Failed NT Prophecies about the Second Coming of Jesus

[lukethethird]

Most Christians believe in the Second Coming of Jesus (along with a final "Judgment Day"), yet very few of them seem to be aware that this second coming and judgment was explicitly prophesied by the gospels to occur within the lifetimes of Jesus' disciples. Here are a few of the verses that contain this failed prophecy. After the verses, I will delve a bit deeper into the attempts made by Christian apologists to explain away these verses, and illustrate why these rationalizations clearly fail upon further examination.

Matthew 10:21-23: "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Comments: Christian apologists are fond of making the erroneous claim that verse 23 is a reference to the coming of Jesus after his alleged resurrection as in the later chapters of the gospels. But what they fail to acknowledge is that the references to brothers betraying each other, parents and children betraying each other, and being hated for being followers of Jesus are found in Mark 13, a chapter that is clearly a reference to the "last days," indicating that the prophecy in verse 23 is in fact a reference to the final judgment, or Second Coming of Jesus. In fact, the words used in Matthew 10:21-22 are essentially identical to those found in Mark chapter 13 (a chapter which refers to the final Judgment), removing all doubts that this is in fact a prophecy about Jesus' final return.

Matthew 16:27-28: "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Comments: Some Christian apologists make the error of attempting to explain the obviously failed prophecy in verse 28 by claiming that it refers to the "Transfiguration" event described in the following chapter. But, clearly, as can be seen when reading verse 28 in the context of verse 27, this prophecy is a reference to the second coming of Jesus, also known as Judgment Day, as is evident from the reference to "angels" (no angels are mentioned in the transfiguration chapter), and the allusion to judgment where Jesus will "reward each person according to what they have done." So, it's clear that these verses were also a prophecy that the final judgment would occur within Jesus' disciples lifetimes.

Luke 21:29-32: "He told them this parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened."
Comments: Some Christian apologists attempt to argue that "this generation" is a reference to some future generation that is alive at the time of Jesus' return. But, again, when examining the context of the verse, we again learn that this is incorrect. Jesus is speaking to his disciples privately during this conversation, and refers to them using the second person pronoun "you" stating "When you see these things....." Clearly, Jesus is telling his disciples that they will be witnesses to the end times, and that their generation will not pass away until all of the signs have occurred, again mirroring the similar language found in the aforementioned erroneous prophecies.

So, if you are being intellectually honest, you can now clearly see that these are failed prophecies. Even C.S. Lewis, a renowned Christian apologist, referred to these verses as being the most embarrassing verses in the bible, and admitted that they are clearly erroneous prophecies. Most of the time, when discussing these verses with Christians, and explaining the context of them, and why they clearly fail, the typical initial reaction is that of anger toward me, indicating that some degree of cognitive dissonance has set in. I understand it's upsetting to realize that a book you previously thought was infallible clearly contains errors, but it's important to acknowledge this if you honestly care about whether your beliefs are true or not.

Most of the epistle writers, including Paul, were waiting for Christ to come to earth for the first time. Paul's epistles predate the gospels so he was unaware of a Jesus from Nazareth, and no, Paul did not meet the brother of Jesus.

 

[Muffled]

Of course you would. One has to rather radically reinterpret the Bible for it to be "true" at all. Did you know that most Christians do not follow the Flat Earth teachings of the Bible? Shameful.

I believe you can't seriously say that ancient people had as much scientific understanding as todays people.

 

[Muffled]

Most of the epistle writers, including Paul, were waiting for Christ to come to earth for the first time. Paul's epistles predate the gospels so he was unaware of a Jesus from Nazareth, and no, Paul did not meet the brother of Jesus.

I believe the Biblical evidence is contrary to that.

 

[lukethethird]

I believe the Biblical evidence is contrary to that.

That's because you are well indoctrinated to believe.

 

[Subduction Zone]

I believe you can't seriously say that ancient people had as much scientific understanding as todays people.

That is sort of the point. The writers of the Bible clearly did not know that the Earth was spherical. Nor do they understand that life is the product of evolution.

 

[Muffled]

That's because you are well indoctrinated to believe.

I believe that is an assumption on your part and the truth is that I am not indoctrinated. In fact in many cases I am an heretic.

