KNOWING THE TIMES—WATCH Part-1

WATCH

    Jesus was taken up; and a cloud received Him. And two men stood by in white apparel; which also said…this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner-ref Acts 1:9-11.

    The Scriptures command us to watch. They also show us that this lukewarm, latter day generation we are now in, would be going about business as usual. They would be slumbering regarding the return of Jesus. Many would not be expecting or watching for His soon return.

    As the days of Noah were, the days that were before the flood, people were going about business as usual. They were not looking for or expecting the flood to come. It came and took them by surprise—they all perished. So shall also the coming of the Son of man be-ref Mt 24:38,39. WATCH THEREFORE-Mt 24:42. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee like a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come-ref Rev 3:3.

    Take heed, lest Jesus comes and finds you unprepared and not expecting His return-ref Lk 21:34. WATCH, lest Jesus comes suddenly and finds you sleeping-ref Mk 13:35,36. It is written of this lukewarm generation: They all slumbered and slept-ref Rev 3:16; Mt 25:5. But we are told by God's Word: LET US NOT SLEEP, as do others; but LET US WATCH and be sober-ref 1 Thes 5:6.

    BLESSED ARE THOSE "SERVANTS" whom the Lord when He cometh shall find WATCHING-Lk 12:37. UNTO "THEM" that LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation-Heb 9:28.

ARE "YOU" WATCHING FOR THE SOON RETURN OF JESUS?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO WATCH FOR?

Subject In This Section Part 1

1. BEWARE, TAKE HEED: POPULAR INTERPRETATION
2. THE FIVE QUESTIONS
3. WHAT CAN WE KNOW REGARDING THE TIMES? CAN WE KNOW THE HOUR, THE DAY, THE SEASON, THE YEAR, THE TIMES, OR THE GENERATION?
4. COMMANDS TO LEARN, KNOW, AND UNDERSTAND
5. WHO CAN KNOW THE TIME? WHO CANNOT KNOW THE TIME?
6. REV 1:1-SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY
7. 1 THES 5:1-6 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY
8. LK 12:35-40 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY
9. LK 12:41-46 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY
10. MT 25:1-13 SCRIPTURE
11. MT 25:1-13 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY

Subjects in Part 2
• 12-Mt 24:42-51
• 13-Lk 21:34-36
• 14-WHO CAN KNOW THE TIME?  WHO CANNOT KNOW THE TIME?  THE CONCLUSION: UNDERSTANDING IS HIDDEN FROM SOME
• 15-GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TO SEE CERTAIN THINGS, HEAR CERTAIN THINGS, AND DO CERTAIN THINGS
• 16-SEE CERTAIN THINGS
• 17-LISTEN FOR CERTAIN THINGS
• 18-DO CERTAIN THINGS
• 19-COMMANDS TO WATCH
• 20-THE WATCHMAN
• 21-WE CANNOT KNOW THE DAY AND HOUR OF THE RAPTURE: IS THIS TRUE?
• 22-WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT SAY THAT NO MAN CAN KNOW THE DAY AND HOUR OF THE RAPTURE?
• 23-SUMMARY OF THE DAY AND HOUR VERSES-THE SEVEN FEASTS OF ISRAEL: IS THIS GOD'S TIMETABLE?

1-BEWARE, TAKE HEED: POPULAR INTERPRETATION

    It has been said, "Beware of the intoxicating influence of popularity."
  Popular interpretation is not necessarily the correct one. Neither is popular interpretation a guarantee of accuracy.
    There are many popular sayings and traditions in today’s churches that are not based upon rightly dividing God’s Word. It was the same in the days that Jesus was upon the earth. The Pharisees and other religious orders held to unbiblical traditions, which they believed were correct. When Jesus corrected them, they would often become very angry.
    Many people, today, refuse to be corrected on popular unbiblical traditions. Many, in this church age, despise correction; they hate to admit that they could be wrong on anything. A person who takes a stand against popular traditions, which are wrong, can often expect to have unloving people get angry with him.

