The doctrine of the “Signs of the End Times” is rooted primarily in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, where He outlines events and conditions that will precede His return and the end of the world. This teaching has been widely debated across Christian traditions, with varying interpretations—some viewing the signs as past, others as present, and some as future. The chapter includes wars, natural disasters, persecution, false prophets, and the abomination of desolation. Theological positions range from literal, futurist interpretations to symbolic or preterist understandings.
I. SCRIPTURES FOR the Doctrine of the Signs of the End Times
- Matthew 24:6-7 (KJV) – “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars… For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
- Interpretation: These global disturbances are direct signs Jesus mentioned would mark the beginning of the end.
- Theological View: Futurists interpret this literally as a timeline of the approaching apocalypse, indicating a world in turmoil before Christ’s return.
- Matthew 24:12 (KJV) – “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
- Interpretation: A moral and spiritual decline among people is predicted.
- Theological View: This is seen as a sign of apostasy or the falling away of faith before Christ’s second coming.
- Matthew 24:14 (KJV) – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
- Interpretation: Global evangelism is a precondition for the end.
- Theological View: Many missionary-focused denominations emphasize this as a divine timetable for the return of Christ.
- Matthew 24:21 (KJV) – “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
- Interpretation: A period of unprecedented suffering will mark the final days.
- Theological View: Premillennialists often identify this with a literal seven-year tribulation.
- Matthew 24:24 (KJV) – “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets… insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
- Interpretation: Deception and heresy will increase dramatically.
- Theological View: Apocalyptic traditions see this as a spiritual war intensifying in the last days.
- Matthew 24:27 (KJV) – “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
- Interpretation: Christ’s return will be visible and unmistakable.
- Theological View: Refutes secret rapture theories; emphasizes open and glorious return.
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV) – “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…”
- Interpretation: Moral decay is a defining feature of the end times.
- Theological View: Many view this as contemporary, pointing to current global conditions.
- Luke 21:25-26 (KJV) – “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars… men’s hearts failing them for fear…”
- Interpretation: Cosmic disturbances and global fear will escalate.
- Theological View: Supports a literal and terrifying lead-up to the second coming.
II. SCRIPTURES AGAINST the Doctrine of the Signs of the End Times (as immediate/literal events)
- Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
- Interpretation: Jesus could have been referring to events within the lifetime of His hearers.
- Theological View: Preterists argue that many “end-time” signs were fulfilled in the first century, especially around the destruction of the temple in AD 70.
- Luke 17:20-21 (KJV) – “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation… behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
- Interpretation: The kingdom is spiritual, not a series of visible events.
- Theological View: Opposes the idea of waiting for outward signs; emphasizes internal spiritual reality.
- 2 Peter 3:8-10 (KJV) – “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”
- Interpretation: The end will be unexpected, not following a clear timeline.
- Theological View: Suggests unpredictability rather than sign-based forecasting.
- Acts 1:7 (KJV) – “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons…”
- Interpretation: Jesus discouraged date-setting and speculation.
- Theological View: Reiterates that Christians should focus on faithfulness, not signs.
- Matthew 16:4 (KJV) – “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign…”
- Interpretation: Seeking signs is rebuked by Jesus.
- Theological View: Sign-seeking is seen as a sign of disbelief, not faith.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (KJV) – “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night…”
- Interpretation: Unexpected nature of Christ’s return.
- Theological View: Undermines attempts to pinpoint the end based on signs.
- John 18:36 (KJV) – “My kingdom is not of this world…”
- Interpretation: Christ’s focus is heavenly, not earthly predictions.
- Theological View: Emphasizes spiritual readiness over apocalyptic forecasting.
- Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV) – “There is no new thing under the sun.”
- Interpretation: Wars, disasters, and evil have always existed.
- Theological View: Argues that present-day signs are part of human history, not specific to the end.
Hebrew, Greek, English (KJV), and Christian Translations Debates
I. SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION (Matthew 24) IN KJV
Matthew 24:3 (KJV) – “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?”
