Is Fig Tree the sign of the Second Coming?

What is the year Jesus returns?

Hello and welcome back to my blog. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and to study God's word. Today's subject that we are going to dive into is the lesson from the fig tree. Don’t worry this is going to be a shorter article that just tackles the main points. If you prefer to watch the videos instead click here from long form (26 min) or click here for short form (3 min)

To those who are inevitably going to splice and edit this article to show to their congregation I want to encourage you to at least keep your counterpoints to the subject at hand and not bounce all over the place to other subjects.

To those who are hurt, broken and exhausted. I want you to know that you are not alone. God loves you and it is waiting for you to return to Him. If you need anything please reach out. My email is in the description.

Enough rambling lets go.

As always we break everything down into 4 simple parts. 

number one: what is the teaching in question regarding the lesson from the fig tree?

number two: what is the origin of this teaching 

number three: what does the Bible say in regards to the lesson of the fig tree?

number four: Our conclusion. I usually give my conclusion right here but this time I am going to let you make the conclusion.

Let's get into the subject.

What is the teaching from the WMSCOG about learning the lesson from the fig tree?

Let me explain it briefly from their perspective.

They say the Bible testifies about Christ John 5:39 then just as in the Old Testament Jesus came according to the prophecy his first coming. In the same way the Bible also testifies about his second coming. Then when will Jesus come again? We need to understand the sign Jesus gave for a second coming. 

Jesus's disciples asked him about the sign of his second coming in Matthew 24 verse 3. What was Jesus' response? 

Mt 24:32-33

Jesus told his disciples to learn the lesson from the fig tree when they asked him about a second coming. When Jesus says even so when you see all these things you know that he is near implying that we know the time of Jesus' second coming when we see this sign. Then what is the fig tree? 

Mk 11:12-14, 20-21

Did Jesus not know when the season for Figs was? Of course he did, it is the most common tree in Israel. Then why did he curse it? Because he wanted to show us that it didn't have fruit so it must die. Just like how Israel rejected Jesus therefore the punishment will be the same.

Lk 13:6-9

Here the man is Jesus who began his ministry at 30 years old and looked for fruit in Israel for 3 years. But if there is no fruit then cut it down. The grace period of one more year is the 40 year period between Jesus' death and 70 a.d. when Titus destroyed Israel.

Jesus spoke directly about this.

Lk 21:20-24

Jesus clearly prophesied that Jerusalem would fall. Which is what happened in 70 a.d. 1.1 million killed and 97,000 taken captive.

But does Israel remain dead forever? No. The Bible says until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled.

Which would imply that after some allotted time designated by God Israel will be restored, hence the fig tree blossoming again being the sign of the 2nd coming.

Mt 24:32-33

Just like the tree appears dead, when the spring comes and you see the blossoms you know summer is near. In the same way the rebirth of the nation of Israel is the sign that the second coming has happened. Meaning the fig tree blossoming reveals Jesus who is to come in 1948. Then what does it mean right at the door?

Rev 3:20

This is a prophecy that shows we should open our hearts and minds to accept the Jesus who comes in the flesh in secret in the year 1948 and starts to preach the gospel. Implying that Christ Ahnsahnghong was directly testified in the bible.

That is the basic overall teaching of WMSCOG. I can't do it word for word or else I might get legal issues.

Now what is the origin of this teaching? I found a calculation done by a Korean businessman named Han Enoch real name “Han Jin-kyo” calculated the exact year of the Fig Tree or Israel being restored in 1948. He published “Eternal Gospel” in 1947 and in this book he wrote his calculation on page 277. Link will be in the description However after 1948 everyone started teaching the restoration of Israel as the fig tree blossomed. Even Sun Myung Moon referenced the fig tree prophecy in 1951 in his book called the “Divine Principle”. Link will be in the description.

Ahnsahnghong taught about the restoration of Israel and prophesied the end of the world in 1988 in his book “the Mystery of God and the Spring of the Water of Life” published in 1980. It's chapter 1 in the original green book entitled “Restoration of Jerusalem and the prophecy of 40 years”. But you don't have it in your green book because it has been omitted completely and we can’t talk about that so we will move on. Link will in description in the description.

That's about it for the origin.

Now let's analyze the fig tree prophecy and confirm what the Scripture teaches in regards to the fig tree. 

Now it is true that the fig tree in context represents the nation of Israel as you can confirm in the Old testament.

However, let's take a look at the verses and understand the context.

Let's look at Mark 11:12-14, 20-21 again.

The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it…

… In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”

Now let's read 22-25. 

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.  “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Also let's read Mt 21:18-22.

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

By understanding these verses in context the lesson of the fig tree here is that if you have faith with no doubt you will be able to do these things and more. Not quite the context of the fig tree that the WMSCOG applies. I wonder why they do show the full thing? Anyways. 

Let's continue.

Lk 13:6-9

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Here we can see a parable of a man going down to a fig tree planted in a vineyard for 3 years to look for any fruit. He didn't find any so he ordered it cut down.

Now let's see verses 1-5 for more context. 