2-THE FIVE QUESTIONS

    AND JESUS WENT OUT, AND DEPARTED FROM THE TEMPLE: AND HIS DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM FOR TO SHOW HIM THE BUILDINGS OF THE TEMPLE.
    AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, SEE YE NOT ALL THESE THINGS? VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE SHALL NOT BE LEFT HERE ONE STONE UPON ANOTHER, THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN.
    AND AS HE SAT UPON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, THE DISCIPLES CAME UNTO HIM PRIVATELY, SAYING, TELL US, WHEN SHALL THESE THINGS BE? AND WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN OF THY COMING, AND OF THE END OF THE WORLD?-Mt 24:1-3.
    AND AS HE WENT OUT OF THE TEMPLE, ONE OF HIS DISCIPLES SAITH UNTO HIM, MASTER, SEE WHAT MANNER OF STONES AND WHAT BUILDINGS ARE HERE!
    AND JESUS ANSWERING SAID UNTO HIM, SEEST THOU THESE GREAT BUILDINGS? THERE SHALL NOT BE LEFT ONE STONE UPON ANOTHER THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN.
    AND AS HE SAT UPON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES OVER AGAINST THE TEMPLE, PETER AND JAMES AND JOHN AND ANDREW ASKED HIM PRIVATELY,
    TELL US, WHEN SHALL THESE THINGS BE? AND WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN WHEN ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE  FULFILLED?-Mk 13:1-4.
    AND AS SOME SPAKE OF THE TEMPLE, HOW IT WAS ADORNED WITH GOODLY STONES AND GIFTS, HE SAID,
    AS FOR THESE THINGS WHICH YE BEHOLD, THE DAYS WILL COME, IN THE WHICH THERE SHALL NOT BE LEFT ONE STONE UPON ANOTHER, THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN.
    AND THEY ASKED HIM, SAYING, MASTER, BUT WHEN SHALL THESE THINGS BE? AND WHAT SIGN WILL THERE BE WHEN THESE THINGS SHALL COME TO PASS?-Lk 21:5-7.

    The disciples had shown Jesus the stones and buildings of the temple. Then Jesus told them, the days will come in which THERE SHALL NOT BE LEFT HERE ONE STONE UPON ANOTHER, THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN.
    And as Jesus sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and asked Him four questions. Question number two actually incorporates two questions.

1. WHEN SHALL THESE THINGS BE?
    The first question deals with when the stones of the temple shall be thrown down. In other words, when shall the temple be destroyed? Jesus said earlier, YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT UNTO YOU DESOLATE-Mt 23:38.

2,3. WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN OF THY COMING?
    The second question actually incorporates two questions, because there are two comings of Jesus.
    One is when Jesus comes in the clouds, and the saints are caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air-ref 1 Thes 4:17. This event is called the Rapture.
    The other coming is when Jesus physically returns to the earth after the Tribulation of those days, and every eye shall see Him. Jesus said earlier, YE SHALL NOT SEE ME HENCEFORTH, TILL YE SHALL SAY, BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD-Mt 23:39.

4. WHAT SIGN WILL THERE BE WHEN THESE THINGS SHALL COME TO PASS? WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN WHEN ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FULFILLED?
    This question is similar to number one but is asking, WHAT SIGN?, rather than WHEN? Question one is asking when shall these things be, while question four is asking what shall be the sign when all shall be fulfilled.

5. WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN…OF THE END OF THE WORLD?
    This question is translated "end of the age" in some versions. Many consider this question is dealing with the time Jesus returns, which can be considered the end of the age.
    Others may consider this question is dealing with the end of the world, and the new heaven and new earth coming forth. It can be noted that both views of this question are answered in the Gospels.
    It should be noted that Jesus did not tell them they could not know these things. Rather He gave many verses of Scripture dealing with these questions and giving us answers.
    Three chapters in the Bible deal specifically with the answers to these questions. They are Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21. All these questions are answered. In addition, the Revelation and many other chapters and verses in the Scriptures should be included with these three chapters to give a more complete picture.

3-WHAT CAN WE KNOW REGARDING THE TIMES?
CAN WE KNOW THE HOUR, THE DAY, THE SEASON, THE YEAR, THE TIMES, OR THE GENERATION?

    Two questions might be asked.
    1. Can we know the hour, the day, the season, the year, the times, or the generation?
    2. Of what can we know?
    Can we know the day and hour of the Rapture? Can we know the day and hour that the Antichrist comes forth? Can we know the day and hour that the Tribulation begins? Can we know the day and hour of the abomination of desolation? Can we know the day and hour of the physical return of Jesus Christ? Can we know the day and hour of the new heaven and new earth? What can we know, and what can we not know according to the Scriptures?
    Throughout history, men’s traditions have made God’s Word of no effect. Indeed, some traditions have been so embedded in people’s hearts that if a person declared, through God’s Word, these traditions were wrong, he was called all manner of names. He might even be crucified. The Pharisees, scribes, lawyers, Sadducees, and others had many unscriptural traditions. Jesus confronted these false, manmade traditions. Some were based on half truths of the Scriptures; others were based on misuse of God’s Word.
    Even when Jesus proved, through the Scriptures, these people were wrong, they refused to admit their error. Rather, when they were confronted with their lack of understanding of the Scriptures, they sought to kill Jesus. They wanted to silence Him. He was accused of having a devil. All manner of accusations were made against Him.
    Is it any different today in this lukewarm generation? If a person comes forth and states it is possible to know the day and hour of the Rapture, immediately, he may be cast out. He might be called all manner of names as people may shout and scream, "Away with this person. No one can know the day or the hour." We ask the question, "Is this true?" Does the Bible teach that no man can know the day and hour of the Rapture or these other events? Is it a half truth? Is it simply a tradition of men that has become so established in people’s minds that even God’s Word cannot correct them? Is it a wrong tradition that is incorrectly based on taking certain Scriptures out of context and reading into them things that are really not there? Are some people afraid to take a stand for what is right, because of fear of what people might say?
    There are over 1700 verses in the Old Testament directly dealing with Bible prophecy in conjunction with the times we are now in or the times that are yet to come. There are over 1100 such verses in the New Testament. In addition, there may be over 1000 other verses that directly relate to these. The Bible contains 31,173 verses. Approximately 12.8% of the Bible (or about one out of every eight verses) deals, either directly or indirectly, with Bible prophecy regarding the times we are now in or that are in the future. Clearly, the Lord wanted us to know and understand the times we are now in and what the future holds.

