Question from a WordTruth.Com friend:

>>can you explain to me the verse in matthew 24:29-30? Has this been fulfilled already or is it talking about a future event?

WordTruth.Com Response:

Here is the Scripture you asked about:

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:29-30, NKJV)

The short answer to your question is that this verse refers to a future event. Our LORD Jesus Christ is speaking to His disciples about events both preceding and associated with His second coming. The "tribulation of those days" refers to the preceding events -- referred to in the Bible by various terms such as the "great tribulation" or the "time of Jacob's distress". It is a seven year period of judgment on the earth because of a nearly global rejection of God. This will immediately precede the second coming of Christ which everyone will see, not just His followers. Notice the reference "all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man..." Those who in this life have put trust and faith in the LORD Jesus Christ as Savior will rejoice at His second coming. But those who reject Christ will mourn because of their sin.

As you can see by the startling references to the sun, moon, and stars being shaken in the heavens, the second coming of Christ will be unmistakable. Some religious groups teach that Jesus' second coming was invisible or secret. This totally contradicts the word of God which you see in this text. It is a spectacular event. The only question regarding the second coming of Christ at this point is "Are you ready for the second coming of Christ?" Have you realized you are a sinner (Romans 3:23) and that your sin separates you from the love of God (Romans 6:23)? Have you believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for your sins (Romans 5:8) and have you committed your life to Him as LORD and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)? For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Romans 10:13). If you have responded to His call on your life to follow Him, then you are ready for His glorious appearing, even rejoicing at the thought. If not, then you should turn from your sin and put your trust in the LORD Jesus Christ today.

May the LORD Jesus Christ bless you with wisdom and courage to live for Him!

  Randy Lariscy :-)
  Director - WordTruth.Com Ministry

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Copyright 5/17/2000, Randy Lariscy.