- Key Phrases: “sign of thy coming” and “end of the world”
- These phrases are central to end-times theology but are heavily debated in Greek and English translation.
II. ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
A. Greek Terms in Matthew 24 (New Testament)
- “Parousia” (παρουσία) – Translated in KJV as “coming” (v.3, v.27, v.37, v.39)
- Meaning: Lit. “presence,” “arrival,” or “official visit”
- Debate: Some argue “Parousia” implies an extended period of presence, not merely a sudden event.
- Theological Implications:
- Futurists take it as a singular, visible second coming.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret it as an invisible presence beginning in 1914.
- Preterists claim it referred to Christ’s judgment through Rome in AD 70.
- “Aion” (αἰών) – Translated in KJV as “world” (v.3)
- Meaning: “Age” or “era,” not the physical globe (which is kosmos)
- Problem: “End of the world” in KJV may mislead readers into thinking of global annihilation.
- Theological Implications:
- Literalists: interpret as end of planet Earth.
- Amillennialists: see it as end of the Jewish age or covenant.
- “Thlipsis Megalē” (θλῖψις μεγάλη) – “Great tribulation” (v.21)
- Meaning: Severe affliction, suffering
- Debate: Whether it refers to a future global crisis or historical persecution (e.g., AD 70)
- Theological Views:
- Premillennialists: literal seven-year tribulation.
- Historicism/Preterism: fulfilled in ancient events.
- “Parable of the Fig Tree” (v.32) – Debate on whether “fig tree” is symbolic of Israel
- Problem: No explicit linguistic link in the Greek text; theological reading is imposed.
- Implications: Dispensationalists argue this represents Israel’s restoration in 1948.
B. Hebrew Background (OT and Jewish Context)
While Matthew is written in Greek, much of its apocalyptic language draws from Hebrew prophetic traditions:
- Daniel 12:1 (KJV) – “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation…”
- Hebrew: עֵת צָרָה (et tsarah) – “time of distress”
- Parallels Matthew 24:21, showing continuity in eschatological motifs.
- Zechariah 14:1-5 (KJV) – Predicts the coming of the Lord with cosmic signs.
- Hebrew imagery of divine war and judgment undergirds much of Matthew 24’s cosmic language.
- Problem: The apocalyptic literature in Hebrew (Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel) is poetic, symbolic, and often ambiguous, which filters into NT Greek and challenges literal interpretations.
III. TRANSLATIONAL COMPARISONS
A. King James Version (KJV)
- Faithful to the Received Text (Textus Receptus), preserving much of the original Greek phrasing.
- However, certain phrases like “end of the world” (v.3) can mislead modern readers due to semantic shifts.
B. Modern English Translations
- NIV (Matthew 24:3) – “…the end of the age”
- ESV – Same as NIV
- Debate: Modern translations clarify aion as “age” to reflect Greek more accurately, but some traditionalists argue this spiritualizes the text and weakens prophetic warning.
C. Septuagint (LXX) and Influence on Matthew
- Matthew heavily echoes the Greek Septuagint OT.
- Example: “Abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15) matches LXX wording in Daniel 9:27.
- Problem: LXX translation of Daniel differs from Masoretic Hebrew, leading to different understandings of prophecy.
IV. ACCURACY OF GREEK TRANSLATIONS
- Koine Greek (language of NT) is a highly contextual language with semantic range.
- Words like parousia, aion, and thlipsis require careful interpretive frameworks.
- Textual Variants:
- Some manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus) differ slightly from the Textus Receptus (basis of KJV), though not significantly affecting core doctrine.
- Hebrew-to-Greek translation problems:
- Some Greek terms do not fully capture Hebrew prophetic symbolism or idioms (e.g., “Son of Man coming in the clouds” from Daniel 7:13).
V. THEOLOGICAL VIEWPOINTS ON TRANSLATIONAL ISSUES
- Futurist View:
- Prefers literal translation of Greek terms; supports visible and global second coming.
