promised seed, were left behind. (Acts2:36,37,38,39; Rom.11:20,21,23)
From this we see that if any physical descendant of Abraham accepted Christ,
he would automatically receive an anointing, and become one of the 144,000.
This invitation went out to them first. But there were not 144,000 Jews who
accepted Jesus. So this invitation became extended to those of the Gentiles,
who became circumcised in heart. Heb.8:10; Romans2:28,29; 4:9-14;
Matt.23:26. (read parable, at Matt.22:1-14).
The same is true of the New Covenant. It's purpose? To bring forth the secondary
part of the seed (Gal.3:29)...the Heirs of the Kingdom, the 144,000 who will rule with
the Christ. (Rev.20:4) ...all spiritual offspring of Abraham (spiritual Jews)...but not all
Jews according to the flesh (Rom.2:29). Once the full number of this seed of the
New Covenant is "born" (Rev.12:5; 2Cor.5:17), this Covenant also will change...
God's progressive purpose, will then bless the physical Creation with his
Kingdom of completed Kings...the New Temple arrangement of worship (Rev.21:3),
manifested by the birth of New Jerusalem...the materialization of what had been only
a Covenant promise in heaven (Gal.4:26). With her members made complete and the
covenant promise fulfilled, the newly inaugurated Holy City will descend
"out of heaven" "from God", to rule the entire earth, forever.
(see pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
(This Kingdom is not in an earthly organization of
imperfect flesh, previous to God's Kingdom 1Cor.15:50).
In the meantime, the present system of worship still exists.
Those anointed "stones" who comprise systemized religion, are
dead (1Pet.4:5; 2Tim.4:1; Eph.2:1). Those who are "dead",
will be disassembled, and "thrown down" (Rev.6:13; Matt.7:27; Luke11:35;
Luke19:41,42,44; 3:9,17; Matt.25:30; Luke19:40)
just as the temple in Jerusalem was (Luke19:43).
The "living stones" are a part of the spiritual Temple of the Body of Christ
(1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:20,21,22; John2:19,20,21; 1Cor.12:27).
All man-rule will soon end (1Cor.15:24; Rev.6:14; 2Pet.3:13).
No men have been sanctioned to
enslave, dominate, rule over, or control the worship of their anointed brothers...
no matter what their claim.
(1Pet.5:3,5; Jer.10:23; Ec.8:9; Mark10:14,42,43; 1Cor.4:8; Matt.7:15,21,22; 24:49)
(Gap from Matt.24:3-18)
Matt.24:19 reads;
"But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!"
We know that this sign did have a literal fulfillment in 70 C.E., when the religious system under the Old Covenant was abandoned by God (due to the unfaithfulness of the Jews) and given to Chosen ones from all nations (Matt.23:31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38; 21:42,43,45; Exo.19:5,6; Jer.11:10,11; 14:2,12; Eze.16:59; Zech.7:13; Acts13:45,46,47)
(1Pet.2:5,9,10; Rev.5:9,10).
This change of favor was due to the Jew's general rejection of the foretold Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matt.27:1,20,22,25; John19:15,16; Acts4:10,11,12).
There are two covenants (Gal.4:22,23,24,25,26). The first one (with literal Israel/Jews) came to a conclusion when it's purpose was fulfilled (Matt.5:17; Gal.3:18,19,16,29; 2:21; Heb.8:7,13).
The second (with spiritual Israel/Jews -Gal.6:15,16; Rom.2:28,29; Gal.3:29) will also conclude, when it's purpose is fulfilled (Eph.1:10; Col.1:20; 1Cor.11:26; Rev.7:3,4; 14:1; 10:7; Dan.7:18,22,27; Matt.16:27; Rev.11:16,17,18,19)
For more information on this, please consider:
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-response-to-jan.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-second-system-to-end.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/imagine-yourself-back-in-first-century.html)
My point, is that the present religious system based upon God's New Covenant with His chosen nation; whose expanded surrounding system and age/era, has been arranged and constructed by men,
will also come to a conclusion when it's central purpose is fulfilled.
This is compared to a harvest at the end of the age (conclusion of system/arrangement/era) that will segregate the faithful from those who are rejected as unfit for inheriting God's Kingdom.
(Matt.25:31,32,33,34,41; Rev.20:10,12,15; Matt.13:36,37,38,39,40)
The question is,
how should all the signs ("birth pangs") Jesus gave to indicate the nearness of the end,
be interpreted now? How will their meaning be fulfilled, regarding the present age/arrangement/era/system, today?
