This Generation

KSFernando

As per the new light on generation they believe this generation means anointed Christians. When Jesus said “this generation” there were no any anointed in earth. They become anointed after Jesus returned to heaven. Therefore how can we say this generation as anointed Christians?

Caminante

Fernando: The scripture in Matthew 24:34 has been always understood as to be refering to the end times. as having an eschatological application.

Bobcat

KSF:

I posted some thoughts about whether "this generation" should even be applied beyond the 1st century here. (See my post # 885)

As for the idea of "this generation" applying to Christians, see here. (My post # 124)

In Matthew 23:33-36, Jesus speaks of the bad things that will come upon "this generation" for their rejection of himself and previous prophets. Then Jesus and his disciples leave the temple and go to the Mount of Olives, where the disciples ask him "when will these things be." During the ensuing answer, Jesus says "this generation" will not pass away until all these things happen.

There is only a few hours that pass between Jesus' mention of "this generation" in 23:36 and 24:34. How could the disciples be expected to understand "this generation" any differently in 24:34 than in 23:36?

For the reader of Matthew, there is only 10 minutes or so between 23:36 and 24:34. Presumably, Matthew hoped his readers would find his gospel account understandable. Yet there is nothing between 23:36 and 24:34 that would indicate a change in who "this generation" would refer to.

An even better contrast between the disciples and "this generation" can be found in Luke 21:29-36. There Jesus mentions "this generation" passing away, but starting in verse 34, which starts with a "but" (expressing a contrast with what was just said before), Jesus expresses the hope that his disciples would 'pay attention to themselves' and 'not get weighed down' so that they could 'keep standing before the Son of man.' This is completely the opposite of "passing away."

The WT idea depends on:

1. Assuming "this generation" has some post 1st century application. The prophecy itself makes no such application. Nor does Revelation express any thought about how long a period its fulfillment may cover.

2. Avoiding the context which leaves little doubt that "this generation" applies to those against whom the prophecy was spoken. (Incidentally, the verb "passing away" is never used in the NT for natural death such as is used in modern English.)

3. Their idea being true because they said it was. (Actually, they said this is what Jesus "evidently" meant. And when they change the idea again, that will be what Jesus "evidently" meant. But he hasn't "evidently" meant that next idea, because they haven't said so, yet. I hope you got that straight!

Take Care

prologos

KSF: Good point, and of course Jesus also allowed the 11/12 to partake of the emblems, even though they were not annointed, they were firm believers in an earthly Israeli kingdom., even after his resurrection

so that raises the question,

WHO is WRONG about the anointed,--- Jesus, or the WT & BtS ?

We already know that WT is wrong about the GENERATION. count

that confirms there are wrong about the ANNOINTED count

They are wrong on all couts.

you can count on it.

designs

Not to worry the GB will change their minds in a couple of years anyway...