Question: Would you think it would be misleading on God’s part if He said that something was not going to happen for a very long time when, in fact, it was imminent?
Conversely, would you think it would be misleading if God said something was at hand when, in reality, it wouldn’t happen for centuries to come?
If God were communicating to God, then I can see where you could have a valid argument using the verse you’ve used. But God was communicating to MAN. God knows how to communicate with man so that man can understand and God does not tarry. Therefore, when He tells man “soon,” He means “soon.”
If you can change the meaning of “near” (in Revelation) and yet NOT change the meaning of “distant future” (in Daniel), then you can make the Bible say just about anything you want it to.
Christ made very clear that there were some puzzles to ponder.
That things were hidden from . . . certain folks with a certain attitude . . .
But that His sheep knew HIS VOICE.
Certainly 2,000 years soon is one issue I’d like to ask God about.
But nothing else fits the prophetic Scriptures. NOTHING.
Mental gymnastics, rubber Bible theology doesn’t even make it to the same galactic cluster.
The complications with the REPLACEMENTARIAN position are in the hundreds.
No thanks.