What is “end time” speculation?

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What’s Your Question? for March 16, 2011

Joseph Smith (1843) said the end would come, and he would see the Lord if he lived to be 85. The messenger didn’t tell him he would be killed before then. Charles Russell said the end would be 1914, then 1915. The May 1, 1968 Watchtower said it would be in 1975. In 1856 Ellen G. White predicted some then living would see the coming of Christ. Later Adventist writing says “We are the last generation,” but does not date it, so they will not have to revise their speculation! Christ gave signs for His coming in judgment of Jerusalem (Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21), and historians say Christians were not killed because they heeded the warning to flee when the abomination of desolation (the Roman army) approached (Mt. 24:15,16; Lk. 21:21). Christ gave no signs for His second coming.