Christ's Presence

Things That Are Developing in the Clouds

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The disciples had an unclear understanding when they asked Jesus about the future. But they recognized that he was speaking of something invisible—his presence. As Matthew 24:3 records: "While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?'" 

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Jesus responded with what I see as a roadmap—one that highlights key developments from the beginning of his invisible presence to the final end of this system of things. For my personal understanding, I like to break down these stages as follows:

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The Background of His Invisible Presence

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Jesus said, “These things must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). He warned, “Many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’” (Matthew 24:4). It’s rare for someone to directly claim to be Jesus Christ, but it’s not impossible—especially considering that after his resurrection, Jesus sometimes appeared in different bodies. His disciples only recognized him through familiar words or actions that could not be imitated. This reality allows room for deceivers—those who would falsely appear as “angels of light” and claim to be "the Christ," which in Greek simply means “the Anointed One.”

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That’s why it's crucial to maintain a healthy, balanced view of anointing. The anointing is real—Jehovah truly anoints faithful followers of Christ with His holy spirit. As 1 John 2:20, 27–28 says: “You have an anointing from the holy one... and the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but the anointing from him is teaching you about all things and is true and is no lie. Just as it has taught you, remain in union with him... so that when he is made manifest we may have freeness of speech and not shrink away from him in shame at his presence.”

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This shows that the presence of Jesus is marked by the presence of the truly anointed—Christians led by Jehovah’s spirit. This is the foundation of my investigation in this book. My central scripture is from Romans 8:14–23: “For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons... the spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children... the creation waits with eager expectation for the revealing of the sons of God...”

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During the time of Christ's invisible presence, the genuine anointing is what truly identifies the sons of God. But alongside that, there will be false claimants—those who say they are anointed but are not.

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Distinguishing the True from the False

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Jesus described the background in more detail, highlighting the traits that would distinguish false prophets from the true anointed ones: “Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name... many false prophets will arise and mislead many... but the one who has endured to the end will be saved. And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:9–14

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During this conclusion of the system of things, we see wars, food shortages, and earthquakes—“a beginning of pangs of distress” (Matt. 24:7–8). But what separates the true anointed from the false is not just the message—but also the suffering they endure. The true anointed are persecuted, handed over to tribulation, and even killed. They are hated by all nations because they truly bear the name of Christ.

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Jehovah’s Witnesses have experienced this on a global scale—especially after adopting the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931. Despite our strong belief in Jesus’ name, we are often falsely accused of rejecting him. The persecution faced by those who bear this name has been significant.

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Here are just a few examples:

• Ukraine:
  Favorable ECHR Rulings for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ukraine

• Russia:
  Ongoing history of persecution

• Global overview:
  Persecution in various countries

• Georgia:
  ECHR judgment against religious violence

• Lebanon:
  Milto Stavrou’s story

• Italy:
  Memorial for victims of Nazi and Fascist regimes

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Summary: Jesus’ Invisible Presence and the Last Days

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The deteriorating state of the world sets the stage for Jesus’ prophecy. The contrast between true anointed ones and false prophets becomes clearer: the false mislead others, but the true endure persecution. Many will be misled, love will grow cold, and betrayal will increase. Yet, despite it all, “this good news of the Kingdom” continues to be preached worldwide.

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This is the backdrop Jesus gave to help us recognize his invisible presence and understand the events leading to the end of the system of things. Now, with that foundation, we are prepared to examine the specific details Jesus emphasized next.

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So far, we have reviewed Jesus’ initial response to the disciples' question about the "last days" and his invisible presence. His answer provides an overview of the entire period—from the beginning of his presence to the eventual end of this system of things. This broad outline includes signs of global unrest, spiritual deception, persecution, and the worldwide preaching of the good news.

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For your reference and to reinforce the context, here is the full account as recorded by Matthew in Matthew 24:3–14:

 

“While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?’ In answer Jesus said to them: ‘Look out that nobody misleads you, for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will mislead many. You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress. Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.’”

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This passage sets the stage for a deeper analysis of Jesus’ words. Each element—from deception to endurance, from international conflict to global witnessing—forms part of the prophetic landscape of Christ’s presence. Moving forward, we can begin examining the more specific and symbolic details Jesus shared, which build on this foundation.

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According to Matthew, the next thing Jesus points to is a very significant event that he specifically wants his followers to be alert and watchful for. What is that event?

