Yes, Jesus said to the Church at Sardis “ if therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee” (Rev 3:3). Conversely then, the passage implies that there will be those that are watching and that they would know when Jesus was coming. Jesus confirms this with His message to the church at Philadelphia. Jesus said, He will deliver them from the trial that comes on everyone on the earth because they were faithful and watching (Rev 3:10).
Why tell believers to look up when you see the signs if there is nothing to see (Lk 21:28)? Hebrews tells us not to forsake the assembling together and so much more as you see the day approaching (Heb 10:25). If we cannot see the day approaching, what is the point of this passage saying that we can? Elijah knew when the Lord was coming to take him to Heaven and also told Elisha.
Paul also tells us the Church would know the times and seasons: SEE vs. 4 explicitly. Notice the first word, BUT. This denotes a new truth is being brought forth. Also, see vs. 6 in which we are commanded to WATCH!!!
1 Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
We are COMMANDED to watch and apply prophecy to the world around us! I shall do just that! And I shall do it not NOT because I revel in the wrath that will be poured out, but rather I rejoice that evil will be conquered once and for all and for those that believe, we shall rule and reign with Jesus Christ forever!!! Rev.22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
I deeply apprecaite your perspective.
Eschatology is one of the most precarious aspects of theological thought since it attempts to explain things that have not happened yet, and even when they do our language and understanding might be too limited to fathom them.
My main problem with the topic is that the west has often view the “last days” through an American perspective. The middle east climatic battles are read on what is America’s role.
My Orthodox Christian beliefs tend to view my Church’s role which says that we are Christians first, and nationalist (Americans) second.
I have spent YEARS studying eschatology.
Who've you read? Just wondering. I'll let you respond, or not, before commenting further.
GOOD POINTS.
THANKS.