755# 世代终结即教会末期，这一点可由圣言中提到“终结”之处看明，如以下经文：
“我从雅威那里听见，已经决定在全地上施行灭绝（终结）的事。”（赛28:22）“所命定的结局（终结），必有公义如水涨溢；因为主万军之雅威在全地之中必成就所定规的结局（终结）。”（赛10:22-23）“雅威的忿怒如火，必烧灭全地，毁灭（终结）这地的一切居民。”（番1:18）在这些地方，“地”表示教会，因为所指的是迦南地，那里曾有教会。至于“地”表示教会，可参看《揭秘启示录》中由圣言许多地方所作的证明（见该书第285和902节）。
“那行毁坏可憎的如飞而来，并且有忿怒倾在那行毁坏的身上，直到所定的结局（终结）。”（但9:27）但以理此处所说乃关乎今日基督教会之末期，可参看马太福音24:15。“全地必然荒凉，我却不毁灭净尽（施行终结）。”（耶4:27）“亚摩利人的罪孽还没有满盈（终结）。”（创15:16）雅威说：“我现在要下去，察看他们所行的，果然尽像（终结）那达到我耳中的声音一样吗？”（创18:21）这是指所多玛。
今日基督教会的末期，也为主在下列地方以“世代的终结”所指明：门徒问耶稣说：“你降临和世界的末了（世代的终结）有什么预兆呢？”（太24:3）“当收割的时候，我要对收割的人说，先将稗子薅出来……留着烧；惟有麦子，要收在仓里……世界的末了（世代的终结）也要如此。”（太13:30、39、40）“世界的末了（世代的终结）也要这样。天使要出来，从义人中把恶人分别出来。”（太13:49）耶稣对门徒说：“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了（世代的终结）。”（太28:20）
须知，“荒废”“荒凉”“定断”所表示者，与“终结”相类；但“荒凉”表示真理的终结，“荒废”表示良善的终结，“定断”表示二者全然的终结。又须知，主降世之时所谓“时候满足”，以及他将要再来之时相应的满期，也同为终结。
755# 时代的完结就是教会的末期，这一点可从圣言中论到它的经文明显看出来；以赛亚书：
我从耶和华那里听见临到全地的完结和决定。（以赛亚书28:22）
又：
完结已定，公义涨溢，因为主万军之耶和华在全地正作出完结和决定。（以赛亚书10:22，23）
西番雅书：
在耶和华妒忌的火中，全地必被吞灭，因为祂必对这地一切的居民作出速速的完结。（西番雅书1:18）
在这些经文中，“地”表示教会，因为它是指迦南地，教会就在迦南地。“地”表示教会，这一点可通过《揭秘启示录》（285，902节）从圣言中引用的许多经文来证明。但以理书：
最后，荒凉必飞在那可憎的鸟身上，直到完结和决定，倾倒在那行毁坏的身上。（但以理书9:27）
这些话是但以理论到当今基督教会的结束所说的，这一点可见于马太福音（24:15）。耶利米书：
全地必成为荒场，我却不完结。（耶利米书4:27）
创世记：
亚摩利人的罪孽还没有满盈（或完结）。（创世记15:16）
又：
耶和华说，我要下去，看看他们是否如达到我这里的呼声一样完结了。（创世记18:21）
这话论及所多玛。在以下经文中，主所说的时代完结也是指当今基督教会的末期；马太福音：
门徒问耶稣，你降临和时代完结的预兆是什么呢？（马太福音24:3）
又：
当收割的时候，我要对收割的人说，先将稗子薅出来烧掉；惟有小麦要收在仓里。时代的完结也要如此。（马太福音13:30，39，40）
又：
在时代的完结，天使要出来，从义人中把恶人分别出来。（马太福音13:49）
又：
耶稣对门徒说，看哪，我与你们同在，直到时代的完结。（马太福音28:20）
要知道，“毁灭”、“荒凉”和“决定”的含义与“完结”的含义很相似；但“荒凉”表示真理的完结，“毁灭”表示良善的完结，“决定”表示两者的全面完结；主降世（加拉太书4:4）和即将降世（以弗所书1:10）的“日期满足”是指完结。
755. The fact that the "close of the age" means when the church comes to an end can be seen from passages in the Word that contain phrases like this. For example,
I have heard from Jehovah about the end and the cutting down that will fall upon the entire land. (Isaiah 28:22)
The end has been established, and justice has been submerged, because the Lord Jehovih Sabaoth is bringing the end and the cutting down upon the whole land. (Isaiah 10:22-23)
The whole land will be consumed in the fire of Jehovah's passion, because he will quickly bring an end to all those who dwell in the land. (Zephaniah 1:18)
In these passages the land means the church, because it refers to the land of Canaan, where the church was. (For further confirmation, from a great abundance of scriptural passages, that the land means the church, see Revelation Unveiled 285, 902.)
In the end desolation [will fly in] on a bird of abominations; even to the close and the cutting down, it will drip steadily upon the devastation. (Daniel 9:27)
For evidence that the material just quoted from Daniel is actually about the end of the Christian church, which is happening now, see Matthew 24:15.
There will be devastation in all the land, but I will not bring on the end. (Jeremiah 4:27)
The wickedness of the Amorites has not yet come to a close. (Genesis 15:16)
Jehovah said, "I will go down and see whether they are making an end, as the cry that has come to me indicates. " (Genesis 18:21, on the subject of Sodom)
[2] In the following passages, the Lord himself uses the phrase "the close of the age" to mean the time when the Christian church of today is at an end:
The disciples asked Jesus, "What will a sign of your Coming and of the close of the age be?" (Matthew 24:3)
At the time of harvest, I will say to the harvesters, "First gather the weeds to be burned; then gather the wheat into the barn. So it will be at the close of the age. " (Matthew 13:[30,] 40)
At the close of the age, angels will go forth and separate the evil from among the just. (Matthew 13:49)
Jesus said to his disciples, "Behold, I am with you even until the close of the age. " (Matthew 28:20)
It is important to realize that devastation, desolation, and the cutting down have much the same meaning as the close of the age. Desolation specifically means the end of truth; devastation means the end of goodness; and the cutting down means the complete end of both. The fullness of time, when the Lord came into the world [Galatians 4:4] and when he will come [Ephesians 1:10], has the same meaning as the end in this sense.
755. The ending of the age being the final period of the church is clear from the passages in the Word where it is mentioned. For instance:
I have heard an ending and a cutting off from Jehovah's part upon the whole earth, Isaiah 28:22.
Ending limited, righteousness overwhelmed, for the Lord Jehovih Zebaoth is bringing about ending and cutting off in the whole earth, Isaiah 10:22-23.
In the fire of the zeal of Jehovah the whole earth will be consumed, because He will bring about a speedy ending with all the inhabitants of the earth, Zephaniah 1:18.
Earth in these passages means the church, because the land of Canaan is meant, where the church was. The meaning of earth or land being the church can be seen supported by numerous passages from the Word in Apocalypse Revealed (285, 902).
Finally upon the bird of abominations desolation, to the point of ending and cutting off it will be poured upon devastation, Daniel 9:27.
This was said by Daniel about the end of the present Christian church; see Matthew 24:15.
The whole earth will be a wilderness, yet I shall not make an ending, Jeremiah 4:27.
The first iniquity of the Amorites has not yet come to an end, Genesis 15:16.
Jehovah said, I shall go down and see whether they have made an ending, according to the cry which has reached me, Genesis 18:21.
This relates to Sodom.
[2] The final period of the present Christian church was also what the Lord meant by the ending of the age in the following passages:
The disciples asked Jesus, What is the sign of your coming and of the ending of the age? Matthew 24:3.