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From Warning to Action: The Disgusting Thing in the Holy Place

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“Therefore, when you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken about by Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place (let the reader use discernment), then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains. Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his house, and let the man in the field not return to pick up his outer garment. Woe to the pregnant women and those nursing a baby in those days! Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the Sabbath day; for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short." —Matthew 24:15–22

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This warning marks a turning point in Jesus’ prophecy. After describing the general conditions of his invisible presence—such as false Christs, wars, and global preaching—Jesus now identifies a specific, observable development: “the disgusting thing that causes desolation... standing in a holy place.”

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This is no longer just background information. It’s an urgent call to action—a signal that requires discernment and immediate response. The disciples, especially those in Judea, were told to flee without hesitation. Jesus warned them not to go back for belongings or delay for comfort or convenience. The conditions would be extremely difficult—especially for the vulnerable—and survival would depend on prompt obedience.

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What makes this moment so critical? Jesus said it would usher in a period of great tribulation, unprecedented in human history. The danger would be so severe that if Jehovah did not “cut short” those days, no flesh would survive. But, in a powerful expression of divine mercy, Jesus assured that the tribulation would be shortened “on account of the chosen ones.”

 

This raises important questions we’ll explore next:

• What exactly is the “disgusting thing”?

• How has this prophecy been fulfilled in the past?

• And how might it apply in our time?​​​

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The Disgusting Thing Exposed: Whose Spirit Is Guiding the Nations?

 

​The “disgusting thing” Jesus spoke of is not easy to understand—especially for those who do not have “ears to hear.” True spiritual hearing involves the ability to distinguish between what is inspired by Jehovah’s holy spirit and what originates from opposing spirit forces. That distinction is critical to understanding what stands in a “holy place” and why it is so offensive in Jehovah’s eyes.

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One of the best scriptural illustrations of this contrast is found in Revelation 16:13–14, 16: “And I saw three unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and they perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty... And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon.”

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These unclean, demon-inspired expressions are not just abstract ideas—they actively influence global powers. The kings of the earth, under demonic inspiration, are drawn into a direct confrontation with Jehovah. While it is theoretically possible for anyone—including kings, presidents, secretaries, and legislators—to listen to Jehovah’s direction, what does prophecy indicate?

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According to the Bible, these rulers will not align themselves with Jehovah. Instead, they will fall under the influence of deceptive propaganda—demon-inspired expressions. That is truly tragic.

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Human bodies were originally designed to be temples for holy spirit, yet they are vulnerable to other spiritual influences as well. When that divine purpose is replaced with the influence of opposing spirits, it becomes something repulsive—disgusting—to Jehovah.

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The same warning appears in Psalm 2, where the nations and their leaders rebel against Jehovah and His anointed:

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“Why are the nations agitated
And the peoples muttering an empty thing?
The kings of the earth take their stand
And high officials gather together as one
Against Jehovah and against his anointed one.
They say: ‘Let us tear off their shackles
And throw off their ropes!’
The One enthroned in the heavens will laugh;
Jehovah will scoff at them...
So now, you kings, show insight;
Accept correction, you judges of the earth.
Serve Jehovah with fear...
Honor the son... Happy are all those taking refuge in Him.” 

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This rebellion is not just political; it is spiritual. That’s why Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:10–12: “Go on acquiring power in the Lord... Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.”

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The disgusting thing that causes desolation is more than just a visible political or military event—it is a spiritual condition backed by demon-inspired guidance, standing where only holy influence should be. Recognizing the difference between Jehovah’s holy spirit and the deceptive expressions of wicked spirits is what separates those with discernment from those who are misled.

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From Abandonment to Restoration: The Transfer of the Holy Place

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We already know how Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled in the first century upon the nation that had been called to partake in the marriage feast Jehovah prepared for His Son. The invitation was first extended to the Israelites, but when the majority ignored or rejected it, Jehovah withdrew His favor and extended the invitation to others. The once-honored house was left empty—so empty, in fact, that it became a dwelling place for unclean spirits, filled with nationalistic and religious pride. The people believed they were still under Jehovah’s protection, but that protection had been removed.

One clear example is how the Sanhedrin fell under the influence of Jehovah’s opposer, and how they tried to reconcile that opposition with their sense of Jehovah’s purpose: “Consequently the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Sanhedrin together and began to say: ‘What are we to do, because this man performs many signs? If we let him alone this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.’
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them: ‘You do not know anything at all, and you do not reason out that it is to your benefit for one man to die in behalf of the people and not for the whole nation to be destroyed.’ This, though, he did not say of his own originality; but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was destined to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that the children of God who are scattered about he might also gather together in one. Therefore from that day on they took counsel to kill him.”

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Even Pontius Pilate, the representative of the world power in Judea, had no issue with Jesus being king of a Kingdom that was not of this world. He saw no guilt in him, but gave in to the demands of the local religious leaders. They were not neutral; they were competing with Jehovah’s anointed King.

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"Then they led Jesus from Caʹia·phas to the governor’s palace. It was now early in the day. But they themselves did not enter into the governor’s palace, that they might not get defiled but might eat the passover. Therefore Pilate came outside to them and said: “What accusation do YOU bring against this man?” In answer they said to him: “If this man were not a wrongdoer, we would not have delivered him up to you.” Hence Pilate said to them: “Take him yourselves and judge him according to YOUR law.” The Jews said to him: “It is not lawful for us to kill anyone.” This, in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which he said to signify what sort of death he was destined to die.

So Pilate entered into the governor’s palace again and called Jesus and said to him: “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered: “Is it of your own originality that you say this, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate answered: “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you up to me. What did you do?” Jesus answered: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” Therefore Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him: “What is truth?”

And after saying this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them: “I find no fault in him. Moreover, YOU have a custom that I should release a man to YOU at the passover. Do YOU, therefore, wish me to release to YOU the king of the Jews?” Then they shouted again, saying: “Not this man, but Bar·abʹbas!” Now Bar·abʹbas was a robber." -- John 18:28-40

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This is why Jesus used illustrations like the marriage feast and the vineyard workers who killed the master’s son—to show how the religious leaders had turned against Jehovah’s purpose. 

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What, then, brings the disgusting thing into the holy place? It is the unclean expressions inspired by Satan and his demons, used to accuse Jehovah’s faithful servants. Jerusalem—with its temple, priests, and elders—was meant to be a dwelling place for Jehovah’s spirit, but it had become a habitation for unclean spirits. This is what caused Jehovah to withdraw His holy spirit. Jesus clearly saw that the religious leaders of his day would compete with him, and he therefore predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple—a prediction that moved the disciples to ask their famous question on the Mount of Olives: When will these things be?

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The collapse of that blind and deaf nation was a direct result of their refusal to listen. Jesus, with foresight and compassion, warned his followers of what was coming. Those who had “ears to hear” responded. They separated themselves from the illusion of peace and security and fled from Jerusalem when the opportunity came. Jehovah’s spirit no longer resided in the temple or in the nation. It led those who listened to escape before it was too late.

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What Parallel Can We Draw for Jesus’ Second Presence?

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I wish to distinguish between Jesus’ first invisible presence—after his resurrection and continuing until the apostle John received Revelation—and the second presence, which I believe, as discussed in this chapter, must begin after 1914.

This distinction has led me to consider writing an additional section (or two new pages) on what we find in the Bible regarding his first and second presences. These exact terms are not found in Scripture, but this is how I perceive the difference between his presence in the first century and his presence in our day.

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I don’t exclude the idea that Jesus has been present in various ways through the generations, but the period that Jesus described as “and then the end will come” must be attached to a recognizable period of time—the “conclusion of the system of things.” If this conclusion leads to the actual end, then it must be identifiable.

Do we see such a conclusion in our time?

Where is the sanctuary of our day?
How is the disgusting thing standing there?
Was that sanctuary brought back to a clean condition in our time?

You can read more below and judge for yourself.

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Though the physical temple in Jerusalem was abandoned, Jesus had already inaugurated a new, spiritual temple. This temple—established at his baptism, validated by his death, and confirmed by his resurrection—continues to function down to our time. Those with spiritual hearing rejoice in this arrangement, recognizing that Jehovah’s presence now dwells in the spiritual temple.

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The End of Gentile Times and the Rise of the Spiritual Temple

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For a time, the earthly representation of this spiritual temple operated in isolation. But things began to change as Jesus’ presence in the Lord’s day intensified and the Gentile times came to their close. With that shift, a series of Daniel’s prophecies began to unfold. These prophecies bring together important details related to the restoration of Jehovah’s rulership over the Kingdom of mankind, along with the restoration of His holy place.

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In this spiritual temple arrangement, people can once again worship Jehovah in an acceptable way—by relying on the ransom sacrifice of Christ and offering their own spiritual sacrifices. Though imperfect, their service is counted as holy because it is performed within Jehovah’s arrangement, under the covering of Christ’s ransom.

