Only The Father Knows

[Faith1960]

In the homily last night, our Deacon said that no one knows when the end of the world will come, yet at the end of the homily, he quoted Rev. 22:20, “The one who gives this testimony says ‘Yes I am coming soon’ Amen! Come Lord Jesus.”
When is “soon?” If no one knows when the end will occur, why did Jesus say “soon?”

 

[Faith1960]

And if no one knows, not even the Son, why would Jesus say He’ll return “soon?”

 

[James224]

In the homily last night, our Deacon said that no one knows when the end of the world will come, yet at the end of the homily, he quoted Rev. 22:20, “The one who gives this testimony says ‘Yes I am coming soon’ Amen! Come Lord Jesus.”
When is “soon?” If no one knows when the end will occur, why did Jesus say “soon?”

The Douay-Rheims Version says , “I come quickly…”. It means to reward the good and punish the evil. (Haydock Commentary) So it’s not talking about a particular time but, rather, that He will come when it is time.

 

[Faith1960]

The Douay-Rheims Version says , “I come quickly…”. It means to reward the good and punish the evil. (Haydock Commentary) So it’s not talking about a particular time but, rather, that He will come when it is time.

Wouldn’t “soon” and “quickly” mean the same thing?
I looked at my two other bibles, The New International Version and Good News Bible and both use the word "soon.:

 

[Faith1960]

Since only one person seems to want to answer my questions, can someone point me toward other posts of this nature, if they’re there? I’ve done several searches and can’t find any.

 

[DPMartin]

Since only one person seems to want to answer my questions, can someone point me toward other posts of this nature, if they’re there? I’ve done several searches and can’t find any.

Faith

what’s the whaaa all about?

Why is that a problem for you? What? The Lord will come when He comes, and that’s not according what you understand?

Consider who is the speaker, and what is soon or quickly for Him. A thousand years is like a day, and a day is like a thousand years. In the Book of Revelations, is He referring to now? Then when John wrote down these things? Or was He referring to that which was being revealed to John at the time? And as far as soon, maybe He means sooner then later. Or sooner then, to late?

Or “as soon as”?

Hence could it mean as soon as the time is full, to God the Father’s Satisfaction, (for it is Jesus that knows and is the first to know when the Father is Satisfied) then He shall come quickly?

The KJV doesn’t have “soon” in this verse, it says quickly, not sure about other versions.
But in the KJV (NT) there are 26 verses that have the word “soon” 19 of those say “as soon” and of the 19, 17 say “as soon as” which can be also under stood as “quickly”.

Rev:22: (KJV)
16: I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Besides The Word of God has come in the Power of the Holy Spirit, now is your time to be fulfilled therein. Why worry for anything else? It ain’t over until God says it’s over. And when God says it’s over then as soon as the Father is satisfied for that’s when He will say so, then Lord come quickly, or as soon as.

 

[Faith1960]

Faith

what’s the whaaa all about?

Why is that a problem for you? What? The Lord will come when He comes, and that’s not according what you understand?

Consider who is the speaker, and what is soon or quickly for Him. A thousand years is like a day, and a day is like a thousand years. In the Book of Revelations, is He referring to now? Then when John wrote down these things? Or was He referring to that which was being revealed to John at the time? And as far as soon, maybe He means sooner then later. Or sooner then, to late?

Or “as soon as”?

Hence could it mean as soon as the time is full, to God the Father’s Satisfaction, (for it is Jesus that knows and is the first to know when the Father is Satisfied) then He shall come quickly?

The KJV doesn’t have “soon” in this verse, it says quickly, not sure about other versions.
But in the KJV (NT) there are 26 verses that have the word “soon” 19 of those say “as soon” and of the 19, 17 say “as soon as” which can be also under stood as “quickly”.

Rev:22: (KJV)
16: I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Besides The Word of God has come in the Power of the Holy Spirit, now is your time to be fulfilled therein. Why worry for anything else? It ain’t over until God says it’s over. And when God says it’s over then as soon as the Father is satisfied for that’s when He will say so, then Lord come quickly, or as soon as.

I’d appreciate a little bit of charity when I say that the “waaaa” about it is because this End Times stuff freaks me out a little bit. Also, Jesus said that no one knows the time, not the Son, not anyone but the Father, but then in Revelation he said “soon.” Jesus is part of the Trinity so wouldn’t He know when?

 

[OvrlapnMagstria]

The scriptures certainly do seem to say that the end was coming soon after their writing. Take this passage where Jesus describes the second coming:

[BIBLEDRB]Matt 24:34[/BIBLEDRB]

Within this generation; referring to Jesus’ generation. The passage about only the Father knowing the time comes soon after in that same chapter. I interpret that as meaning “It will happen within your lifetime, but I don’t know exactly when.” So I guess we missed it.