We know those signs had a literal fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem.
We know that the "Jerusalem" of the New Covenant is symbolic and spiritual (Gal.4:26; Rev.21:2).
If you read the article mentioned above (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)
you have examined the scriptural evidence that the signs, illustrations, and parables Jesus gave us in Matt.24 concerning the end we face, are now to be interpreted in a spiritual sense.
What then, is the spiritual, symbolic meaning, of Matt.24:19?
How will symbolic women be "pregnant", have "labor pains", and "nurse" their children
in a spiritual sense? How will such a spiritual situation cause woe, as the "end of all things" arrives? (Matt.13:34,35,13,16; 1Pet.4:7; Matt.24:21,22,19)
As with all true interpretation, we must find our answer in the scriptures.
Who are the "pregnant women", and who are symbolized by the babes they carry?
Please consider:
(Gal.4:24,26; Rev.12:1,2,5; Rev.2:26,27; Eph.2:6; 1:3; 3John1:4; Gal.4:19; Eph.4:13; John3:3,4,5,6,7; 1:13)
Not all who are invited and called, become chosen and sealed (Matt.22:14; 1Cor.9:24,25,26,27; Rom.8:28; Eph.4:30; Rev.7:4; 17:14; Phil.3:14; Gal.5:7,8; 1:6)
Those who do become sealed to inherit the promises of God made to Abraham (Gen.17:1,2; 28:12,13,14,17; Gal.3:29),
become members of the Bride/Covenant/Jerusalem above (Isa.62:6; Rev.3:12; Jer.1:18; Isa.42:6,7; 49:6,8; 60:1,2,3; Acts13:47, Zech.12:3; Dan.2:34,35).
Having gained their citizenship in heaven (Eph.2:6; Phil.3:20; 1Cor.15:48; Col.3:1; Heb.12:22,23) they have become the New Creation (2Cor.5:16,17; Gal.6:15; James1:18; 1Pet.1:3,23; Rom.8:29,30,31), possessing an unseen eternal spirit within their body of flesh (John3:15,16,36; 5:24; 6:47,50; 11:26; 8:51; 10:28; 1John3:14; 5:11,12,13).
These sealed ones, nurture and care for those not yet sealed (John21:17), as Paul labored to care for others spiritually, until they were brought to their spiritual birth (1Tim.1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:10).
The sealed ones are used to impart life, as a literal mother would carry an unborn child.
After these are brought to "birth" (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:5; 2:26,27);
they must continue under the care of the mature, until their perceptive powers become firm (2Tim.3:14; 1:13; 2Thess.3:7; Rom.15:1; 1Cor.3:1; 14:20; 9:22; 4:16; 11:1,2; Col.1:28,29; 2Pet.3:18; 1:8,11; Phil.1:9; Heb.5:14; 6:1; Philemon 1:6; 1Thess.1:5,6; 2:8; 3:12; 4:1; Eph.1:17,18; 1Pet.5:10)
During the time that their "children" in the Lord are still "babes",
those mature can be illustrated as those "nursing a babe" (1Thess.2:7; 1Pet.2:2; Matt.24:19) and their babes as "needing breast milk" (Heb.5:13; 1Cor.3:2).
Understanding these symbols,
we then perceive that during the Great Tribulation of Matthew chapter 24;
the faithful Chosen Ones would have great difficulty and "woe" in caring for those in their charge.
(Rev.12:1,2; Luke23:29; John16:20,21,22; Isa.21:3; 26:17)
Because of the hostile spiritual climate surrounding them...
teaching the immature and weak would be with great difficulty.
Why?
Jesus warns of a competing presence of false prophets, successful false teachers,
convincing and misleading false doctrines inspired by demons, with every Satanic sign and portent designed to mislead, if possible, even those of the heavenly calling (Matt.24:4,5,24,25; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13; 13:7,11,14; 2Thess.2:9,10; 2Tim.3:13; Rev.2:20,24,25).
All this would occur while the true and faithful are being depicted and misrepresented, as shameful, false, and evil
(John16:2; Isa.66:5; Luke21:16,17; Matt.10:22; 5:11,12; 24:9; Heb.13:13).
The cross reference in Luke 21:23,24 helps to make this clearer...
(23) "Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; (24) and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations ("Jerusalem's" children) (Rev.13:10); and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles (mother "Jerusalem")(Rev.11:2) until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
It is while under this pall of spiritual famine, disrepute, persecution, and unjust slander that this agonized "mother" must try to save and nurture her children, while these are enslaved and captive to Satanic deception.
