Christians should definitely support the nation of Israel. We must remember that Israel, the nation, is very special to God. We read in Deuteronomy 7:6-8 these words: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
God's eternal purpose is to bless the world through Israel. Already He has done so in measure, for "salvation is from the Jews" (John 4:22), but the fullness of future blessing is indicated in the wondrous promise of Isaiah 27:6: "In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit."
The declaration that "salvation is from the Jews” suggests our immeasurable debt to Israel. All that we have worth having has come to us through the Jews. Our Bible is a Jewish Book, and our Savior is a Jewish Savior. Let us never forget to pray for God's chosen people. It is true that Israel, today, is in the place of rejection. The nation is a secular, unbelieving (as to the claims of Scripture and their Messiah, Jesus Christ) nation; but "…at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace" (Romans 11:5). Some Jews are being saved and are becoming members of the body of Christ through faith in their Messiah.
Jews are, biblically speaking, the "chosen people of God" and dearly loved by Him. Another reason for Christians to support the nation of Israel is because of the Abrahamic Covenant. We read of God’s promise in Genesis 12:2-3, " "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (see also Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9).
One of the United States’ most worthwhile accomplishments has been its consistent regard for the plight of the Jewish nation. No nation in the history of the world has a better record of treating individual Jews with respect than does America. The same can be said for our befriending Israel as a nation. America has committed many sins for which we may well deserve judgment, but as a nation, we have been a consistent friend of the Jews and the nation of Israel, as well as a benefactor. In 1948, President Harry Truman helped persuade the United Nations to recognize Israel as a nation. Since then, the United States has contributed billions of dollars in aid to Israel.
From the biblical declarations of God's love and care for His chosen people, the nation of Israel, and from the history of nations being destroyed because of their evil dealings with God's chosen people, the Jews, Christian believers should give support to the chosen people of God. This is not to say that we support necessarily the methods they use in their relationships with the Arab nations. The Bible warned that conflict would always characterize the relations between the descendents of Isaac and Ishmael. Sadly, this conflict will continue until Jesus comes back to judge the nations and sets up his 1,000 year reign of peace on earth. We must look at the "big picture” with a biblical worldview. While we do not have to support everything Israel does as a nation, we most definitely should support Israel’s right to exist. God will fulfill His promises and covenants with Israel. God still has a plan for Israel. Woe to anyone who seeks to defeat that plan, “whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:2-3).
Saturday, February 7, 2009
How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts?
The way in which Jesus fulfilled the Jewish feasts is a fascinating study. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the Jewish prophet Amos records that God declared He would do nothing without first revealing it to His servants, the Prophets (Amos 3:7). From the Old Covenant to the New, Genesis to Revelation, God provides picture after picture of His entire plan for mankind and one of the most startling prophetic pictures is outlined for us in the Jewish Feasts of Leviticus 23.
The Hebrew word for feasts (moadim) literally means "appointed times." God has carefully planned and orchestrated the timing and sequence of each of these seven feasts to reveal to us a special story. The seven annual feasts of Israel were spread over seven months of the Jewish calendar, at set times appointed by God. They are still celebrated by observant Jews today. But for both Jews and non-Jews who have placed their faith in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, these special days demonstrate the work of redemption through God’s Son.
The first four of the seven feasts occur during the springtime (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Weeks) and they all have already been fulfilled by Christ in the New Testament. The final three holidays (Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles) occur during the fall, all within a short fifteen-day period.
Many Bible scholars and commentators believe that these fall feasts have not yet been fulfilled by Jesus. However, the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) for all believers in Jesus Christ is that they most assuredly will. As the four spring feasts were fulfilled literally and right on the actual feast day in connection with Christ's first coming, these three fall feasts, it is believed by many, will likewise be fulfilled literally in connection to the Lord's second coming.
In a nutshell, here is the prophetic significance of each of the seven Levitical feasts of Israel:
1) Passover (Leviticus 23:5) – Pointed to the Messiah as our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover at the same hour that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening.
2) Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6) – Pointed to the Messiah's sinless life (as leaven is a picture of sin in the Bible), making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus' body was in the grave during the first days of this feast, like a kernel of wheat planted and waiting to burst forth as the bread of life.
3) First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10) – Pointed to the Messiah's resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to him in I Corinthians 15:20 as the "first fruits from the dead."
4) Weeks or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16) – Occurred fifty days after the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and pointed to the great harvest of souls and the gift of the Holy Spirit for both Jew and Gentile, who would be brought into the kingdom of God during the Church Age (see Acts 2). The Church was actually established on this day when God poured out His Holy Spirit and 3,000 Jews responded to Peter's great sermon and his first proclamation of the Gospel.
5) Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) – The first of the fall feasts. Many believe this day points to the Rapture of the Church when the Messiah Jesus will appear in the heavens as He comes for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52).
6) Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27) – Many believe this prophetically points to the day of the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth. That will be the Day of Atonement for the Jewish remnant when they "look upon Him whom they have pierced," repent of their sins, and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10 and Romans 11:1-6, 25-36).
7) Tabernacles or Booths (Leviticus 23:34) – Many scholars believe that this feast day points to the Lord's promise that He will once again “tabernacle” with His people when He returns to reign over all the world (Micah 4:1-7).
Should Christians celebrate these Levitical feast days of Israel today? Whether or not a Christian celebrates the Jewish feast days would be a matter of conscience for the individual Christian. Colossians 2:16-17 tells us “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Christians are not bound to observe the Jewish feasts the way an Old Testament Jew was, but we should not criticize another believer who does or does not observe these special days and feasts (Romans 14:5).
While it is not required for Christians to celebrate the Jewish feast days, it is beneficial to study them. Certainly it could be beneficial to celebrate these days if it leads one to a greater understanding and appreciation for Christ’s death and resurrection and the future promise of His coming. As Christians, if we choose to celebrate these special days, we should put Christ in the center of the celebration, as the One who came to fulfill the prophetic significance of each of them.
The Hebrew word for feasts (moadim) literally means "appointed times." God has carefully planned and orchestrated the timing and sequence of each of these seven feasts to reveal to us a special story. The seven annual feasts of Israel were spread over seven months of the Jewish calendar, at set times appointed by God. They are still celebrated by observant Jews today. But for both Jews and non-Jews who have placed their faith in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, these special days demonstrate the work of redemption through God’s Son.
The first four of the seven feasts occur during the springtime (Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Weeks) and they all have already been fulfilled by Christ in the New Testament. The final three holidays (Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles) occur during the fall, all within a short fifteen-day period.
Many Bible scholars and commentators believe that these fall feasts have not yet been fulfilled by Jesus. However, the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) for all believers in Jesus Christ is that they most assuredly will. As the four spring feasts were fulfilled literally and right on the actual feast day in connection with Christ's first coming, these three fall feasts, it is believed by many, will likewise be fulfilled literally in connection to the Lord's second coming.
In a nutshell, here is the prophetic significance of each of the seven Levitical feasts of Israel:
1) Passover (Leviticus 23:5) – Pointed to the Messiah as our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover at the same hour that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening.
2) Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6) – Pointed to the Messiah's sinless life (as leaven is a picture of sin in the Bible), making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus' body was in the grave during the first days of this feast, like a kernel of wheat planted and waiting to burst forth as the bread of life.
3) First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10) – Pointed to the Messiah's resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to him in I Corinthians 15:20 as the "first fruits from the dead."
4) Weeks or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16) – Occurred fifty days after the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and pointed to the great harvest of souls and the gift of the Holy Spirit for both Jew and Gentile, who would be brought into the kingdom of God during the Church Age (see Acts 2). The Church was actually established on this day when God poured out His Holy Spirit and 3,000 Jews responded to Peter's great sermon and his first proclamation of the Gospel.
5) Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) – The first of the fall feasts. Many believe this day points to the Rapture of the Church when the Messiah Jesus will appear in the heavens as He comes for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52).
6) Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27) – Many believe this prophetically points to the day of the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth. That will be the Day of Atonement for the Jewish remnant when they "look upon Him whom they have pierced," repent of their sins, and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10 and Romans 11:1-6, 25-36).
7) Tabernacles or Booths (Leviticus 23:34) – Many scholars believe that this feast day points to the Lord's promise that He will once again “tabernacle” with His people when He returns to reign over all the world (Micah 4:1-7).
Should Christians celebrate these Levitical feast days of Israel today? Whether or not a Christian celebrates the Jewish feast days would be a matter of conscience for the individual Christian. Colossians 2:16-17 tells us “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Christians are not bound to observe the Jewish feasts the way an Old Testament Jew was, but we should not criticize another believer who does or does not observe these special days and feasts (Romans 14:5).
While it is not required for Christians to celebrate the Jewish feast days, it is beneficial to study them. Certainly it could be beneficial to celebrate these days if it leads one to a greater understanding and appreciation for Christ’s death and resurrection and the future promise of His coming. As Christians, if we choose to celebrate these special days, we should put Christ in the center of the celebration, as the One who came to fulfill the prophetic significance of each of them.
What is the spiritual significance to a déjà vu experience?
The term déjà vu is a French term coined by a French psychic researcher named Emile Boirac. Déjà vu, or paramnesia, is an experience which means "already seen," and describes the feeling of having already experienced a situation previously. When experiencing déjà vu, one is struck with feelings of familiarity and strangeness, which can make one feel that the situation has truly happened before.
Approximately two thirds of adults claim to have had a déjà vu experience. Déjà vu experiences have been connected with medical conditions, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and anxiety. No one really knows what causes these episodes, although psychologists have also come up with theories such as stress and internal hidden conflicts. Some believe déjà vu is the memory of previously forgotten dreams. Still others associate it with psychic abilities, prophecy, or past-life experiences.
The Bible gives us examples of those who likely experienced something similar to déjà vu, such as through the gift of prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 14). A déjà vu experience could be the result of God revealing certain things to a person before the event occurred, but the experience could also simply be the result of something occurring that is very similar to an event in the past. The event triggers the memory, causing an "eerie" sense of familiarity. Rather than being a spiritual issue, déjà vu is likely a simple and harmless physical one.
Approximately two thirds of adults claim to have had a déjà vu experience. Déjà vu experiences have been connected with medical conditions, such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and anxiety. No one really knows what causes these episodes, although psychologists have also come up with theories such as stress and internal hidden conflicts. Some believe déjà vu is the memory of previously forgotten dreams. Still others associate it with psychic abilities, prophecy, or past-life experiences.
The Bible gives us examples of those who likely experienced something similar to déjà vu, such as through the gift of prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 14). A déjà vu experience could be the result of God revealing certain things to a person before the event occurred, but the experience could also simply be the result of something occurring that is very similar to an event in the past. The event triggers the memory, causing an "eerie" sense of familiarity. Rather than being a spiritual issue, déjà vu is likely a simple and harmless physical one.
What does the Christian fish symbol mean (ixthus / icthus)?
The Greek word for fish is "ixthus" or "icthus." The Christian fish symbol that many Christians place on their cars is known as the “ixthus.” Five Greek letters form the word “ixthus,” and those letters inside the fish form an acrostic which is a message that Christians clearly identified with. The first letter represented the word Jesus. The second letter represented the word Christ, the next two, God Son, and the final letter represented the word Savior. This adds up to “Jesus Christ is God’s Son, the Savior.”