- Sees “end of the world” (KJV) as an eschatological climax of human history.
- Preterist View:
- Relies on accurate rendering of “aion” as “age,” arguing Jesus referred to the end of the Jewish age.
- Emphasizes historical context of Matthew 24 (destruction of Jerusalem).
- Amillennial View:
- Often adopts symbolic interpretations; sees Greek terms like parousia as ongoing spiritual truths rather than end-time roadmaps.
- Dispensational View:
- Tends toward ultra-literal readings; interprets “generation” (v.34) as 40 years from modern Israel’s restoration or as referring to a future generation that witnesses these signs.
Summary
The doctrine of the Signs of the End Times in Matthew 24 reveals a complex interplay between Greek terms, Hebrew prophetic tradition, and English translation choices. Key terms like parousia, aion, and thlipsis carry deep theological weight, and their interpretation shapes entire eschatological systems. While the KJV remains faithful to its source texts, its language choices (e.g., “end of the world”) have led to modern misunderstandings.
Translation debates show that linguistic precision is crucial to sound doctrine. Greek texts, though generally reliable, require contextual theological reading, especially when interfacing with Hebrew concepts and apocalyptic genre. Whether one views Matthew 24 as history, prophecy, or spiritual metaphor depends as much on theological presuppositions as on linguistic clarity.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of how preterism vs futurism or dispensational vs covenant theology interpret these passages based on the language.
Denominational Views
1. Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church interprets Matthew 24 within the broader context of salvation history and Church tradition. They affirm a future return of Christ (Parousia) but reject overly literal, speculative date-setting. Catholic eschatology emphasizes vigilance, ongoing tribulation, and the role of the Church as the ark of salvation. The Church leans on the Latin Vulgate translation tradition, but modern Catholic Bibles also refer to Greek manuscripts.
View For:
Matthew 24:30 (KJV) – “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven…”
This verse is interpreted as the visible return of Christ. Catholics support the Greek word parousia (παρουσία) as indicating a real presence and public manifestation, not merely spiritual.
View Against:
Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
Some Catholic theologians suggest this verse refers to the first-century Church and the destruction of the Temple in AD 70. They emphasize the Greek genea (γενεά), which means “race” or “generation,” allowing for a non-literal time frame.
Translation Debates:
The Latin adventus (used for parousia) is less nuanced, and early Latin translations flattened some Hebrew/Greek richness. The Church defends tradition-guided interpretation over literal readings of apocalyptic passages.
2. Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes mystery and divine economy over literal eschatology. While affirming Christ’s return, they downplay detailed timelines. Matthew 24 is viewed in the context of Church persecution and the final judgment.
View For:
Matthew 24:27 (KJV) – “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west…”
The Church sees astrapé (ἀστραπή – lightning) as symbolic of Christ’s glory at His Parousia. It stresses the sudden, universal nature of His coming.
View Against:
Matthew 24:6 (KJV) – “Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars…”
Orthodox theology warns against interpreting these as signs of immediate eschaton. The word polemos (πόλεμος – war) is considered part of the fallen world rather than definitive apocalyptic sign.
Translation Notes:
Orthodoxy heavily leans on the Greek Septuagint and NT manuscripts. Hebrew background is secondary, but Greek semantics guide interpretation. The word parousia implies not merely arrival but royal presence—central in their liturgical theology.
3. Evangelical
Evangelicals often hold a futurist and literal view of Matthew 24, interpreting it as predictive prophecy of end-time events, including the rapture, tribulation, and Christ’s return. The emphasis is on personal readiness.
View For:
Matthew 24:21 (KJV) – “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning…”
The Greek thlipsis (θλῖψις) means pressing or affliction. Evangelicals interpret this as a literal 7-year Tribulation (especially Dispensationalists).
View Against:
Matthew 24:14 (KJV) – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached… and then shall the end come.”
Some evangelicals argue this verse suggests a spiritual, progressive fulfillment rather than a singular event. Debate over telos (τέλος – end) revolves around whether it means end of time or end of a phase.