I think its best not to worry too much about the end of the world that seems to be almost 2000 years late already.

 

[DPMartin]

I’d appreciate a little bit of charity when I say that the “waaaa” about it is because this End Times stuff freaks me out a little bit. Also, Jesus said that no one knows the time, not the Son, not anyone but the Father, but then in Revelation he said “soon.” Jesus is part of the Trinity so wouldn’t He know when?

Faith

thanks for the reply

I can understand, if you are frustrated, but you must trust that God the Father knows best. For His Love for you is not in vain.

Jesus showed us to trust the will of the Father, and He does, therefore we should do the same.

If it worries you that the Lord is coming soon. Then why? Shouldn’t we look forward to the coming of the Lord? “ Even so, come, Lord Jesus”. For His coming is Righteous and Just for all who Love Him.

 

[DPMartin]

The scriptures certainly do seem to say that the end was coming soon after their writing. Take this passage where Jesus describes the second coming:

[BIBLEDRB]Matt 24:34[/BIBLEDRB]

Within this generation; referring to Jesus’ generation. The passage about only the Father knowing the time comes soon after in that same chapter. I interpret that as meaning “It will happen within your lifetime, but I don’t know exactly when.” So I guess we missed it.

I think its best not to worry too much about the end of the world that seems to be almost 2000 years late already.

OvrlapnMagstria

When reading this chapter one must understand that three questions were asked:

1: And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2: And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

1. Tell us, when shall these things be?
   Referring to what Jesus just said.
2. and what shall be the sign of thy coming
3. and of the end of the world?

So in this chapter it would seem, by even common sense, that there are three separate answers.

 

[OvrlapnMagstria]

OvrlapnMagstria

1. Tell us, when shall these things be?
   Referring to what Jesus just said.
2. and what shall be the sign of thy coming
3. and of the end of the world?

So in this chapter it would seem, by even common sense, that there are three separate answers.

I am confused. To me it seems that Jesus describes the signs of the second coming. He then says that these signs mean that that it is coming soon, just like a fig tree signals the immediate coming of summer:

[BIBLEDRB]Matt 24:32-33[/BIBLEDRB]

Directly after this he says that these things will happen within their generation. The signs are to happen within the generation, and so the second coming would happen soon after.

Which question was Jesus answering when he stated that these things will pass in their generation? From reading the passage in context, it seems to me that he was talking about the second coming.

 

[Faith1960]

I am confused. To me it seems that Jesus describes the signs of the second coming. He then says that these signs mean that that it is coming soon, just like a fig tree signals the immediate coming of summer:

Maybe “soon” to Jesus and God isn’t the same as we perceive “soon.”

 

[FCEGM]

. . . Also, Jesus said that no one knows the time, not the Son, not anyone but the Father, but then in Revelation he said “soon.” Jesus is part of the Trinity so wouldn’t He know when?

Faith, keep in mind that Christ is not only in the Nature of God, but of Man, and so in His human nature He is able to (and does) grow in the knowledge and wisdom that pertains to being a Man. So when addressed about “the End” we see Him limiting His answer to what He knows as Man, because this is information that is not for mankind to know, only to be prepared for. As St. Augustine said, “It was no part of His teaching duty to make it [the day of the General Judgment] known to us.”

 

[Faith1960]

Faith, keep in mind that Christ is not only in the Nature of God, but of Man, and so in His human nature He is able to (and does) grow in the knowledge and wisdom that pertains to being a Man. So when addressed about “the End” we see Him limiting His answer to what He knows as Man, because this is information that is not for mankind to know, only to be prepared for. As St. Augustine said, “It was no part of His teaching duty to make it [the day of the General Judgment] known to us.”

Then why did Jesus say it would happen soon?

 

[DPMartin]

I am confused. To me it seems that Jesus describes the signs of the second coming. He then says that these signs mean that that it is coming soon, just like a fig tree signals the immediate coming of summer:

[BIBLEDRB]Matt 24:32-33[/BIBLEDRB]

Directly after this he says that these things will happen within their generation. The signs are to happen within the generation, and so the second coming would happen soon after.

Which question was Jesus answering when he stated that these things will pass in their generation? From reading the passage in context, it seems to me that he was talking about the second coming.

OvrlapnMagstria

thanks for the reply

Don’t be confused, trust that what the Lord says is true, whether you understand or not. For confusion is not of God.