(Rev.13:6,7,10; 11:2; Dan.7:25; 12:7,4,10,3; Rev.12:2)
Matt.24:21-- Dan.9:12
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Matt.24:26 (Eze.21 "inner room/chamber") -----to be continued-----
Matt.24:1
"Departing now, Jesus was on his way from the temple, but his disciples approached to show him the buildings of the temple."
Our scene begins with Jesus leaving the Jewish temple, likely for the last time
due to his disgust with the corruption of the religious leaders (see Matt.23:38,39;
Psalm26:4,5).
His disciples may be perplexed and shocked by Jesus' decision to abandon the
religious system of his day. They try calling his attention to the stature and meaning
of the Jewish Temple, perhaps hoping to reason with what they may view as
a rash, drastic, and dangerous decision on Jesus' part.
Jesus' disciples were not only trying to make Jesus look at the physical
architecture. They well knew that he had already seen that, countless times
throughout his life (Luke2:27,41,46,49).
Jesus once referred to this Temple before.....
“Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 Therefore the Jews said: “This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you
raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was talking about the temple of his body."
(John2:19-21)
According to an accuser, Jesus had said,
“We heard him say, ‘I will throw down this temple that was made with hands
and in three days I will build another not made with hands.’” Mark14:58
Jesus was going to cause the system of worship symbolized by the literal temple,
to collapse. He himself was going to "throw down" the "temple made with hands".
Yet as we will see, he also referred to his own physical body as the Temple.
While Jesus did freely surrender his flesh as a ransom (John2:19; 10:17,18),
he did not kill himself (nor throw down the temple of his body).
Nor did he "raise" himself (see pearl-raiseitup.blogspot.com ).
The temple being thrown down then (the one "made with hands"), was
not his physical body. So then, according to scripture, what "temples" are being
"thrown down" and "raised up"?
[for the meaning of this, see 1Cor.3:16; Col.1:18; Eph.1:22; 4:15; 5:23; 1Pet.2:5;
2Cor.5:1; Hebrews11:10; 1Cor.3:9)
From these previous scriptures, we see that the temple which would be
"raised up" would be the "temple" of God, the 144,000 holy priesthood.
These are, at the same time, Christ's body, with Jesus as Head of that body.
Therefore, when we read Mark14:58 and John2:21...
"I will throw down this temple that was made with hands and in three
days I will build another not made with hands." and "But he was talking about the
temple of his body." ...we see that according to the scriptures, that Temple/Body,
are the Chosen Ones who faithfully conquer Satan's tests, and enter in among
those 144,000 who become sealed. These "living stones" form God's "temple".
That "holy priesthood" would become the new place of pure worship, in accord
with "spirit and truth" John4:24; Rev.7:4; 1Pet.2:5.
These scriptures also indicate, that the "temple" made with hands that was due
to be "thrown down", was the Jewish System of worship and the Law Covenant.
(Matt.21:43; Romans11:17,24; 9:25; Gal.4:9,10,11,24,25,30; 5:3,4,6).
Jesus established this new "temple", by means of the ransom.
Through his blood, a New Covenant would be inaugurated for a new "temple"
of his "body" (Matt.26:28)...a temple for "God to inhabit" (Eph.2:21,22;
2Cor.6:16)...the one built upon the True Cornerstone (Acts4:11),
the "foundation" of the Twelve Apostles and prophets (Eph.2:20),
and the 144,000 "living stones" ..."parts" belonging to Christ's "body".
(1Cor.12:12; Eph.4:16) Even with the interpretation of Jesus' "thrown down"
"temple" being his literal flesh, that ransom sacrifice was the means by which
the temple of 144,000 would be "raised up" to become Christ's "body".
When this temple becomes completed (Rev.14:1; 6:10,11; 12:10,11),
it will become Jesus' "bride" (Rev.21:2; 22:17), who will be "one flesh"
with her Lord and Head, the Christ. (Eph.5:23,27,29,30,31,32; John17:21)
This great consummation between Christ and New Jerusalem, will result in the
restoration of Creation, to everlasting life in perfect peace. (Romans8:22,19,21)]
----------------------
Jesus was on his way from a temple made with physical stones, constructed
by human hands. According to the disciple's actions in Matt.24:1, these men were
impressed by the accomplishment of these stately temple buildings, and the
authority they represented. The Jewish Temple also represented YHVH's
Covenant with His chosen nation. Did Jesus need to be reminded of this?