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The Disgusting Thing and Its Assault on Holy Worship

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But when these sacrifices are interrupted or taken away, it becomes a gross violation of Jehovah’s holiness. This is not just an attack on people—it is an attack on Jehovah’s own arrangement. The removal of sacrifices, whether through external persecution or internal corruption, represents a desecration of the holy place and results in real oppression for Jehovah’s people.

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Some of this oppression is unavoidable—it is part of the testing and refining of God’s people. But other forms of harm are transgressions—deliberate violations that may cause Jehovah to withdraw his blessing, his guidance, and even his protection. Understanding this distinction is vital. It calls for self-examination among Jehovah’s servants and vigilance in protecting the sanctity of the spiritual temple.

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Applying the "Disgusting Thing" to the Modern Holy Place

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If we apply Jesus’ reference to “the disgusting thing that causes desolation” to humankind in general—and more specifically to those who claim to represent God’s holy place—then we must consider the time period starting from 1914. This year is of critical prophetic significance.

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According to Daniel’s prophecy of the seven times, 1914 marks the end of the Gentile Times and the restoration of Jehovah’s anointed King, Jesus Christ, to active rulership. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize 1914 as the beginning of the Lord’s Day, as described in Revelation, and as the start of the last days of this system of things.

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The League of Nations and the "Disgusting Thing" Prophesied in Daniel

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It was shortly after this pivotal year that the League of Nations was formed—an institution that many Christian denominations endorsed as a political substitute for God’s Kingdom. This was not a small error. It was, in fact, a fulfillment of the prophecy in Daniel 8:13, where a “transgression causing desolation” is described. This transgression, as represented by the symbolic “small horn,” eventually grows in influence even into “the beautiful land”—an allusion to territory associated with Jehovah’s purpose.

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I can’t explain it better than it is written in the book Pure Worship of Jehovah—Restored At Last! published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. It clearly explains how, in modern times, people unitedly acting in Jehovah’s name made changes—both within the organization and in their own lives—to cleanse the sanctuary, the holy place, which represents those who serve Jehovah in human bodies. We are the temple of the living God, as he promised: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: ‘I shall reside among them and walk among them, and I shall be their God, and they will be my people.’ ‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’; ‘and I will take you in.’ ‘And I shall be a father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.” —2 Corinthians 6:14-18

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We also have the book Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, which includes more historical accounts that show the development of separation from unclean spiritual and physical practices. There are still things to be accomplished concerning the Great Crowd—those who come to worship Jehovah in his spiritual temple. But realistically, their condition is not the same as the condition of those anointed by holy spirit to serve in the capacity of priests within the larger spiritual temple. The inner courtyard and the Holy Place represent the standing of anointed ones on earth.

To support this distinction, I want to present another reference from the Insight on the Scriptures encyclopedia, under the article Sanctuary. I will highlight some parts relevant to my analysis:

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SANCTUARY

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A place set apart for the worship of God or of gods, a holy place; a divine habitation. (1Ch 22:19; Isa 16:12; Eze 28:18; Am 7:9, 13) A “sanctuary” need not necessarily be a special building, for the one at Shechem referred to at Joshua 24:25, 26 may simply have been the site where Abraham had centuries earlier erected an altar. (Ge 12:6, 7) However, frequently the expression “sanctuary” designates either the tabernacle (Ex 25:8, 9) or the temple at Jerusalem. (1Ch 28:10; 2Ch 36:17; Eze 24:21) As applied to the tabernacle, “sanctuary” could mean the entire tent and its courtyard (Ex 25:8, 9; Le 21:12, 23), the furniture and utensils of the sanctuary (Nu 10:21; compare Nu 3:30, 31), or it could refer to the Most Holy (Le 16:16, 17, 20, 33).

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As a holy place, God’s sanctuary was to be kept undefiled. (Nu 19:20; Eze 5:11) The Israelites should, therefore, “stand in awe” of that special place where God dwelt representatively. (Le 19:30; 26:2) When they were removed from the Promised Land into exile, they no longer had a material sanctuary. But Jehovah promised that he himself would, as it were, become “a sanctuary” for them.​—Eze 11:16.

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The Greek term na·osʹ is used in a broad sense to stand for the entire temple complex (Joh 2:20) or for the central edifice, with its Holy and Most Holy compartments separated by the curtain. (Mt 27:51) When Zechariah, for instance, went “into the sanctuary” to offer incense, he entered the Holy, for it was there that the altar of incense was located.​—Lu 1:9-11.

