[HiTech RedNeck]

The full knowledge may not even come to mankind except in the rear view mirror, so to speak. “Oh, that is what Revelation meant by that!” The situation is made more complex in that events often prefigure or metaphorize other events because God’s work contains patterns. John himself even said it’s already the last hour and that was almost 2000 years ago. Rather than being rigidly dogmatic at all times, I have found it valuable to keep in mind that one verse or passage may reflect on multiple situations in various ways. Categorizing all warnings as to believers or nonbelievers is one of those things that will not fit into air tight bread boxes; some of the warnings can apply to both situations in different senses.

[trebb]

The full knowledge may not even come to mankind except in the rear view mirror, so to speak. “Oh, that is what Revelation meant by that!” The situation is made more complex in that events often prefigure or metaphorize other events because God’s work contains patterns. John himself even said it’s already the last hour and that was almost 2000 years ago. Rather than being rigidly dogmatic at all times, I have found it valuable to keep in mind that one verse or passage may reflect on multiple situations in various ways. Categorizing all warnings as to believers or nonbelievers is one of those things that will not fit into air tight bread boxes; some of the warnings can apply to both situations in different senses.

Agreed - we are not supposed to be able to predict the event except that it will happen. We can only watch for signs and be prepared with our own souls. When every eye sees, and every ear hears, the triumphant return of Jesus, there will be no question...