For several months now I have wanted to share this article, but I wanted us to get past the political silly season so when I shared it people MIGHT pay attention. My good friend Clint Young has studied biblical timing for many years. He is working on a book format and this post will probably be chapter 5 in that book. While he retains copyrights on this content, he has graciously given me permission to share it with you here. I will open comments on this post (with moderation) so that if you want to ask a question or obtain the book you can let me know and I will share your comments with him. I believe as we move forward that things will become clearer and clearer, but as my earthly father so often taught – there are probably surprises up ahead for us all. So please be prayerful and watchful and ready. Walk in Yahshua’s ways and follow His teachings to the best of your ability. Seek Him while you may find Him! You will be blessed as you do and bless others as well./sc
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Return of Jesus
by Clint Young 2020
The Importance of Jesus’ Return
The return of the Lord Jesus Christ is the great hope of the true Church. Even though mankind does not realize it yet, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ is also the hope of all humanity.
Matthew 24: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
The last world ruler, the Antichrist, along with the false prophet and the 10 Kings will bring about a time of man’s history that Jesus calls the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21).
The great tribulation will be the worst of times for mankind “since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be”. If the natural progression of those days is not “shortened”, all flesh will be destroyed. Mankind will completely cease to exist.
Fortunately, God will shorten the days of the great tribulation “for the elect’s sake” (Matthew 24:22). Those days will not complete their entire natural progression. The days of the great tribulation will be shortened to 1260 days (3 1/2 years).
Fortunately, the Lord Jesus Christ will return to save mankind from himself. Fortunately, the Lord Jesus Christ will heal the nations and the Earth after he returns.
What happens before Jesus returns?
The disciples of Jesus wished to show Jesus the beautiful buildings of the temple (Matthew 24:1). Instead of glorying in those buildings, Jesus told his disciples that not one stone would remain upon another (Matthew 24:2). His disciples then proceeded to ask him “when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3).
Matthew 24: 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.
Matthew 24: 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.
Matthew 24: 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?
Jesus’ disciples wanted to know when the temple would be destroyed and what would be “the sign of his coming, and of the end of the world”. Jesus proceeded to answer his disciples questions by providing a sequence of events that will occur prior to his return. This sequence of events is defined in Matthew 24. The last part of that sequence was a period of time that Jesus called “the great tribulation”. The great tribulation will occur just prior to Jesus’ return.
The beginning of the great tribulation is of such importance that Jesus defined exactly what will happen to signal its beginning. The Antichrist will set up an abomination at the holy place in Jerusalem. Those who see this abomination will be given a very short time to flee into the wilderness. After those who heed Jesus’ warning flee into the wilderness, the great tribulation will begin. The great tribulation will last for 1260 days (3 1/2 years). After it is over, the Lord Jesus Christ will return.
When will Jesus return?
The Bible defines 4 ways to determine an approximate time when Jesus will return. I write “approximate time” because none will know the exact day or the exact hour when Jesus will return.
At this time, the only way I know to determine an approximate time when Jesus will return is found in Luke 13:32. Luke 13:32 records what Jesus said of his ministry in regard to timing. Jesus reveals the timing of his ministry in this verse by speaking of 3 days. By taking a 1000-year interpretation for each of these three days, we can estimate an approximate time when Jesus will return.
The date determined by taking a thousand-year approach to the three days in Luke 13:32 can be confirmed by 3 events that look to occur in the next 10 years.
When the Antichrist makes a covenant with many (Daniel 9:27), we can add 7 years to this date to determine an approximate time when Jesus will return. I estimate this covenant with many will occur around February 2027.
When the daily sacrifice begins at the sanctuary in Jerusalem, 2300 days (Daniel 8:14) can be added to this date to determine an approximate time when Jesus will return. I estimate the daily sacrifice will begin around October 2027.
When the great tribulation begins, 1260 days (Revelation 11:13, 12:6) can be added to this date to determine an approximate date when Jesus will return. I estimate the great tribulation will begin around August 2030.
God expects those who wish to know when Jesus will return to go to His written Word. If a certain man or woman is presenting a date for the return of Jesus, He expects His children to test that information. Part of that test should be the question, “Where is the applicable Word of God that gives credence to any particular date?”
Jesus – The Best Authority
Jesus is the most valid authority to speak about the timing of his own return. Jesus spoke of the overall timing of his ministry. The Apostle Luke recorded Jesus’ words about his ministry. His words about the overall timing of Jesus’ ministry are recorded in Luke 13:32. By understanding this verse and by knowing when Jesus said these words, we can estimate an approximate time when Jesus will return.