 

[Muffled]

That is sort of the point. The writers of the Bible clearly did not know that the Earth was spherical. Nor do they understand that life is the product of evolution.

I believe people today only think they know that evolution is proven but the evidence is to the contrary.

 

[lukethethird]

I believe people today only think they know that evolution is proven but the evidence is to the contrary.

Who said you are not indoctrinated?

 

[Subduction Zone]

I believe people today only think they know that evolution is proven but the evidence is to the contrary.

Your opinion is almost certainly wrong and worthless. How much education do you have in the science?

And you still have the problem that you are claiming that God is a liar.

 

[Subduction Zone]

I believe you can't seriously say that ancient people had as much scientific understanding as todays people.

Yeah, they flew to work, had electronic calculators, had antibiotics and vaccines. Just like today.

 

[lukethethird]

I believe the Biblical evidence is contrary to that.

Beliefs are a dime a dozen, or however much people put into the plate that is passed around.

 

[Viker]

I believe people today only think they know that evolution is proven but the evidence is to the contrary.

What evidence to the contrary?

 

[Subduction Zone]

I believe the Biblical evidence is contrary to that.

You should have quoted the Bible to support your beliefs.

 

[Pete in Panama]

What evidence to the contrary?

We both know that to the converted all necessary evidence has already been received, and to the unbeliever no evidence is possible. Add to the mix is the fact that virtually everything in the material world evolves --pencils evolved into typewriters which in turn evolved into computer terminals evolving into the internet-- Things change and that's one of the few things that doesn't change.

To me the rest is just wordplay. One person can say God created all and the next can say "no, it's simply reality" only to be told "God created reality". imho this kind of wordplay is fit only for those w/ a LOT of spare time...

 

[101G]

That is sort of the point. The writers of the Bible clearly did not know that the Earth was spherical.

they knew, for it is written, Isaiah 40:21 "Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?" Isaiah 40:22 "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:"

Nor do they understand that life is the product of evolution.

no, because evolution is false, only a theory. adaptation of diversity only, that they knew. for the EARTH & the Waters brought Forth Jiving creatures, be it plant life, or animal life.

101G.

 

[Subduction Zone]

they knew, for it is written, Isaiah 40:21 "Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?" Isaiah 40:22 "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:"

no, because evolution is false, only a theory. adaptation of diversity only, that they knew. for the EARTH & the Waters brought Forth Jiving creatures, be it plant life, or animal life.

101G.

Circles are flat. The specific Hebrew word is for a circle inscribed by a compass and they are always flat. That is a flat Earth verse. As are the verses involving climbing a tree to see all of the Earth and Satan and Jesus going up on a high place to see all of the Earth. There are others as well.

And for evolution to be a false theory that would mean that God has to be a liar. I am surprised that you believe that.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

In the big picture 'the gospel will be preached to all nations and then the end will come'
as Mark says

Besides Mark, Matthew also wrote the preaching work would first be done on a great international scale as a witness to the nations - Matt.24:14
Never before in history have we reached that ' final phase ' of that international preaching being done as it is now being done.
Modern technology has now made rapid Bible translation possible to be in native languages for people even living in very remote areas.
Thus, this mean we are now nearing that ' final signal ', so to speak, as found at 1st Thess. 5:2-3 when the powers in charge will be saying, " Peace and Security...." but that Rosy saying can lead people down that so-called Primrose Path because that Rosy saying will prove to be the precursor to the coming great tribulation of Rev. 7:14.
Jesus' coming Glory Time of separation is still ahead of us - Matthew 25:31-34,37
As it is written, so it shall be.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Besides Mark, Matthew also wrote the preaching work would first be done on a great international scale as a witness to the nations - Matt.24:14
Never before in history have we reached that ' final phase ' of that international preaching being done as it is now being done.
Modern technology has now made rapid Bible translation possible to be in native languages for people even living in very remote areas.
Thus, this mean we are now nearing that ' final signal ', so to speak, as found at 1st Thess. 5:2-3 when the powers in charge will be saying, " Peace and Security...." but that Rosy saying can lead people down that so-called Primrose Path because that Rosy saying will prove to be the precursor to the coming great tribulation of Rev. 7:14.
Jesus' coming Glory Time of separation is still ahead of us - Matthew 25:31-34,37
As it is written, so it shall be.

