Problems Regarding Worship
(1) Should the Lord's Supper be observed after 70 A.D. ? According to 1 Corinthians 11:26, in partaking of the Lord's Supper we "proclaim the Lord's death till he come. " Since the A.D. 70 doctrine makes every coming of the Lord in the New Testament mean 70 A.D., we wonder, what are its advocates going to do about the Lord's Supper? There are two options open to them, and both are equally unacceptable. First, they could conclude that after 70 A.D., the Lord's Supper no longer proclaims Christ's death. But, this destroys the central meaning and effect of the Supper! Secondly, they could conclude that the Lord's Supper is no longer applicable to Christians, and cease partaking of it. Some Christians are currently wrestling with this consequence of their doctrine. Either horn of this dilemma is sharp, and will cause pain and great damage to the one who attempts to sit upon it. Which shall it be? Instead, why not renounce this system of error which places such devastating consequences upon the Christian's observance of the Lord's Supper?!
(2) One must eliminate from his worship every hymn and spiritual song referring to the return of Jesus Christ and its events. I have witnessed Christians not singing with their brethren (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) because of this consequence! Why sing about something you believe has already occurred? Are you willing to renounce your brethren as guilty of false Worship whenever they sing about the future return of Christ and its events? And, to be consistent in your worship, you will have to make that choice about the Lord's Supper. Will you eliminate it, or destroy its meaning?!
These consequences should be weighed in the light of God's revelation of truth. Realized Eschatology opens a can of worms that some brethren have not realized. Some may try to ignore its consequences, but this will only lead to hardened hearts. To accept these consequences will steep a person deeper in error and apostasy. God's remedy is still available – repentance of this sinful doctrine (Acts 8:22), confession of the sin (1 Jn. 1:9), and doing works worthy of repentance (Acts 26:20; Lk. 3:8) by renouncing this doctrine of man.
Comforting Christians Concerning Christ's Coming
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 provides us a fitting conclusion to this series of articles. In this passage, the apostle comforts the saints with assurance that Christians who die before Jesus returns will not miss out on any of the events and blessings of that grand day. He contrasts living and dead Christians throughout this passage – alien sinners are not in view here. Jesus "himself" will descend from heaven (this did not happen in 70 A.D.). Audible and visible events will occur. A "shout" commanding death to give up its prisoners will go forth (Jn. 5:28-29). The "voice of the archangel" will herald the power and victory of Christ's return (cf. 2 Thess. 1:7). The "trump of God" shall sound, signaling deliverance and liberty from death (cf. 1 Cor. 15:52; Ley. 25:9-10). These things did not happen in 70 A.D. The dead in Christ shall rise first, with the living Christians being "caught up in the clouds," and all the saints shall "meet the Lord in the air" (this did not happen in 70 A.D.). Then, "so shall we ever be with the Lord." We will ever be with the Lord in this resurrected, changed, caught-up state (this did not happen in 70 A.D.)! We can comfort one another with these words (1:8), but there is surely no comfort in the words and doctrines of Realized Eschatology. It provides no final and decisive solution to the sin problem humanity faces. It presents a world in sin which will forever continue. The Bible reveals that with the Lord's personal return (Acts 1:9-11), this sin-cursed world will be destroyed (2 Pet. 3:5-12), with a new order taking its place (2 Pet. 3:13). In view of these realities, Christians should be comforted in their hope of the future return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:18; 2 Thess. 1:10; Col. 3:4). But, sinners and perverters of God's word should be converted, for it will certainly be "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
It is my hope that after reading this study you have a better understand of the truth. May God bless.