4-COMMANDS TO LEARN, KNOW, AND UNDERSTAND

(Scripture)

    It is written, WHEN IT IS EVENING, YE SAY, IT WILL BE FAIR WEATHER: FOR THE SKY IS RED. AND IN THE MORNING, IT WILL BE FOUL WEATHER TODAY: FOR THE SKY IS RED AND LOWERING. O YE HYPOCRITES, YE CAN DISCERN THE FACE OF THE SKY; BUT CAN YE NOT DISCERN THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES?-Mt 16:2,3. Jesus shows, we are to discern or understand the times we are now in. We are to learn, know, and understand.
    Ro 13:11-AND THAT, KNOWING THE TIME, THAT NOW IT IS HIGH TIME TO AWAKE OUT OF SLEEP.
    Mt 24:32-NOW LEARN A PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE; WHEN HIS BRANCH IS YET TENDER, AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES, YE KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NIGH.
    Mt 24:33-SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS, KNOW THAT IT IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS.
    Mk 13:29-SO YE IN LIKE MANNER, WHEN YE SHALL SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, KNOW THAT IT IS NIGH, EVEN AT THE DOORS.
    Lk 21:31-SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, KNOW YE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND.
    Lk 21:28-AND WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, THEN LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH. In other words, know and understand.
    Dan 8:17-Gabriel said, UNDERSTAND, O SON OF MAN (this was Daniel): FOR AT THE TIME OF THE END SHALL BE THE VISION.
    Dan 8:19-Gabriel said to Daniel, I WILL MAKE THEE KNOW WHAT SHALL BE IN THE LAST END OF THE INDIGNATION.
    Dan 9:25-KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND. This relates to the seventy weeks of Daniel-ref Dan 9:24-27.
    Dan 12:4-BUT THOU, O DANIEL, SHUT UP THE WORDS, AND SEAL THE BOOK, EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END: MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED.
    Dan 12:9-THE WORDS ARE CLOSED UP AND SEALED TILL THE TIME OF THE END.
    Dan 12:10-THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND.
    Ro 15:4-FOR WHATSOEVER THINGS WERE WRITTEN AFORETIME WERE WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING, THAT WE THROUGH PATIENCE AND COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES MIGHT HAVE HOPE.

(Scripture with commentary)

