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If we interpret 'this generation' as the generation living at the time of Christ, then 'all these things' cannot refer to the Second Advent. In biblical language, a generation would probably be understood as forty years (e.g., Ps. 95:10). This would mean we could then know that Christ would have returned in roughly forty years. As we have seen in the prophecies of Daniel, the Bible does give guidance which seems to indicate clearly when the appearance of Christ would take place, as well as when His return would occur. These interpretations, however, can only be verified by comparing them with the timing of the first and second appearances inasmuch as Christ is most emphatic that 'of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven' (Matt. 24:36). With this verse in mind, it must be accepted that the only sure way to verify that an interpretation is correct is by the fulfilment of the prophecy. To argue that we know when Christ was to return based on our understanding of the phrase 'this generation' is to fail to balance our interpretation with the statements Christ made. Similarly, it cannot be argued that Christ Himself, or those who recorded His statements, misunderstood when the Second Advent was to occur that is, that Christ or the writer of Matthew 24 believed it would take place within a generation of the end of Christ's first ministry - since the parables that follow, in Chapter 25, contain strong suggestions of a delayed return. (141:1) Therefore, if 'this generation' refers to those living at the time of Christ, 'all these things' must have meant all these things which He stated would inaugurate 'the beginning of sorrows' (Matt. 24:8); that is, the emergence of false teachers and their laying of the foundation for future strife in the Church. It could also include the actual destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70 and the symbolic destruction of the Temple represented in the crucifixion and the fleeing of the Apostles (Matt.26:56).
(141:2)
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