God’s dwelling place in the heavens is a sanctuary, or a holy place. It is in this heavenly sanctuary that the apostle John, in vision, saw the ark of the covenant after the blowing of the ‘seventh trumpet.’ (Re 11:15, 19) Thereafter he observed angels emerging from this sanctuary and, in connection with the outpouring of “the seven bowls” of God’s anger, heard a “loud voice” issuing forth from it.​—Re 14:15, 17; 15:5, 6, 8; 16:1, 17.

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Regarding the earthly courtyard of God’s great spiritual temple, the apostle John was told in vision: “Get up and measure the temple sanctuary of God and the altar and those worshiping in it. But as for the courtyard that is outside the temple sanctuary, cast it clear out and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.” (Re 11:1, 2) The temple here referred to could not be the one at Jerusalem, for that structure had been destroyed nearly three decades earlier. Being earthly, the nations could only be “given” a courtyard that was likewise on earth. So it must represent a condition enjoyed by Jesus’ anointed followers while here on earth. Whereas it would be impossible for the nations to trample upon a location in the heavens, they could treat disgracefully those persons who had been begotten by God’s spirit to be his sons and who were in line to receive a heavenly inheritance with Christ. (Re 3:12) Similarly, Daniel’s prophecy regarding the throwing down of “the established place of his sanctuary” (Da 8:11) and the profaning of the sanctuary (Da 11:31) appears to point to events in connection with those serving as underpriests in God’s great spiritual temple.

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The members of the Christian congregation, Christ’s body, constitute a temple, or sanctuary, that God inhabits by spirit.​—1Co 3:17; Eph 2:21, 22; 1Pe 2:5, 9; see TEMPLE (Anointed Christians​—A Spiritual Temple).

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This explanation, along with all the supporting references, draws a vivid spiritual picture of the Holy Place. I realize it is nearly impossible to grasp without the help of holy spirit—without the ears to hear and the eyes of faith. It closely connects to what Jesus said: “So, calling a young child to him, he set it in their midst and said: ‘Truly I say to you, unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one that is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens; and whoever receives one such young child on the basis of my name receives me also.’” —Matthew 18.

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Once someone humbly accepts the anointed among Jehovah’s Witnesses as those "young children"—assigned to reveal these truths to others—it becomes clear that trying to reach this same spiritual understanding independently takes much longer and, in the end, still requires accepting the same revealed truths.

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What truly needs to be understood is that Christendom—once expected to be the place where Jehovah’s spirit should dwell—was not found clean at the end of the “seven times.” Even the early Bible Students associated with T. C. Russell and the Watchtower organization had to separate themselves from certain unclean spiritual influences. The publications referenced here provide extensive documentation of the many adjustments made within that group, culminating in 1931, when Jehovah allowed them to bear His name. No other organized group of Christians on earth has demonstrated such freeness of speech or spiritual clarity in embracing and upholding that name publicly.

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Since then, Jehovah’s people have continued to cleanse themselves of additional unclean practices. A greater measure of purity among Jehovah’s people is still in progress, and we look forward to the fuller fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy:

 

“And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it all the nations must stream. And many peoples will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.” —Isaiah 2:2–4.

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We know what happened with the Jewish people: they eventually ceased using Jehovah’s name. Even today, when reading the Holy Scriptures aloud, they skip over His name or substitute it with It is common Jewish practice to restrict the use of the names of God to a liturgical context. In casual conversation some Jews, even when not speaking Hebrew, will call God HaShem (השם), which is Hebrew for 'the Name' when encountering the Tetragrammaton. Many modern-day Christians similarly claim that God has many names and that it doesn’t matter what we call Him, as long as we refer to Him as “our Father in heaven.” Others insist that Jesus is Jehovah, interpreting his statement “I am” as “I am Jehovah,” rather than recognizing it as a declaration that he is the one sent by Jehovah.

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It is no surprise, then, that Jehovah has left such places empty—just as He abandoned Jerusalem, its temple, and its religious leaders in the first century. Nor is it surprising that two world wars erupted right in the heart of Christendom. Yet Jehovah continues to pay close attention to those who fear His name, as foretold in Malachi chapter 4:

 

“For, look! the day is coming that is burning like the furnace... And to you who are in fear of my name the sun of righteousness will certainly shine forth, with healing in its wings.”

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Since 1914, the world has seen two global wars. This too aligns with Daniel’s prophecy in chapter 8. The vision of the “small horn” that tramples on the holy place and throws truth to the ground must find its fulfillment after the “seven times,” during the period when true worship is restored and the sanctuary brought back into its proper condition.

