Dear Thomas;
It reasonable to interpret the verses you site in a different way.
Mat 24:33 So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
In light of verse 33 it seems obvious to me that he was speaking of the generation that witnessed "these things" and not the generation he was speaking to. The undeniable fact that Jesus rose from the dead forces us to give him the benefit of the doubt as you and I were not there. In view of all the evidence this view is much more probable.
As far as coming soon, Yeshua wants us to live our lives in expectancy of his return. (Mat 24:44-51) You are limiting your analysis to your own limitations of time. God created time and therefore by definition he is outside of it. I understand that your world view may not allow you to see this however it is certainly a view which many intelligent people hold.
The early church as well as the church today makes many errors. We will never know God completely. Charles Webb Carter explains this very well. "That man's finite mind, or human limitations, can never fully comprehend the infinity or limitlessness of divinity is obvious. To comprehend God fully would necessitate that man himself posses the limitless wisdom of God, in which unthinkable event he would no longer be man, but God." Please do not allow your limited mind to keep you from fully and honestly examining the claims of the Messiah. The personal cost of isolation from God is too great.
In Yeshua's love for you - DLL |
