The return of Christ may not happen for 500 years.
Israel will not regathered to the land again, after this time. And they simply won't last another 500 years -- given the demographics of the Islamics and the weapons which are being developed and their penchant for killing everyone who doesn't embrace Islam. I've read here on Free Republic, that given the demographics of the Islamics that the United States won't last another 20 years.
You have to believe a fairy tale to believe Israel will last another 500 years (as you're saying is "possible") the way things are going now. It's not possible. The world situation is simply too bad with the weaponry (biological and other weapons of mass destructinon) getting into smaller groups' hands. That makes for sure destruction -- unless Christ comes quickly -- which the Bible says He will -- in order to save the elect and set up His Kingdom.
Christ is not coming in 500 years..., but very much less than that. All it takes is "common sense" to see that. You don't even have to be a Bible scholar.
I am sure it will be less, but do not make the mistake of setting dates and going up on the mountain to await His return. I don't know if you have ever heard of a guy, the president of Family Radio. He predicted the second coming to be in Sept on 1994. He was wrong, and I think he did a dissevice, in that, people sold their businesses, and gave away their possessions and waited. Some have been left destitute by that. When I was in the USAF (67 to 87) I thought the US would not last past the 70s. I was wrong there too. The point is, if you are ready for His coming, it really does not matter when it happens. It will still come as a thief in the night. Praise Him while you still can.
But you do have to be a Premillenialist.
I'm not, and I don't buy that Israel has some special place set apart for it as a nation, beyond the place that the Israeli Christians hold due to their faith.
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