This restoration took place as Jehovah’s Witnesses broke away from Christendom and its political entanglements. It was a time of testing and refinement, involving careful consideration of neutrality, authority, and theocratic order. Yet under Jehovah’s guidance, the sanctuary—representing the spiritual condition of His people—was gradually cleansed.

The rest of this chapter will explore how Jehovah’s Witnesses were led to make those needed adjustments, how they were released from oppression during World War II, and how Jehovah restored peace among His people. Still, the great tribulation Jesus foretold has not yet arrived. It will not be limited to Christendom, but will come upon all nations. There is still more to be revealed—and more for the nations to discern.

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Here is another helpful article that explains not only the general condition of Christendom—which aligned itself with worldly powers—but also offers insight into how Jehovah’s anointed servants within His true organization viewed these transgressions and acted to correct them. This interpretation is well documented in the Watchtower Online Library, particularly in the article:TRANSGRESSION CAUSING DESOLATION (Daniel 8:13)

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Cleansing the Sanctuary: Internal Adjustments Among the Anointed

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Two distinct explanations have been offered by Jehovah’s organization regarding this prophetic period. The most recent one—found in the 1982 Watchtower—has not been publicly revised since. It emphasizes that the cleansing of the holy place did not merely concern those who claimed to be Christian, but applied to Jehovah’s actual people, who sincerely sought to maintain His high standards. Other article is in 1971 Watchtower.

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From a spiritual standpoint, the transformation from democratic to theocratic rule within Jehovah’s organization appears to have occurred between 1938 and 1944. This change marked a shift in how elders were appointed and how the organization functioned. It replaced voting and other democratic methods with arrangements reflecting theocratic guidance. This internal correction aligned the organization more closely with Jehovah’s will and fortified it spiritually, especially in anticipation of what would follow.

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This cleansing period coincided with a significant world event: the revival of the League of Nations in the form of the United Nations. Just as this "disgusting thing" emerged once again from the abyss (compare Revelation 17:8), Jehovah’s cleansed people were spiritually prepared and protected.

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Further Insight: Daniel’s Prophecy and Organizational Refinement

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For more detail, the book Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! provides an in-depth look at these developments. In Chapter 10, “Who Can Stand Against the Prince of Princes?” (pp. 164–179), the book discusses how the “transgression” affected Jehovah’s people and what adjustments were made, particularly regarding the appointment of elders and the cessation of organizational voting practices. You can access the chapter here: Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! – Chapter 10. This period of refinement helped ensure that Jehovah’s spiritual temple was no longer defiled. It showed that the "holy place"—while existing on earth in the form of a theocratically guided people—must be kept clean not only from external corruption, but also from internal compromise.

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A Personal Reflection on the 2,300 Evenings and Mornings

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I’m familiar with the explanation given by Brother C. T. Russell regarding the 2,300 days mentioned in Daniel’s prophecy. His interpretation carries a beautiful spiritual logic, especially when considered in the light available during his time. However, since Brother Russell did not live long after the beginning of the Lord’s presence in 1914, he did not have the opportunity to witness many of the fulfillments that would unfold later. As such, later refinements became necessary as events progressed and Jehovah’s light grew brighter (Proverbs 4:18).

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It is important to recognize that Daniel’s prophecy is highly specific in marking the period of “2,300 evenings and mornings” during the last days. What stands out to me personally is how the anointed ones, who continued rendering sacred service in the holy place—the earthly part of Jehovah’s spiritual temple—were deeply concerned about what was causing desolation. Despite operating in a time of great difficulty and pressure, they pursued a proper resolution.

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"Evenings and Mornings"—Spiritual Rhythm and Restoration

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The phrase “evenings and mornings” evokes more than just a count of days. It recalls the daily rhythm of temple service, where sacrifices and incense offerings were made both in the morning and evening (Exodus 29:38–39). This repetition underscores not just the passage of time, but also the ongoing prayers, meditations, and spiritual labor of those working within Jehovah’s arrangement.

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In this light, the 2,300 evenings and mornings represent a period of deep spiritual searching, corrective insight, and the eventual cleansing of the sanctuary. The faithful ones did not remain passive. They examined what had gone wrong, identified transgressions, and worked hard to restore the sanctuary to its proper state—despite the external pressures and spiritual darkness surrounding them.