Luke 13:32 – Key to Knowing When Jesus will Return
Several bits of information need to be known to determine when Jesus will return at this point in time. First, we need to understand the meaning of Luke 13:32. Then we need to know when Jesus said the words he spoke in Luke 13:32. Once this understanding is achieved, we can add 2000 years to when Jesus said these words to determine an approximate time of Jesus’ return.
Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.Jesus said he would “cast out devils” and “do cures” today and tomorrow, and on the third day he would “be perfected”.
In these few words is the best key to knowing when Jesus will return at this time at this time of 2021.
Since Jesus said the words of Luke 13:32, Jesus’ true followers have been casting out devils and doing cures in the name of Jesus. For now and for the last 1987 years there has been a need to cast out devils and to do cures. Jesus did that when he walked the earth. Now, his followers do that in his name. Since his followers do so in his name, casting out of devils and healing occurs at the bequest of Jesus. So, in essence it is Jesus that is casting out devils and bringing about healing. This has been the case now for 1987 years since Jesus was crucified March 23, 34 AD.
The key to understanding Luke 13:32 is to understand the third day Jesus spoke of in this verse. Jesus said “and the third day I shall be perfected”. Jesus being perfected on the third day was not his crucifixion. Jesus was not crucified three days after he said the words in Luke 13:32. He was crucified at least a week later. Jesus being perfected was not his transfiguration. The transfiguration had already occurred when Jesus said the words recorded in Luke 13:32.
When Jesus said he would “be perfected” on the third day, most likely he was speaking of his 1000-year-rule. Two scriptures support a 1000-year day interpretation of the 3 days spoken by Jesus in Luke 13:32. They are 2 Peter 3:8 and Psalm 90:4.
2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:8 shows us “that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years”. 2 Peter 3 speaks of the last days and the coming of the day of the Lord. 2 Peter 3:8 is screaming out that the days Jesus spoke of in Luke 13:32 are 1000-year days.
Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
Psalms 90: 4 shows us that a thousand years are “but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night”. This verse also shows us that a day and night is a “thousand years” in “thy sight”.
Both 2 Peter 3:8 and Psalms 90:4 give credence that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years”.
Was the Lord Jesus speaking of three 1000-year days in Luke 13:32? I think so. If so, the first two days in Luke 13:32 is 2000 years. These two 1000-year days or 2000 years precede the one 1000-year day of Jesus’ perfection. The day of Jesus’ perfection or 1000 years begins when Jesus returns.
By adding 2000 years to when Jesus spoke the words he spoke in Luke 13:32, an approximate date of Jesus’ return can be determined.
When did Jesus’ Ministry Begin?
To determine when Jesus spoke the words recorded in Luke 13:32, it is best to first determine when Jesus’ ministry began. Knowing the beginning date of Jesus’ ministry allows us to determine the date when Jesus was crucified. Jesus said the words of Luke 13:32 one to two weeks before he was crucified. Once we know when Jesus was crucified, we can determine an approximate date when Jesus said the words found in Luke 13:32.
To determine when Jesus was crucified it is best to start with the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
Jesus’ ministry began after he was baptized by John the Baptist.
Fortunately, the Apostle Luke carefully documented when the ministry of John the Baptist began. This documentation is found in the Bible at Luke 3:1. Let’s first look at when the ministry of John the Baptist began in order to better define when Jesus’ ministry began. From that time, we can then determine when Jesus was crucified.
When did the Ministry of John the Baptist Begin?
Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
The ministry of John began after “the word of God came unto John”. “The word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias” in the “fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar”.
The rule of Tiberius Caesar is the only ruler of the 7 listed in Luke 3:1 which has a specific year of their reign mentioned, that is “the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar”.
Using the “fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar” to determine when John the Baptist’s ministry began is not only based upon a scripture found within the Bible, that is Luke 3:1; it also is based upon the most written about ruler during the time of John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ ministry, that is Tiberius Caesar.
When determining when Jesus was baptised and even when he was born, using a date based upon what is known about Tiberius Caesar is going to prove to be the most accurate historical approach.
Tiberius Caesar reigned from 14 AD to 37 AD. So much was written about Tiberius Caesar and preserved unto this day that historians know the exact day Tiberius began to reign. Tiberius began to reign on September 18, 14 AD. “The fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar” was from September 18, 28 AD until September 17, 29 AD. Somewhere between the beginning of Tiberius Caesar’s “fifteenth year” until the end of Tiberius Caesar’s “fifteenth year”, the ministry of John the Baptist began.