    As these Scriptures are closely examined, it seems clear that this veil of secrecy, which many profess and teach, regarding the times we are now in, is a deception of the devil. Because of Satan’s deception, many will not even teach about the return of Jesus, the times we are now in, the many signs pointing to the Tribulation, and other related events, including the Rapture.
    Ro 13:11 confirms that KNOWING (or understanding) THE TIME (or season), it is time to wake up from being asleep. Paul was referring to the end times and imminent return of Jesus Christ.
    The exhortation that Jesus will soon return in the clouds to take His people in the Rapture, coupled with the message of repentance toward God and Jesus is the only way, is a powerful message. This can help persuade people not to delay, but to surrender "now" to Jesus, and to watch and be ready.
    In Mt 24:32, the parable of the fig tree is given with regard to knowing the times. Regarding this parable that is dealing with the days we are now in, Jesus said, LEARN A PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE. This was to be something for us to learn and understand. As we know that summer is near when certain events come to pass (coupled with verse 33), we should also know and recognize certain events that would be at the doors.
    In Mt 24:33, again, we are commanded to know. That command is contingent upon seeing certain things. (It did not say, see them come to pass.) In previous verses of Mt 24, some describe things that begin to happen, as birth pangs, prior to the Tribulation. Many verses cover the Tribulation. Others cover the return of Jesus Christ and the gathering of His elect, immediately after the Tribulation. Finally, the parable of the fig tree is covered, which many believe is referring to Israel.
    Then comes Mt 24:33, telling us when ye see ALL these things, KNOW THAT IT IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS. The word "it" is not defined. The verse seems to be progressive, in that when we see certain things happen, we are to KNOW the next event is at the door.
    It might be put this way. When we see Israel as a nation, we know that there will be men that would seek to deceive you, or religious deception is at the door and false Christs, etc. These will continue to get worse and worse. As we see these things, we know the Antichrist coming forth and the Tribulation, which is preceded by the Rapture, is at the door. As those that are left behind see the various events of the Tribulation unfold as Jesus prophesied, they should (if called of God) repent, and know what to look for next. And finally, they should know that the physical return of Jesus is at the door.
    No where does it say we cannot know; but rather, knowing is conditional upon seeing certain events happen that are in harmony with the Scriptures.
    Mk 13:29-is nearly the same as Mt 24:33, except the word "all" is omitted, and "come to pass" is added in. This verse also appears to be progressive, that is, when you would see certain things come to pass, then know IT is nigh (the next events are near, even at the doors).
    Lk 21:31-This verse is similar to Mt 24:33, except the word "all" is omitted. Also, we note the words, see these things COME TO PASS (the words come to pass are added in this verse). It is also specific in what to look for. KNOW YE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD (or the millennial kingdom) IS NIGH AT HAND.
    Lk 21:28-is considerably different than the previous verses that have been covered. AND WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS. Note the word "begin." Jesus is telling us when these things that He has shown us "begin" to come to pass, then we should LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS. Jesus appears to be relating that something good is about to happen. The verse ends with, FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH. We may conclude this as being a reference to the Rapture, our deliverance, our redemption. Jesus is giving His saints things to look for, so they might know and be encouraged that the Rapture was about to happen. We may note that the verse does not say to know; but rather, it says, when these things begin to come to pass, YOUR REDEMPTION is an absolute fact—"it" DRAWETH NIGH.
    Dan 8:17-Daniel was given a vision, part of which included the latter time, a king of fierce countenance, the Tribulation, and Jesus returning. Gabriel said to Daniel, UNDERSTAND…FOR AT THE TIME OF THE END SHALL BE THE VISION. The message is clear, UNDERSTAND.
    Dan 8:19-Again, Daniel is exhorted regarding this same vision, BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEE KNOW WHAT SHALL BE IN THE LAST END OF THE INDIGNATION: FOR AT THE TIME APPOINTED THE END SHALL BE. Again, the message is clear, KNOW WHAT SHALL BE.
    Dan 9:25-Gabriel relayed to Daniel, what is called, the seventy weeks of Daniel. The seventieth week, or Tribulation period, is referred to in Dan 9:27. Gabriel’s words to Daniel were, KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND.
    Dan 12:4-Again, Daniel is given a vision, which included the resurrection, the Tribulation, and many other things. However, in this vision, Daniel was told, SHUT UP THE WORDS, AND SEAL THE BOOK, EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END. This vision was not to be understood until the time of the end. Today, these prophecies are understood. Why? We are at the time of the end.   
    Dan 12:9-The time period of the Great Tribulation is relayed to Daniel. Dan 12:7-Again, Daniel was addressed, GO THY WAY, DANIEL: FOR THE WORDS ARE CLOSED UP AND SEALED TILL THE TIME OF THE END. Today, these words are open and can easily be understood by the direction of the Holy Spirit. The time of the end is at hand.
    The scriptural evidence is clear. Those who believe and teach that we cannot know and understand these things, are clearly wrong. Those who may say, we cannot know or understand the times or generation we are now in, are clearly mistaken. The scriptural evidence that they are wrong is overwhelming.
    The Holy Spirit, through the Scripture, has clearly shown us that these Scriptures are not to be ignored. They are to be understood, and they are to be taught. We need to teach the whole counsel of God, that is, ALL OF THE BIBLE.
    We are to learn certain things. We are to know certain things. We are to understand certain things. We are to listen for certain things. We are to see certain things. We are to watch. How is it then that much of this is being ignored in today’s churches? If God commands one thing through His Word, but it is ignored and disobeyed, then who is the author of this disobedience?

5-WHO CAN KNOW THE TIME? WHO CANNOT KNOW THE TIME?

Scripture with commentary

     Yet we might ask, if these things are to be understood, why do so many not understand them? Why do so many even fight against Bible prophecy being taught? The answer lies in many verses, including this one. Dan 12:9 ends with the words, THE TIME OF THE END. Verse 10 tells us, MANY SHALL BE PURIFIED, AND MADE WHITE, AND TRIED; BUT THE WICKED SHALL DO WICKEDLY: AND NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND; BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND.

     Regarding the end times, note the words:
    Group one
    NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND.

    Group two
    THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND.
    Thus, we might ask, can everyone understand the Scriptures dealing with the times we are now in? Can everyone understand that Jesus is soon to return? Only a select group can understand. That group has just been identified by Daniel.
    They are also identified, in 1 Cor 2:14-BUT THE NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: FOR THEY ARE FOOLISHNESS UNTO HIM: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.
    They are also identified by John in the Revelation. Note Rev 1:1.

6-REV 1:1-SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY

    Rev 1:1-THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, WHICH GOD GAVE UNTO HIM, TO SHOW UNTO HIS SERVANTS THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY COME TO PASS. The Revelation is to show unto the servants of God (the saints) things that must shortly come to pass. The wise shall understand; the born-again servants of God shall understand what will shortly come to pass.

    Group one
    Do not serve God, not shown what must shortly come to pass.

