Has Jesus Returned?, Part 13

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical context, specifically regarding the New Testament writings of Paul, to discern that early Christians, including Paul himself, believed the return of Jesus Christ was imminent within their generation. He critiques the tendency of modern interpretations to project biblical prophecies onto current times, arguing instead that Paul's teachings clearly indicated an expectation of near-term fulfillment of the Second Coming during the lifetimes of his contemporaries.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes that the Apostle Paul believed the return of Jesus Christ was imminent during his lifetime, evidenced by scriptural references suggesting that early Christians, some of whom might still be alive, would witness this event. By analyzing Paul’s writings, Shawn contends that these texts should be understood within their historical context, asserting that interpreting them as imminent events for their time rather than future predictions can avert disillusionment and enhance spiritual understanding.

Shawn teaches that both Corinthians and Thessalonians passages suggest that some early Christians would witness Christ's return and be changed, emphasizing that promised resurrection occurred in the first century. He indicates that all dying individuals are now instantly resurrected upon death for entry into heaven, and that Paul's reassurance aimed to comfort believers concerned about those who died prior to Christ's return, ensuring that they wouldn't miss out on divine promises.

Paul communicated to the early Christians that they should expect the imminent return of Jesus Christ, teaching them to stay informed and prepared for this prophesied event as evidenced by his writings echoing the words of Jesus in Matthew 24. This teaching underlines that Paul and the Apostles believed Christ’s return was imminent, urging believers to remain steadfast and blameless, while questioning why such anticipation was necessary if Christ’s coming was to be millennia away.

Shawn teaches that Paul's writings in II Thessalonians emphasize the importance of patience and faith in the face of persecution, with a promise of future recompense from God and the eventual return of Jesus Christ. Paul warns against being deceived about the timing of Christ's return, explaining that certain events, such as a falling away and the revelation of "the man of sin," must occur first, reinforcing the need for vigilance and perseverance among believers.

Paul addresses concerns from the early church about whether Jesus had already returned, suggesting that misunderstandings of apocalyptic signs led to this belief and emphasizing that certain events, such as the revelation of the "man of sin" and a notable "falling away," must occur before Jesus' second coming. He criticizes interpretations that foresee a future temple for the "man of sin" to set himself up in, arguing that the early believers were aware of who this man was and the barriers preventing him from fully revealing himself, highlighting that misconceptions around the Antichrist and prophetic events are shaped by later interpretations rather than the original context.

The teaching by Shawn suggests that the "Man of Sin" was a contemporary figure already at work during the time of Paul, who was ultimately destroyed with the coming of Jesus, marking this as a historical event rather than future prophecy. Shawn emphasizes the need to reevaluate traditional religious beliefs, advocating for a preterist view which ties biblical references to Jesus' imminent return to events culminating by 70 AD, thus challenging futurist interpretations.

The teaching emphasizes the transition in the Book of Acts from a focus on Jewish apostles, particularly Peter, to the missionary work of Paul, highlighting Paul’s significant influence on the spread of early Christianity to the Gentiles. Acts illustrate the shift from Jewish to Gentile Christian leadership and the subsequent writings of Paul that form a substantial portion of the New Testament, guiding believers spiritually beyond traditional physical practices.

Shawn encourages individuals who are questioning their faith, particularly those coming from a Mormon background, to seek a personal relationship with God by bearing their soul to Him, asking for new perspectives, and reading the Bible without the influence of the LDS church. He emphasizes the transformative power of faith and urges people to trust in God's ability to guide them towards new understanding and spiritual renewal.