During the early days of Christianity, Christians were often put to death for practicing their faith, so they worshiped in secret places. A fish painted on the outside door of a house let other Christians know that they would be safe and welcome inside. The Christian fish symbol is now often used to identify Christians and/or Christian businesses.
What are the twelve tribes of Israel?
The Bible lists the twelve tribes of Israel in several locations: (Genesis 35:23-26; Exodus 1:2-5; Numbers 1:20-43; 1 Chronicles 2:2; Revelation 7:5-8). It is interesting that there are slight differences in some places. The 12 sons of Israel (Jacob) were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher and Joseph. These were the ancestors of the original twelve tribes. However, Reuben lost his rights as firstborn by defiling Jacob’s bed (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4). In Reuben and Joseph's place, Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, became tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5-6). As a result, the twelve tribes became Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim and Manasseh. In some other lists of the twelve tribes of Israel, Levi is not mentioned, presumably because the Levites were assigned to serve at the temple and therefore were not apportioned land of their own in Israel (Joshua 14:3).
Naming the twelve tribes is a confusing task. Revelation 7:5-8 lists the 12 tribes as: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin. This is interesting…for the first time Joseph is listed as a tribe along with his son Manasseh. Why isn’t Ephraim listed? Why is Reuben listed, but not Dan? There are no perfect answers to these questions. Technically, there were more than twelve tribes if you count both of Joseph’s sons as tribes in addition to Joseph. Revelation 7 presents a list of 144,000 witnesses from twelve different tribes. It does not say why Ephraim and Dan are not listed. The best answer is that God decided not to choose any witnesses from those two tribes. Some Bible teachers understand Dan being left off the list in Revelation 7 because of what is said in Genesis 49:17, “Dan will be a serpent by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider tumbles backward.”
With all of that said, what are the twelve tribes of Israel? Every list in the Bible contains Simeon, Judah, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin. In addition to those nine tribes, there are Ephraim, Reuben, Joseph, Dan, and Levi. Most Bible teachers would view Ephraim, Dan, and Levi as the additional three to result in twelve tribes. Whatever the case, God is free to re-adjust and re-account the twelve tribes of Israel as He sees fit.
Naming the twelve tribes is a confusing task. Revelation 7:5-8 lists the 12 tribes as: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin. This is interesting…for the first time Joseph is listed as a tribe along with his son Manasseh. Why isn’t Ephraim listed? Why is Reuben listed, but not Dan? There are no perfect answers to these questions. Technically, there were more than twelve tribes if you count both of Joseph’s sons as tribes in addition to Joseph. Revelation 7 presents a list of 144,000 witnesses from twelve different tribes. It does not say why Ephraim and Dan are not listed. The best answer is that God decided not to choose any witnesses from those two tribes. Some Bible teachers understand Dan being left off the list in Revelation 7 because of what is said in Genesis 49:17, “Dan will be a serpent by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider tumbles backward.”
With all of that said, what are the twelve tribes of Israel? Every list in the Bible contains Simeon, Judah, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin. In addition to those nine tribes, there are Ephraim, Reuben, Joseph, Dan, and Levi. Most Bible teachers would view Ephraim, Dan, and Levi as the additional three to result in twelve tribes. Whatever the case, God is free to re-adjust and re-account the twelve tribes of Israel as He sees fit.
Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die?
The only apostle’s death the Bible records is James (Acts 12:2). King Herod had James put to death “with the sword,” likely a reference to beheading. The circumstances of the deaths of the other apostles can only be known based on church traditions, so we should not put too much weight on any of the other accounts. The most commonly accepted church tradition in regards to the death of an apostle is that the Apostle Peter was crucified upside-down on an x-shaped cross, in Rome, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy (John 21:18). Following are the most popular “traditions” in regards to the deaths of the other apostles.
Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound. John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to what is now modern-day Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
James, the brother of Jesus (not officially an apostle), the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple (over a hundred feet down) when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a club. This was the same pinnacle Satan had shown Jesus during the temptation.
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed in present-day Turkey and was martyred for his preaching in Armenia, being flayed to death by a whip. Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers, they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he died. The apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church there. Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded. The apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero in Rome in A.D. 67. There are traditions regarding the other apostles as well, but none with any reliable historical or traditional support.
It is not so important how the apostles died. What is important is the fact that they were all willing to die for their faith. If Jesus had not been resurrected, the disciples would have known it. No one will die for something he knows is a lie. The fact that all of the apostles were willing to die horrible deaths, refusing to renounce their faith in Christ is tremendous evidence that they had truly witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound. John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to what is now modern-day Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
James, the brother of Jesus (not officially an apostle), the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple (over a hundred feet down) when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a club. This was the same pinnacle Satan had shown Jesus during the temptation.
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed in present-day Turkey and was martyred for his preaching in Armenia, being flayed to death by a whip. Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers, they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he died. The apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church there. Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded. The apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero in Rome in A.D. 67. There are traditions regarding the other apostles as well, but none with any reliable historical or traditional support.
It is not so important how the apostles died. What is important is the fact that they were all willing to die for their faith. If Jesus had not been resurrected, the disciples would have known it. No one will die for something he knows is a lie. The fact that all of the apostles were willing to die horrible deaths, refusing to renounce their faith in Christ is tremendous evidence that they had truly witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What is the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount is the sermon that Jesus gave in Matthew chapters 5-7. Matthew 5:1-2 is the reason it is known as the Sermon on the Mount: "Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them..." The Sermon on the Mount is the most famous sermon Jesus ever gave, perhaps the most famous sermon ever given by anyone ever.
The Sermon on the Mount covers several different topics. It is not the purpose of this article to comment on every section, but rather to give a brief summary of what it contains. If we were to summarize the Sermon on the Mount in a single sentence, it would be: How to live a life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God, free from hypocrisy, full of love and grace, full of wisdom and discernment.
5:3-12 - The Beatitudes
5:13-16 - Salt and Light
5:17-20 - Jesus fulfilled the Law
5:21-26 - Anger and Murder
5:27-30 - Lust and Adultery
5:31-32 - Divorce and Remarriage
5:33-37 - Oaths
5:38-42 - Eye for an Eye
5:43-48 - Love your enemies
6:1-4 - Give to the Needy
6:5-15 - How to Pray
6:16-18 - How to Fast
6:19-24 - Treasures in Heaven
6:25-34 - Do not worry
7:1-6 - Do not judge hypocritically
7:7-12 - Ask, Seek, Knock
7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate
7:15-23 - False Prophets
7:24-27 - The Wise Builder
Matthew 7:28-29 concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the following statement, "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." May we all continue to be amazed and His teaching and follow the principles that He taught in the Sermon on the Mount!
The Sermon on the Mount covers several different topics. It is not the purpose of this article to comment on every section, but rather to give a brief summary of what it contains. If we were to summarize the Sermon on the Mount in a single sentence, it would be: How to live a life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God, free from hypocrisy, full of love and grace, full of wisdom and discernment.
5:3-12 - The Beatitudes
5:13-16 - Salt and Light
5:17-20 - Jesus fulfilled the Law
5:21-26 - Anger and Murder
5:27-30 - Lust and Adultery
5:31-32 - Divorce and Remarriage
5:33-37 - Oaths
5:38-42 - Eye for an Eye
5:43-48 - Love your enemies
6:1-4 - Give to the Needy
6:5-15 - How to Pray
6:16-18 - How to Fast
6:19-24 - Treasures in Heaven
6:25-34 - Do not worry
7:1-6 - Do not judge hypocritically
7:7-12 - Ask, Seek, Knock
7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate
7:15-23 - False Prophets
7:24-27 - The Wise Builder
Matthew 7:28-29 concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the following statement, "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." May we all continue to be amazed and His teaching and follow the principles that He taught in the Sermon on the Mount!
Christian Theology
The word "theology" comes from two Greek words meaning "God" and "word." Combined, the word "theology" means "study of God." Christian theology is the study of what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe. Many believers treat Christian theology as something that is dividing, something that should be avoided. In actuality, Christian theology should be uniting! The Word of God teaches truth and we are to be united behind that truth. Yes, there are disagreements and disputes in Christian theology. Yes, there is freedom to disagree on the non-essentials of Christian theology. At the same time, there is much that Christians should be united over. A Biblically-based Christian theology will enable us to better understand God, salvation, and our mission in this world.
For some, the word “theologian” conjures up images of crusty old men poring over dusty volumes of ancient texts in dimly-lit rooms, studying things completely removed from real life. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is inspired by God, literally God-breathed, and is indispensable to us because it makes us complete, lacking nothing. To be a theologian is to be one who seeks the face of God in order to encounter the creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus Christ, and embrace Him as Lord of our lives, so that He becomes the center of our desires, affections and knowledge. This intimacy spreads into all aspects of our lives—thrilling us with its blessings, comforting us in times of loss, strengthening us in our weaknesses and upholding us to the end of our lives when we will see Him face to face. Scripture is God’s story and the more we study His Word, the better we know Him.
Below are the various categories of Christian theology. Understanding what the Bible says about the various areas of Christian theology is key to spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life.
Theology Proper / Paterology - the study of God the Father.
Christology - the study of the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Pneumatology - the study of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Bibliology - the study of the Word of God.
Soteriology - the study of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Christian Anthropology - the study of the nature of humanity.
Hamartiology - the study of the nature and effects of sin.
Angelology - the study of angels.
Christian Demonology - the study of demons.
Ecclesiology - the study of the nature and mission of the church.
Eschatology - the study of the end times / last days.
For some, the word “theologian” conjures up images of crusty old men poring over dusty volumes of ancient texts in dimly-lit rooms, studying things completely removed from real life. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is inspired by God, literally God-breathed, and is indispensable to us because it makes us complete, lacking nothing. To be a theologian is to be one who seeks the face of God in order to encounter the creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus Christ, and embrace Him as Lord of our lives, so that He becomes the center of our desires, affections and knowledge. This intimacy spreads into all aspects of our lives—thrilling us with its blessings, comforting us in times of loss, strengthening us in our weaknesses and upholding us to the end of our lives when we will see Him face to face. Scripture is God’s story and the more we study His Word, the better we know Him.
Below are the various categories of Christian theology. Understanding what the Bible says about the various areas of Christian theology is key to spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life.
Theology Proper / Paterology - the study of God the Father.
Christology - the study of the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Pneumatology - the study of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Bibliology - the study of the Word of God.
Soteriology - the study of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Christian Anthropology - the study of the nature of humanity.
Hamartiology - the study of the nature and effects of sin.
Angelology - the study of angels.
Christian Demonology - the study of demons.
Ecclesiology - the study of the nature and mission of the church.
Eschatology - the study of the end times / last days.
Who is Satan?
People's beliefs of Satan range from the silly to the abstract—from a little red guy with horns who sits on your shoulder urging you to sin, to an expression used to describe the personification of evil. The Bible, however, gives us a clear portrait of who Satan is and how he affects our lives. Put simply, the Bible defines Satan as an angelic being who fell from his position in heaven due to sin and is now radically opposed to God, doing all in his power to thwart God's purposes for humanity.
Satan was created as a holy angel. Isaiah 14:12 possibly gives Satan’s pre-fall name as Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan as having been created a cherubim, apparently the highest created angel. He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of his sin, God barred Satan from heaven.
Satan became the ruler of this world that functions apart from God and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). His very name means adversary or “one who opposes.” Another name used Satan, the devil, means “slanderer.”
Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and foment opposition to God's kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God, and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
Satan was created as a holy angel. Isaiah 14:12 possibly gives Satan’s pre-fall name as Lucifer. Ezekiel 28:12-14 describes Satan as having been created a cherubim, apparently the highest created angel. He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan’s pride led to his fall. Notice the many “I will” statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Because of his sin, God barred Satan from heaven.
Satan became the ruler of this world that functions apart from God and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), and a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3). His very name means adversary or “one who opposes.” Another name used Satan, the devil, means “slanderer.”
Even though he was cast out of heaven, he still seeks to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world and foment opposition to God's kingdom. Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God, and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
What does the Bible say about angels?
Angels are personal spiritual beings having aspects of intelligence, emotions, and will. This is true of both the good and evil angels (demons). Angels possess intelligence (Matthew 8:29; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Peter 1:12), show emotions (Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Revelation 12:17), and demonstrate that they have wills (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Timothy 2:26; Jude 6). Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 1:14) without true physical bodies. Although they do not have physical bodies, they are still personalities.
Because they are created beings, their knowledge is limited. This means they do not know all things as God does (Matthew 24:36). They do seem to have greater knowledge than humans, however, which may be due to three things. First, angels were created as a higher order of creatures in the universe than humans are. Therefore, innately they possess greater knowledge. Second, angels study the Bible and the world more thoroughly than humans do and gain knowledge from it (James 2:19; Revelation 12:12). Third, angels gain knowledge through long observation of human activities. Unlike humans, angels do not have to study the past; they have experienced it. Therefore, they know how others have acted and reacted in situations and can predict with a greater degree of accuracy how we may act in similar circumstances.
Though they have wills, angels, like all creatures, are subject to the will of God. Good angels are sent by God to help believers (Hebrews 1:14). Here are some activities the Bible ascribes to angels:
They praise God (Psalm 148:1, 2; Isaiah 6:3). They worship God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-13). They rejoice in what God does (Job 38:6-7). They serve God (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9). They appear before God (Job 1:6; 2:1). They are instruments of God's judgments (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10). They aid in winning people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3). They observe Christian order, work, and suffering (1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). They encourage in times of danger (Acts 27:23, 24). They care for the righteous at the time of death (Luke 16:22).
Angels are an entirely different order of being than humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. God created the angels, just as He created humanity. The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans are (Genesis 1:26). Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are primarily physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect. The greatest thing we can learn from the angels is their instant, unquestioning obedience to God’s commands.
Because they are created beings, their knowledge is limited. This means they do not know all things as God does (Matthew 24:36). They do seem to have greater knowledge than humans, however, which may be due to three things. First, angels were created as a higher order of creatures in the universe than humans are. Therefore, innately they possess greater knowledge. Second, angels study the Bible and the world more thoroughly than humans do and gain knowledge from it (James 2:19; Revelation 12:12). Third, angels gain knowledge through long observation of human activities. Unlike humans, angels do not have to study the past; they have experienced it. Therefore, they know how others have acted and reacted in situations and can predict with a greater degree of accuracy how we may act in similar circumstances.
Though they have wills, angels, like all creatures, are subject to the will of God. Good angels are sent by God to help believers (Hebrews 1:14). Here are some activities the Bible ascribes to angels:
They praise God (Psalm 148:1, 2; Isaiah 6:3). They worship God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-13). They rejoice in what God does (Job 38:6-7). They serve God (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 22:9). They appear before God (Job 1:6; 2:1). They are instruments of God's judgments (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10). They aid in winning people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3). They observe Christian order, work, and suffering (1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). They encourage in times of danger (Acts 27:23, 24). They care for the righteous at the time of death (Luke 16:22).
Angels are an entirely different order of being than humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. God created the angels, just as He created humanity. The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans are (Genesis 1:26). Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are primarily physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect. The greatest thing we can learn from the angels is their instant, unquestioning obedience to God’s commands.
How do I get right with God?
In order to get “right” with God, we must first understand what is “wrong.” The answer is sin. “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3). We have rebelled against God’s commands; we “like sheep, have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6).
The bad news is that the penalty for sin is death. “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:4). The good news is that a loving God has pursued us in order to bring us salvation. Jesus declared His purpose was “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10), and He pronounced His purpose accomplished when He died on the cross with the words, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
Having a right relationship with God begins with acknowledging your sin. Next comes a humble confession of your sin to God (Isaiah 57:15) and a determination to forsake the sin. “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:10).
This repentance must be accompanied by faith, specifically, faith that Jesus’ sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection qualify Him to be your Savior. “…if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Many other passages speak of the necessity of faith, such as John 20:27; Acts 16:31; Galatians 2:16; 3:11, 26; and Ephesians 2:8.
Being right with God is a matter of your response to what God has done on your behalf. He sent the Savior, He provided the sacrifice to take away your sin (John 1:29), and He offers you the promise: “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).
A beautiful illustration of repentance and forgiveness is the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The younger son wasted his father’s gift in shameful sin (verse 13). When he acknowledged his wrongdoing, he decided to return home (verse 18). He assumed he would no longer be considered a son (verse 19), but he was wrong. The father loved the returned rebel as much as ever (verse 20). All was forgiven, and a celebration ensued (verse 24). God is good to keep His promises, including the promise to forgive. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
The bad news is that the penalty for sin is death. “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:4). The good news is that a loving God has pursued us in order to bring us salvation. Jesus declared His purpose was “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10), and He pronounced His purpose accomplished when He died on the cross with the words, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).
Having a right relationship with God begins with acknowledging your sin. Next comes a humble confession of your sin to God (Isaiah 57:15) and a determination to forsake the sin. “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:10).
This repentance must be accompanied by faith, specifically, faith that Jesus’ sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection qualify Him to be your Savior. “…if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Many other passages speak of the necessity of faith, such as John 20:27; Acts 16:31; Galatians 2:16; 3:11, 26; and Ephesians 2:8.
Being right with God is a matter of your response to what God has done on your behalf. He sent the Savior, He provided the sacrifice to take away your sin (John 1:29), and He offers you the promise: “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).
A beautiful illustration of repentance and forgiveness is the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The younger son wasted his father’s gift in shameful sin (verse 13). When he acknowledged his wrongdoing, he decided to return home (verse 18). He assumed he would no longer be considered a son (verse 19), but he was wrong. The father loved the returned rebel as much as ever (verse 20). All was forgiven, and a celebration ensued (verse 24). God is good to keep His promises, including the promise to forgive. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Will there be a second chance for salvation after death?
While the idea of a second chance for salvation is appealing, the Bible is clear that death is the end of all chances. Hebrews 9:27 tells us that we die, and then face judgment. So, as long as a person is alive, he has a second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. chance to accept Christ and be saved (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31). Once a person dies, there are no more chances. The idea of purgatory, a place where people go after death to pay for their sins, has no biblical basis, but is rather a tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
To understand what happens to nonbelievers after they die, we go to Revelation 20:11-15 which describes the Great White Throne judgment. Here takes place the opening of the books and “the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” The books contain all the thoughts and deeds of those being judged, and we know from Romans 3:20 that “by the works of the Law is no flesh justified.” Therefore, all who are judged by their works and thoughts are condemned to hell. Believers in Christ, on the other hand, are not judged by the books of works, but their names are found written in another book—the “Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27). These are the ones who have believed on the Lord Jesus, and they alone will be allowed to enter heaven.
The key to understanding this is the Lamb’s Book of Life. Anyone whose name is written in this book was “saved before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) by God’s sovereign saving grace to be part of His Son’s bride, the church of Jesus Christ. These people need no “second chance” at salvation because their salvation has been secured by Christ. He chose us, He saved us, and He will keep us saved. Nothing can separate us from Christ (Romans 8:39). Those for whom He died will be saved because Jesus will see to it. He declared “all that the Father has given me will come to me” (John 6:37), and “I give to them eternal life, and they shall never ever perish, and not anyone shall pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28). For believers, there is no need for a second chance because the first chance is sufficient.
What about those who do not believe? Wouldn’t they repent and believe if they were given a second chance? The answer is no, they would not because their hearts are not changed simply because they die. Their hearts and minds “are at enmity” against God and won’t accept Him even when they see Him face to face. This is evidenced clearly in the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. If ever someone should have repented when given a second chance to see clearly the truth, it was the rich man. But although he was in torment in hell, he only asked that Abraham send Lazarus back to earth to warn his brothers so they didn’t have to suffer the same fate. There was no repentance in his heart, only regret for where he found himself. Abraham’s answer says it all: “And he said to him, If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded, even though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Here we see that the witness of the Scriptures is sufficient for salvation for those who believe it, and no other revelation will bring about salvation to those who do not. No second, third or fourth chances would be enough to turn the heart of stone into a heart of flesh.
Philippians 2:10-11 declares “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” One day, everyone will bow before Jesus and recognize that He is the Lord and Savior. At that point, though, it is too late for salvation. After death, all that remains for the unbeliever is judgment (Revelation 20:14-15). That is why we must trust in Him in this life.
To understand what happens to nonbelievers after they die, we go to Revelation 20:11-15 which describes the Great White Throne judgment. Here takes place the opening of the books and “the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” The books contain all the thoughts and deeds of those being judged, and we know from Romans 3:20 that “by the works of the Law is no flesh justified.” Therefore, all who are judged by their works and thoughts are condemned to hell. Believers in Christ, on the other hand, are not judged by the books of works, but their names are found written in another book—the “Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27). These are the ones who have believed on the Lord Jesus, and they alone will be allowed to enter heaven.
The key to understanding this is the Lamb’s Book of Life. Anyone whose name is written in this book was “saved before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) by God’s sovereign saving grace to be part of His Son’s bride, the church of Jesus Christ. These people need no “second chance” at salvation because their salvation has been secured by Christ. He chose us, He saved us, and He will keep us saved. Nothing can separate us from Christ (Romans 8:39). Those for whom He died will be saved because Jesus will see to it. He declared “all that the Father has given me will come to me” (John 6:37), and “I give to them eternal life, and they shall never ever perish, and not anyone shall pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28). For believers, there is no need for a second chance because the first chance is sufficient.
What about those who do not believe? Wouldn’t they repent and believe if they were given a second chance? The answer is no, they would not because their hearts are not changed simply because they die. Their hearts and minds “are at enmity” against God and won’t accept Him even when they see Him face to face. This is evidenced clearly in the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. If ever someone should have repented when given a second chance to see clearly the truth, it was the rich man. But although he was in torment in hell, he only asked that Abraham send Lazarus back to earth to warn his brothers so they didn’t have to suffer the same fate. There was no repentance in his heart, only regret for where he found himself. Abraham’s answer says it all: “And he said to him, If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded, even though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Here we see that the witness of the Scriptures is sufficient for salvation for those who believe it, and no other revelation will bring about salvation to those who do not. No second, third or fourth chances would be enough to turn the heart of stone into a heart of flesh.