We don’t know exactly when during the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar’s rule that the ministry of John the Baptist began. The earliest time would be September 18, 28 AD. The latest time would be September 17, 29 AD.
March 29 AD is a good average of the early and late dates of the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar. Since we don’t know the exact time during Tiberius Caesar’s 15th year John the Baptist’s ministry began, the average date of March 29 AD will be used. At most this date will be 6 months early or late.
When was Jesus Baptized?
John’s ministry began around March 29 AD. Jesus was baptized after John’s ministry began and was established. When Jesus went to be baptized by John, John’s ministry had developed to the point that many people went to be baptized by him. Also, John had disciples that followed him. The development of John’s ministry to this point did not occur overnight. I estimate that it took around a year to come to that point. If so, then 30 AD or 31 AD would be a good estimate when Jesus was baptized.
The 30 AD or 31 AD date for Jesus’ baptism agrees with being after the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry, that is March 29. The 30 AD or 31 AD date allows sufficient time for the ministry of John to become established before Jesus was baptized.
Luke 3:23 shows us that Jesus began to be about thirty years of age when he was baptised. If Jesus was born in 1 AD, then 30 AD to 31 AD would be good time estimates of when Jesus was baptised. Taken with when the ministry of John the Baptist began and the time required for John’s ministry to become established before Jesus was baptized, the 30 AD to 31 AD date is a good estimate of when Jesus was baptized.
After Jesus was baptized, he went into the wilderness and fasted and prayed for 40 days. He was tempted by the Devil after he fasted 40 days and nights. Then, the ministry of Jesus began. The ministry of Jesus lasted 3 to 4 years. The dates of 33 AD or 34 AD would be the approximate years when Jesus was crucified.
When was Jesus Crucified?
Jesus said the words of Luke 13:32 a week or two before he was crucified. If his crucifixion date can be determined, then we have a good approximation date when Jesus said the words as recorded in Luke 13:32.
Matthew 12:40 defines that Jesus was in the tomb for three days and three nights before his resurrection.
Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Jesus had to be crucified on a 4th day Passover in order for his body to be in the tomb for 3 full days and 3 full nights before being resurrected on the 1st day.
Jesus died around the 9th hour, or 3:00 pm in the afternoon, on the 4th day. Jesus’ body was placed into the tomb around the time the sun went down on the 4th day. When the sun went down on the 4th day, this began the 5th day according to how the Jews counted the end and beginning of each day.
Jesus’s body remained 3 full days and 3 full nights in the tomb before being resurrected on the first day of the week. The earliest time of his resurrection would have been just as the 1st day began after the 7th day’s sunset.
Jesus’ missing body was not discovered until the early morning of the first day. So, we know that the latest time of his resurrection was the early morning hours of the first day of the week.
Contrary to most of religion’s teachings, Jesus was not crucified on a Friday. Those who promote a Friday Passover day can not explain, nor ever will be able to explain, how you can fit 3 days and 3 nights into a time space from Friday evening when the sun went down to Sunday morning. This time gap is only 1 1/2 days at most, not 3 days and 3 nights.
The error of a Friday crucifixion day has been propagated by those who do not understand the special sabbath that always follows the Passover day. They think that Jesus was crucified on a Friday because the next day after the crucifixion was written to be a sabbath. They think the Bible is speaking of the seventh day sabbath which occurs every week. Yet, the special sabbath that always follows Passover day is called the “first day of the feast of unleaven bread”.
The sabbath of the first day of unleaven bread is the sabbath the Bible is speaking of as following Jesus’ crucifixion day. This special sabbath always occurs every year after the day of Passover.
Those who are careful to obey the sabbaths of God understand the special sabbath of the first day of the feast of unleaven bread. Most religious leaders don’t give heed in obeying the sabbaths of God. So, they don’t understand.
Jesus had to be crucified on the 4th day Passover or a Wednesday Passover. This is the only way that Jesus’ body remained in the tomb 3 days and 3 nights before his resurrection on the first day of the week. Jesus’ resurrection may have occurred as early as just after sunset on the 7th day.
In 34 AD, the Passover was on the 4th day of the week or a Wednesday Passover. The only other Wednesday Passover during the time of Jesus’ ministry was March 31 AD. However, the 31 AD date for the crucifixion does not allow enough time for Jesus’ ministry to occur.
Jesus was crucified on a 4th day of the week, a Wednesday Passover. The most likely date was March 23, 34 AD.
Passover 34 AD – Jesus’ Crucifixion
Below are 4 good reasons for the Passover 34 AD being Jesus’ crucifixion year:
1. 34 AD provides a fourth day (Wednesday) Passover. A fourth day Passover allows sufficient time for Jesus’ body to be in the tomb a full 3 days and a full 3 nights before his resurrection on the first day of the week.
