Most end time interpretations throughout the Bible are based on an axiom. Axiom? 

An axiom is a predetermined initial assumption, which seems self-evident and reasonably correct. It is a universally recognized truth that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument.  Mathematicians and scientists use these axioms to form the basis of all logic of science and math. Theologians use them also to form the basis of their theories on end time predictions.

According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, an axiom, in mathematics and logic is a general statement accepted without proof as the basis for logically deducing other statements (theorems). Examples of axioms used widely in mathematics are those related to equality (e.g., “Two things equal to the same thing are equal to each other”; “If equals are added to equals, the sums are equal”)

END TIME AXIOM

An example of a Christian axiom is: “the end time is still future because it has not yet happened.”

End time logic however is quite different from the logic of math. The axiom “Two things equal to the same thing are equal to each other” is truly simple and self-evident. But an axiom such as “the end time is still future because it has not yet happened” may seem self-evident, but it is not so simple. What is the end time? Who first defined the term and what was original intent? What happened 2000 years ago? Many books have been written on these topics with many different conclusions. It is not so simple.

Most of us accept the end time axiom as self-evident truth, and without further thought move on to countless interpretations based on this axiom. A belief in a future end time is so imbedded in theological basics, a suggestion of question or doubt foments reactions of anger, attack and ridicule. You will be accused of apostasy, heresy, and even influence from the devil and being one of those false teachers Jesus warned about. People will even doubt you are a Christian, even though they know criteria for salvation is not found here.

The “end time” axiom is the basis for interpreting every “time is near in the first century” statement into “the time is near today” statement. While every time statement in the New Testament suggests fulfillment in the generation of the apostles, no time statement suggests the end would occur in the distant future. However with the “end time” axiom, modern interpreters of the New Testament can always find a way to interpret any verse to fit the “end time” axiom.

Here is an example:

“This generation shall not pass away until all these things take place.”

 “All these things” refers to end time events of previous paragraphs. Most of us follow this reasoning: “Generation” could not possibly refer to the generation 2000 years ago because they did not live to experience the end times; therefore, it must refer to the generation who will live through a future Armageddon. Interpreters are unanimous on this one, due to the axiom.

Read all the “time is near” statements on the link and see how you apply the axiom.