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I am sorry to say this but I believe that theses scriptures concerning the end of time are the least understood and the most misquoted scriptures in Christianity. First a little explanation concerning a saying anciently among the Jews.
On the first day of the year the Jews had a great celebration and feast. The first day of the year always came according to the “Signs”. On the first “Sunday” (first day of the week) marked the first day of the year that followed the first “New Moon” following the vernal equinox. This would be established when two witnesses (qualified) testified of the New Moon following the equinox, before a judge – then the sign would be given to all the Jews which was a fire lit on a hill side. The event was based on the appearance of the sign of the New Moon following the equinox. All these signs are “types and shadows” of Christ.
If a stranger were to ask when the new year would begin or when the feast would take place the common saying was – “No man knows, Not until the sign is given.” This was the saying but anyone that knew the signs of the year could know when the equinox was near and could easily surmise the Sunday to begin the new year. However, if there were storms and clouds blocking the sky often they would say of the attempts to see the signs as not only does no man know but not even the angles of heaven know.
My point is; any saint that studies the scriptures, as did the Magi of the East, will be able to see the signs of great wonder and know, quite accurately when our L-rd will return. For example, when two prophets are killed and lie dead in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 days (as the ancients counted 3 days) they will know the exact day from the moment the prophets are killed.
The problem we have for now is that there are many prophesies concerning the times of the last days but few pay attention. Always concerning these things does the L-rd reveal his secrets with symbols and does not speak in the terms that speculators like to use to the detriment of those that listen. If someone is wondering if they should waist their time investing for retirement that may not occur because Jesus will come – my recommendation is that you will be better off considering long term investments for your family.
The Traveler[/b]
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Very fascinating theories. I find it interesting some of the generalizations. We talk ourselves into believing them sometimes, like saying nothing much will change when the Lord comes. The series of 'Comings' will be wonderful for the saints. The mission of the 144,000 will be amazing as they will be living a terrestrial existence much like Christ after he reached his mission, as well as those who have tarried since then. Alma 9:21 teaches us about the doctrine of translation which will be very evident, so things will not be basically the same, in my humble opinion. I often ask how many survivied the flood? We do not know since all the Saints who were obedient, and righteiou, and faithful were translated before the flood. Noah of course had be preserved since the PH line had to come through him. BTW - did you know that Adam had a significant contibution to what was taken on the Ark I was going to reveal what but the Spirit contrains me. Anyway, we should all be working toward the terrestrial paradigm since none of us can leap to the Celesital wihtout passing through the Terrestrial (think of the temple endowment) not to mention the myriad of scriptural references also. Angels, visions, and more miracles will be necessary during the Mmilleniual reign of the Savior, Yes, things will be considerably different, but we will not be converted to instant shepherds with crooks walking around in robes. The space shuttle will still fly and our technology will be around too, just enhanced. Let's remember that the Mayans did not have the PH to provide the revleation to predict the end of the world, but it is an intersting corolllary. Angels still do come and visit.
All the best,
Abraham of the Chaldeas