Lk 13:1-5

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Here we can see that the parable of the fig tree we just read is in relation to these verses. It appears that the fig tree or the nation of Israel is going to suffer punishment for unrepentance which in God’s appointed time. This is completely accurate according to the scriptures. Jesus even prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem directly.

Lk 21:20-24

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

20-21 tells us that when Jerusalem is surrounded its desolation is near. Which is interesting because I would think that the desolation would be considered here if I was a Jew living at that time. Also he says let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains and let those in the city get out. How could you leave the city if it's surrounded? Amazingly if you look into history you will see that Jerusalem was surrounded twice before its desolation. Once in 68 a.d. Then 70.a.d. When it was finally destroyed. Perfectly fulfilling Jesus' words. Verse 22 we can see Jesus says that this is the time of fulfillment of all that has been written. What is he referring to?

Mathew 24:15

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—

Here Jesus is referring to the abomination that causes desolation spoken through the prophet Daniel. Let's see Daniel now.

Dan 9:26-27

After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

The Ruler in verse 26 can also be translated as prince. The people of the prince or ruler come to destroy the city and the sanctuary. Jesus is verifying the prophecy of Daniel and warning the people about it. Meaning Rome is about to come and destroy the city just as Daniel prophesied.

The people of the prince (ruler) refer to the Romans who came and destroyed Jerusalem. But Jesus hints at it also being a blueprint for the last days. Just like how Jesus combines the destruction of Jerusalem with the end times, truly the bible is amazing. Also Daniel says that the end will come like a flood or deluge in some translations which is exactly how Jesus and Peter taught as well. Mt 24:37-39 and 2 Pt 3:6.

It is also extremely important to note that the he who will put an end to sacrifice and offering and confirm a covenant is not Jesus. Jesus or “anointed one” was put to death in the beginning of verse 26. If you look at the original Hebrew it is written “and on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him. Thus meaning the prince of the people here in verse 27 is referring to the abomination himself. Which is also referring to the prince that is coming after the city of Jerusalem is destroyed. Most interpret this prince as the antichrist or the little horn in Daniel chapter 7. Anyways we will talk more about that later in a different article.

Let’s go back to Luke.

Lk 21:23-24

How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

We see Jesus telling people what is directly going to happen to Jerusalem and if you read the rest of the chapter He also talks about future events and also likens what Jerusalem is going to go through as to what will happen in the last days. So it appears what happens to Jerusalem is foreshadowing what is going to happen in the last days before the end. Also Jesus does say “until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled”. One thing I want you to keep in mind.

Rev 11:1-2

I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.

Here we see the holy city being given to the gentiles. The holy city is referring to Israel not God the Mother. Otherwise how is Mother trampled on by gentiles? Anyways we see the 42 months or 1260 days or 3 ½ years. Now I am not saying that the 1260 days or 3 ½ years start at 70 a.d but it would make sense for sure. What I am saying is the 3 ½ years must have something to do with Israel and it is not the 325ad abolishment of Passover like the WMSCOG says. But we can dive into that into a later article. I also think that the woman in Revelation is the nation of Israel, since the woman was pregnant with Jesus, Jesus came from the nation of Israel. Also the woman has 12 crowns, which I think represent the 12 tribes. You also see the woman was taken care of for a time and half time or 1260 days. It fits perfectly. I think it is curious to mention that if the saying is true that what has happened will happen again, Israel will have an interesting future. But that is a subject for a different time.

Anyways back to the fig tree. Until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled, I will say that is a very telling part of the prophecy, I agree 100% that Jesus foretold that reestablishment of Israel. According to Revelation, John said the gentiles will trample on it for 42 months. Has that happened already or is it a future event, that is up for debate. However I have found no biblical evidence that the fig tree rebirthing is some sort of secret sign for the second coming. But let's check to be sure.

Let's see some verses. 

Mt 24:32-34

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it (He) is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Mk 13:28-30

 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it (He)is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Lk 21:29-31

He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.  When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Now John didn't even write about the fig tree or else we would have read it. But what can we gather about these verses here? Jesus' disciples asked him for a sign. What did he give them? Take the same book of Luke chapter 21 for instance, since we are already there, verses 7-28 is Jesus's response to that question. Let's read it.

 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Also Jesus refers to the fig tree or all the trees for that matter as a parable in verse 29-30. Then in verse 31 Jesus explains further what He means. So when we put it together the different types of disasters, wars, false Christ's etc are the signs. Jesus uses analogy or parable to put into simple terms for his disciples. He is saying just as you see the fig tree or all the trees when the leaves start to get tender and blossom you know summer is near. In the same way when you hear of wars, disasters, false Christ's you will know I am coming soon. It's the same when Jesus likens it to birth pains, how they get more intense and frequent until the baby comes, He said it is the same.

Again to just reiterate. Just as the fig tree or all the trees blossom just before summer, and when you see those blossoms on the tree’s you know summer is coming soon. Jesus said when you see nation rising against nation, wars and rumors of wars etc. you know that the time is near for me to come back. So lift up your heads when you see these things because your redemption is drawing near. Then when I come you will get your reward, your redemption.

That is the simplest way I can explain it.