Was his abandonment of the Temple an act of rebellious unfaithfulness?
Matt.24:2
"In response he said to them: “Do YOU not behold all these things? Truly I say to YOU, By no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”
Here we receive confirmation that the "temple" to be "thrown down", is indeed
the physical temple in Jerusalem (not Jesus' body). "All these things" that were
to be thrown down, were the stones the disciples were "beholding"; ...confirming
again that this was the temple buildings, and not Christ's literal flesh.
Yes, for a certainty, it was the Jewish system that was about to expire...to be
replaced by the gathering of a spiritual temple of righteous men, made perfect
(Heb.12:22,23) ["perfect", according to a mature stature of Christ (Eph.4:13,15;
1Pet.5:10; 2Tim.4:6,7,8; Rev.12:11; Gal.3:27; 2Thess.2:14; Rev.20:4; Rom.6:3)].
We now today, also have in place a religious age, a "temple" of "stones"...
a system of worship that has emerged (Matt.13:39,40) and is flourishing
in this world (Luke16:8). These too, are prophesied to reject and persecute the
true and faithful seed (Gal.4:29; Rev.13:7,8; 2Thess.2:4,9,10,2; Rev.16:13,14;
Matt.24:15,24).
These "stones" too, will suffer destruction (Nahum1:6; Rev.20:10; 14:9,10,19,20;
Rev.8:8; Matt.24:51; Matt.7:27).
This present system of worship is also due to be replaced (2Thess.2:8; Zeph.1:4,14)
Jesus compared the end of the Jewish system of worship, to the end of the system
of worship in the last days (Matt.24:3).
(This will be examined fully as we continue our hike through Matthew chapter 24.)
The heavenly Jerusalem, is not based in an organization of imperfect men (Rev.21:2).
There is not one imperfect man who can rightly direct the steps of another (Jer.10:23).
To obey an imperfect man, is to become his slave (Rom.6:16). In order to be a loyal
slave of God ; we must obey God, Christ, and the Bible (Col.3:24) exclusively.....
and not men (1Cor.7:23; Ex.20:5; Gal.1:10; Ps.146:3) whose doctrines dare to
go beyond the teachings of the true God (1Cor.4:6; 2Thess.2:2; 2Cor.11:13;
Mark7:7; Rev.2:2). It is God's spirit which "completely equips us for every
good work" (2Tim.3:16,17), that we may worship Him in spirit and truth (John4:24).
Men of truth do not deviate from it (John7:18; 14:6; 8:47).
Only God, Jesus Christ (John14:6), and his completed, glorified "Bride" can
provide everlasting life. (Job 14:4; 1Cor.15:50; John4:14; Rev.22:17; Isa.43:11).
When the Kingdom government truly does arrive, it will "crush, and put an end
to all other kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite" Dan.2:44; 1Cor.15:24.
It will "come down out of heaven from God" (Rev.21:2), not rise up from the "earth"
while Satan still holds dominion and authority over this world (Rev.13:11; 1John5:19).
Soon the New Covenant will also expire and be fulfilled, just as the Law Covenant did.
This is why the symbols of the New Covenant (the partaking of the bread and wine)
cease when Christ arrives (1Cor.11:26).
Once 144,000 of the "seed" are all sealed (Gal.3:29; Rev.7:4), the living stones are
placed in the Holy Temple, the "trees of life" are in the Holy City, and 144,000
are seen with the Lamb on Mt. Zion; the New Covenant is fulfilled. (Rev.22:1,2; 14:1)
God's "Chosen Nation" of literal, physical Israel were in Covenant with God, for
the bringing forth of the seed, Christ. When this was fulfilled, so was that Covenant.
(Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:6,7,8,9,10; Gen.28:14; Gal.3:16).
(The Jews had the choice to move forward to keep pace with God's
progressive purpose (Matt.15:24; 10:6).Those who did not, by rejecting the
promised seed, were left behind. (Acts2:36,37,38,39; Rom.11:20,21,23)
From this we see that if any physical descendant of Abraham accepted Christ,
he would automatically receive an anointing, and become one of the 144,000.
This invitation went out to them first. But there were not 144,000 Jews who
accepted Jesus. So this invitation became extended to those of the Gentiles,
who became circumcised in heart. Heb.8:10; Romans2:28,29; 4:9-14;
Matt.23:26. (read parable, at Matt.22:1-14).