2. 34 AD allows sufficient time for Jesus’ ministry to occur after he was baptized by John the Baptist around 30 AD or 31 AD. The first fourth day (Wednesday) Passover after Jesus was baptized by John occurred in 31 AD. However, the 31 AD date does not allow enough time for Jesus’ ministry to occur. The next fourth day (Wednesday) Passover date was in 34 AD. Only the 34 AD fourth day Passover date provides sufficient time for Jesus’ full ministry to occur after he was baptized by John the Baptist around 30 AD or 31 AD.
3. Adding 2000 years to March 34 AD presents an approximate date of March 2034 for the return of Jesus. A March 2034 date allows sufficient time as of 2021 for the remaining last days events to play out before the return of Jesus, that is the destruction of Babylon (Revelation 17, 18), the Antichrist’s making covenant with many (Daniel 9:27), the building of the sanctuary in Jerusalem, the daily sacrifice beginning and continuing for 1010 days, the occupation of the holy place in Jerusalem by the Antichrist’s troops, the stopping of the daily sacrifice, the setting up of the abomination of desolation at the holy place in Jerusalem, and 1260 days (3 1/2 years) of great tribulation.
This sequence of events will require more than 7 years to be fulfilled. As of 2021 the first event of this sequence, that is the destruction of Babylon, has not occurred.
4. 2034 AD is in the right year sequence of the 7 year sabbatical cycle using 6000 years of mankind’s rule before Jesus returns.
The above are compelling evidence that March 34 AD is the most likely time when Jesus was crucified.
Could it be so Simple?
Most likely Jesus spoke the words of Luke 13:32 a week or two before the March 23, 34 AD Passover date which most likely was Jesus’ crucifixion date.
By adding 2000 years to Jesus’ Passover date, March 34 AD, one obtains March 2034 as an approximate date when Jesus will return.
Could it be so simple to determine when Jesus will return? I think so! Often, God makes things simple so those with a humble heart can understand what He reveals.
What happens when Jesus Returns?
When Jesus returns, an angel will cast the Antichrist and his false prophet directly into the lake of fire. Jesus will slay the armies of the Antichrist. Also, an angel will bind the Devil with a chain and cast him into the bottomless pit. A 1000-year-seal will be placed upon the Devil to prevent his release for a 1000 years.
All corrupt, violent and oppressive governments will cease. All of man’s oppression upon other men and women will cease. No longer will man war with other men. All deception will cease. Mankind will enjoy 1000 years of truth and peace instead of the harsh and oppressive and deadly rule of the Antichrist and his 10 kings. The 1000 year rule of Jesus will be the most wonderful time for mankind.
Jesus will rule in perfection for a 1000 years. He will rule with complete and total justice providing great peace that mankind has not known for 6000 years.
During Jesus’ rule, none will be forced to repent. All will still have the choice to either accept or to reject the Heavenly Father. All will comply with the perfect government set up by Jesus. Yet, many will refuse to come to a place of true repentance. This is why the Devil will be released from the bottomless pit after one thousand years. He will be released to try the nations to determine who is and who is not worthy of the Kingdom or Heaven.
After the Devil is released, he will quickly go about to deceive those who refused to come to a place of true repentance before a Holy God. The Devil is very effective at deceiving people that are not following God. Today, he has most of the world deceived. Most of the world today does not know the true and living God. Yet, most of the peoples think God is with them, even in their non redemptive state of going their own way in iniquity.
Most men today are following their own way and/or the way of this or that religious leader or religious organization. Mankind is extremely deceived simply because the people are not focused on the Word of God. One can shed that great deception by repenting of going their own way and turning to the Word of God for help and direction.
Approximately, one thousand and thirteen years from now (3034 AD), the deceived will rebel against Jesus. They will rebel even though all mankind would have ceased to exist if Jesus had not stopped the natural progression of the great tribulation. The deceived will rebel even though Jesus ruled mankind with perfect justice and perfect peace for a 1000 years. These rebellious ones will quickly and decisively be judged according to their unjust actions. They will lose their opportunity of having the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven. This will be their great loss.
Accuracy
As last days events unfold, we will have confirmation of the return date of Jesus. For example, the Antichrist will make a covenant with many (Daniel 9:27). When this covenant is made, 7 years can be added to that date to obtain an approximate date when Jesus will return.
When the daily sacrifice begins in Jerusalem at the newly built sanctuary, 2300 days can be added to obtain an approximate time when Jesus will return.
