Abomnation and Desolation

Summary

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Matthew 24:21-22

Much of chapter 24 Jesus discusses the end of history and his second coming with final judgement. This section includes an allusion to the impending siege of Jerusalem and destruction of the temple. In 70AD, roughly forty years after Jesus prophecy, the Roman army enters the city goes into the temple and removes all sacred elements of Israel’s worship and burns the temple to the ground. First century historian Josephus said, “No other city ever suffered such things”. With no temple there is no place for the Mosaic sacrificial system to take place to atone for sin. No daily sacrifices by priests or annual festivals of national atonement. While this is still mourned by the people of Israel who regularly cry out at the remaining “Wailing Wall” those who are in Christ have no need for sorrow.  No temple or sacrifice is needed for us to have our sins removed and relationship with God restored.  With Jesus perfect sacrifice for sin on the cross he declared “It is Finished!”

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