I am continuing my response to Pastor Bob DeWaay.
DeWaay acknowledges that there are certain passages that teach signs to Christ’s Return. Then he lists some contrary passages that he believes show that it will be unexpected. Rather than interact with the context of these latter verses in any meaningful fashion, he sort of just leaves it and concludes that Christ’s Return will be unexpected.
For example he says the following verse contradicts the prewrath position:
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”” (Luke 12:40).
For DeWaay, this verse is suppose to teach that there will not be any signs to Christ’s Coming for believers. DeWaay stresses the “you” toward the disciples in verse 40, but Jesus qualifies this in the very next few verses. Note the context:
“(41) Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” (42) And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? (43) Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (44) Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. (45) But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, (46) the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. (47) And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. (48) But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:41-48).
The point Jesus is making in the parable is quite simple: those who do not live faithful, godly, watchful lives, the Lord will come unexpectedly for them: “will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know.” But those who do live faithful, godly, vigilant lives, Christ will not come back unexpectedly.
Vigilant believers will not be caught off guard. They will be watchful and know the season: “So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near,” (Matt 24:33). Further, this is consistent with Paul’s teaching: “But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” (1 Thess 5:4).
Moreover, this parable is found later in Matthew 24. So by necessity you have these warnings after the incident of the Antichrist’s Great Tribulation with Christ’s Coming following afterwards.
Incidentally, the term in v. 40 for “expect” is δοκέω. A better rendering is “suppose, seem, or think.”
DeWaay also cites Matt. 24:42-44, 50; 25:13 (cf. Mark 13:32, 33) as evidence that the timing of the rapture is uncertain. But again, as in our last passage the context clearly indicates that this applies to those who are not prepared and watchful. See the context of Matthew 24:32-41.