At harvest-time I shall tell the reapers, First gather the tares for burning. Gather the wheat into the barns. Thus it will be at the ending of the age, Matthew 13:30, 39-40.
At the ending of the age the angels will go forth and separate the wicked from out of the midst of the righteous, Matthew 13:49.
Jesus said to the disciples, Look, I am with you until the ending of the age, Matthew 28:20.
It needs to be known that devastation, desolation and cutting off have similar meanings to ending, but desolation means the ending of truth, devastation the ending of good, and cutting off the complete ending of both. The fullness of time, in which the Lord came into the world, and in which He will come again, is also an ending.
755. That the consummation of the age is the last time of the church, can be seen from those passages in the Word where it is spoken of, as in the following:
A consummation and decision I have heard from Jehovah upon the whole land (Isaiah 28:22).
A consummation is determined, righteousness has overflowed, for the Lord Jehovah of Hosts is making a consummation and a decision in the whole land (Isaiah 10:22, 23).
The whole land shall be devoured in the fire of Jehovah's jealousy for He shall make a speedy consummation of all them that dwell in the land (Zephaniah 1:18).
In these passages "the land" signifies the church, because the land of Canaan is meant, where the church was. That "the land" signifies the church may be seen proven by many passages from the Word in the Apocalypse Revealed (n. 285, 902).
At last upon the bird of abominations shall be desolation, and even to the consummation and decision shall it drop upon the devastation (Daniel 9:27).
That these words were spoken by Daniel respecting the end of the present Christian church may be seen in Matthew 24:15.
The whole earth shall be a waste, yet will I not make a consummation (Jeremiah 4:27).
The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet consummated (Genesis 15:16).
Jehovah said, I will go down and see whether they have made a consummation according to the cry that is come unto Me (Genesis 18:21).
This was said of Sodom. The last period of the present Christian church is also meant by the Lord by the consummation of the age in the following passages:
The disciples asked Jesus, What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the consummation of the age? (Matthew 24:3).
In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, to burn them; but gather the wheat into My barn. So shall it be in the consummation of the age (Matthew 13:30, 39, 40).
In the consummation of the age the angels shall go forth and separate the wicked from the midst of the righteous (Matthew 13:49).
Jesus said to His disciples, lo, I am with you always, even unto the consummation of the age (Matthew 28:20).
It must be known that the meaning of "devastation," "desolation," and "decision" is similar to the meaning of "consummation;" but "desolation" signifies the consummation of truth, "devastation" the consummation of good, and "decision" the full consummation of both; also that "the fullness of time" in which the Lord came and is to come into the world means consummation.
755. That the consummation of the age is the last phase of the Church, is evident from those passages in the Word where it is mentioned; as in the following:
"I have heard from JEHOVAH a consummation and a decision (A.V., a consumption, even determined) upon the whole earth" Isaiah 28:22.
"The consummation decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord JEHOVIH ZEBAOTH shall make a consummation and a decision (A.V., a consumption, even determined), in the midst of all the land" Isaiah 10:22-23.
"The whole land shall be devoured by the fire of the zeal of JEHOVAH (A.V., of His zeal): for He shall make a speedy consummation (A.V., riddance) of all them that dwell in the land" Zephaniah 1:18.
By land in these passages is signified the Church, because it means the land of Canaan, where the Church was. That the Church is signified by land may be seen confirmed from many passages of the Word in the Apocalypse Revealed 286, 902.
"At length upon the bird of abominations shall be desolation; and even to consummation and decision it shall drop upon the devastation (A.V., for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate)" Daniel 9:27.
That these words were spoken by Daniel in relation to the end of the present Christian Church, may be seen in Matthew 24:15.
"The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a consummation (A.V., a full end)" Jeremiah 4:27.
"The iniquity of the Amorites 1 is not yet consummated (A.V., full)" Genesis 15:16.