    Group two
    God’s servants shown what must shortly come to pass.

7-1 THES 5:1-6 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY1 THES 5:1-6 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY

    1 Thes 5:1-6-BUT OF THE TIMES AND THE SEASONS (or dates), BRETHREN, YE HAVE NO NEED THAT I WRITE UNTO YOU. Regarding the times and seasons (or dates), Paul is telling them, there was no need for him to write to them regarding the day of the Lord. Paul had already instructed them on this subject.
    1 Thes 5:2-FOR YOURSELVES KNOW PERFECTLY (or you know very well) THAT THE DAY OF THE LORD SO COMETH AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. Note, we are told the DAY OF THE LORD comes as a THIEF IN THE NIGHT. In most instances, the DAY OF THE LORD is used to denote the day that Jesus returns to the earth. It denotes the time of Armageddon, the great and dreadful DAY OF THE LORD. However, there appears to be at least one verse in the Old Testament that uses the words, the DAY OF THE LORD, but it took place thousands of years ago. Several verses may have a singular or dual meaning that include the resurrection and Rapture but may also include the return of Jesus. One verse regarding the DAY OF THE LORD deals with the time that the heavens will pass away. However, 1 Thes 5:1-6 directly follows 1 Thes 4:16-18, which covers the Rapture, thus, leaving little doubt that the "day of the Lord," used here, is referring to the Rapture. As already mentioned, there can be a dual meaning.
    The next part of the verse tells us that it comes as a THIEF IN THE NIGHT. In both instances that the words THIEF IN THE NIGHT are used, they are used in connection with the DAY OF THE LORD. In the New Testament, the word THIEF is sometimes used in the context of a thief breaking into your house unexpectedly (denoting the Rapture). With this, the command to "watch" usually appears. 
    1 Thes 5:3-FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SAFETY (or everything is so peaceful and secure-JNT³); THEN SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, AS TRAVAIL UPON A WOMAN WITH CHILD (or the way labor pains come upon a pregnant woman-JNT⁴); AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE. This verse should be covered in detail under the Tribulation period.      
    1 Thes 5:4-BUT YE, BRETHREN, ARE NOT IN DARKNESS, THAT THAT DAY SHOULD OVERTAKE (or surprise) YOU AS A THIEF.      
    1 Thes 5:5-YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN (or sons) OF LIGHT, AND THE CHILDREN (or sons) OF THE DAY: WE ARE NOT OF (or do not belong to) THE NIGHT, NOR OF (or to the) DARKNESS.
    1 Thes 5:6-THEREFORE LET US NOT SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS; BUT LET US WATCH AND BE SOBER.
    In verse 4 and 5, there are two groups of people.

    Group one
    Those of the night
    Those of the darkness
    Are in darkness
    Are asleep
    Are not watching
    To group one, the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. They will not understand. They will not be prepared. They will be surprised as when a thief comes in the night. They will be asleep. They do not know what to watch for, thus, will not be watching.
    It is written, LET US THEREFORE CAST OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS, AND LET US PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT-Ro 13:12.

    Group two
    The brethren
    The children of the light
    The children of the day
    Not in darkness
    Not of the night
    Not of the darkness
    Are not asleep
    Are watching
    To group two, the day of the Lord will not come as a surprise. It will not come as a thief in the night. Group two understands the times and seasons (or dates) leading up to the Rapture and day of the Lord. They should be awake. They should know what to watch for. They should be watching and be ready for the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to take His people.

8-LK 12:35-40 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY

    Lk 12:35-40-LET YOUR LOINS BE GIRDED ABOUT, AND YOUR LIGHTS BURNING. Be prepared. Be ready. You should be a light for Jesus in what you do and what you say. Your life should reflect Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
    Lk 12:36-AND YE YOURSELVES LIKE UNTO MEN THAT WAIT FOR THEIR LORD, WHEN HE WILL RETURN FROM THE WEDDING (or it may be said-return because of the wedding); THAT WHEN HE COMETH AND KNOCKETH, THEY MAY OPEN UNTO HIM IMMEDIATELY. We should be waiting for the Lord to return. The wedding and marriage feast are held in heaven, not on the earth. The wedding and marriage feast does not come prior to Jesus coming for His bride. Jesus must come for His bride, before there can be a marriage and feast.
    Lk 12:37-BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING: VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT HE SHALL GIRD (or dress) HIMSELF, AND MAKE THEM TO SIT DOWN TO MEAT, AND WILL COME FORTH AND SERVE (or wait on) THEM. A special blessing is granted to the servants of the Lord that are watching for His return, when He actually does return. Again, this appears to be a verse dealing with the Rapture. The blessing is that they will be with the Lord and will not be left behind. Jesus will come forth and serve them. (Some equate this parable with Jesus coming at Armageddon.)
    Lk 12:38-AND IF HE SHALL COME IN THE SECOND WATCH, OR COME IN THE THIRD WATCH, AND FIND THEM SO, BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS (it will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready-NIV.) No matter when Jesus comes, His servants will be blessed, if they are ready.
    Lk 12:39-AND THIS KNOW, THAT IF THE GOODMAN OF THE HOUSE HAD KNOWN WHAT HOUR THE THIEF WOULD COME, HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED, AND NOT HAVE SUFFERED (or would not have let) HIS HOUSE TO BE BROKEN THROUGH (or broken into). This could also apply to Bible teachers not letting the people that God has given them be broken up or perish. Note the words, IF THE GOODMAN…HAD KNOWN…HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED. We are commanded to watch and be ready. This gives us a clear picture that some of God’s servants will be watching, and some will not. Some will know the Lord is about to return, and some will not.
    Lk 12:40-BE YE THEREFORE READY ALSO: FOR THE SON OF MAN COMETH AT AN HOUR WHEN YE THINK NOT (or when you do not expect Him). The words now suggest that Jesus will come when you do not expect Him. Those that do not expect Him are those who
are not watching and are not ready. Again, we appear to have two groups.

