Explanations

The following four explanation items are from Pastor George Rice of Triadelphia SDA.

1. Mt 24 is divided into four sections: 1) vv 1-14; 2) vv 15-28; 3) vv 29-31; and vv 32-51. The last section is an appeal to be ready for the end. The statement about "this generation" comes during the appeal. Some think that the cosmic events listed in v 29 will be repeated just before Jesus comes. I think that "this generation" will see all of the events listed in vv 1-31. Some will be seen through the records of history and some like the 'sign of the Son of Man' will be seen with their own eyes. The last generation will have the whole, complete view of things, either by historical reports or first-hand.
2. In Mt. 25 Jesus is speaking of the rewards the righteous and the wicked will receive in the last judgment. The sheep are the righteous and they will receive eternal life. The goats are the wicked and they will receive eternal death.
3. The "Law and the Prophets" refers to the Old Testament. The 10 commandments is included under this term as well as the writing of all of the prophets. Heaven and earth will not pass away until all of the prophecies are fulfilled. Whoever teaches anything contrary to the law will not see heaven.
4. In Mt. 27, the graves of the saints were opened by the earthquake that accompanied Jesus' death on Friday, but no one came out of their graves until Jesus was resurrected on Sunday.