Philippians 2:10-11 declares “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” One day, everyone will bow before Jesus and recognize that He is the Lord and Savior. At that point, though, it is too late for salvation. After death, all that remains for the unbeliever is judgment (Revelation 20:14-15). That is why we must trust in Him in this life.
Got Forgiveness? How do I receive forgiveness from God?
Acts 13:38 declares, “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
What is forgiveness and why do I need it?
The word “forgive” means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek their forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is an act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what they have done to you.
The Bible tells us that we are all in need of forgiveness from God. We have all committed sin. Ecclesiastes 7:20 proclaims, “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.” 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” All sin is ultimately an act of rebellion against God (Psalm 51:4). As a result, we desperately need God’s forgiveness. If our sins are not forgiven, we will spend eternity suffering the consequences of our sins (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
Forgiveness – How do I get it?
Thankfully, God is loving and merciful – eager to forgive us of our sins! 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God desires to forgive us, so He provided for our forgiveness.
The only just penalty for our sins is death. The first half of Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death…” Eternal death is what we have earned for our sins. God, in His perfect plan, became a human being – Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14). Jesus died on the cross, taking the penalty that we deserve – death. 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches us, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment that we deserve! As God, Jesus' death provided forgiveness for the sins of the entire world. 1 John 2:2 proclaims, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus rose from the dead, proclaiming His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:1-28). Praise God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second half of Romans 6:23 is true, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Do you want to have your sins forgiven? Do you have a nagging feeling of guilt that you can’t seem to get to go away? Forgiveness of your sins is available if you will place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Jesus paid our debt for us, so we could be forgiven. All you have to do is ask God to forgive you through Jesus, believing that Jesus died to pay for your forgiveness – and He will forgive you! John 3:16-17 contains this wonderful message, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Forgiveness – is it really that easy?
Yes it is that easy! You can’t earn forgiveness from God. You can’t pay for your forgiveness from God. You can only receive it, by faith, through the grace and mercy of God. If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive forgiveness from God, here is prayer you can pray. Saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Jesus Christ that can provide forgiveness of sins. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your forgiveness. "God, I know that I have sinned against You and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness! Amen!"
What is forgiveness and why do I need it?
The word “forgive” means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek their forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. Forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is an act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision to not hold something against another person, despite what they have done to you.
The Bible tells us that we are all in need of forgiveness from God. We have all committed sin. Ecclesiastes 7:20 proclaims, “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.” 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” All sin is ultimately an act of rebellion against God (Psalm 51:4). As a result, we desperately need God’s forgiveness. If our sins are not forgiven, we will spend eternity suffering the consequences of our sins (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
Forgiveness – How do I get it?
Thankfully, God is loving and merciful – eager to forgive us of our sins! 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God desires to forgive us, so He provided for our forgiveness.
The only just penalty for our sins is death. The first half of Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death…” Eternal death is what we have earned for our sins. God, in His perfect plan, became a human being – Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14). Jesus died on the cross, taking the penalty that we deserve – death. 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches us, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment that we deserve! As God, Jesus' death provided forgiveness for the sins of the entire world. 1 John 2:2 proclaims, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus rose from the dead, proclaiming His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:1-28). Praise God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the second half of Romans 6:23 is true, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Do you want to have your sins forgiven? Do you have a nagging feeling of guilt that you can’t seem to get to go away? Forgiveness of your sins is available if you will place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Jesus paid our debt for us, so we could be forgiven. All you have to do is ask God to forgive you through Jesus, believing that Jesus died to pay for your forgiveness – and He will forgive you! John 3:16-17 contains this wonderful message, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Forgiveness – is it really that easy?
Yes it is that easy! You can’t earn forgiveness from God. You can’t pay for your forgiveness from God. You can only receive it, by faith, through the grace and mercy of God. If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and receive forgiveness from God, here is prayer you can pray. Saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Jesus Christ that can provide forgiveness of sins. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your forgiveness. "God, I know that I have sinned against You and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness! Amen!"
Once saved always saved?
Once a person is saved are they always saved? When people come to know Christ as their Savior, they are brought into a relationship with God that guarantees their salvation as eternally secure. Numerous passages of Scripture declare this fact. (a) Romans 8:30 declares, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This verse tells us that from the moment God chooses us, it is as if we are glorified in His presence in heaven. There is nothing that can prevent a believer from one day being glorified because God has already purposed it in heaven. Once a person is justified, his salvation is guaranteed - he is as secure as if he is already glorified in heaven.
(b) Paul asks two crucial questions in Romans 8:33-34 "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Who will bring a charge against God's elect? No one will, because Christ is our advocate. Who will condemn us? No one will, because Christ, the One who died for us, is the one who condemns. We have both the advocate and judge as our Savior.
(c) Believers are born again (regenerated) when they believe (John 3:3; Titus 3:5). For a Christian to lose his salvation, he would have to be un-regenerated. The Bible gives no evidence that the new birth can be taken away. (d) The Holy Spirit indwells all believers (John 14:17; Romans 8:9) and baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). For a believer to become unsaved, he would have to be "un-indwelt" and detached from the Body of Christ.
(e) John 3:15 states that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will "have eternal life." If you believe in Christ today and have eternal life, but lose it tomorrow, then it was never "eternal" at all. Hence if you lose your salvation, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in error. (f) For the most conclusive argument, I think Scripture says it best itself, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Remember the same God who saved you is the same God who will keep you. Once we are saved we are always saved. Our salvation is most definitely eternally secure!
(b) Paul asks two crucial questions in Romans 8:33-34 "Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Who will bring a charge against God's elect? No one will, because Christ is our advocate. Who will condemn us? No one will, because Christ, the One who died for us, is the one who condemns. We have both the advocate and judge as our Savior.
(c) Believers are born again (regenerated) when they believe (John 3:3; Titus 3:5). For a Christian to lose his salvation, he would have to be un-regenerated. The Bible gives no evidence that the new birth can be taken away. (d) The Holy Spirit indwells all believers (John 14:17; Romans 8:9) and baptizes all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). For a believer to become unsaved, he would have to be "un-indwelt" and detached from the Body of Christ.
(e) John 3:15 states that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will "have eternal life." If you believe in Christ today and have eternal life, but lose it tomorrow, then it was never "eternal" at all. Hence if you lose your salvation, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in error. (f) For the most conclusive argument, I think Scripture says it best itself, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Remember the same God who saved you is the same God who will keep you. Once we are saved we are always saved. Our salvation is most definitely eternally secure!
When / How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
The Apostle Paul clearly taught that we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. First Corinthians 12:13 declares, "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." Romans 8:9 tells us that if a person does not possess the Holy Spirit, he or she does not belong to Christ: "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation for all those who believe: "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory."
These three passages make it clear that the Holy Spirit must be received at the moment of salvation. Paul could not say that we all were baptized by one Spirit and all given one Spirit to drink if not all of the Corinthian believers possessed the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 is even stronger. If a person does not have the Spirit, he does not belong to Christ. Therefore, the possession of the Spirit is an identifying factor of the possession of salvation. Further, the Holy Spirit could not be the “seal of salvation” (Ephesians 1:13-14) if He is not received at the moment of salvation. Many scriptures make it abundantly clear that our salvation is secured the moment we receive Christ as Savior.
This discussion is controversial because the ministries of the Holy Spirit are often confused. The receiving / indwelling of the Spirit occurs at the moment of salvation. The filling of the Spirit is an ongoing process in the Christian life. While we hold that the baptism of the Spirit also occurs at the moment of salvation, some Christians do not. This sometimes results in the baptism of the Spirit being confused with “receiving the Spirit” as an act subsequent to salvation. In conclusion, how do we receive the Holy Spirit? We receive the Holy Spirit by simply believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 3:5-16). When do we receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit becomes our permanent possession the moment we believe.
These three passages make it clear that the Holy Spirit must be received at the moment of salvation. Paul could not say that we all were baptized by one Spirit and all given one Spirit to drink if not all of the Corinthian believers possessed the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 is even stronger. If a person does not have the Spirit, he does not belong to Christ. Therefore, the possession of the Spirit is an identifying factor of the possession of salvation. Further, the Holy Spirit could not be the “seal of salvation” (Ephesians 1:13-14) if He is not received at the moment of salvation. Many scriptures make it abundantly clear that our salvation is secured the moment we receive Christ as Savior.
This discussion is controversial because the ministries of the Holy Spirit are often confused. The receiving / indwelling of the Spirit occurs at the moment of salvation. The filling of the Spirit is an ongoing process in the Christian life. While we hold that the baptism of the Spirit also occurs at the moment of salvation, some Christians do not. This sometimes results in the baptism of the Spirit being confused with “receiving the Spirit” as an act subsequent to salvation. In conclusion, how do we receive the Holy Spirit? We receive the Holy Spirit by simply believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 3:5-16). When do we receive the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit becomes our permanent possession the moment we believe.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
There are many misconceptions on the identity of the Holy Spirit. Some view the Holy Spirit as a mystical force. Others understand the Holy Spirit as the impersonal power God makes available to followers of Christ. What does the Bible say about the identity of the Holy Spirit? Simply put - the Bible says that the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also tells us that the Holy Spirit is a Person, a Being with a mind, emotions, and a will.
The fact that the Holy Spirit is God is clearly seen in many Scriptures including Acts 5:3-4. In this verse Peter confronts Ananias as to why he had lied to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God.” It is a clear declaration that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. We can also know that the Holy Spirit is God because He possesses the attributes or characteristics of God. For example, the fact that the Holy Spirit is omnipresent is seen in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” Then in 1 Corinthians 2:10, we see the characteristic of omniscience in the Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”
We can know that the Holy Spirit is indeed a Person because He possesses a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit is God, the third “Person” of the Trinity. As God, the Holy Spirit can truly function as the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16,26; 15:26).
The fact that the Holy Spirit is God is clearly seen in many Scriptures including Acts 5:3-4. In this verse Peter confronts Ananias as to why he had lied to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God.” It is a clear declaration that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. We can also know that the Holy Spirit is God because He possesses the attributes or characteristics of God. For example, the fact that the Holy Spirit is omnipresent is seen in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” Then in 1 Corinthians 2:10, we see the characteristic of omniscience in the Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”
We can know that the Holy Spirit is indeed a Person because He possesses a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit is God, the third “Person” of the Trinity. As God, the Holy Spirit can truly function as the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16,26; 15:26).
Does the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times?
The Bible does not use the phrase “one-world government” or “one-world currency” in referring to the end times. It does, however, provide ample evidence to enable us to draw the conclusion that both will exist under the rule of the Antichrist in the last days.
In his apocalyptic vision in the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John sees the “beast,” also called the Antichrist, rising out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 13:1). Combining this vision with Daniel’s similar one (Daniel 7:16-24), we can conclude that some sort of world system will be inaugurated by the beast, the most powerful “horn,” who will defeat the other nine and will begin to wage war against Christians. The ten-nation confederacy is also seen in Daniel’s image of the statue in Daniel 2:41-42, where he pictures the final world government consisting of ten entities represented by the ten toes of the statue. Whoever the ten are and however they come to power, Scripture is clear that the beast will either destroy them or reduce their power to nothing more than figureheads. In the end, they will do his bidding.
