Matthew Chapter 24

Verse 43 KJV continued, “But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.”

A comparison of Matt 12:29 reveals more facts in regards the binding of Satan.

“… How can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he FIRST bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.”

If this verse were a reference to 1874 and the beginning of the parousia, then Satan would have to be completely bound now, for Satan must be bound BEFORE his goods can be spoiled.

If Satan is bound, then why are we cautioned to put on the full armor of God to withstand his wiles at the end of the age (Eph. 6:13)?

And if Satan’s binding is not a personal binding but simply a binding by the influence of the truth, then how can he be loosed for the Little Season when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Rev. 20:3, 7, 8; Hab. 2:14)?

The view that the parousia is referred to in these verses (Matt. 12:29; 24:43) does not hold water. But to see these verses as a future event eliminates the problems.

Also, if Matt 12:29 refers to the parousia, then Satan had to be bound before the seventh messenger was ever selected and before the Laodicean period began. How nice it would be for Christians of the Laodicean period to make their calling and election sure without the Adversary tempting them because he was bound! It is only logical that if Satan’s spiritual domain is first entered and broken up, then his influence down here is subsequently negated.

To get around these problems, some have tried to say that Satan’s binding is progressive. They say Satan is not bound but that he is being bound. However, if he is being bound, he must be getting progressively curtailed. Otherwise, the English language is a mockery. If Satan is being bound, it would mean he is more and more bound as time goes on, yet Matt 12:29 makes very clear the fact that Satan is bound first, that is, before his house is broken into. “First” means first.

Moreover, the parallel Scripture in Luke 11:22 shows there will be a personal confrontation between Jesus and Satan. Jesus will personally overcome Satan, bind him, and then destroy his house.

“But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divides his spoils.”

Rev 20:1–3 reads, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having … a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on … Satan, and … cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him.”

The progressive application does not make sense. Its proponents reason that the house is being destroyed and Satan is being bound, but the word “FIRST” cannot be ignored. Satan is bound first, and the progressive view changes the English language. This in-between explanation is not satisfactory.

Actually no one down here knew (or knows) precisely when the parousia occurred. All we know is that it took place sometime in the fall of 1874 between September 25 and October 3, thus the Pastor chose a date in the middle: October 1st. The brethren learned about the fact that our Lord HAD ARRIVED, after the fact, after it had taken place. They were not privy to the moment of his initial presence. Thus Jesus was here for a little while before his presence was revealed or made known. This fact was made known through the unfolding of prophecy, prophecies which speak of the time of our Lord’s return.

Now most are quick to quote Matt 24: 36 in regards to our Lord’s return exclaiming, “But of that day and hour no man knows”, however these forget two things, 1) the Lord was not saying that no man WOULD EVER KNOW, he was simply stating that no man THEN (including himself, see Mark 13:32), at that time knew when he would return.

Even our Lord had not been made aware of the time as yet, because he had not yet proven himself worthy to open the scroll (Rev 5:1-5), which outlines the Divine Plan of the Ages including the “times and the seasons”.

And 2) No prophecy can be certain until its fulfillment that is until it is completed, has already taken place. Thus the brethren did not know of our Lord’s return until after those prophecies relating to our Lord’s return had reached their fulfillment.

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you (For we have been granted a clear understanding of “the deep things of God“,  some features of which were never revealed until the present time, even to the most faithful of the Lord’s saints). For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord (the day in which we presently live) so comes as a thief in the night (the majority are completely unaware that we have reached the millennial day, the day of the Lord). For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape (the great millennial morning of blessings has dawned, yet a dark period, a short season of terrible trouble and anarchy intervenes). But you, brethren, are not in darkness (concerning the times and seasons), so that this Day (the day of the Lord’s presence) should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light (truth) and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.” (1 Thess 5:1-5)

“We have the more sure word of prophecy (thus we need not look to the sky, nor to the desert as do others); whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” (2 Pet 1:19)

Although the brethren were not to know the hour, i.e., the exact time of his coming, yet if they were to watch closely they would not mistake the signs of his presence (his arrival).

If no man is to know of the day of the Lord’s presence, then why are we admonished to be vigilant, to keep awake, and to watch?

What then are we watching “for”? Strange indeed to be told to look for something which no man can know.

We continue with our next post.