The quick and the dead

[saintwalee]

I just read Gary's article, "Modern Christian Traditions That Bind and Blind" and the subject is Preterism, namely that the second coming was fulfilled in the first century.

Rev_22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

If I understood the article correctly, Gary is saying that Jesus meant just that, that Jesus would come again quickly.

Indeed, the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem did come in their lifetimes, but the appearance of Jesus's second coming will be definitely noticeable:
Luk 17:24  For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day

A look at the word Quick:
2Ti 4:1  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;


Quick here means living. Is it possible, that "Quickly" means bringing to Life? That would seem to make sense, as Jesus is the Resurrection. Another way to see this is by the phrases, "Come Quickly", or "Step Lively".

If we look at scripture from this perspective, when we ask Jesus into our lives, he doesn't delay, but sends his Holy Spirit to us quickly, both from the immediate sense as well as quickening, or bringing to life, our soul; being born again, or born from above.

As Gary points out, we are not to trust in the translations of the scriptures, for they can be tainted by Man's perspectives, but rather be guided by the Spirit of Truth, the wonderful Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth.

The apostle Peter seemed to recognize that Jesus's return was not imminent.

2Pe 3:3  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2Pe 3:4  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2Pe 3:5  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2Pe 3:6  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2Pe 3:7  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2Pe 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Hmm, "...not willing that any should perish"? Sounds good to me! :banana: