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..(24:29)-- Literal Interpretations of the Signs-- These extraordinary references to disturbances in heaven are the final prelude to the Second Advent. However, in the past some Christian commentators argued that the signs spoken of should be taken figuratively, that Jesus was not speaking of His return but of the fall of Jerusalem and the establishment of the Church. Typically, the advocates of this point of view argued that the Second Coming is not related to a second appearance of Christ but to the coming victory of Christ through the efforts of Christians. (105:2) Today, most Christian commentators support the view that the passage refers to the Second Coming of Christ. This view finds support in other similar verses in the New Testament, such as 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4. However, there remain different approaches within this second point of view. Commentators appear uncertain as to how literally these passages should be interpreted. For example, William Hendriksen understands these signs using a literal approach, but he cautions, must be avoided. Until this prophetic panorama becomes history we shall probably not know how much of this description must be taken literally and how much figuratively.(New Testament Commentary 863)
(105:3)
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