Translation Focus:
Evangelicals respect the KJV but also engage deeply with Greek lexicons. Hebrew is less emphasized but acknowledged for context. Greek parousia is crucial, interpreted as both sudden and future-focused.
4. Protestant (General)
General Protestant theology varies but typically emphasizes scripture alone (sola scriptura) and encourages both literal and symbolic readings of end-time prophecies, depending on denomination.
View For:
Matthew 24:42 (KJV) – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
This is interpreted using gregoreō (γρηγορέω – watch, be vigilant). Protestants stress readiness, viewing the passage as eschatological.
View Against:
Matthew 24:29 (KJV) – “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened…”
Some argue this is symbolic, pointing to Old Testament imagery. For instance, Joel and Isaiah used similar language to depict judgment.
Translation Commentary:
Greek and Hebrew scholarship is respected but filtered through Reformation principles. Protestant translators often critique Latin-based renderings and prioritize returning to the Greek aion for “age” rather than “world.”
5. Baptist (Southern & Independent)
Baptists tend toward a literal, dispensational view—emphasizing the rapture, tribulation, and millennial reign. Independent Baptists especially lean heavily on the KJV and resist modern translations.
View For:
Matthew 24:40 (KJV) – “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”
Often used to support the rapture. Greek paralambanō (παραλαμβάνω – taken) is interpreted positively, implying being taken to be with Christ.
View Against:
Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “This generation shall not pass…”
Some Baptists acknowledge a dual fulfillment: the destruction of the Temple and future second coming. They emphasize genea as either generation or nation (Israel).
Translation Concerns:
Strong KJV-only preference in many Baptist circles. Some recognize issues like “world” vs. “age” (aion), but defer to traditional renderings. Hebrew is seldom emphasized.
6. Methodist (United, AME, etc.)
Methodists emphasize ethical readiness and social holiness over date-specific prophecy. They often interpret Matthew 24 spiritually and in light of God’s kingdom on earth.
View For:
Matthew 24:13 (KJV) – “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
The word hypomenō (ὑπομένω – endure) supports a theology of perseverance and sanctification.
View Against:
Matthew 24:6 (KJV) – “See that ye be not troubled…”
Methodists argue Jesus’ words point more toward internal peace and spiritual preparation than prophetic calculation.
Translation Notes:
Methodists use a variety of translations but appreciate historical Greek understanding. Hebrew insight is often more theological (covenantal continuity) than linguistic.
7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)
Lutherans affirm Christ’s return but emphasize trust in God’s promises over speculation. They interpret apocalyptic texts Christocentrically and sacramentally.
View For:
Matthew 24:35 (KJV) – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
Used to affirm Christ’s divine authority. Greek parerchomai (παρέρχομαι – to pass away) supports the finality of temporal things.
View Against:
Matthew 24:24 (KJV) – “False Christs… shall shew great signs and wonders…”
Lutherans stress that signs can be misleading and warn against eschatological sensationalism. Greek pseudos (ψευδο–) highlights deception.
Translation Notes:
Lutheran theology values the Greek NT (as Luther translated from it). Parousia is seen as fulfillment of divine promise rather than a fear-based warning.
8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)
Pentecostals are typically futurist and literal in eschatology, teaching a rapture, tribulation, and millennial reign. They emphasize the Holy Spirit’s role in discerning signs.
View For:
Matthew 24:14 (KJV) – “This gospel… shall be preached… and then shall the end come.”
This aligns with their missional focus. The Greek kērussō (κηρύσσω – to preach) is central to Pentecostal outreach theology.
View Against:
Matthew 24:36 (KJV) – “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…”
Acknowledged as limiting exact predictions. Emphasis is on being Spirit-led rather than time-obsessed.
Translation Commentary:
Greek words like thlipsis, parousia, and kērussō are often studied in Pentecostal circles. Hebrew is rarely used outside of deeper teaching settings.
