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Jesus' use of metaphors and symbols, such as the fig tree putting forth leaves, provided His followers with references to natural phenomena which could serve as continual reminders of His assurances and teachings. In every instance, we have seen that such symbolism appears to be an integral part of Jesus' discourse. It gives every statement numerous spiritual meanings which go beyond ordinary and limited contexts. Yet, despite this use of symbolism, Jesus' words have frequently been interpreted in a very limited manner, even to the extent that some people have assumed He was mistaken in what He was saying. This is the case with the next verse. (140:1) ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE FULFILLED-- 34)Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.-- 35)Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.-- 36)But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (140:2) ..(24:34-6) The Meaning of 'This Generation'-- The words 'this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled' have caused great difficulty for Christians who interpret 'all these things' as a reference to the events following the tribulation, or preceding it, or both. Similarly, 'this generation' has been understood to mean those who were living at the time of Christ or those living at the end time. Some have also argued that 'this generation' has a more elastic meaning embracing the Jewish or Christian peoples. These points and other related ones have been heavily debated. Some even assert that Christ Himself mistakenly thought His return would come within His generation. Others have argued that the verse was added later and is not part of Jesus' discourse. This theory, for example, is based on the assertion that the author misunderstood Jesus and believed these prophecies would take place very soon.
(140:3)
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