    Group one
    These may be servants of the Lord
    These do not think the Lord will come when He really does
    These let their house be broken into
    These servants are not watching
    These are not ready
    They will not be blessed
    Jesus will not come forth and serve them

    Group two
    These are servants of the Lord
    These know that Jesus is about to come
    These do not let their house be broken into
    These servants are watching
    These are ready
    They are blessed
    Jesus will come forth and serve them
    Again, we have two groups. One group knows the Lord is about to return. They are watching and ready. The other group is not expecting the return of the Lord. They are not watching nor are they ready.

9-LK 12:41-46 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY

    Jesus had just finished speaking a parable. It ended with, FOR THE SON OF MAN COMETH AT AN HOUR WHEN YE THINK NOT. Then Peter comes forth with a question. He wants to know and understand if this parable is for everyone or just for them. Is the Lord’s coming "when ye think not," for everyone or just for some? The Lord comes forth with a further confirmation that there are two groups. One group is blessed, but the other will perish. One group will understand, and the other group will not.
    Lk 12:41-46-THEN PETER SAID UNTO HIM, LORD, SPEAKEST THOU THIS PARABLE UNTO US, OR EVEN TO ALL? (Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?-NIV)
    Beginning in verse 42, Jesus answers this question and begins to show us two groups of people.
    Lk 12:42-AND THE LORD SAID, WHO THEN IS THAT FAITHFUL AND WISE STEWARD (or manager), WHOM HIS LORD SHALL MAKE RULER OVER HIS HOUSEHOLD (or puts in charge of His servants), TO GIVE THEM THEIR PORTION OF MEAT (or food allowance) IN DUE SEASON (or at the proper time)? Note the emphasis on being faithful. Note the word "wise" being used.
    Lk 12:43-BLESSED IS THAT SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND SO DOING. Jesus said, regarding the Great Tribulation, THE NIGHT COMETH, WHEN NO MAN CAN WORK-Jn 9:4. At the time of the return of Jesus, NO MAN CAN WORK. Clearly the word "doing," suggesting works or service for God, is showing that this verse relates to the Rapture and not the time of the physical return of Jesus at Armageddon.
    Lk 12:44-OF A TRUTH I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT HE WILL MAKE HIM RULER OVER ALL THAT HE HATH. (He will put him in charge of all his possessions-NIV.)
    Lk 12:45-BUT AND IF THAT SERVANT SAY IN HIS HEART, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING (or is taking a long time in coming-NIV); AND SHALL BEGIN TO BEAT THE MENSERVANTS AND MAIDENS, AND TO EAT AND DRINK, AND TO BE DRUNKEN;
    Lk 12:46-THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT WILL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM (or does not expect Him), AND AT AN HOUR WHEN HE IS NOT AWARE, AND WILL CUT HIM IN SUNDER (or cut him to pieces, or cut him off), AND WILL APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION (or place) WITH THE UNBELIEVERS.

    Group one
    He is a servant of the Lord
    He says, my Lord is taking a long time in coming
    He begins to beat the menservants
    He begins to beat the maidens
    He begins to eat and drink
    He begins to be drunken
    He is not a faithful steward
    He is not a wise steward
    He will not be blessed
    The Lord will come when he does not look for Him
    The Lord will come at an hour when he is not aware
    He will be cut to pieces
    He will be assigned a place with the unbelievers

    Group two
    He is a servant of the Lord
    He expects the Lord’s return
    He does not beat the menservants or turn against them
    He does not beat the maidens or turn against them
    He does not begin to eat, and drink, and get drunk
    He is a faithful steward
    He is a wise steward
    Blessed is that servant.
    He shall be serving the Lord (or found "doing") when the Lord comes
    Jesus will make him ruler over His household
    To give them their portion of meat in due season
    He shall be made ruler over all that he has
    This same pattern persists throughout the Scriptures. Is the time the Lord will return to rapture His people really hidden from everyone? The answer, clearly, is no. To the unbelieving and unfaithful servants, it is hidden. The faithful and wise steward, who is watching, will understand. The Rapture of the church is not to overtake God’s people as a thief.

