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The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Vol 1 - Predestination

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conveyed to <strong>the</strong>m<br />

t at. LukB in <strong>the</strong> Parable <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Forthshooting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Fig-tree,* yet <strong>the</strong> early Christians must soon have<br />

become aware <strong>of</strong> it. For, <strong>the</strong> distinction is sharply<br />

marked. As regards its manner, <strong>the</strong> * second'<br />

Coming <strong>of</strong> Christ may be said to correspond to <strong>the</strong><br />

state <strong>of</strong> those to whom He Cometh. To <strong>the</strong> Jews<br />

His first Coming was vmble, <strong>and</strong> as oUiming to be<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir King. <strong>The</strong>y had asked for a sign; <strong>and</strong> no sign<br />

was given <strong>the</strong>m at <strong>the</strong> time. <strong>The</strong>y rejected Him, <strong>and</strong><br />

placed <strong>the</strong> Jewish pohty <strong>and</strong> nation in rebellion<br />

against ' <strong>the</strong> King.' To <strong>the</strong> Jews, who so rejected<br />

<strong>the</strong> first visible appearance <strong>of</strong> Christ as <strong>the</strong>ir King,<br />

<strong>the</strong> second appearance would be invisible but real;<br />

<strong>the</strong> sign which <strong>the</strong>y had asked would be given<br />

<strong>the</strong>m, but as a sign <strong>of</strong> judgment, <strong>and</strong> His Coming<br />

would be in judgment. Thus would His authority<br />

be vindicated, <strong>and</strong> He appear, not, indeed, visibly<br />

but really, as what He had claimed to be. That this<br />

was to be <strong>the</strong> manner <strong>and</strong> object ot His Coming to<br />

Israel, was clearly set forth to <strong>the</strong> disciples in <strong>the</strong>

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