John goes on to describe the ruler of this vast empire as having power and great authority, given to him by Satan himself (13:2), being followed by and receiving worship from “all the world” (13:3-4), and having authority over “every tribe, people, language and nation” (13:7). From this description, it is logical to assume that this person is the leader of a one-world government which is recognized as sovereign over all other governments. It’s hard to imagine how such diverse systems of government as are in power today would willingly subjugate themselves to a single ruler, and there are many theories on the subject. A logical conclusion is that the disasters and plagues described in Revelation as the seal and trumpet judgments (chapters 6-11) will be so devastating and create such a monumental global crisis that people will embrace anything and anyone who promises to give them relief.
Once entrenched in power, the beast (Antichrist) and the power behind him (Satan) will move to establish absolute control over all peoples of the earth to accomplish their true end, the worship Satan has been seeking ever since being thrown out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14). One way they will accomplish this is by controlling all commerce, and this is where the idea of a one-world currency comes in. Revelation 13:16-17 describes some sort of satanic mark which will be required in order to buy and sell. This means anyone who refuses the mark will be unable to buy food, clothing or other necessities of life. No doubt the vast majority of people in the world will succumb to the mark simply to survive. Again, verse 16 makes it clear that this will be a universal system of control where everyone, rich and poor, great and small, will bear the mark on their hand or forehead. There is a great deal of speculation as to how exactly this mark will be affixed, but the technologies that are available right now could accomplish it very easily.
In his apocalyptic vision in the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John sees the “beast,” also called the Antichrist, rising out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 13:1). Combining this vision with Daniel’s similar one (Daniel 7:16-24), we can conclude that some sort of world system will be inaugurated by the beast, the most powerful “horn,” who will defeat the other nine and will begin to wage war against Christians. The ten-nation confederacy is also seen in Daniel’s image of the statue in Daniel 2:41-42, where he pictures the final world government consisting of ten entities represented by the ten toes of the statue. Whoever the ten are and however they come to power, Scripture is clear that the beast will either destroy them or reduce their power to nothing more than figureheads. In the end, they will do his bidding.
John goes on to describe the ruler of this vast empire as having power and great authority, given to him by Satan himself (13:2), being followed by and receiving worship from “all the world” (13:3-4), and having authority over “every tribe, people, language and nation” (13:7). From this description, it is logical to assume that this person is the leader of a one-world government which is recognized as sovereign over all other governments. It’s hard to imagine how such diverse systems of government as are in power today would willingly subjugate themselves to a single ruler, and there are many theories on the subject. A logical conclusion is that the disasters and plagues described in Revelation as the seal and trumpet judgments (chapters 6-11) will be so devastating and create such a monumental global crisis that people will embrace anything and anyone who promises to give them relief.
Once entrenched in power, the beast (Antichrist) and the power behind him (Satan) will move to establish absolute control over all peoples of the earth to accomplish their true end, the worship Satan has been seeking ever since being thrown out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14). One way they will accomplish this is by controlling all commerce, and this is where the idea of a one-world currency comes in. Revelation 13:16-17 describes some sort of satanic mark which will be required in order to buy and sell. This means anyone who refuses the mark will be unable to buy food, clothing or other necessities of life. No doubt the vast majority of people in the world will succumb to the mark simply to survive. Again, verse 16 makes it clear that this will be a universal system of control where everyone, rich and poor, great and small, will bear the mark on their hand or forehead. There is a great deal of speculation as to how exactly this mark will be affixed, but the technologies that are available right now could accomplish it very easily.
What does the Bible say about the end of the world?
The event usually referred to by the phrase “end of the world” is described in 2 Peter 3:10: “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” This is the culmination of the events referred to in the beginning of that verse as “the day of the Lord,” the time when God will intervene in human history for the purpose of judgment. At that time, all that God has created, “the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), He will destroy.
The timing of this event, according to most Bible scholars, is at the end of the 1000-year period called the millennium. During these thousand years, Christ will reign on earth as King in Jerusalem, sitting on the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33) and ruling in peace but with a “rod of iron” (Revelation 19:15). At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). At this point, the end of the world described in 2 Peter 3:10 occurs. The Bible tells us several things about this event.
First, it will be cataclysmic in scope. The “heavens” refers to the physical universe – the stars, planets, and galaxies—which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and obliterate all matter as we know it. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12). This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), a “great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV), and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be no doubt as to what is happening. Everyone will see and hear it because we are also told that “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Then God will create a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), which will include the “New Jerusalem” (v. 2), the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven and descend to the new earth. This is the city where the saints—those whose names were written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8)—will live forever. Peter refers to it as “the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
Perhaps the most important part of Peter’s description of that day is his question in verses 11-12: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” For Christians, this means we should live our lives in such a way that we reflect our understanding of what is going to happen. This life is passing away quickly, and our focus should be on the new heavens and earth to come. Our “holy and godly” lives should be a testimony to those who do not know the Savior, and we should be telling others about Him so they can escape the terrible fate that awaits those who reject Him. We wait in eager anticipation for God’s “Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
The timing of this event, according to most Bible scholars, is at the end of the 1000-year period called the millennium. During these thousand years, Christ will reign on earth as King in Jerusalem, sitting on the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33) and ruling in peace but with a “rod of iron” (Revelation 19:15). At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). At this point, the end of the world described in 2 Peter 3:10 occurs. The Bible tells us several things about this event.
First, it will be cataclysmic in scope. The “heavens” refers to the physical universe – the stars, planets, and galaxies—which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and obliterate all matter as we know it. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12). This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), a “great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV), and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be no doubt as to what is happening. Everyone will see and hear it because we are also told that “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Then God will create a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), which will include the “New Jerusalem” (v. 2), the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven and descend to the new earth. This is the city where the saints—those whose names were written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8)—will live forever. Peter refers to it as “the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).
Perhaps the most important part of Peter’s description of that day is his question in verses 11-12: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” For Christians, this means we should live our lives in such a way that we reflect our understanding of what is going to happen. This life is passing away quickly, and our focus should be on the new heavens and earth to come. Our “holy and godly” lives should be a testimony to those who do not know the Savior, and we should be telling others about Him so they can escape the terrible fate that awaits those who reject Him. We wait in eager anticipation for God’s “Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
What are tribulation saints?
During the tribulation, Satan—the great counterfeiter—will introduce his own man—a man of lawlessness and a man of perdition (Daniel 11:36-39) who will seemingly lead the world into time of peace and prosperity. This man is Antichrist. He will accomplish, at least for a season, what no other ruler has managed to accomplish—global unity. He will come to power at the beginning of the tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) and establish himself as a true world ruler. During the first half of Antichrist’s seven-year reign, the inhabitants of Earth will live in relative harmony. And literally billions of misguided people will worship him as their god and savior. Not only will Antichrist accept this worship, he will demand the people’s worship! He will exact the allegiance of all (Revelation 13:16). Those who refuse to worship Antichrist face death.
In this dark hour, however, many will come to know Christ Jesus as Savior. These are the tribulation saints who will face the wrath of Antichrist (Revelation 13:7), yet their eternal salvation is secure (Revelation 14:12-13). No one, not even Antichrist, will be able to wrench these saints from God’s loving hands.
The tribulation saints will not be silent during these dark years. These Christians will continue serving their Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of their desperate surroundings. Faithful to the end, some of these Christians will die for their beliefs, but God shall reward them in this manner: “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:15-17 NKJV).
More importantly, the saints living in this time of great distress will not be forgotten by our merciful God as He pours His wrath upon a wicked earth. While unregenerate men and women face the white-hot judgment of God’s righteous fury, His saints shall “have the seal of God on their foreheads” and be spared the terrible wrath that follows (Revelation 9:4).
Two such tribulation saints will serve from Jerusalem as God’s mighty witnesses, “and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These have the power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire (Revelation 11:3,6 NKJV).” What a ministry—they will boldly preach God’s truths while performing awesome miracles, and those unregenerate fools who try silencing them will be devoured by fire! So hated and despised will the preachers be, the whole world will celebrate the eventual deaths of these witnesses with gifts and merriment—but God will raise His slain witnesses back to life and carry them off to Heaven, and the entire world will see this spectacular event (Revelation 11:9).
In this dark hour, however, many will come to know Christ Jesus as Savior. These are the tribulation saints who will face the wrath of Antichrist (Revelation 13:7), yet their eternal salvation is secure (Revelation 14:12-13). No one, not even Antichrist, will be able to wrench these saints from God’s loving hands.
The tribulation saints will not be silent during these dark years. These Christians will continue serving their Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of their desperate surroundings. Faithful to the end, some of these Christians will die for their beliefs, but God shall reward them in this manner: “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:15-17 NKJV).
More importantly, the saints living in this time of great distress will not be forgotten by our merciful God as He pours His wrath upon a wicked earth. While unregenerate men and women face the white-hot judgment of God’s righteous fury, His saints shall “have the seal of God on their foreheads” and be spared the terrible wrath that follows (Revelation 9:4).
Two such tribulation saints will serve from Jerusalem as God’s mighty witnesses, “and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These have the power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire (Revelation 11:3,6 NKJV).” What a ministry—they will boldly preach God’s truths while performing awesome miracles, and those unregenerate fools who try silencing them will be devoured by fire! So hated and despised will the preachers be, the whole world will celebrate the eventual deaths of these witnesses with gifts and merriment—but God will raise His slain witnesses back to life and carry them off to Heaven, and the entire world will see this spectacular event (Revelation 11:9).
What are the seven seals and seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation?
The seven seals (Revelation 6:1-17; 8:1-5), seven trumpets (Revelation 8:6 – 9:21; 11:15-19), and seven bowls (Revelation 16:1-21) are three different and succeeding series of judgments from God. The judgments get progressively worse and more devastating as the end times progress. The seven seals, trumpets, and bowls are connected to one another – as the seventh seal introduces the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:1-5), and the seventh trumpet introduces the seven bowls (Revelation 11:15-19; 15:1-8).
The first four of the seven seals are known as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first seal introduces the Antichrist (Revelation 6:1-2). The second seal causes great warfare (Revelation 6:3-4). The third of the seven seals causes famine (Revelation 6:5-6). The fourth seal brings about plague, further famine, and further warfare (Revelation 6:7-8).
The fifth seal tells us of those who will be martyred for their faith in Christ during the end times (Revelation 6:9-11). God hears their cries for justice and will deliver it in His timing—in the form of the sixth seal, along with the trumpet and bowl judgments. When the sixth of the seven seals is broken, a devastating earthquake occurs, causing massive upheaval and terrible devastation—along with unusual astronomical phenomena (Revelation 6:12-14). Those who survive are right to cry out, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:16-17).
The seven trumpets are described in Revelation 8:6 – 9:21. The seven trumpets are the “contents” of the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1-5). The first trumpet causes hail and fire that destroys much of the plant life in the world (Revelation 8:7). The second of the seven trumpets brings about what seems to be a meteor hitting the oceans and causing the death of much of the world’s sea life (Revelation 8:8-9). The third trumpet is similar to the second trumpet except it affects the world’s lakes and rivers instead of the oceans (Revelation 8:10-11).