If God was to show you His blue prints, could you read and understand? If you are not the builder, then what do you need to know and understand other than, God has built it. Is this not the same in respect to Heaven and Earth.

The Apostles showed us though they did not understand, they trusted, the Lord Jesus Christ. (How many times did the Lord have to explain a parable) And the understanding really didn’t come to them until Pentecost. I do believe it was John who even mentioned this. And the Revelation in the Spirit gave them Understanding for the times at hand.

Didn’t the Lord God reveal to Israel all that He would do in Christ Jesus, but yet they knew not until it was revealed. Even in the days of Moses they knew they were to go to the promised land but yet they knew not when or how until the time came, according to the Word of God. They had to Trust the Word of God first before they could come to the understanding of the Word of God and the Fulfillment of the Word of God. When the Lord said to the Apostles, He would send the Comforter they probably had no idea what He meant by that. But today we not only know but understand, it is that they trusted that it was good, for what is good, is of God.

If the Lord doesn’t give you understanding in this “End Times” stuff, let it be that the Lord find you as He would have you doing. Hence no matter what, He will be pleased to see you.

 

[FCEGM]

Then why did Jesus say it would happen soon?

Because it was Our Lord in His Glory Who was - and is - preparing us to be ready for His return. Keep in mind all that has already been presented to you on God’s view of time. Do not let the thought of His coming soon upset you (and it will be soon, for when He comes all the time of our lives will seem as an instant, a blink of an eye); if you live according to His teaching you will live in trust and joyful hope of meeting Him.

 

[OvrlapnMagstria]

OvrlapnMagstria

thanks for the reply

Don’t be confused, trust that what the Lord says is true, whether you understand or not. For confusion is not of God.

So God gives my an amazing brain and expects me to not use it? If something doesn’t make sense, the answer is “Don’t think, don’t reason, just believe”?

I’m sorry, but I don’t buy that. We DO think, we DO use reason. That’s is what makes us human. If something does not make sense, we should try to understand it, not shrug our shoulders and say “Oh well.” And if someone says that events will happen within a time-frame, and they don’t, that demands an explanation, especially if one then makes the claim that what was said was true in the first place.

You’ll notice that as my religion I have listed “always leaning.” You are telling me to stop learning and just accept.

Thank you very much for your reply. Although we may disagree, I do enjoy the discussion.

 

[Faith1960]

Because it was Our Lord in His Glory Who was - and is - preparing us to be ready for His return. Keep in mind all that has already been presented to you on God’s view of time. Do not let the thought of His coming soon upset you (and it will be soon, for when He comes all the time of our lives will seem as an instant, a blink of an eye); if you live according to His teaching you will live in trust and joyful hope of meeting Him.

So His “soon” might not be what WE consider to be soon? IOW, it could happen tomorrow or thousands of years from now?

 

[FCEGM]

So His “soon” might not be what WE consider to be soon? IOW, it could happen tomorrow or thousands of years from now?

Precisely; and we must live so as to be ready for His coming today. But He is already here with us today in the Eucharist and in the souls of those in grace.

 

[DPMartin]

So God gives my an amazing brain and expects me to not use it? If something doesn’t make sense, the answer is “Don’t think, don’t reason, just believe”?

I’m sorry, but I don’t buy that. We DO think, we DO use reason. That’s is what makes us human. If something does not make sense, we should try to understand it, not shrug our shoulders and say “Oh well.” And if someone says that events will happen within a time-frame, and they don’t, that demands an explanation, especially if one then makes the claim that what was said was true in the first place.

You’ll notice that as my religion I have listed “always leaning.” You are telling me to stop learning and just accept.

Thank you very much for your reply. Although we may disagree, I do enjoy the discussion.

OvrlapnMagstria

thanks for the reply

Truly misplaced trust destroys a man. Surly our God sees this. The Lord our God knows this. And Adam and Eve learned this the hard way. It is a sorrowful thing that the world teaches that trust is for the stupid, and he who trusts is a fool.

It is the nature of the world, or human existence to trust what it has been entrust with, rather than trust He who has entrusted human beings with human existence. If you can’t Trust the Word of God that is of God that has entrust us with human existence, then what could you possibly trust? For any other trust would be misplaced trust.

Knowledge and Understanding is given to the entrusted who trust, just as Jesus revealed Himself in the resurrected body to the entrusted who trusted Him that is the Word of God in the Son of man. Therefore the trusting in the Word of God are entrusted with the Revelation of the Word of God, and entrusted to receive the things of God. Didn’t the Lord Jesus tell many that it was their Faith (Trust) that healed them. This is also the same with Mercy and Forgiveness of God.