We come to the pivotal timing passage in Mark 13 that refers to the “abomination of desolation” about which Daniel prophesied. Before we continue through the chapter, let’s remind ourselves of the major issues at stake in the Olivet Discourse.
For one thing, we have a major difference among Bible-believing people, as to what Jesus is talking about. The “Preterist” believes that Biblical prophecies about the “End Times” have already been fulfilled, primarily in the first century, referring to events like the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. This view is rooted in the Latin word preter, meaning "past".
The ”Futurist” believes that there are still many prophecies and major events yet to be fulfilled. They hold to a future place for the nation of Israel, the salvation of that nation, a literal return of Christ from heaven, and an earthly reign of Jesus that lasts for a Millennium. There are many fulfilled prophecies related to Jesus’ first advent but many yet remain in terms of His second advent. We clearly hold to this view of the Olivet Discourse.
Let us also remind ourselves of the purpose of the Discourse: take heed that no one deceives you. Given this fact, I want to say that I believe there are issues of “deception” involved in how one interprets Mark 13 and the other accounts. Again, Jesus did not give us all the details that allow us to know the time and hour of His return. He will tell us later in Mark 13 that even the Son does not know the time. Further, He also indicates that His return will not happen as soon as the disciples might have thought. He warns them: “the end is not yet” and “these are the beginning of sorrows.” He doesn’t give us “years” but He does indicate there are many things that will take place, and that the need is for a patient faith. Failure to recognize the future aspects to the Discourse has the potential to open people up to deception. Again, Jesus says, the reason He told the Twelve and us, the Church, these things is so you will “take heed” of the deception (13:22-23).
Paul considered it heresy when a couple of men were preaching that the resurrection was already past (2 Tim. 2:16-18). Eschatology is not in any way unimportant. There can be no neglecting the many things in Scripture that speak of the future working out of God’s plan for the nations and for Israel and for His Son!
With this, let me point out something in the accounts of Mark and Luke. Luke indicates, I believe, that the signs that warn of the events of 70AD should encourage believers to flee (Lk. 21:20-21). Mark’s account gives the same encouragement to flee to those who see the future “abomination” (13:14-15). Do the accounts conflict? No! Futurists believe that, as the second temple was destroyed, so, according to Rev. 11:1-2, a future temple in the tribulation time will also be destroyed. The signs Jesus gave in the Discourse fit life on earth until His literal, bodily return in glory!
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