1260 day can be added to when the great tribulation begins to obtain an approximate date when Jesus will return. The great tribulation begins just after the Antichrist sets up his abomination at the holy place in Jerusalem and after the Revelation 12 woman has a very short time to flee to the wilderness after she sees that abomination.
I could wait until these three events occur to write with greater confidence of when Jesus will return. However, waiting until then will not help those who now live in Mystery, Babylon the Great. This end time Babylon will be completely destroyed before the Antichrist makes a covenant with many.
What if March 2034 is Correct?
If March 2034 proves to be a somewhat accurate date when Jesus returns, that means the following: The Antichrist will make a covenant with many (Daniel 9:27) around February 2027. The Antichrist will not make a covenant with many until the last days Babylon is destroyed. Otherwise, the Antichrist’s covenant would go nowhere.
This means that “Mystery, Babylon the Great” spoken of by the Apostle John in Revelation 17 and 18 will be destroyed before February 2027. The last day’s Babylon will be destroyed in the Summer. So, the latest possible time that Babylon could survive is the Summer of 2026. Babylon’s destruction could occur before then. Exactly when Babylon will be destroyed can not be determined yet. However, Jeremiah 51:46 defines what happens before Babylon is destroyed. The beginning of the fulfillment of this verse will provide a more exact year when Babylon will be destroyed.
Jeremiah 51:46 speaks of faintness of heart, fear, one year of rumors followed with another year of rumors, violence, and ruler against ruler. It is important for those who now live in Mystery, Babylon to be sensitive to what Jeremiah 51:46. It is wise to ask God for His wisdom to show you when Jeremiah 51:46 becomes activated.
Caution
Jesus told us in the Holy Bible, that everything will not be lovely up to his return. He spoke of the of great tribulation that will precede his return. The time leading into the great tribulation will also be troubling times. That time is known as the “time of sorrows”.
The event I am most concerned with as of 2021 is the destruction of the last days Babylon (Revelation 17, 18). Using a March 2034 date for the return of Jesus, I estimate Babylon will be destroyed in the summer time sometime between 2022 and 2026. The beginning of Jeremiah 51:46 will serve as a time marker to define the year Babylon will be destroyed.
The destruction of the last days Babylon will greatly affect the entire world, especially those living within her when she is destroyed. It is VERY IMPORTANT to gain understanding who this end times Babylon is and when she might be destroyed. This is especially true for those who now live in the midst of this modern day Babylon. More is written about the last day’s Babylon in “Chapter 7: The Revelation 17 Woman” and in “Chapter 8: Babylon”.
Summary
The return of Jesus will be a most glorious event for the Church of the living God. This event is not far away in time when one considers that Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected around 1987 years ago (as of 2021).
Neither, the exact day nor the exact hour of Jesus’ return will be known. Even if the proposed interpretation of Luke 13:32 presented in this chapter is not correct, March 2034 is significant because this date is very close to 2000 years since the time of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. These 2000 years could be the 5th and 6th day of the prophecy of the evening and the morning presented to Daniel many years before Jesus was born. The 7th day could be the soon coming 1000-year-rule of Jesus contained within that prophecy.
When the Antichrist makes a covenant with many or the daily sacrifice begins or when the great tribulation begins, can be used to confirm the approximate time when Jesus will return.
The earliest of these events will be the Antichrist making a covenant with many. When this covenant occurs, add 7 years to obtain an approximate time when Jesus will return.
When the daily sacrifice begins at the sanctuary site in Jerusalem, add 2300 days to determine an approximate time when Jesus will return.
When the great tribulation begins, add 1260 days to determine an approximate time when Jesus will return. The great tribulation begins just after the Antichrist sets up his abomination at the holy place in Jerusalem and after those in Judea have the opportunity to flee (without hesitation) into the wilderness. Refer to “Chapter 11: The Great Tribulation” for more information about the great tribulation.
When Jesus returns, an entirely different system of rule and justice will be established. It will not be ruled by corruptible men and women. It will be ruled by the Lord Jesus. It will be the most wonderful time of man’s existence.
However, before Jesus’ return, Babylon will be destroyed and a time of great tribulation will occur first. The great tribulation will be the worst of times for all of mankind because of the extreme evil of the Antichrist and the 10 kings ruling most of the world during that time.
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If you are just starting a family or well on the way you don’t want to miss this series. i’ve only known Rachael Joy Tapp for a few years, but it seems like we’ve been friends forever. She has wisdom beyond her years. She lives in the Panhandle with her husband, Joshua and their children.
Finding Gems and Sharing Them 