10-MT 25:1-13 SCRIPTURE

    Mt 25:1-13-THEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BE LIKENED UNTO (or comparable to) TEN VIRGINS, WHICH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND WENT FORTH TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM.
    Mt 25:2-AND FIVE OF THEM WERE WISE, AND FIVE WERE FOOLISH.
    Mt 25:3-THEY THAT WERE FOOLISH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND TOOK NO OIL WITH THEM:
    Mt 25:4-BUT THE WISE TOOK OIL IN THEIR VESSELS (or jars, or flasks along) WITH THEIR LAMPS.
    Mt 25:5-WHILE THE BRIDEGROOM TARRIED (or was a long time in coming-NIV) (or was delaying, or was late), THEY ALL SLUMBERED (or got drowsy) AND SLEPT (or began to sleep).
    Mt 25:6-AND AT MIDNIGHT THERE WAS A CRY (or shout) MADE, BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH (come); GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM.
    Mt 25:7-THEN ALL THOSE VIRGINS AROSE (woke up), AND TRIMMED (or prepared) THEIR LAMPS.
    Mt 25:8-AND THE FOOLISH (ones) SAID UNTO THE WISE, GIVE US (some) OF YOUR OIL; FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT.
    Mt 25:9-BUT THE WISE ANSWERED, SAYING, NOT SO (no); LEST THERE BE NOT ENOUGH FOR (both) US AND YOU: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL (the dealers), AND BUY (some) FOR YOURSELVES.
    Mt 25:10-AND WHILE THEY WENT (on their way) TO BUY (to make the purchase), THE BRIDEGROOM CAME (or arrived); AND THEY THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE (or wedding, or wedding banquet, or feast): AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.
    Mt 25:11-AFTERWARD (or later) CAME ALSO THE OTHER VIRGINS, SAYING, LORD, LORD, OPEN (the door) TO US (let us in).
    Mt 25:12-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY (or indeed) I SAY UNTO YOU (I tell you the truth-NIV), I KNOW YOU NOT (or I do not know you-NASB.)
    Mt 25:13-WATCH THEREFORE (keep watch) (be on the alert); FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH.

