Here is a major reason I view things differently than many other futurists, particularly those of the Dispensational camp. I'm not a Preterist, but I do accept the view of the Church Fathers that the Olivet Discourse was fulfilled largely in history--all except for the 2nd Coming. Jesus used the question asked him about his 2nd Coming not just to substantiate his 2nd Coming, but also to show that it had present relevance in our lives--not just in the future. We will be judged in the here and now, and not just at the judgment seat.
So just as God portrayed His coming in judgment during various historical judgments, so Jesus portrayed his Coming as pre-consummate judgments in history, including the 70 AD judgment. They are not to be confused, of course, with eschatological comings, but they are nonetheless described as a "coming."
Rev 2.16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 3. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
These verses refer to occasions in ancient history when Jesus visited judgment upon those in the 7 Asian churches who were not obedient. Jesus surprised them like a thief, and came to them in sudden judgment.
This is not to say that God is not patient, enduring, and merciful in the present age. He is, and His grace is abundant, awaiting the process leading to final judgment.
But to deny that God is still in the "judgment" business is terribly unbalanced and false. God judged Israel in 70 AD, and He has been judging nations since the time they came into existence. He is patient, but there are limits to His patience. We should never feel secure, knowing that Christ is coming later. He comes to us every day, seeing how we are, and wanting to prepare us for His heavenly Kingdom. "Come, Lord Jesus," should be our cry every day.
When you read the Olivet Discourse, recognize that Jesus was looking at the events of 70 AD as a kind of preliminary "coming" of Messiah, before the final day of judgment. It will help you synchronize what he was saying about his own generation, and what he was saying about the end of the age.
So just as God portrayed His coming in judgment during various historical judgments, so Jesus portrayed his Coming as pre-consummate judgments in history, including the 70 AD judgment. They are not to be confused, of course, with eschatological comings, but they are nonetheless described as a "coming."
Rev 2.16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 3. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
These verses refer to occasions in ancient history when Jesus visited judgment upon those in the 7 Asian churches who were not obedient. Jesus surprised them like a thief, and came to them in sudden judgment.
This is not to say that God is not patient, enduring, and merciful in the present age. He is, and His grace is abundant, awaiting the process leading to final judgment.
But to deny that God is still in the "judgment" business is terribly unbalanced and false. God judged Israel in 70 AD, and He has been judging nations since the time they came into existence. He is patient, but there are limits to His patience. We should never feel secure, knowing that Christ is coming later. He comes to us every day, seeing how we are, and wanting to prepare us for His heavenly Kingdom. "Come, Lord Jesus," should be our cry every day.
When you read the Olivet Discourse, recognize that Jesus was looking at the events of 70 AD as a kind of preliminary "coming" of Messiah, before the final day of judgment. It will help you synchronize what he was saying about his own generation, and what he was saying about the end of the age.