The fourth of the seven trumpets causes the sun and moon to be darkened (Revelation 8:12). The fifth trumpet results in a plague of “demonic locusts” that attack and torture humanity (Revelation 9:1-11). The sixth trumpet releases a demonic army that kills a third of humanity (Revelation 9:12-21). The seventh trumpet calls forth the seven angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath (Revelation 11:15-19; 15:1-8).
The seven bowl judgments are described in Revelation 16:1-21. The seven bowl judgments are the result of the seventh trumpet being sounded. The first bowl causes painful sores to break out on humanity (Revelation 16:2). The second bowl results in the death of every living thing in the sea (Revelation 16:3). The third bowl causes the rivers to turn into blood (Revelation 16:4-7). The fourth of the seven bowls results in the sun’s heat being intensified and causing great pain (Revelation 16:8-9). The fifth bowl causes great darkness and an intensification of the sores from the first bowl (Revelation 16:10-11). The sixth bowl results in the Euphrates River being dried up and the armies of the Antichrist being gathered together to wage the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-14). The seventh bowl results in a devastating earthquake followed by giant hailstones (Revelation 16:15-21).
Revelation 16:5-7 declares, “You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve. . . .Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”
The first four of the seven seals are known as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first seal introduces the Antichrist (Revelation 6:1-2). The second seal causes great warfare (Revelation 6:3-4). The third of the seven seals causes famine (Revelation 6:5-6). The fourth seal brings about plague, further famine, and further warfare (Revelation 6:7-8).
The fifth seal tells us of those who will be martyred for their faith in Christ during the end times (Revelation 6:9-11). God hears their cries for justice and will deliver it in His timing—in the form of the sixth seal, along with the trumpet and bowl judgments. When the sixth of the seven seals is broken, a devastating earthquake occurs, causing massive upheaval and terrible devastation—along with unusual astronomical phenomena (Revelation 6:12-14). Those who survive are right to cry out, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:16-17).
The seven trumpets are described in Revelation 8:6 – 9:21. The seven trumpets are the “contents” of the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1-5). The first trumpet causes hail and fire that destroys much of the plant life in the world (Revelation 8:7). The second of the seven trumpets brings about what seems to be a meteor hitting the oceans and causing the death of much of the world’s sea life (Revelation 8:8-9). The third trumpet is similar to the second trumpet except it affects the world’s lakes and rivers instead of the oceans (Revelation 8:10-11).
The fourth of the seven trumpets causes the sun and moon to be darkened (Revelation 8:12). The fifth trumpet results in a plague of “demonic locusts” that attack and torture humanity (Revelation 9:1-11). The sixth trumpet releases a demonic army that kills a third of humanity (Revelation 9:12-21). The seventh trumpet calls forth the seven angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath (Revelation 11:15-19; 15:1-8).
The seven bowl judgments are described in Revelation 16:1-21. The seven bowl judgments are the result of the seventh trumpet being sounded. The first bowl causes painful sores to break out on humanity (Revelation 16:2). The second bowl results in the death of every living thing in the sea (Revelation 16:3). The third bowl causes the rivers to turn into blood (Revelation 16:4-7). The fourth of the seven bowls results in the sun’s heat being intensified and causing great pain (Revelation 16:8-9). The fifth bowl causes great darkness and an intensification of the sores from the first bowl (Revelation 16:10-11). The sixth bowl results in the Euphrates River being dried up and the armies of the Antichrist being gathered together to wage the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-14). The seventh bowl results in a devastating earthquake followed by giant hailstones (Revelation 16:15-21).
Revelation 16:5-7 declares, “You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve. . . .Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”
What is the whore of Babylon / mystery Babylon?
Revelation 17:1-2 tells us, “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’” Revelation 17:5 goes on to say, “And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Who is this “whore of Babylon” and what is “mystery Babylon”?
Revelation 17:3 gives this description: “Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.” The beast mentioned in this verse is the same beast as in Revelation chapter 13:1, “And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.” The beast in Revelation chapter 13 is understood to refer to the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Daniel 9:27). So, the whore of Babylon, whoever it is, is closely affiliated with the end-times Antichrist.
The fact that the whore of Babylon is referred to as a mystery means that we cannot be completely certain as to her identity. The passage does give us some clues, however. Revelation 17:9 explains, “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.” Many commentators link this passage with the Roman Catholic Church because in ancient times, the city of Rome was known as “the city on seven hills” because there are seven prominent hills that surround the city. However, verse 10 goes on to explain that the seven hills represent 7 kings or kingdoms, five of which have fallen, one that is and one that is to come. Therefore, the "whore of Babylon" cannot refer exclusively to Rome. Revelation 17:15 tells us, “Then the angel said to me, ‘The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.’” The whore of Babylon will have great worldwide influence over people and nations. Verses 10-14 describe a series of eight and then ten kings who affiliate with the beast. The whore of Babylon will at one time have control over these kings (Revelation 17:18), but at some point the kings will turn on her and destroy her (Revelation 17:16).
So, can the mystery of the whore of Babylon be solved? Yes, at least partially. The whore of Babylon is an evil world system, controlled by the Antichrist, during the last days before Jesus’ return. The whore of Babylon also has religious connotations – spiritual adultery with the beast being the focus of an ungodly, end-times religious system.
Revelation 17:3 gives this description: “Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.” The beast mentioned in this verse is the same beast as in Revelation chapter 13:1, “And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.” The beast in Revelation chapter 13 is understood to refer to the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Daniel 9:27). So, the whore of Babylon, whoever it is, is closely affiliated with the end-times Antichrist.
The fact that the whore of Babylon is referred to as a mystery means that we cannot be completely certain as to her identity. The passage does give us some clues, however. Revelation 17:9 explains, “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.” Many commentators link this passage with the Roman Catholic Church because in ancient times, the city of Rome was known as “the city on seven hills” because there are seven prominent hills that surround the city. However, verse 10 goes on to explain that the seven hills represent 7 kings or kingdoms, five of which have fallen, one that is and one that is to come. Therefore, the "whore of Babylon" cannot refer exclusively to Rome. Revelation 17:15 tells us, “Then the angel said to me, ‘The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.’” The whore of Babylon will have great worldwide influence over people and nations. Verses 10-14 describe a series of eight and then ten kings who affiliate with the beast. The whore of Babylon will at one time have control over these kings (Revelation 17:18), but at some point the kings will turn on her and destroy her (Revelation 17:16).
So, can the mystery of the whore of Babylon be solved? Yes, at least partially. The whore of Babylon is an evil world system, controlled by the Antichrist, during the last days before Jesus’ return. The whore of Babylon also has religious connotations – spiritual adultery with the beast being the focus of an ungodly, end-times religious system.
Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse?
The four horsemen of the apocalypse are described in Revelation chapter 6, verses 1-8. The four horsemen are symbolic descriptions of different events which will take place in the end times. The first horseman of the apocalypse is mentioned in Revelation 6:2, "I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest." This first horseman likely refers to the antichrist, who will be given authority and will conquer all who oppose him. The antichrist is the false imitator of the true Christ, as He will return on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16).
The second horseman of the apocalypse is spoken of in Revelation 6:4, "Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword." The second horseman refers to terrible warfare that will break out in the end times. The third horseman is described in Revelation 6:5-6, “...and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’” The third horseman of the apocalypse refers to a great famine that will take place, likely as a result of the wars from the second horseman. Food will be scarce, but luxuries such as wine and oil will still be readily available.
The fourth horseman is mentioned in Revelation 6:8, "I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth." The fourth horseman of the apocalypse is symbolic of death and devastation. It seems to be a combination of the previous horsemen. The fourth horseman of the apocalypse will bring further warfare and terrible famines along with awful plagues and diseases. What is most amazing, or perhaps terrifying, is that the four horsemen of the apocalypse are just "precursors" of even worse judgments that come later in the Tribulation (Revelation chapters 8-9 and 16).
The second horseman of the apocalypse is spoken of in Revelation 6:4, "Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword." The second horseman refers to terrible warfare that will break out in the end times. The third horseman is described in Revelation 6:5-6, “...and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’” The third horseman of the apocalypse refers to a great famine that will take place, likely as a result of the wars from the second horseman. Food will be scarce, but luxuries such as wine and oil will still be readily available.
The fourth horseman is mentioned in Revelation 6:8, "I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth." The fourth horseman of the apocalypse is symbolic of death and devastation. It seems to be a combination of the previous horsemen. The fourth horseman of the apocalypse will bring further warfare and terrible famines along with awful plagues and diseases. What is most amazing, or perhaps terrifying, is that the four horsemen of the apocalypse are just "precursors" of even worse judgments that come later in the Tribulation (Revelation chapters 8-9 and 16).
Who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom?
There will be two distinct groups occupying the Earth during the millennial kingdom—those with glorified bodies, and those with earthly bodies who lived through the tribulation and on into the millennial kingdom. Those with glorified bodies consist of the Church, receiving glorified bodies at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:21-23, 51-53), and those who are resurrected after Christ returns to Earth (Revelation 20:4-6). Those who have earthly bodies can be subdivided into two groups: believing Gentiles and believing Jews (Israel).
In Revelation 19:11-16, we find the return of Jesus Christ to Earth, known as His second coming. The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53) is an appearing of Christ in the air, not His second coming. I mention this to make a distinction between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. There is no mention in Revelation 19-20 of any kind of rapture event. The implication is that saints who are on Earth when Christ returns will remain on Earth to enter the millennial kingdom in their natural bodies. If the rapture or any kind of event where a living believer receives a glorified body were included in the second coming of Christ to Earth, one would expect to find reference to such a major event in Revelation 19. But no such reference is to be found. The only event that results in believers receiving glorified bodies is found in Revelation 20:4-6 where those who became believers during the Tribulation and were killed because of their faith are resurrected. It is also believed that at this same time Old Testament saints will be resurrected, also receiving glorified bodies (see Daniel 12:2).
Matthew 25:31-46 is another passage that should be considered. This passage is commonly called the separation or judgment of the sheep and the goats. The sheep and goats refer to righteous and unrighteous Gentiles. Christ will judge the unrighteous Gentiles (goats), and they will be cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). Therefore, no unbelieving Gentile will survive to live on into the millennial kingdom. The righteous Gentiles, or sheep, will live on into the millennial kingdom. They will give birth to children and will populate the Earth. However, these are not the only ones who will be producing children during the millennial kingdom.
The impression is given that when Christ returns, all Israel will trust in Him (Zechariah 12:10). They, too, will not receive glorified bodies (as did those who were raptured prior to the tribulation and those resurrected afterward). They also will produce children during the millennial kingdom.
So, believing Gentiles, Israel, and resurrected/raptured believers (all of whom have glorified bodies) will occupy the Earth. It should be noted, however, that believers with glorified bodies will not be reproducing. There is no marriage after this life (Matthew 22:30).
Children born during the millennial kingdom will have the responsibility of faith in Christ as all people of past ages have (faith in Christ since His coming; faith in God before—Genesis 15:2-6; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 3:20). Unfortunately, not all of the children that are born during the millennial kingdom will come to faith in Christ. Those that do not will be led away by Satan into rebellion against God at the end of the millennial kingdom when Satan is let loose for a short time (Revelation 20:7-10).