Do you believe that the Gospels were written by the people that they were named for?

 

[URAVIP2ME]

You Quoted ----> Matthew 16:27-28: "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."............

I find a lot of people think the ^above ^ transfiguration scene is literal. It was Not. Please notice the word VISION at Matthew 17:9
Thus, Elijah and Moses were just represented in that VISION and Not literally present.
Plus, remember John 3:13 informs us that No one ascended ( resurrected ) before Jesus.
They are still 'asleep in death' until Resurrection Day (Jesus' coming 1,000 year Day) - Hebrews 11:13; Hebrews 11:39
So, James, Peter and John were given a preview, a coming attraction about Jesus' futurre coming Glory Time in kingly power - Matt. 25:31-34.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Most Christians believe in the Second Coming of Jesus (along with a final "Judgment Day"), yet very few of them seem to be aware that this second coming and judgment was explicitly prophesied by the gospels to occur within the lifetimes of Jesus' disciples. Here are a few of the verses that contain this failed prophecy. After the verses, I will delve a bit deeper into the attempts made by Christian apologists to explain away these verses, and illustrate why these rationalizations clearly fail upon further examination.

Matthew 10:21-23: "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Comments: Christian apologists are fond of making the erroneous claim that verse 23 is a reference to the coming of Jesus after his alleged resurrection as in the later chapters of the gospels. But what they fail to acknowledge is that the references to brothers betraying each other, parents and children betraying each other, and being hated for being followers of Jesus are found in Mark 13, a chapter that is clearly a reference to the "last days," indicating that the prophecy in verse 23 is in fact a reference to the final judgment, or Second Coming of Jesus. In fact, the words used in Matthew 10:21-22 are essentially identical to those found in Mark chapter 13 (a chapter which refers to the final Judgment), removing all doubts that this is in fact a prophecy about Jesus' final return.
Matthew 16:27-28: "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Comments: Some Christian apologists make the error of attempting to explain the obviously failed prophecy in verse 28 by claiming that it refers to the "Transfiguration" event described in the following chapter. But, clearly, as can be seen when reading verse 28 in the context of verse 27, this prophecy is a reference to the second coming of Jesus, also known as Judgment Day, as is evident from the reference to "angels" (no angels are mentioned in the transfiguration chapter), and the allusion to judgment where Jesus will "reward each person according to what they have done." So, it's clear that these verses were also a prophecy that the final judgment would occur within Jesus' disciples lifetimes.
Luke 21:29-32: "He told them this parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened."
Comments: Some Christian apologists attempt to argue that "this generation" is a reference to some future generation that is alive at the time of Jesus' return. But, again, when examining the context of the verse, we again learn that this is incorrect. Jesus is speaking to his disciples privately during this conversation, and refers to them using the second person pronoun "you" stating "When you see these things....." Clearly, Jesus is telling his disciples that they will be witnesses to the end times, and that their generation will not pass away until all of the signs have occurred, again mirroring the similar language found in the aforementioned erroneous prophecies.
So, if you are being intellectually honest, you can now clearly see that these are failed prophecies. Even C.S. Lewis, a renowned Christian apologist, referred to these verses as being the most embarrassing verses in the bible, and admitted that they are clearly erroneous prophecies. Most of the time, when discussing these verses with Christians, and explaining the context of them, and why they clearly fail, the typical initial reaction is that of anger toward me, indicating that some degree of cognitive dissonance has set in. I understand it's upsetting to realize that a book you previously thought was infallible clearly contains errors, but it's important to acknowledge this if you honestly care about whether your beliefs are true or not.

I find the judgement day you mentioned is out of harmony with Jesus' teaching as found at Luke 19:11-17
Jesus first travels to a far country ( Heaven - Hebrews 9:24) before later returning.
This is a reason why we are all still invited to pray the invitation to God for Jesus to come ! - Rev. 22:20,2
The judgement time of separation at Jesus' coming Glory Time is still ahead of us - Matthew 25:31-34