Matthew 24 - Jesus Gives The Signs of The End Times
This is one of the most interesting chapters in God's Word. It gives us a look at both tribulations. The tribulation of (anti-Christ), or false messiah which comes first, then the tribulation of Christ, who returns after the anti-Christ. It also gives us a glimpse of the seven trumps, seven seals, and seven vials, pertaining to the end times, also mentioned in Mark 13. His disciples would ask Christ, what would be the sign of your coming? So lets see how Christ would answer them.
1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. The disciples gave Him a tour of the temple buildings.
2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Christ replied; Not one stone shall be left upon another, and all these buildings will be destroyed. (This was not in 70 AD, when Titus destroyed the temple), this is future prophecy for the end times when Christ's return at the second advent. "Keep in mind that this is and end of times chapter."
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? The word world here is (Strong's G165 "aion" or earth age). They wanted to know the signs bringing us to an end of this world age, not the world itself. This earth age will be destroyed and the earth itself will be cleansed, but this world will still remain.
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. Christ made it very clear not to let anyone mislead you. A serious warning about the false teachers and the antichrist. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1).
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Many will come in Christ's name. "Christ here is Messiah." Many will come claiming to be the messiah, or savior. We have seen it throughout history, but now every TV show is centered around some type of savior of the world. (People are starting to believe in their fantasy world).
6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. When you see these wars beginning, this does not signal my return. What we should look towards is when they call for peace among all these nations. Wars and rumors of wars have been taking place for some time, but now we are hearing the cry for peace, peace, peace.
7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Nations will rise against nations. (We have Iran rising against Israel, and keep an eye on the rise of Islam). We are now experiencing famines, plagues, and earth quakes in many places like never before. (It's happening around the world already). There will not only be a famine for food and water, but we must also keep in mind that there is a spiritual famine in the end times for hearing the Word of God. (Amos 8:11). People are starving for the truth of Gods Word.
8All these are the beginning of sorrows. When you see these things, this is only the beginning of the horrors to come. This word sorrows is pain, sorrow, travail (as in labor pains). The beginning of a new world age is about to take place.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. Many will be tortured, killed, and hated all over the world because of what true Christians believe and stand for. (Look at all the Christians burned to death during the reformation, and look at all the Christians being killed today by the "rise of Islam" in the middle east and abroad).
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Many will fall back into sin and betray and hate one another. Can you see this in the world today? Can you see this in your own family? (Mark 13:12, Luke 21:16).
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Many false prophets (So called teachers of the Word), will appear and lead many astray. Just turn of the television, radio, or click on the internet and you will find all kinds of deception and false teachings. There are some good churches, television, radio and internet ministries out there, but not that many who teach the full gospel truth. If you find one, stick with them.
12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Sin will be rampant everywhere and will cool the love of many. You don't need to look to far to see this taking place. (People just don't care about others anymore).
13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Those enduring to the end shall be saved. Notice it says that those who hang in there till the end will be saved. That means till the return of Christ, at the second advent. (Don't try to take a shortcut out of here with some false teachings like the rapture). Remember that antichrist comes first and will deceive many, pretending that he is Christ.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. The Good News of the gospel will be preached throughout the whole world for all nations to hear the truth and then finally, the end will come. The time is near. With television, radio, and the internet, this is becoming possible. Even here at the Good News Ministry, we reach and fellowship with members from over 50 countries around the world. We are just a drop in the bucket. The Word is spreading like a disease and people are hungry for the truth.
15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) When you see the horrible thing standing in the holy place spoken by Daniel the prophet. (Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11). Remember that Satan is coming first as anti-Christ, and he comes in peace. (Daniel 11:21). This prince (the antichrist), will make a seven-year treaty with the people, but after half that time, he will break his pledge and stop all the sacrifices. (The daily offering or communion). He will defile the sanctuary of God as the desolator. (Mark 13:14-26). This seven years will be shortened to five months, as stated in Revelation 9, for the elects sake.
Here is how the seventy weeks of Daniel plays out. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (Daniel 12:11). From the time the daily sacrifice was taken away, (Christ's crucifixion was the daily sacrifice), till the abomination of desolation is set up, is 1,290 days. (A.D. 33 till 1948 = 1,290 of Daniels days). (33 years from 1948 = 1915). (1915 divided by 1,290 = 1.48). There is 1.48 of our years in one day of Daniel's, making it a common denominator. (Read Companion bible appendix 89). Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (Daniel 12:12). Blessed are those who wait until the 1335th day. Take 1.48 x 1335 = the year 1975. (This would just be the season or beginning of the end times). Read Companion bible appendix 90 for further reference. (We are in the time of the last generation).
