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Parable of the Fig Tree
JohnMichael:
--- Quote from: mharrell08 on October 11, 2011, 11:16:23 AM ---
--- Quote from: JohnMichael on October 11, 2011, 09:53:17 AM ---Therefore, the spiritual significance of the lesson given from the fig tree is something specific to "that" generation that shall not pass until Christ's return. That is the question. What IS the spiritual significance specifically pertaining to that generation?
--- End quote ---
None. You're missing the next verse (verse 33) which clarifies Christ's statement:
Matt 24:32-33 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
1. The apostles ask Christ what will be the sign of His coming and the end of the world [Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matt 24:3)]
2. Christ then talks of the many signs which will happen before His return [Matt 24:4-31]
3. Next Christ tells the apostles they can learn THIS parable (the one parable aka symbolic words spoken in verses 4-31 NOT a parable of a fig tree) by observing the sign of the times. The same way one can observe the seasons of the year by how a fig tree grows "so likewise ye" can know when Christ will return by the signs that will come to pass spoken in the long parable.
The generation that Christ refers to is the generation in which ALL the signs spoken of come to pass. Whichever THAT generation is, not the generation 2000 years ago.
Marques
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Marques,
Isn't it amazing that you just confirmed the thought that popped in my head just a few seconds ago (literally) as I was rereading that passage! The fig tree isn't a sign - as I first mistakenly thought. It is a parable in which Christ is commanding them to WATCH for the other signs listed before that verse - which coincides with other verses later in the chapter that command us to WATCH/BE WATCHFUL! Thank you!!!!!
I knew it wasn't referring to the generation that Christ was physically speaking to. I was referring to "that" generation that sees all the signs come to pass. I apologize for any confusion on that point.
Therefore, the last "sign" is in verse 31 where the angels gather His Elect at the sound of the trumpet. I cannot tell you how relieved I am now - this has been NAGGING at me for days now.
Thanks be to God for the understanding, and thank you for being the confirmation!
In Him,
John
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