The same is true of the New Covenant. It's purpose? To bring forth the secondary
part of the seed (Gal.3:29)...the Heirs of the Kingdom, the 144,000 who will rule with
the Christ. (Rev.20:4) ...all spiritual offspring of Abraham (spiritual Jews)...but not all
Jews according to the flesh (Rom.2:29). Once the full number of this seed of the
New Covenant is "born" (Rev.12:5; 2Cor.5:17), this Covenant also will change...
God's progressive purpose, will then bless the physical Creation with his
Kingdom of completed Kings...the New Temple arrangement of worship (Rev.21:3),
manifested by the birth of New Jerusalem...the materialization of what had been only
a Covenant promise in heaven (Gal.4:26). With her members made complete and the
covenant promise fulfilled, the newly inaugurated Holy City will descend
"out of heaven" "from God", to rule the entire earth, forever.
(see pearl-holycity.blogspot.com )
(This Kingdom is not in an earthly organization of
imperfect flesh, previous to God's Kingdom 1Cor.15:50).
In the meantime, the present system of worship still exists.
Those anointed "stones" who comprise systemized religion, are
dead (1Pet.4:5; 2Tim.4:1; Eph.2:1). Those who are "dead",
will be disassembled, and "thrown down" (Rev.6:13; Matt.7:27; Luke11:35;
Luke19:41,42,44; 3:9,17; Matt.25:30; Luke19:40)
just as the temple in Jerusalem was (Luke19:43).
The "living stones" are a part of the spiritual Temple of the Body of Christ
(1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:20,21,22; John2:19,20,21; 1Cor.12:27).
All man-rule will soon end (1Cor.15:24; Rev.6:14; 2Pet.3:13).
No men have been sanctioned to
enslave, dominate, rule over, or control the worship of their anointed brothers...
no matter what their claim.
(1Pet.5:3,5; Jer.10:23; Ec.8:9; Mark10:14,42,43; 1Cor.4:8; Matt.7:15,21,22; 24:49)
(Gap from Matt.24:3-18)
Matt.24:19 reads;
"But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!"
We know that this sign did have a literal fulfillment in 70 C.E., when the religious system under the Old Covenant was abandoned by God (due to the unfaithfulness of the Jews) and given to Chosen ones from all nations (Matt.23:31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38; 21:42,43,45; Exo.19:5,6; Jer.11:10,11; 14:2,12; Eze.16:59; Zech.7:13; Acts13:45,46,47)
(1Pet.2:5,9,10; Rev.5:9,10).
This change of favor was due to the Jew's general rejection of the foretold Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matt.27:1,20,22,25; John19:15,16; Acts4:10,11,12).
There are two covenants (Gal.4:22,23,24,25,26). The first one (with literal Israel/Jews) came to a conclusion when it's purpose was fulfilled (Matt.5:17; Gal.3:18,19,16,29; 2:21; Heb.8:7,13).
The second (with spiritual Israel/Jews -Gal.6:15,16; Rom.2:28,29; Gal.3:29) will also conclude, when it's purpose is fulfilled (Eph.1:10; Col.1:20; 1Cor.11:26; Rev.7:3,4; 14:1; 10:7; Dan.7:18,22,27; Matt.16:27; Rev.11:16,17,18,19)
For more information on this, please consider:
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-response-to-jan.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-second-system-to-end.html)
and
(4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/imagine-yourself-back-in-first-century.html)
My point, is that the present religious system based upon God's New Covenant with His chosen nation; whose expanded surrounding system and age/era, has been arranged and constructed by men,
will also come to a conclusion when it's central purpose is fulfilled.
This is compared to a harvest at the end of the age (conclusion of system/arrangement/era) that will segregate the faithful from those who are rejected as unfit for inheriting God's Kingdom.
(Matt.25:31,32,33,34,41; Rev.20:10,12,15; Matt.13:36,37,38,39,40)
The question is,
how should all the signs ("birth pangs") Jesus gave to indicate the nearness of the end,
be interpreted now? How will their meaning be fulfilled, regarding the present age/arrangement/era/system, today?
We know those signs had a literal fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem.
We know that the "Jerusalem" of the New Covenant is symbolic and spiritual (Gal.4:26; Rev.21:2).
If you read the article mentioned above (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)
you have examined the scriptural evidence that the signs, illustrations, and parables Jesus gave us in Matt.24 concerning the end we face, are now to be interpreted in a spiritual sense.
What then, is the spiritual, symbolic meaning, of Matt.24:19?
How will symbolic women be "pregnant", have "labor pains", and "nurse" their children
in a spiritual sense? How will such a spiritual situation cause woe, as the "end of all things" arrives? (Matt.13:34,35,13,16; 1Pet.4:7; Matt.24:21,22,19)
As with all true interpretation, we must find our answer in the scriptures.
Who are the "pregnant women", and who are symbolized by the babes they carry?
Please consider:
(Gal.4:24,26; Rev.12:1,2,5; Rev.2:26,27; Eph.2:6; 1:3; 3John1:4; Gal.4:19; Eph.4:13; John3:3,4,5,6,7; 1:13)
Not all who are invited and called, become chosen and sealed (Matt.22:14; 1Cor.9:24,25,26,27; Rom.8:28; Eph.4:30; Rev.7:4; 17:14; Phil.3:14; Gal.5:7,8; 1:6)
Those who do become sealed to inherit the promises of God made to Abraham (Gen.17:1,2; 28:12,13,14,17; Gal.3:29),
become members of the Bride/Covenant/Jerusalem above (Isa.62:6; Rev.3:12; Jer.1:18; Isa.42:6,7; 49:6,8; 60:1,2,3; Acts13:47, Zech.12:3; Dan.2:34,35).
Having gained their citizenship in heaven (Eph.2:6; Phil.3:20; 1Cor.15:48; Col.3:1; Heb.12:22,23) they have become the New Creation (2Cor.5:16,17; Gal.6:15; James1:18; 1Pet.1:3,23; Rom.8:29,30,31), possessing an unseen eternal spirit within their body of flesh (John3:15,16,36; 5:24; 6:47,50; 11:26; 8:51; 10:28; 1John3:14; 5:11,12,13).
These sealed ones, nurture and care for those not yet sealed (John21:17), as Paul labored to care for others spiritually, until they were brought to their spiritual birth (1Tim.1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:10).
The sealed ones are used to impart life, as a literal mother would carry an unborn child.
After these are brought to "birth" (Gal.4:19; Rev.12:5; 2:26,27);
they must continue under the care of the mature, until their perceptive powers become firm (2Tim.3:14; 1:13; 2Thess.3:7; Rom.15:1; 1Cor.3:1; 14:20; 9:22; 4:16; 11:1,2; Col.1:28,29; 2Pet.3:18; 1:8,11; Phil.1:9; Heb.5:14; 6:1; Philemon 1:6; 1Thess.1:5,6; 2:8; 3:12; 4:1; Eph.1:17,18; 1Pet.5:10)
During the time that their "children" in the Lord are still "babes",
those mature can be illustrated as those "nursing a babe" (1Thess.2:7; 1Pet.2:2; Matt.24:19) and their babes as "needing breast milk" (Heb.5:13; 1Cor.3:2).
Understanding these symbols,
we then perceive that during the Great Tribulation of Matthew chapter 24;
the faithful Chosen Ones would have great difficulty and "woe" in caring for those in their charge.
(Rev.12:1,2; Luke23:29; John16:20,21,22; Isa.21:3; 26:17)
Because of the hostile spiritual climate surrounding them...
teaching the immature and weak would be with great difficulty.
Why?
Jesus warns of a competing presence of false prophets, successful false teachers,
convincing and misleading false doctrines inspired by demons, with every Satanic sign and portent designed to mislead, if possible, even those of the heavenly calling (Matt.24:4,5,24,25; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13; 13:7,11,14; 2Thess.2:9,10; 2Tim.3:13; Rev.2:20,24,25).
All this would occur while the true and faithful are being depicted and misrepresented, as shameful, false, and evil
(John16:2; Isa.66:5; Luke21:16,17; Matt.10:22; 5:11,12; 24:9; Heb.13:13).
The cross reference in Luke 21:23,24 helps to make this clearer...
(23) "Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; (24) and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations ("Jerusalem's" children) (Rev.13:10); and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles (mother "Jerusalem")(Rev.11:2) until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
It is while under this pall of spiritual famine, disrepute, persecution, and unjust slander that this agonized "mother" must try to save and nurture her children, while these are enslaved and captive to Satanic deception.
(Rev.13:6,7,10; 11:2; Dan.7:25; 12:7,4,10,3; Rev.12:2)
Matt.24:21-- Dan.9:12
Matt.24:22-- (Jer.30:7)LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
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Matt.24:26 (Eze.21 "inner room/chamber") -----to be continued-----
