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QUESTION 64:
In Matthew 16:28 the Lord said that some people there would not die until the Son of man came to set up His kingdom. They have died, and He has not yet come. Could you explain?

ANSWER:
Usually you will find the key somewhere around the door. In the following chapter He takes three disciples up on the mountain, and there He give them a preview of that coming kingdom. They saw Him in His kingdom glory. Moses and Elijah were there along with the three others.

This was a wonderful preview. It was no coincidence that Moses and Elijah were there. Moses, the man God buried, represents the Old Testament saints. They will be raised and in the kingdom. Elijah, the man that was "taken up," (2 Kings 2:11) he represents the New Testament saints that will be "caught up." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) They will be there. Both Moses and Elijah were seen in their glorified bodies.

There were three disciples there in their natural bodies. They represent the mass of Gentiles (Revelation 7:11) who will be in that kingdom in their natural bodies. What a beautiful preview He gave them of the Jews, Gentiles and the Church of God.(1 Corinthians 10:32.) The Lord is coming. He said, "..if I go away I will come again." (John 14:3) The greatest event in history was His first coming. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) In order to do that He had to died for sinners, that they might be saved. In His second coming He is first coming to get His purchased possession, the believers. He will then judge the nations, (Matthew 25:32-33) and then set up His kingdom on earth for one thousand years. (Revelation 20:5)

Let me ask you, dear reader, "Where will you go then? Will you be carried away in judgment or into His kingdom?'

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen