Last Things II

by Lee Johnson

Review = Last time we quickly discussed Matthew 24 as the key passage to predicting events. We noted the dual question of the apostles in verse 3. We noted the transition verse 36. We discussed the apparent contradiction between “This generation shall not pass” verse 34 and “knoweth no man” in verse 36. From this we concluded that 24:1-35 were predicting the fall of Jerusalem and 24:26ff is about the end of the world and the return of Christ. The discussion of the second coming was characterized by parables of a theif, a master returning, and a bridegroom showing up. Also the illustration of Noah was used. There would be no warning at all.

We briefly examined the idea of a mass conversion of the Jewish nation, but came to the conclusion that it would not occur on the basis of Paul’s argumentation, Christ’s silence, and the nature of the second coming discussed in Matthew 24. Those opposed to a mass conversion: John Calvin, Louis Berkhof, William Ames. Those in favor of a mass conversion: Francis Turretin, Charles Hodge,

We began to discuss the idea of a single person appearing as the Antichrist. We looked at John’s epistles. I John 2:18-22 showing that there could be many antichrists (18) and everyone who did not confess Christ was an antichrist (22; 4:1-4). II John verse 7 states it also. These are the only places of the word antichrist appearing. Those who believe in a future person called AntiChrist: Louis Berkohf, Herman Bavnick. Those opposed: Francis Turretin, Westminister Divines, William Ames, Charles Hodge, and John Calvin.

We examined that II Thessalonians 2:3-12 probably intended the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet and the destruction of the Jerusalem because of the mention of the temple and since it was “already at work”. We read from B.B. Warfield just to prove I was not in left field by myself. No necessary connection to the Antichrist at all.

Question?

Beast = we need to examine the book of Revelation as a whole. Revelation 1:1 states that the things that must shortly take place. Verse 3 states that the time is at hand. Verse 19 of the first chapter also indicates things that are about to come to pass. The temple mentioned in places like 11:1 view the temple as still standing. No where does it discuss the rebuilding or allude to its previous destruction. These things tend to point to a pre-A.D. 70 authorship.

External evidence also indicates that we should hold to an early date of the book of Revelation. Ireneaus, a student of Polycarp, refers to “ancient copies” of the John’s vision. This would preclude the A.D. 100 or later date. Clement of Alexandria believes John to be the author of Revelation, but also states that “the teaching . . . of the apostles, embracing the ministry of Paul, ends with Nero.” Clement believes the apostles did not have any writings after Nero, which would include Revelation. It is my understanding that many other post-Apostolic writings hint at this as well. The Shepherd of Hermas, Papias both hint at it. Eusebias believes that Nero banished John to Patmos. The ‘History of John’, and Syriac versions of Revelation, Arethas, and Theophylact all claim it.

The Beast of Revelation comes next. Many commentators see the Beast in Revelation 13 as the Antichrist. We see certain aspects of the beast that are described. He makes war with the saints (7), blasphemes (6), worshiped as god (8), and his numbers is 666 (18). I believe that the Beast of Revelation is NOT the antichrist. John is the only one who uses the term, and he does NOT use it in Revelation. He terms him the beast. The beast then is designated by 666. Using the Hebrew way of numbering letters, it can be seen as Nero. I believe the beast of Revelation is Nero. He meets the qualifications. He wars against the saints, blasphemes, sets up a statue of himself to be worshiped as god, and his name fits the 666. A textual variant changes 666 to 616. This probably was done on purpose. The textual variant is Latin, and the Latinized version of Nero’s name is different than the Hebrew, which goes to 666, but the Latinized name goes to 616. The variant probably existed to keep consistent the meaning of Nero as the Beast. Also note that the 7 heads of the beast are in chapter 17 equated to the 7 hills in Revelation 17:9. The city of seven hills has always been Rome. The system of counting the kings also gives us Nero. This is one reason that shows the dating of Revelation to be extremely practical. A late date for Revelation precludes Nero. A late date also adds confusion to the internal evidence of a quick coming judgment and the temple. If one reads Revelation as always about the future, then strange things happen, but important details are missed.

Bodily Return = Acts 1:9-11. The bodily return of Christ is an important concept that is often implicitly denied by modern churches. Christ comes again as he went. There will be nothing secretive about the Second Coming, except when it is to occur. However, when it occurs everyone in the world will know. This is important because many people today deny the bodily return of Christ in one way or another. 7th Day Adventists still cling to the failed prophecies of William Miller by meaning that the return of Christ was a spiritual return to heaven or something absurd. You can also go back to the 24th Chapter of Matthew. The servants knew that the master was back. The owner knew the thief had come.

We should also note the Second Coming is immediately associated with the Great Judgment. Starting in verse 36 of Matthew, the Lord is warning his people to be vigilant and ready for his return for it could be at any time. The Two Servants Parable tells the story of the faithful servant and the unfaithful one. The unfaithful servant thought he had plenty of time till the return of Christ, and began to mistreat others. The master returned and he was cut asunder. Note verse 51, “weeping and gnashing of teeth”. A sign of judgment. The Ten Virgins tells us of 5 who were ready and 5 who missed out because of their failure. The parable of the talents lets us know that we are to make us and multiple our talents until the return of Christ. Laziness is not an option. That brings us to 25:31. Here is the separating of the sheep and the goats. “When the Son of Man comes in glory . . . then comes the judgement.”

Thus, we see that the return of Christ can come at any moment, and at that time shall be the judgement. This is to stir us up to action now. We are not to be lazy, or think we can right wrongs later when we see signs of second coming. We are not to be as those who take life for granted because the return of our savior may be at any minute. These doctrine are to stir us up to evangelism. The Lord may return at any minute, our family or neighbors will be left out if we continue to keep our silent, hide our talents. Paul in Romans 11 almost begs the Gentiles to continue to preach to the Jews, not because the Jews will find a time of renewing, but that some might be brought back to the vine of Jesus Christ. The return of our Lord is a hope for us, but it is also a motivator. Preach the gospel for there will be an end to time. There will be a time where the world is divided into sheep and goats.