[Christian_Capitalist]

Unless, "this generation" refers to the present generation around during the end times fulfillment of this prophecy. The biggest hole in your argument is that Christ stated in Matthew 24:29-30 (King James Version): "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Last checked, He has NOT returned and therefore, the 'great tribulation' connected to the 'abomination that causes desolation' he refers to in 24:15 is a future event from the time he stated it and not to be confused with the destruction of the Temple.

Actually, earthquakes and heavenly signs featured quite prominently in the destruction of Jerusalem.

"Besides these [signs], a few days after that feast, on the one- and-twentieth day of the month Artemisius, [Jyar,] a certain prodigious and incredible phenomenon appeared; I suppose the account of it would seem to be a fable, were it not related by those that saw it, and were not the events that followed it of so considerable a nature as to deserve such signals; for, before sun-setting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armour were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities. Moreover, at that feast which we call Pentecost, as the priests were going by night into the inner [court of the] temple, as their custom was, to perform their sacred ministrations, they said that, in the first place, they felt a quaking, and heard a great noise, and after that they heard a sound as of a great multitude, saying, "Let us remove hence". -- Josephus

As noted, the Matthew 24 passages referring to Christ's coming refer not to His future Bodily Return to Earth, but rather to His heavenly coming in judgment upon Jerusalem.
So, yet again, we see the Biblical Prophecy is always 100% Right.

[444Flyer]

“As noted, the Matthew 24 passages referring to Christ’s coming refer not to His future Bodily Return to Earth, but rather to His heavenly coming in judgment upon Jerusalem.”

Wowsers, that’s a leap! Don’t see any mention of a ‘heavenly’ return in Matthew 24.

[444Flyer]

There is mention of “all the tribes of the earth” witnessing Him returning and coming on the clouds of heaven. For ALL to see, not just a ‘heavenly’ appearance is what I meant. You must have misunderstood me or I you.

[444Flyer]

You wrote:

“...As noted, the Matthew 24 passages referring to Christ’s coming refer not to His future Bodily Return to Earth, but rather to His heavenly coming in judgment upon Jerusalem...”

__________________________

I read into that statement some sort of a esoteric or limited return. Or one that has already occured. It hasn’t. That’s how I understood your statement.

He IS returning bodily as he promised for ALL to see according to Matthew 24:30:

“.. and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Acts 1:9-11 (King James Version)

9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”