Correspondence: Matt. 24:22 and 29-35; Forgive and Not Forgive in Matt. 11:25-26

From: Young Christian: Volume 31, 1941

Matthew 24:22; Matthew 24:29‑35 • 2 min. read • grade level: 9

Question: Please explain Matthew 24:22²²And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:22) and 29-35. Do the latter verses mean the end of the world? If so, what is the meaning of verse 34?

Answer: Verse 22 is understood to refer to the last half of the last, or seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 11:27²⁷And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. (Daniel 11:27)), which is divided in two by the setting up of the image of the beast (Rev. 13⁹And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, (Revelation 14:9)). Each half consists of three-and-one-half years.

The days of “great Tribulation” (Matt. 24:21,22²¹For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. ²²And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:21‑22)) extend through the latter half of Daniel’s week (see Dan. 9:27²⁷And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)). So severe are the trials, that, had the time not been shortened to only 1260 days, no one would be able to live through them.

Verses 29 to 35 refer to the events immediately connected with the appearing of the Lord Jesus in judgment at the end of the tribulation week. They do not refer to the end of the “world”, but to the end of that “age.”

Verse 34 means that the generation of unbelieving Jews would not have ceased from the earth till all these things were fulfilled.

Question: Please explain “forgive, and not forgive” (Mark 11:25-26²⁵And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. ²⁶But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11:25‑26)).

Answer: We can easily see that an unforgiving spirit is a sad hindrance to prayer. It is a remarkable thing that when we get into the presence of God, our failure begins to come up before us. In this scripture we are exhorted to deal with every unforgiving thought against any person, that our prayers be not hindered.

We also see that such forgiveness is of a governmental kind. It is not eternal forgiveness. This we have once for all (Heb. 10:14¹⁴For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)), but it is what is needed to keep us going on in happy communion with our Father. It is therefore of great importance to see that we are not harboring unforgiving thoughts toward any.

“Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32³²And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

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