11-MT 25:1-13 SCRIPTURE WITH COMMENTARY

    Mt 25:1-THEN SHALL THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BE LIKENED UNTO TEN VIRGINS, WHICH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND WENT FORTH TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM. Note the beginning words, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Then it continues, BE LIKENED UNTO. The ten virgins represent ten Christians. These are ten people that believe in Jesus. They had lamps, and their lamps were burning. They went forth to meet the bridegroom. They went forth to become the bride of Jesus.
    Mt 25:2-AND FIVE OF THEM WERE WISE, AND FIVE WERE FOOLISH.
    Mt 25:3-THEY THAT WERE FOOLISH TOOK THEIR LAMPS, AND TOOK NO OIL WITH THEM. These had oil in their lamps, but they failed to take extra oil in their jars. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, which can be likened to the lamps that burned in the tabernacle and in the temple. These were not prepared to wait for a long, long time for their bridegroom to come and take them.
    Mt 25:4-BUT THE WISE TOOK OIL IN THEIR VESSELS (or jars) WITH THEIR LAMPS. The wise had oil in their lamps and also took additional oil in their jars. These were prepared to wait as long as it would take, till the bridegroom would come and take them away. They knew what to expect. They made the needed preparations. They were prepared to replenish their lamps as needed. The foolish did not prepare. They did not know what to expect. They were not prepared for the long wait and all that might go along with it. Their root withered away.
    Mt 25:5-WHILE THE BRIDEGROOM TARRIED, THEY ALL SLUMBERED AND SLEPT (or the bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep-NIV). The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and, indeed, the church has now been waiting for the Bridegroom for nearly 2000 years. We see pictured here the church age that will see the return of Jesus to take His bride away. All ten virgins became tired and fell asleep.
    Mt 25:6-AND AT MIDNIGHT THERE WAS A CRY MADE, BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH (or here’s the bridegroom); GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM. Here is the warning that the bridegroom is about to arrive. Here is the warning that the Rapture is about to happen. From this warning, we may note that just prior to the Rapture actually happening there will be some kind of a cry, or a warning, so that all the virgins will know the time for the Bridegroom to carry his bride away is at hand. The cry was made at midnight. Some consider this indicates that the cry for the Rapture may happen at midnight, Israeli time.
    Mt 25:7-THEN ALL THOSE VIRGINS AROSE (or woke up), AND TRIMMED THEIR LAMPS.
    Mt 25:8-AND THE FOOLISH SAID UNTO THE WISE, GIVE US (some) OF YOUR OIL; FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT (or are going out-NIV). It appears that, up to this time, either the foolish virgins did not realize their lamps had gone out or they just did not care, as the bridegroom tarried.
    Here is a picture of five foolish Christians. They believed in Jesus. Their lamp was burning. They had oil. They were a light for Jesus. As time passed, however, they ran out of oil. As time passed, their lamps faded and then went out. We might say that in the time of testing they fell away; perhaps, they became lukewarm.
    The foolish virgins still believed in Jesus, but their flame had become cold. Their love for Jesus had become cold. They did believe in the Rapture, but it caught them by surprise.
    The wise virgins, even though they had fallen asleep, still they had oil in reserve. Their lamps, or light for Jesus, did not go out.
    But now, the foolish Christians turn to them for oil.
    Mt 25:9-BUT THE WISE ANSWERED, SAYING, NOT SO (or no); LEST THERE BE NOT ENOUGH FOR US AND YOU: BUT GO YE RATHER TO THEM THAT SELL, AND BUY (some) FOR YOURSELVES.
    It is interesting to note that the wise virgins thought that they did not have enough oil for themselves and the foolish virgins. They told the foolish virgins to go to them that sell. Did they go to their preacher to get oil? Note the words, BUY FOR YOURSELVES. It might be difficult to buy oil at midnight. The Holy Spirit cannot be shared. The Holy Spirit regenerates each person individually.
    Mt 25:10-AND WHILE THEY WENT TO BUY (or while they were on their way to buy the oil-NIV), THE BRIDEGROOM CAME (or arrived); AND THEY (the virgins) THAT WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE MARRIAGE (the wedding banquet): AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT.
    The foolish virgins depart to go buy more oil. It appears, as we will see, they went to the blind leaders of the blind.
    And while they were gone, Jesus came. All those wise Christians that were ready, those whose lamps had not gone out, they were raptured and went to the marriage.
    Mt 25:11-AFTERWARD (or later) CAME ALSO THE OTHER VIRGINS, SAYING, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US (or open the door for us-NIV). Now the foolish virgins return. To whom did they go? They could not have gone to born-again preachers, as the born-again preachers would have been raptured. They, obviously, went to the blind leaders of the blind. Apparently, they could not recognize the difference. It appears the foolish virgins now think they got saved, or that they now have oil, as they say, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. We appear to have a picture of five foolish Christians that are terrified. They recognized that the Rapture had happened. They recognized that they had been left behind. They are pleading, OPEN TO US—but it is too late. We might also conclude from this that once the cry is made (just before the Rapture occurs), from that point on, no one will get saved. None of the foolish virgins were able to get saved, even though they tried. (Note, during the Tribulation many will get saved.)
    Mt 25:12-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT (I don’t know you-NIV). The terrifying message comes forth, I KNOW YOU NOT. They now face the Tribulation, but will they survive?
    Mt 25:13-WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH. Jesus continues in His message to the five foolish virgins, whose lamps went out. He tells them and all the foolish virgins, WATCH THEREFORE. These did not watch. Then the second message to the foolish, YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH. The foolish are not watching. They do not understand. They are not ready. They do not know the day or hour. Clearly, this message is to all the foolish virgins to watch and be ready, then they should understand.
    There is a clear message here. A person can believe on Jesus. They can believe that the Rapture will come. Their light can be burning, but it can go out. Jesus can come and find they are not ready. They will be left behind. (There are some that relate this parable to the second coming of Jesus at Armageddon.)

    Group one
    The foolish virgins
    Five virgins, representing five Christians
    They believed in Jesus
    They had lamps
    Their lamps were burning; they had oil in their lamps
    They heard the cry, "The bridegroom cometh"
    They went forth to meet Jesus
    They took their lamps
    They did not take oil in their jars
    Because the bridegroom took a long time to come, they got tired and went to sleep
    Their lamps went out
    They did believe in the Rapture
    The cry of Jesus coming (the Rapture) caught them by surprise
    They were not ready
    They knew they needed oil; they knew their lamps had gone out
    They went to buy oil. (Did they go to the blind leaders of the blind?)
    They did not get raptured
    They thought they got oil, but they did not
    They said, "Lord, Lord, open to us," thinking He would yet take them
    The Lord told them, I KNOW YOU NOT; it was too late
    Group one did not know the day or hour of the Rapture

    Group two
    The wise virgins
    Five virgins, representing five Christians
    They believed in Jesus
    They had lamps
    Their lamps were burning; they had oil in their lamps
    They heard the cry, "The bridegroom cometh"
    They went forth to meet Jesus
    They took their lamps
    They took oil also in their jars
    Because the bridegroom took a long time to come, they got tired and went to sleep
    Their lamps did not go out
    They did believe in the Rapture
    The cry of Jesus coming (the Rapture) did not catch them by surprise
    They were ready
    They were raptured
    They went in with Jesus to the marriage

    As we have seen, no Scripture tells us that the wise and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, who is of the day and is watching and ready, cannot know the day and hour of the Rapture.  It is quite the contrary.  The Scriptures indicate that he can know the day and hour.