JEHOVAH said, "I will go down now, and see whether they have made a consummation (A. V., have done altogether), according to the cry [of it] which is come unto me" Genesis 18:21.
This He said concerning Sodom.
The last phase of the present Christian Church is also meant by the consummation of the age spoken of by the Lord in the following passages:
The disciples asked Jesus, saying, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the consummation of the age (A.V., of the end of the world)?" Matthew 24:3.
"In the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye first the tares... to burn them; but gather ye the wheat into my barns... so shall it be in the consummation of the age (A.V., in the end of this world). Matthew 13:30, 40.
"In the consummation of the age (A.V., at the end of the world), the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just" Matthew 13:49.
Jesus said to the disciples, "Lo, I am with you, even to the consummation of the age (A.V., the end of the world)" Matthew 28:20.
It should be known that vastation, desolation and decision signify the same as consummation; but desolation signifies the consummation of truth, vastation the consummation of good, and decision the full consummation of both; and the fullness of time, in which the Lord came into the world, and in which He is to come, is also a consummation.
Footnotes:
1. Amorites, the name generally applied to the primitive inhabitants of Canaan.
755. Quod Consummatio Saeculi sit ultimum tempus Ecclesiae, constat ex locis in Verbo, ubi nominatur, ut ex his, CONSUMMATIONEM et DECISIONEM audivi a cum Jehovah super universam terram, Esaias 28:22. CONSUMMATIO definita, inundata justitia, nam CONSUMMATIONEM ET DECISIONEM Dominus Jehovih Zebaoth faciens in tota terra, Esaias 10:22-23. In 1 igne Zeli Jehovae comedetur tota terra, quia CONSUMMATIONEM festinatam faciet cum omnibus habitatoribus terrae, Zephanias 1:18, per Terram in his locis significatur Ecclesia, quia intelligitur terra Canaan, ubi Ecclesia fuit; quod Ecclesia per Terram significetur, ex plurimis locis e Verbo confirmatum videatur in APOCALYPSI REVELATA 285, 902. Tandem super avem abominationum DESOLATIO, et usque ad CONSUMMATIONEM ET DECISIONEM stillabit super DEVASTATIONEM, Daniel 9:27, quod haec a Daniele de fine hodiernae Ecclesiae Christianae dicta sint, videatur Matthaeus 24:15. VASTITAS erit tota Terra, CONSUMMATIONEM tamen non faciam, Jeremias 4:27. Nondum CONSUMMATA est iniquitas Emorraeorum, Genesis 15:16. 2 Dixit Jehovah, descendam et videbo, num juxta clamorem, qui venit ad Me, fecerint CONSUMMATIONEM, Genesis 18:21, 3 de Sodoma.
[2] Ultimum tempus Ecclesiae hodiernae Christianae etiam per Consummationem saeculi a Domino intelligitur in his locis, Discipuli interrogarunt Jesum, quodnam signum tui Adventus et CONSUMMATIONIS SAECULI, Matthaeus 24:3. Tempore messis dicam Messoribus, colligite primum Zizania ad comburendum; Triticum colligite in horrea; sic erit in CONSUMMATIONE SAECULI, Matthaeus 13:[30,] 40. In CONSUMMATIONE SAECULI exibunt Angeli, et separabunt malos e medio justorum, Matthaeus 13:49. Jesus dixit Discipulis, ecce Ego vobiscum sum usque ad CONSUMMATIONEM SAECULI, Matthaeus 28:20. Sciendum est, quod Vastatio, Desolatio, Decisio, simile significent quod Consummatio; sed Desolatio consummationem veri, Vastatio consummationem 4 boni, et Decisio consummationem utriusque plenariam; et quod Plenitudo temporis, in qua Dominus in Mundum venit, et in qua venturus est, etiam sit Consummatio.
Footnotes:
1. Prima editio: In (absque italicis).
2. Prima editio: 10:22, 23.
3. Prima editio: 17.
4. Prima editio: cosummationem.