Now I know you are thinking about the seal of God, coming from the East, Melchizedek etc. We will talk about that soon. But let's stay on topic and not get crazy. I would like to also emphasize a couple more things that will prove my point. 

Also I would like to point out Jesus says that this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened and that his words will never pass away. Now what is interesting is that a lot of Jesus' words did apply to the people at that time and He was correct they saw everything that was going to happen just as He said. 

There were wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, praying your flight didn't take place on Sabbath or winter etc. before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 a.d. The only thing is Jesus didn't come then. But Jesus again likened everything that was going to happen to the people of Israel and hinted that the same things were going to happen in the end times before He comes again.

So what is the generation Jesus spoke about? The answer is we don't know exactly. But I know what it's not. Now I know what you're thinking, “how can you say you know what it’s not, if you don't know what it is”. Well let me explain. I don’t know how to build an engine in a car, but I do know that you shouldn’t fill the gas tank up with Ice cream. Another example, You don’t have to be married or know how to have a perfect relationship to know you shouldn’t commit adultery. There are many things in this life that you might not know everything about, but you know enough to know what it is not. In this case I don’t know what that generation Jesus referred to, but it is not referring to the generation that lived during 1948 or rebirth of the fig tree.

Then let's say 1948 is the year of the fig tree rebirth just like the WMSCOG insists. The generation that lived during 1948 is fading really fast, it's actually almost gone unfortunately. The bible says that a generation is 70-80 years at most. But according to the words of Jesus this generation will not pass away before these things are fulfilled, unless of course you think Jesus is wrong. If that is the case then we have a whole other issue to discuss.

 Also in the original chapter 1 of the Green Book which has been hidden from you, Ahnsahnghong taught that the generation was 40 years, which is why he prophesied that the end would come in 1988. But that generation that he referred to will be passed over twice in 2028. So make of that what you will, we can’t talk about the missing chapters so we will move on now.

To be perfectly clear. Jesus did say Israel will be handed over until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled. Meaning He not only prophesied about the destruction of Israel but also the restoration. My argument is not that He prophesied about the destruction or restoration of Israel. My argument is that the fig tree analogy Jesus made reference to in Mt 24 is not the year 1948 WMSCOG claims it is. Jesus said when you see the tree’s start to blossom you know summer is near, in the same way when you see the state of the world in chaos you will know that I am near. It is not some secret year or sign.

Final point I would like to address on this teaching is about the timing of coming on the clouds. The WMSCOG taught me that 1948 (Fig Tree Blossoming) was the sign of Jesus coming on the clouds. But they also taught me that Jesus coming on the clouds means he is born in the flesh. So shouldn't that mean Jesus should be born 1948?

For instance, the virgin birth was the Sign of Jesus coming into the world. Jesus didn't exist 30 years before the sign was given. If he did appear before the virgin birth, how could that have been a sign of his coming if he was here already. If 1948 is sign of Jesus coming on the clouds (being born) but he actually was born 30 years prior to 1948 (fig tree blossoming) how can the fig tree be the sign?

In fact in Matthew 24 Jesus tells us that when the fig tree blossoms he is "near" right at the door. Not "here" at the door. You as WMSCOG member know the difference between here and near. We are taught it very clearly when it matches the context we want.

You might say then "Well he had to be baptized 1948 to fulfill King David prophecy." Ok so is fig tree the sign of his baptism or coming on the clouds (being born)? Coming on the clouds is not the same as baptism. If fig tree is the sign of his baptism then what is the sign of him coming on the clouds? Also where does the bible say Jesus must be baptized a second time the exact year of the fig tree blossoming in 1948?

Also if this was a prophecy and we are considering fig tree and King David prophecies. Wouldn't it fit the scriptures better if we are looking for someone born after 1948 (fulfilling the words "when the fig tree blossoms...he is near) and then being baptized 1978 (30 years old) then preach for 37 years until passing away in 2015. This fits prophecy and scripture far better.

You might say "well God's thoughts aren't your thoughts". To that I would say, "Aren't the scriptures God's thoughts? I am just reading thing to you."

In conclusion I believe 100% that Jesus foretold about the fall and restoration of Israel. However the nation of Israel gaining independence is not the sign of a second coming Christ, but it does fulfill the words He spoke in Luke 21:20-21. I have found no biblical evidence to support that claim of Israel regaining independence in 1948 is some sort of sign of Second Christ.

The only way in my brain I can make the independence of Israel as the sign of second coming Christ appearing in 1948 is twisting Jesus words and not reading the Bible in context by trying to make Scripture fit doctrine instead of simply appreciating what it says. The truth doesn't need to be proven and it's not a secret. It's not sealed as we have been taught.

If you still think the bible is sealed and if you have been taught that you are just too spiritually blind to understand it on your own. I would highly recommend reading my article about the Root of David. The bible is not sealed and you are much smarter and wiser spiritually than you give yourself credit for.

Honestly after all this, in the end you will see what you want to see. But I appreciate you being here with me. Just know God loves and wants to save you. He gave us a precious gift through the scriptures, let's not ruin his gift by trying to prove something that simply isn't there. 

That's it for this one. Be sure to like and share. We will see you on the next one.