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Those in Judea should flee into the Judean hills. (People of Israel). The antichrist comes to deceive many of the people if they are unaware and let him. Matches with John's vision in the book of revelation (Revelation 12:12-15).
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Literally, "roof tops" which being flat, were used as porches at the time. (Acts 10:9). They are not to even go inside to pack a bag before they flee. (They are to flee when the antichrist appears on the scene as the desolator).
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Those working in the fields should not even return to their homes for their clothes. (You won't need them).
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! We are not necessarily speaking of pregnant women. Although this would be a tough time for them to flee. (This figure of speech applies to men or women). A warning to those who fall for the antichrist. Christ is returning for a virgin bride spiritually speaking. But, He will return and find that many have become spiritually deceived (impregnated), by anti-Christ. Following his teachings, not God's Word. (Luke 23:28-31). Stay a spiritual virgin for the return of Christ. Do not be deceived by Satan!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: It was part of the law of Moses for the people of Israel not to leave their homes on the Sabbath and the city gates were closed (Exodus 16:29). Also, keep in mind that this is harvest time, so don't be harvested out of season. Not only would winter be a bad time to flee, but it is out of season for the locust army of Revelation 9. (The time of the locust would be May thru September). "This could take place in any upcoming year."
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. There will be persecution such as the world has never seen before in all history, and will never see again. (The great tribulation). However, if you have God's seal (the truth) in your forehead, you will not be touched. (Revelation 9:4).
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. In fact, unless those days are shortened, all mankind will perish. But, for the sake of God's chosen, those days will be shortened. (Speaking of the 1,290 days of Daniel 12:11). The time of the locust army that will be shortened to a five month period. (Revelation 9:5, 9:10), time of the locust is May through September, this is also the time of Passover to the Feast of Tabernacles.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Don't believe it if anyone tells you that Christ has returned at this time or arrived at such a place. Remember that the antichrist returns first pretending to be Christ.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Many who claim to be Christian and prophets of God will arise and do wonderful miracles, and if possible even deceive God's elect. You can start to see it today in our society. Those who prey on the weak minded with their hands on healings. Even some who may think they are of the elect are being deceived by false teachings and doctrines. The true elect will not be deceived. "They know better."
25Behold, I have told you before. See, I have warned you. God has foretold us all things if we study His Word. (Mark 13:23).
26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. If they tell you Christ is in the desert, or hiding in a secret place, do not believe them. As long as you are in this flesh body, the true Christ has not returned yet. The minute Christ returns to the mount of Olives, we will all be changed to our spirit bodies. (I Corinthians 15:44, 51, 52).
27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. He will return to Jerusalem, to the mount of Olives when He cleanses the temple. (Zechariah 14). However, remember that the false Christ comes first. It is at the sixth seal, sixth trump, and sixth vial, when antichrist comes. His mark (666). "The true Christ comes at the seventh trump." (Revelation 1:7).
28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Carcase: Strong's G4430 "ptoma" lifeless body, from the alternate G4098 "pipto peto" to fall, (spiritually dead). The word eagle here, (that some translate as vulture), is (aetos), Strong's Greek #105 (from it's wind like flight). Same as #109 and #5594 (breath of life).
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Written in old testament scripture. (Isaiah 13:10, Joel 2:10, 3:15). Another thought is these stars that fall from heaven represent Satan and his angels when they are cast out by Michael the arch angel. Literally the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Ephesians 6:12).
30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And then literally, the coming of the Son of Man shall return. There will be deep mourning all around the earth. (Revelation 1:7). Why mourning? Because of those who were deceived by antichrist and false teachings. Just don't care about searching for the truth of God's Word. God will say, I never knew you, get out of my sight! (Matthew 7:22-23).
31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. The angels shall gather the elect (the chosen ones), from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. (Those scattered during the tribulation). This will take place at the 7th trump. The four winds are the four spirits that will bring this dispensation to an end. The same winds spoken of in (Revelation 7 & Daniel 7).
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: The summer is the harvest of the fig tree. (Mark 13:28-29, Luke 21:29-30). Another clue in the season of the harvest of the earth and Christ's return. The chute was set in the year 1948 when Israel became a nation. "The reestablishment of Israel." (May 14th 1948). This is the generation of the fig tree. The harvest of the good and bad figs are spoken of in the book of Jeremiah 24. Speaking of Judah and the Kenites. The Kenites being the bad figs. The time is nearing the end of this generation of 1948.
