The Generation when Christ returns: Is it now or later?
The Generation: Are we living in it now?
During the first generation, Jesus didn’t return, he arrived. Eventually, after thirty-three years, he left and said he would be back. The generation of Jesus’ first appearance was the first in which thousands of people expected him to return and establish his kingdom on earth. That didn’t happen. Many people were understandably disappointed. But that didn’t stop the guessing game from continuing. For the next two thousand years the guessing, predictions, and failed prophecies have continued. Everyone that failed to predict the Lord’s return misinterpreted God’s Word. The Bible is correct. The prognosticators were the ones in error.
I’ll state the obvious:
We’re closer now than we were before.
In this post, I have linked to two articles and some key verses on this subject. Both articles present different views but are worthy of your consideration. I dare you to read both articles without taking your predetermined views with you. That’s hard for anyone to do but learning is a tough challenge but a worthy goal.
The Last Generation?
The following excerpt is taken from an article at Khouse.org
We know from the Scriptures that the first generation began with Adam and Eve. Noah was the tenth generation. Which generation do we represent? And, which generation of people was Christ talking about that would see His return when He said: “This generation shall not pass, till all these things are fulfilled” (Mt 24:34)? The answer to this elusive, 2000-year-old question may be closer than we think if the many prophecies we see converging on the horizon continue their march towards fulfillment in the 21st century.
Jude 1:14
The generation of the Lord’s return
Which generation is the one referred to in prophecy?
The early Church Apostles hoped for and expected the Lord’s return in their day.
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “LORD, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Alan Kurschner has another view
The following excerpt is taken from an article at eschatos ministries
Why We Should Expect the Antichrist to Arrive THIS Generation
Premise 1: The Bible teaches that Jesus can return during any generation (e.g. Matt 24:36–25:30).
Premise 2: The Bible teaches that the Antichrist will arrive before Jesus’s return (e.g. 2 Thess 2:8).
Conclusion: Therefore, the church should have a realistic expectation to face the Antichrist’s arrival this generation.
We have endured many failed attempts to understand the Lord’s meaning when he pointed to “the generation” of His return. What do you think? Is this the right time or will we have to wait for another?
Philippians 2:15
It will be warped and crooked
Daniel 4:3
The final generation will last forever.
See what the early church fathers thought.
The Church in the Tribulation?
Olivet Discourse and the Tribulation
Let me know what you think.