Some make a convincing case that the seven headed beast, mark of the beast, tribulation, and coming in the clouds already happened in 1st century with the destruction of the Temple.
Written to audiences about 2000 years ago
“Children, it is THE LAST HOUR; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.”
– 1 John 2:18
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which MUST SOON TAKE PLACE”
– Revelation 1:1, the introduction of the letter revealing the source and timeline.
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; FOR THE TIME IS NEAR.”
– Revelation 1:3, the introduction of the letter giving a warning that was to happen soon.
“John to the seven churches THAT ARE IN ASIA:”
– Revelation 1:4, the introduction of the letter explaining the intended recipients: real churches that existed.
“I, John, your brother and FELLOW PARTAKER IN THE TRIBULATION and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”
– Revelation 1:9, the introduction to the prophecy stating that he was already in the tribulation.
All of this in the plainly stated beginning of the letter before it gets to the symbolic/figurative stuff.
Matthew
Matthew 24:1-34 ends with, “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” The section after that is different.
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Matt 24:1-34 Specific Signs Run away when it happens Christ knows what and when There are warning signs Abnormal times Judgment on earth |
Matt 24:36-25:46 General Signs Be ready at all times Christ did not know the time or hour It will happen unexpectedly Normal times: weddings, buying, selling Judgment in heaven |
Unfilled
What is left unfilled? A lot. Matthew 24:35-51; bodily return of Christ; reign of God over the world; resurrection of the dead to judgment; restoration of heaven and earth; etc. Still plenty to look forward to!