 

It is a good time to pause and read the prophecy exactly as it was written by Daniel. Let the words settle in your heart before we explore what they mean in the context of modern fulfillment and personal application:

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"Out of one of them came another horn, a small one, and it grew very great toward the south and toward the east and toward the Decoration. It grew so great that it reached all the way to the army of the heavens, and it caused some of the army and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. It exalted itself even against the Prince of the army, and from him the constant feature was taken away, and the established place of his sanctuary was thrown down. And an army was given over, together with the constant feature, because of transgression; and it kept throwing truth to the earth, and it acted and had success. And I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one speaking: “How long will the vision of the constant feature and of the transgression causing desolation continue, to make both the holy place and the army things to trample on?” So he said to me: “Until 2,300 evenings and mornings; and the holy place will certainly be restored to its right condition. ... “What was said in the vision about the evenings and the mornings is true, but you must keep the vision secret, for it refers to a time many days from now.”—Daniel 8:9-14, 26

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Personal and Congregational Application

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I also believe that this prophetic period can have broader spiritual application. Beyond its fulfillment on the organizational level, the principle of 2,300 evenings and mornings could reflect a personal or congregational journey. Whether in a family, a congregation, or an individual’s life, there are times when foundational spiritual changes must be made. These can unfold over a figurative period marked by consistent prayer, study, and reassessment—a kind of spiritual evening and morning service—until the sanctuary, or heart, is once again in alignment with Jehovah’s holiness.

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That’s why I am not disturbed by the fact that this prophetic period has been understood in different ways over time. Jehovah’s organization has always been guided by ongoing revelation through His spirit and His Word, and as such, adjustments reflect spiritual maturity, not instability. Personally, I am very satisfied with the explanation presented in the publications previously referenced. It demonstrates both the humility of those taking the lead and the spiritual integrity of the process that led to the sanctuary being brought back into its proper place.

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The Adoption of Jehovah’s Name and the Reestablishment of Theocratic Order

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One profound detail found in the publications referenced earlier is the pivotal role played by the adoption of Jehovah’s name in 1931. This moment marked a defining distinction between the anointed remnant and the broader landscape of Christian denominations. From that point forward, the holy place—the earthly representation of Jehovah’s spiritual temple—became unmistakably identifiable.

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It’s no wonder, then, that Jehovah had already moved His anointed ones, as early as 1928, to begin revisiting theocratic order. Under the direction of His spirit, they began discarding man-made traditions, including democratic voting within congregations, and replacing them with clearer theocratic arrangements that reflected Jehovah’s authority structure rather than human opinion.

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This process of realignment culminated during the years leading up to and including 1938–1944, when the organization underwent significant purification and refinement. But the naming of Jehovah’s people in 1931 was a milestone that gave public witness to whom they belonged—and who was now dwelling in that spiritual sanctuary. “They will certainly become my people, and I myself will become their God.” —Jeremiah 30:22

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Just as ancient Israel bore Jehovah’s name and was responsible for reflecting His holiness, so too does Jehovah’s modern-day organization—comprised of anointed ones and their loyal companions—now carry that identity. This makes the sanctuary distinct, sacred, and under divine protection.

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The connection between bearing Jehovah’s name and upholding theocratic order is not accidental—it reflects Jehovah’s own standards for those who serve in His name. The restoration of His name to the center of worship went hand in hand with restoring His rule within His people. That name is not a label; it is a declaration of allegiance, purpose, and reverence.

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Other possibilities to search for implementation of 2300 mornings and evenings

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Other possibilities bring my imagination directly into the temple itself. If we consider the items that belonged to the Holy Place, it naturally leads us to research the condition and meaning of those items. The first to examine is the lampstand—it clearly represents the congregations, both individually and collectively, as the entire congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses who served during a specific period of time. More specifically, it pictures the congregation of the firstborn, those anointed by holy spirit—they are truly the light for the world. Let’s bring in Scriptures that describe such a congregation and its individual members as light bearers in God’s spiritual temple. I can easily accept the reasoning regarding the organizational arrangement of this group, especially the clear separation from democratic structures and the movement toward theocracy. The second item is the table of the bread of presentation. Considering Jesus’ words that “man must live not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah,” we can rightly apply this to the Bible itself. And since Jesus is called the Word, the living Word, he is part of that life-giving bread. No wonder he emphasized that eating his flesh is essential, because he is the true bread of life. That leads to another question: what kind of bread—or more precisely, what Bible translation—was laid out on the table in this spiritual temple? We know that in the early days, our organization used to print various translations, but eventually, those taking the lead came to a vivid realization: it was necessary to prepare our own translation of the Bible—one that would cleanse out the distorted expressions influenced by apostate Christendom and restore the meaning as originally intended in the ancient languages.​