For a further look at this subject (who will live into the millennial kingdom), look also at the following passages: Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:8-21; Ezekiel 34:17-24; Daniel 7:13-14; Micah 4:1-5.
In Revelation 19:11-16, we find the return of Jesus Christ to Earth, known as His second coming. The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53) is an appearing of Christ in the air, not His second coming. I mention this to make a distinction between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. There is no mention in Revelation 19-20 of any kind of rapture event. The implication is that saints who are on Earth when Christ returns will remain on Earth to enter the millennial kingdom in their natural bodies. If the rapture or any kind of event where a living believer receives a glorified body were included in the second coming of Christ to Earth, one would expect to find reference to such a major event in Revelation 19. But no such reference is to be found. The only event that results in believers receiving glorified bodies is found in Revelation 20:4-6 where those who became believers during the Tribulation and were killed because of their faith are resurrected. It is also believed that at this same time Old Testament saints will be resurrected, also receiving glorified bodies (see Daniel 12:2).
Matthew 25:31-46 is another passage that should be considered. This passage is commonly called the separation or judgment of the sheep and the goats. The sheep and goats refer to righteous and unrighteous Gentiles. Christ will judge the unrighteous Gentiles (goats), and they will be cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). Therefore, no unbelieving Gentile will survive to live on into the millennial kingdom. The righteous Gentiles, or sheep, will live on into the millennial kingdom. They will give birth to children and will populate the Earth. However, these are not the only ones who will be producing children during the millennial kingdom.
The impression is given that when Christ returns, all Israel will trust in Him (Zechariah 12:10). They, too, will not receive glorified bodies (as did those who were raptured prior to the tribulation and those resurrected afterward). They also will produce children during the millennial kingdom.
So, believing Gentiles, Israel, and resurrected/raptured believers (all of whom have glorified bodies) will occupy the Earth. It should be noted, however, that believers with glorified bodies will not be reproducing. There is no marriage after this life (Matthew 22:30).
Children born during the millennial kingdom will have the responsibility of faith in Christ as all people of past ages have (faith in Christ since His coming; faith in God before—Genesis 15:2-6; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 3:20). Unfortunately, not all of the children that are born during the millennial kingdom will come to faith in Christ. Those that do not will be led away by Satan into rebellion against God at the end of the millennial kingdom when Satan is let loose for a short time (Revelation 20:7-10).
For a further look at this subject (who will live into the millennial kingdom), look also at the following passages: Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:8-21; Ezekiel 34:17-24; Daniel 7:13-14; Micah 4:1-5.
What is the day of the Lord?
The phrase “day of the Lord” usually identifies events that take place at the end of history (Isaiah 7:18-25) and is often closely associated with the phrase “that day.” One key to understanding these phrases is to note that they always identify a span of time during which God personally intervenes in history, directly or indirectly, to accomplish some specific aspect His plan.
Most people associate “the day of the Lord” with a period of time or a special day that will occur at the end of time when God’s will and purpose for His world and for mankind will be fulfilled. Some scholars believe that “the day of the Lord” will be a longer period of time, rather than a single day—a period of time when Christ will reign throughout the world before He cleanses heaven and earth in preparation for the eternal state of all mankind. Yet other scholars believe the day of the Lord will be an instantaneous event when Christ returns to earth to redeem His faithful believers and send unbelievers to eternal damnation.
The phrase “the day of the Lord” is used nineteen times in the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi. 4:5) and four times in the New Testament (Acts 2:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). It is also alluded to in other passages (Revelation 6:17; 16:14).
The Old Testament passages dealing with the day of the Lord often convey a sense of imminence, nearness, and expectation: “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near!” (Isaiah 13:6); “For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near” (Ezekiel 30:3); “For the day of the Lord is near” (Joel 1:15); “Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; surely it is near” (Joel 2:1); “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14); “For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations” (Obadiah 15); “Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near” (Zephaniah 1:7); “Near is the great day of the Lord, near and coming very quickly” (Zephaniah1:14). This is because the Old Testament “day of the Lord” passages often speak of both a near and a far fulfillment, as does much of Old Testament prophecy. There are times in the Old Testament that “the day of the Lord” is used to describe historical judgments that have already been fulfilled in at least some sense (Isaiah 13:6-22; Ezekiel 30:2-19; Joel 1:15; 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18), while at other times it refers to divine judgments that will take place towards the end of the age (Joel 2:30-32; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:1, 5).
The New Testament calls it a day of “wrath,” a day of “visitation,” and the “great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14) and refers to a still-future fulfillment when God’s wrath is poured out on unbelieving Israel (Isaiah 22; Jeremiah 30:1-17; Joel 1-2; Amos 5; Zephaniah 1) and on the unbelieving world (Ezekiel 38–39; Zechariah 14). The Scriptures indicate that “the day of the Lord” will come quickly, like a thief in the night (Zephaniah 1:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:2), and therefore we as Christians must be watchful and ready for the coming of Christ at any moment.
Besides being a time of judgment, it will also be a time of salvation as God will deliver the remnant of Israel, fulfilling His promise that “all of Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26), forgiving their sins and restoring His chosen people to the land He promised to Abraham (Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 30:19-31, 40; Micah 4; Zechariah 13). The final outcome of the day of the Lord will be that “the arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:17). The ultimate or final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning “the day of the Lord” will come at the end of history when with wondrous power God will punish evil and fulfill all His promises.
Most people associate “the day of the Lord” with a period of time or a special day that will occur at the end of time when God’s will and purpose for His world and for mankind will be fulfilled. Some scholars believe that “the day of the Lord” will be a longer period of time, rather than a single day—a period of time when Christ will reign throughout the world before He cleanses heaven and earth in preparation for the eternal state of all mankind. Yet other scholars believe the day of the Lord will be an instantaneous event when Christ returns to earth to redeem His faithful believers and send unbelievers to eternal damnation.
The phrase “the day of the Lord” is used nineteen times in the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi. 4:5) and four times in the New Testament (Acts 2:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). It is also alluded to in other passages (Revelation 6:17; 16:14).
The Old Testament passages dealing with the day of the Lord often convey a sense of imminence, nearness, and expectation: “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near!” (Isaiah 13:6); “For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near” (Ezekiel 30:3); “For the day of the Lord is near” (Joel 1:15); “Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; surely it is near” (Joel 2:1); “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14); “For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations” (Obadiah 15); “Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near” (Zephaniah 1:7); “Near is the great day of the Lord, near and coming very quickly” (Zephaniah1:14). This is because the Old Testament “day of the Lord” passages often speak of both a near and a far fulfillment, as does much of Old Testament prophecy. There are times in the Old Testament that “the day of the Lord” is used to describe historical judgments that have already been fulfilled in at least some sense (Isaiah 13:6-22; Ezekiel 30:2-19; Joel 1:15; 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18), while at other times it refers to divine judgments that will take place towards the end of the age (Joel 2:30-32; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:1, 5).
The New Testament calls it a day of “wrath,” a day of “visitation,” and the “great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14) and refers to a still-future fulfillment when God’s wrath is poured out on unbelieving Israel (Isaiah 22; Jeremiah 30:1-17; Joel 1-2; Amos 5; Zephaniah 1) and on the unbelieving world (Ezekiel 38–39; Zechariah 14). The Scriptures indicate that “the day of the Lord” will come quickly, like a thief in the night (Zephaniah 1:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:2), and therefore we as Christians must be watchful and ready for the coming of Christ at any moment.
Besides being a time of judgment, it will also be a time of salvation as God will deliver the remnant of Israel, fulfilling His promise that “all of Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26), forgiving their sins and restoring His chosen people to the land He promised to Abraham (Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 30:19-31, 40; Micah 4; Zechariah 13). The final outcome of the day of the Lord will be that “the arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:17). The ultimate or final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning “the day of the Lord” will come at the end of history when with wondrous power God will punish evil and fulfill all His promises.
What are Gog and Magog?
Prophetically, Gog will be the leader of a great army that attacks the land of Israel in the end times. Gog is described as "the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal" from the north, "the land of Magog" (Ezekiel 38:2-3). The prophet Ezekiel prophetically describes Gog attacking Israel with a powerful force (Ezekiel chapters 38–39). According to this prophecy of Ezekiel, Gog will be defeated by God Himself on the mountains of Israel. The slaughter will be so great it will take seven months to bury all of the dead (Ezekiel 39:12). The book of Revelation also mentions Gog and Magog (Revelation 20:7-8). The prophecy in Revelation is essentially a restatement of Ezekiel's prophecy.
Magog was a grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:2). The descendants of Magog settled to the far north of Israel, likely in Europe and northern Asia (Ezekiel 38:2). Magog seems to be used to refer to "northern barbarians" in general, but likely also has a connection to Magog the person. The people of Magog are described as skilled warriors (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:3-9). The book of Revelation uses Ezekiel's prophecy about Magog to portray a final end-times attack on the nation of Israel (Revelation 20:8-9). Many Bible prophecy teachers identify Gog and Magog as Russia and/or China.
Magog was a grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:2). The descendants of Magog settled to the far north of Israel, likely in Europe and northern Asia (Ezekiel 38:2). Magog seems to be used to refer to "northern barbarians" in general, but likely also has a connection to Magog the person. The people of Magog are described as skilled warriors (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:3-9). The book of Revelation uses Ezekiel's prophecy about Magog to portray a final end-times attack on the nation of Israel (Revelation 20:8-9). Many Bible prophecy teachers identify Gog and Magog as Russia and/or China.
What is the battle of Armageddon?
The word Armageddon comes from a Hebrew word Har-Magedone which means “Mount Megiddo” and has become synonymous with the future battle in which God will intervene and destroy the armies of the Antichrist as predicted in biblical prophecy (Revelation 16:16; 20:1-3, 7-10). There will be millions of people engaged in the Battle of Armageddon, as all the nations gather together to fight against Christ.
The exact location of the valley of Armageddon is unclear because there is no mountain called “Meggido.” However, since Har can also mean “hill,” the most likely location is the hill country surrounding the Plain of Meggido, some sixty miles north of Jerusalem. More than two hundred battles have been fought in that region. The Plain of Megiddo and the nearby Plain of Esdraelon will be the focal point for the Battle of Armageddon, which will rage the entire length of Israel as far south as the Edomite city of Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1). The valley of Armageddon was famous for two great victories in Israel’s history: Barak’s victory over the Canaanites (Judges 4:15) and Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges chapter 7). Armageddon was also the site for two great tragedies: the death of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:8) and the death of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:22).
Because of this history, the valley of Armageddon became a symbol of the final conflict between God and the forces of evil. The word Armageddon only occurs in Revelation 16:16, “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” This speaks of the kings who are loyal to the Antichrist gathering together for a final assault on Israel. At Armageddon "the cup of the wine of the fierceness of God’s wrath" (Revelation 16:19) will be delivered, and the Antichrist and his followers will be overthrown and defeated. Armageddon has become a general term that refers to the end of the world, not exclusively the battle that takes place in the Plain of Megiddo.