33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. The subject hear is the return of Christ. When you see these things beginning to happen, you know that the time is near. The word "it" hear should read, He is near, not it.
34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. What generation? The generation of the fig tree, (The last generation), or generation of 1948 when Israel became a nation. (Matthew 23:36, Mark 13:30). "We are living in this era."
35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Speaking of this heaven and earth age. (2 Peter 3:7-12). The Word will remain forever. (Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:25). Nothing else in this world will last. That is why we need to study God's Word and forget all the traditions of men, false teachings, and church clicks that do not stick to the truth of the Word.
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Only our Heavenly Father knows (that instant), when the end will come. (Mark 13:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelations 3:3). That is why people need to get their act together. (Revelation 16:15). People setting dates for the return of Christ are lying to you.
37But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. It will be just as in the days of Noah before the floods came.
38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, This word (Noe) here is Noah. What were they doing in those days before the floods came? They were partying, and giving in marriage to the Nephilim, (the fallen angels), under the influence of Satan. (Genesis 6:2-4). It is going to happen again when Satan and his band of fallen angels are kicked out of heaven by Michael the arch angel. (Revelation 12:7-9). That is why a woman should have power over her head (meaning Christ), because of the angels as stated in (I Corinthians 11:10). Christ should be her spiritual husband. Only Christ and knowledge of God's Word will protect us in the end times.
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. People would not believe it till the flood came and took them away. The same will happen when Christ returns. How many time have you heard someone say; that won't happen in my time, they have been saying this for years now. Do not be deceived like those in Noah's day. It will be to late.
40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Taken by who? Will they be taken (spiritually deceived), by the antichrist and his band of angels? They are spiritually taken by antichrist through deception. No one is going to physically fly-away in a rapture. (They are lying to you)! Remember we need to follow the subject here, which is the return of antichrist and the way it was in Noah's day. Who was taken by the flood? The ones that did not listen to Noah and were deceived. Noah remained right here on earth, he wasn't deceived or taken by the flood. When Christ returns at the seventh trump, we will all be gathered back to Christ here on earth in our spirit bodies. (God protects His own).
41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Again, the one's taken have been deceived by the antichrist. We are to remain working in the field doing God's work. (the field is the earth). What does your pastor teach? The truth of God's Word, or does he teach traditions of men and fantasy doctrine?
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. A good watchmen watches the prophecies and the signs given to us in the Word. (Mark 13:33).
43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. In other words, do not be spiritually asleep. (Know what is going on in the word).
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Be ready for the unannounced return of Christ. Do not be to spiritually relaxed. Now let me ask you this, what would be the most relaxed hour for those who will be deceived? When the antichrist returns first pretending to be Christ. If you already think Christ has returned, you will be to relaxed and miss the return of the true Christ. Again, what hour? The hour of temptation. That one hour when all people are in confusion. (That hour of Revelation 17:12), "a five month period." When fully established, it will be that time of the "one world political system" spoken of in Revelation 13. Remember that Christ has told us all these things. (2 Thessalonians 2:5).
45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Are you a wise and faithful servant of the Lord? He gives us "meat" to feed the children, day by day, not just milk. Were talking of strong truth in God's Word. Something of substance that you can hold on to and not be deceived.
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Blessings to those who are doing the work of the Lord at His return. Not the first one taken, but those who remain in the field. Remember the "woe" of verse 19, those nursing along the works of Satan.
47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. Christ will put the faithful ones in charge of everything He owns. (This is during the millennium).
48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; But, if you are biblically illiterate and evil, and say to yourself that Christ won't be coming for a while.
49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; If you begin oppressing your fellow servants, just partying and getting drunk. Giving and taking with the Nephilim (fallen angels), and false Christ (verse 38), because of deception. Even God will send strong delusion, to believe a lie on people like this. (2 Thessalonians 2:11). There is no sin or shame in being biblically illiterate, but don't stay that way. Study God's Word!
50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, They may think he is already here, but it is the false Christ. "This hour of temptation is a five month period." (Revelation 9:5, 9:10-11). "When the true Christ returns, they miss the boat." (They have been deceived)!
51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. He will say, I never knew you! Those deceived will be sent off to judgment with the hypocrites. And yes, there will be a lot of weeping in that day. Do not be deceived!
Keep the faith,
Barton
