In his masterpiece work, Pilgrim Theology, Dr Michael Horton explains in layman's terms the Reformed theological perspective of past and present doctrines. His summary of the book of Revelation and understanding of Matthew 24 is concise and clear. Thus the following extended quote will help us grasp a seemingly difficult teaching called Amillennialism.
"It is easy to summarize Jesus' sequence of events (in Matthew 24): (1) destruction of the temple in Jerusalem ("the abomination of desolation" [Mt 24:15], which occurred in AD 70); (2) the tribulation of those days” (v. 29), involving long period of persecution, apostasy, general calamities, and yet the progress of the gospel throughout the world; (3) the coming of the Son of Man from heaven; (4) the gathering of the elect; and (5) the last judgment.
"The immediate recipients of the book of Revelation would certainly have recognized themselves in our Lord's description of the great tribulation, as would believers today who are enduring fierce persecution for the name of Christ. In a series of snapshots, Revelation moves back and forth between heavenly and earthly scenes of persecution and ultimate victory. In vivid apocalyptic imagery Revelation reprises the history that Jesus summarized in his Olivet Discourse. In both of these accounts, the next event we are awaiting is the return of Christ to judge the living and the dead and to consummate his everlasting kingdom."
Did that make sense to you? More later.
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