9. Jehovah’s Witnesses
They believe Christ’s “presence” (parousia) began invisibly in 1914. The signs of Matthew 24 are seen as already occurring, marking the “last days.”
View For:
Matthew 24:3 (KJV) – “…and what shall be the sign of thy coming…”
They interpret parousia as “presence,” not arrival, based on their translation from Greek.
View Against:
Matthew 24:27 (KJV) – “As the lightning cometh out of the east…”
They argue this refers to spiritual enlightenment rather than visible return. The Greek astrapé is spiritualized.
Translation Focus:
They use the New World Translation, which differs from KJV and standard Greek lexicons. Their theological view often overrides standard Greek interpretation.
10. Mormonism (LDS)
LDS doctrine includes a literal second coming but incorporates unique prophecy from the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Matthew 24 is affirmed as prophetic.
View For:
Matthew 24:31 (KJV) – “He shall send his angels… they shall gather together his elect…”
Supports LDS belief in angelic missions and gathering of Israel.
View Against:
Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “This generation shall not pass…”
They interpret genea as symbolic, potentially referring to a spiritual generation or lineage.
Translation Commentary:
LDS use the KJV but overlay it with their own scriptures. Hebrew and Greek are occasionally referenced but subordinated to continuing revelation.
11. Seventh-day Adventist
SDAs believe Matthew 24 points to both historic and future events, including 1844’s investigative judgment. They interpret many signs as partially fulfilled.
View For:
Matthew 24:29 (KJV) – “The sun shall be darkened…”
They claim fulfillment in the Lisbon earthquake (1755), dark day (1780), and falling stars (1833). Selēnē (σελήνη – moon) and asteres (ἀστέρες – stars) are read literally.
View Against:
Matthew 24:6 (KJV) – “See that ye be not troubled…”
SDAs see these as ongoing realities but not definitive signs. Emphasis is on discernment, not panic.
Translation Discussion:
Hebrew prophecy (esp. Daniel) plays a huge role in SDA theology. They value both Hebrew and Greek, often citing aion as “age” to correct KJV’s “world.”
Summary
Each denomination approaches Matthew 24 with unique theological lenses shaped by history, tradition, and language interpretation. The Greek terms parousia, aion, thlipsis, and genea are central to debates, with parousia meaning “presence” or “arrival,” aion denoting “age” not “world,” and genea variably meaning “generation” or “people.” The KJV’s translation preserves a reverent tone but sometimes obscures original meanings due to evolving English semantics. Hebrew prophecy undergirds apocalyptic imagery, but it’s the Greek structure that primarily governs NT eschatology. Views differ not just on what the signs mean, but when and how they apply—past, present, future, or symbolically—revealing the deep diversity within Christian thought.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the Signs of the End Times (Matthew 24) is one of the most dynamic and debated themes in Christian theology. While all Christian denominations affirm Christ’s second coming, their interpretations of when, how, and what signs matter most differ significantly. These differences are shaped by linguistic interpretations (particularly of the Greek NT), theological traditions, ecclesiastical authority, and eschatological frameworks.
Key terms such as parousia (presence/coming), aion (age/world), thlipsis (tribulation), and genea (generation/race) are subject to variant interpretations that affect how Matthew 24 is understood. The King James Version (KJV), while revered, sometimes translates Greek words in ways that can cause theological divergence—especially where the meanings of “world,” “generation,” or “taken” are involved.
Below are two tables summarizing denominational views—first presenting interpretations that affirm specific eschatological signs, and second presenting arguments or interpretations that caution against or spiritualize them.
Table: Denominational Views For Signs of the End Times (Matthew 24)
| Denomination | View | Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Affirm future return of Christ | Parousia as a real, public manifestation of Christ | Matthew 24:30 (KJV) – “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven…” |
| Eastern Orthodox | Emphasize divine glory in Christ’s return | Astrapé (lightning) as sudden, universal manifestation | Matthew 24:27 (KJV) – “For as the lightning cometh out of the east…” |
| Evangelical | Literal return, signs of tribulation | Thlipsis as great tribulation to come | Matthew 24:21 (KJV) – “For then shall be great tribulation…” |
| Protestant (General) | Encourages vigilance and readiness | Gregoreō (watch) implies constant spiritual alertness | Matthew 24:42 (KJV) – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour…” |
| Baptist | Literal rapture and separation of righteous | Paralambanō – “taken” as rapture of believers | Matthew 24:40 (KJV) – “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken…” |
| Methodist | Focus on enduring faith and sanctification | Hypomenō (endure) means perseverance in trials | Matthew 24:13 (KJV) – “But he that shall endure unto the end…” |
| Lutheran | Confidence in Christ’s promises | Parerchomai – temporary nature of the physical world | Matthew 24:35 (KJV) – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” |
| Pentecostal | Evangelistic mandate signals the end | Kērussō – global proclamation of the gospel | Matthew 24:14 (KJV) – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached…” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Christ’s invisible presence began in 1914 | Parousia as “presence,” not visible coming | Matthew 24:3 (KJV) – “…and what shall be the sign of thy coming…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | Angelic gathering in last days | Elect gathered by divine messengers | Matthew 24:31 (KJV) – “He shall send his angels… they shall gather together his elect…” |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Literal signs fulfilled in historical events | Selēnē and asteres – literal darkening and falling | Matthew 24:29 (KJV) – “The sun shall be darkened… and the stars shall fall…” |
Table: Denominational Arguments Against Literal or Immediate Interpretation of Signs
| Denomination | View | Argument Against Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Avoid speculative date-setting | Genea may mean “race” or “people” not just “generation” | Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “This generation shall not pass…” |
| Eastern Orthodox | Warn against over-literal signs | Polemos (wars) is a constant human reality | Matthew 24:6 (KJV) – “Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars…” |
| Evangelical | Some events symbolic or progressive | Telos – end may mean completion, not terminal event | Matthew 24:14 (KJV) – “…then shall the end come.” |
| Protestant (General) | Use OT symbolism for judgment language | Sun, moon, stars = metaphorical signs | Matthew 24:29 (KJV) – “The sun shall be darkened…” |
| Baptist | Dual fulfillment (Temple destruction & return) | Genea may be the nation of Israel | Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “This generation shall not pass…” |
| Methodist | Internal peace emphasized over prophecy | Be not troubled = spiritual steadiness, not fear | Matthew 24:6 (KJV) – “See that ye be not troubled…” |
| Lutheran | Caution against sensationalist interpretations | Pseudos – signs may be deceptive | Matthew 24:24 (KJV) – “…shall shew great signs and wonders…” |
| Pentecostal | Avoids setting dates for return | Emphasis on unknown hour | Matthew 24:36 (KJV) – “But of that day and hour knoweth no man…” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Christ returned invisibly in 1914 | Astrapé interpreted spiritually | Matthew 24:27 (KJV) – “As the lightning cometh out of the east…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | Genea seen as symbolic, not literal time span | Spiritual or prophetic generation | Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “This generation shall not pass…” |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Discernment more important than alarm | Many signs symbolic of larger divine movements | Matthew 24:6 (KJV) – “See that ye be not troubled…” |
Summary:
The doctrine of the End Times, as revealed in Matthew 24, illustrates the diversity and depth of Christian theology across denominations. While some view the signs as literal, imminent events, others interpret them as symbolic or dual in fulfillment. Greek terms such as parousia, genea, aion, and thlipsis are pivotal in shaping these views, and their translations into English (particularly in the KJV) have sometimes introduced ambiguities that fuel doctrinal differences.
Traditionalist groups (e.g., Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran) tend to emphasize Church authority and spiritual interpretation, while Evangelicals, Baptists, and Pentecostals lean toward literal and futurist readings. Groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists bring distinctive timelines and interpretations based on their unique doctrinal foundations.
Ultimately, the doctrine continues to be an area of rich theological reflection, linguistic analysis, and denominational diversity—one that challenges believers to balance vigilance, hope, and faith in Christ’s promised return.