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According to God’s Kingdom Rules! page 39:
"ON A cool but sunny Tuesday morning, December 2, 1947, a small group of anointed brothers from Bethel in Brooklyn, New York, set out to accomplish a huge task. The work was exacting, but for the next 12 years, they kept at it. At long last, on Sunday, March 13, 1960, they completed the final text for a new Bible translation. Three months later, on June 18, 1960, Brother Nathan Knorr released the final volume of the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures to a thrilled convention audience in Manchester, England. The speaker well expressed the feelings of all in attendance when he exclaimed: ‘Today is a day for rejoicing on the part of Jehovah’s Witnesses the wide world over!’ One outstanding feature of that new translation was a special cause for joy​—the frequent use of God’s personal name"

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More research and scriptural reasoning on this subject will be developed and presented here soon.

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When the Disgusting Thing Stands: A Future Fulfillment to Discern

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The May 1, 1999, Watchtower brought to our attention that the “disgusting thing standing in a holy place” is still a matter for future fulfillment. This insight raises a thoughtful question: Should we revisit the prophecy of the 2,300 evenings and mornings in light of the understanding that this event lies ahead? Much depends on how we define the “holy place.” If our perception of the holy place changes, then our interpretation of the timing and significance of these prophetic periods may need adjustment as well. For more details on the meaning and application of the holy place, see the section titled “The Temple” on this website.

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w99 5/1 pp. 14-20 “Let the Reader Use Discernment”: "16 Since the start of the great tribulation is yet future, is the “standing in a holy place” still ahead of us? Evidently so. While “the disgusting thing” made its appearance early in this century and has, thus, existed for decades, it will take a position in a unique way “in a holy place” in the near future. As first-century followers of Christ must have keenly watched to see how the “standing in a holy place” would develop, so do present-day Christians. Admittedly, we will have to wait for the actual fulfillment to know all the details. Yet, it is noteworthy that in some lands there is already a detectable and growing antipathy toward religion. Some political elements, in league with former Christians who have deviated from the true faith, are promoting hostility against religion in general and true Christians in particular. (Psalm 94:20, 21; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21) Consequently, political powers even now “battle with the Lamb,” and as Revelation 17:14 indicates, this fight will intensify. While they cannot literally get their hands on the Lamb of God​—Jesus Christ in his exalted, glorified state—​they will further vent their opposition against God’s true worshipers, his “holy ones” in particular. (Daniel 7:25; compare Romans 8:27; Colossians 1:2; Revelation 12:17.) We have divine assurance that the Lamb and those with him will be victorious.​—Revelation 19:11-21."

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Continuing the Discussion: Jesus’ Prophecy of His Invisible Presence and the Last Days

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The following section returns our focus to Jesus’ own words regarding his invisible presence and the last days of this system of things. At this point, I invite you to read the original statements of Christ, as recorded in the inspired text, without commentary. As we let these powerful words rest in our minds, I will take more time to break them down in stages, examining the warning signs, the actions Jesus urges, and the hope he gives to the faithful.

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“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned you. Therefore, if people say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For just as the lightning comes out of the east and shines over to the west, so the presence of the Son of man will be. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

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“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.

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“Now learn this illustration from the fig tree: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

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“Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned.

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Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.

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That gathering, that trumpet call, and that moment of recognition is the very hope I’m personally running toward. Christendom, in general, remains blind to this purpose. This does not make me question the sincerity of others or even their claim of being born again; rather, I view it as part of the first transformation—when individuals begin to allow God’s Word to reshape their lives and align with Christ’s teachings. Just as in Jesus’ illustration of the different types of soil, all received the seed, but only the fine soil produced fruit. Persecution or anxieties can take the seed away. Likewise, many resist aspects of truth that do not align with their traditional heavenly-paradigm doctrines, even though both hopes are clearly presented in the Scriptures.

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It’s admittedly difficult to grasp the difference between these two hopes—especially since all major denominations have rejected the earthly hope for centuries. That’s why Peter warned in 2 Peter 3:10–18: "But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, speaking about these things as he does in all his letters. However, some things in them are hard to understand, and these things the ignorant and unstable are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard so that you may not be led astray with them by the error of the lawless people and fall from your own steadfastness. No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."