The exact location of the valley of Armageddon is unclear because there is no mountain called “Meggido.” However, since Har can also mean “hill,” the most likely location is the hill country surrounding the Plain of Meggido, some sixty miles north of Jerusalem. More than two hundred battles have been fought in that region. The Plain of Megiddo and the nearby Plain of Esdraelon will be the focal point for the Battle of Armageddon, which will rage the entire length of Israel as far south as the Edomite city of Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1). The valley of Armageddon was famous for two great victories in Israel’s history: Barak’s victory over the Canaanites (Judges 4:15) and Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges chapter 7). Armageddon was also the site for two great tragedies: the death of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:8) and the death of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:22).
Because of this history, the valley of Armageddon became a symbol of the final conflict between God and the forces of evil. The word Armageddon only occurs in Revelation 16:16, “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” This speaks of the kings who are loyal to the Antichrist gathering together for a final assault on Israel. At Armageddon "the cup of the wine of the fierceness of God’s wrath" (Revelation 16:19) will be delivered, and the Antichrist and his followers will be overthrown and defeated. Armageddon has become a general term that refers to the end of the world, not exclusively the battle that takes place in the Plain of Megiddo.
What is the abomination of desolation?
The phrase “abomination of desolation” refers to Matthew 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.” This Scripture is referring to Daniel 9:27, “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 on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” In 167 B.C., a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He also sacrificed a pig on the altar in the temple in Jerusalem. This event is known as the “abomination of desolation.”
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus was speaking some 200 years after the abomination of desolation described above had occurred. So, Jesus must have been prophesying that some time in the future another abomination of desolation would occur in a Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Most Bible prophecy interpreters believe that Jesus was referring to the Antichrist, who will do something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. This is confirmed by the fact that some of what Daniel prophesied in Daniel 9:27 did not occur in 167 B.C. with Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus did not confirm a covenant with Israel for seven years. It is the Antichrist who in the end times will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years and then break it by doing something similar to the abomination of desolation in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
Whatever the future abomination of desolation is, it will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the one perpetrating it is the person known as the Antichrist. Revelation 13:14 describes him making some kind of image to which all are forced to bow down and worship. Turning the Temple of the Living God into a place of worship for himself is about as much of an abomination in God’s eyes as there could possibly be. Those who are alive and remain during the Tribulation should be watchful and recognize that this event is the beginning of 3 1/2 years of the worst of the Tribulation period and that the return of the Lord Jesus is imminent. “Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus was speaking some 200 years after the abomination of desolation described above had occurred. So, Jesus must have been prophesying that some time in the future another abomination of desolation would occur in a Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Most Bible prophecy interpreters believe that Jesus was referring to the Antichrist, who will do something very similar to what Antiochus Epiphanes did. This is confirmed by the fact that some of what Daniel prophesied in Daniel 9:27 did not occur in 167 B.C. with Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus did not confirm a covenant with Israel for seven years. It is the Antichrist who in the end times will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years and then break it by doing something similar to the abomination of desolation in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
Whatever the future abomination of desolation is, it will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the one perpetrating it is the person known as the Antichrist. Revelation 13:14 describes him making some kind of image to which all are forced to bow down and worship. Turning the Temple of the Living God into a place of worship for himself is about as much of an abomination in God’s eyes as there could possibly be. Those who are alive and remain during the Tribulation should be watchful and recognize that this event is the beginning of 3 1/2 years of the worst of the Tribulation period and that the return of the Lord Jesus is imminent. “Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).
What does Revelation chapter 12 mean?
In Revelation chapter 12, the woman is described as "clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Revelation 12:1). Note the similarity between this description and the description that Joseph gave of his father Jacob (Israel) and his mother and their children (Genesis 37:9-11). The stars refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. So the woman in Revelation 12 is Israel.
Additional evidence is that in Revelation 12:2-5, the passage speaks of the woman being with child and giving birth. While it is true that Mary gave birth to Jesus, it is also true that Jesus, the son of David from the tribe of Judah, came from Israel. In a real sense, Israel gave birth—or brought forth—Christ Jesus. Further evidence for this is in 12:5 where the Scripture says that the woman "gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne." Clearly, this is describing Jesus. Jesus will one day establish His kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4-6), and He will rule it. This verse also makes reference to Jesus' ascension to heaven 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-11), speaking of the son "being caught up to God and to His throne."
When it speaks of the woman fleeing into the wilderness for 1,260 days, it is referring to the future time called the tribulation period. Twelve hundred sixty days is 42 months of 30 days each. 42 months is 3 1/2 years. Halfway through the tribulation period, the beast will set an image of himself up in the temple that will be built in Jerusalem. This is the abomination that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14. When the beast does this, he breaks the peace pact he made with Israel, and the nation has to flee for safety (also see Matthew 24; Daniel 9:27). This is the picture of the woman fleeing into the wilderness.
Revelation 12:12-17 speaks of how the devil will make war against Israel, trying to destroy her (Satan knows his time is short, relatively speaking—see Revelation 20:1-3, 10). It also speaks of how God will protect Israel while in the wilderness. This wilderness place where Israel will flee is believed to be a place called Petra. Note Revelation 12:14 where it says that Israel will be protected from the devil for "a time, times, and half a time (a time = 1 year -- 3 1/2 years).
Additional evidence is that in Revelation 12:2-5, the passage speaks of the woman being with child and giving birth. While it is true that Mary gave birth to Jesus, it is also true that Jesus, the son of David from the tribe of Judah, came from Israel. In a real sense, Israel gave birth—or brought forth—Christ Jesus. Further evidence for this is in 12:5 where the Scripture says that the woman "gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne." Clearly, this is describing Jesus. Jesus will one day establish His kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4-6), and He will rule it. This verse also makes reference to Jesus' ascension to heaven 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9-11), speaking of the son "being caught up to God and to His throne."
When it speaks of the woman fleeing into the wilderness for 1,260 days, it is referring to the future time called the tribulation period. Twelve hundred sixty days is 42 months of 30 days each. 42 months is 3 1/2 years. Halfway through the tribulation period, the beast will set an image of himself up in the temple that will be built in Jerusalem. This is the abomination that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14. When the beast does this, he breaks the peace pact he made with Israel, and the nation has to flee for safety (also see Matthew 24; Daniel 9:27). This is the picture of the woman fleeing into the wilderness.
Revelation 12:12-17 speaks of how the devil will make war against Israel, trying to destroy her (Satan knows his time is short, relatively speaking—see Revelation 20:1-3, 10). It also speaks of how God will protect Israel while in the wilderness. This wilderness place where Israel will flee is believed to be a place called Petra. Note Revelation 12:14 where it says that Israel will be protected from the devil for "a time, times, and half a time (a time = 1 year -- 3 1/2 years).
How can I be ready to be caught up in the Rapture?
It is much simpler than you may think. The short answer is that you must receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, to save you from being punished for your sin. Now for the long answer. When you ask this question, we assume that you have heard or been told that not all Christians will be taken when the Rapture occurs. You probably have been told that only "super Christians" who are living a holy life will be raptured, and all the other Christians will have to suffer through the Tribulation. This is not true, and we will show you why this is not true from Scripture.
The first thing that you must understand is the purpose for the Tribulation. The purpose of the Tribulation is judgment upon the earth and punishment for Israel. Please note that Israel and the Church are not the same group of people. The Church is a spiritual organism. People in the Church are related because of their spiritual birth (by being born again - John 3:3). The people of Israel (Jews) are related by blood. This is a race of people to whom God made special promises in the Old Testament. Again, Israel and the Church are not the same. Now, getting to the purpose for the Tribulation. God declared a time of judgment upon Israel for their unfaithfulness. This time of judgment is clearly declared to be only for Israel. A look at Daniel 9:24-27 demonstrates that the Tribulation is a time of judgment from God specifically toward Israel.
Note that Gabriel has brought a message from God to Daniel (9:20-21). Daniel 9:24 says, "Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place." In this message Gabriel clearly says to Daniel that it is "for your people." Daniel's people were Jews, the nation of Israel. God declared 70 weeks against the nation of Israel. This 70 weeks is literally from the Hebrew of the Old Testament, “70 sevens.” In other words, 70 times 7 years, or 490 years. 69 times 7 (483) of those years were fulfilled from the end of the Israel's captivity in Babylon to the cutting off of Messiah (crucifixion of Christ), leaving 7 years of judgment left to be fulfilled. Those 7 years are the years of the Tribulation. The point is that these years are to be fulfilled against Israel primarily, and the purpose is found in Daniel 9:24. The purpose is "to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place."
Now, we can also demonstrate from Scripture that Christians will not be in the Tribulation. A study of 1 Thessalonians 4:13 through 5:9 shows this. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul writes about the Rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Paul writes of the Day of the Lord, a term that sometimes refers to only the Tribulation and sometimes refers to the whole period of the end times, Tribulation and Millennial Kingdom. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul writes to the Christians in Thessalonica, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." Pay close attention to this verse. Paul says God has not destined us for wrath, specifically the wrath of the Day of the Lord (5:2). Further evidence that Christians will not go through the Tribulation is that when Paul writes 1 Corinthians, he sharply rebukes them for their being carnal Christians. In chapter 15, Paul also writes about the Rapture, yet he never once indicates that any true believers would have to endure the Tribulation.
If a Christian does not live a holy life, he will not be left behind. What will happen is that he will lose rewards from the Lord that he would have received if he had been obedient (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12). We hope that this has helped you to understand that the only way you will be left behind is if you have not received Christ as your Savior.
The first thing that you must understand is the purpose for the Tribulation. The purpose of the Tribulation is judgment upon the earth and punishment for Israel. Please note that Israel and the Church are not the same group of people. The Church is a spiritual organism. People in the Church are related because of their spiritual birth (by being born again - John 3:3). The people of Israel (Jews) are related by blood. This is a race of people to whom God made special promises in the Old Testament. Again, Israel and the Church are not the same. Now, getting to the purpose for the Tribulation. God declared a time of judgment upon Israel for their unfaithfulness. This time of judgment is clearly declared to be only for Israel. A look at Daniel 9:24-27 demonstrates that the Tribulation is a time of judgment from God specifically toward Israel.
Note that Gabriel has brought a message from God to Daniel (9:20-21). Daniel 9:24 says, "Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place." In this message Gabriel clearly says to Daniel that it is "for your people." Daniel's people were Jews, the nation of Israel. God declared 70 weeks against the nation of Israel. This 70 weeks is literally from the Hebrew of the Old Testament, “70 sevens.” In other words, 70 times 7 years, or 490 years. 69 times 7 (483) of those years were fulfilled from the end of the Israel's captivity in Babylon to the cutting off of Messiah (crucifixion of Christ), leaving 7 years of judgment left to be fulfilled. Those 7 years are the years of the Tribulation. The point is that these years are to be fulfilled against Israel primarily, and the purpose is found in Daniel 9:24. The purpose is "to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place."
Now, we can also demonstrate from Scripture that Christians will not be in the Tribulation. A study of 1 Thessalonians 4:13 through 5:9 shows this. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul writes about the Rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Paul writes of the Day of the Lord, a term that sometimes refers to only the Tribulation and sometimes refers to the whole period of the end times, Tribulation and Millennial Kingdom. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul writes to the Christians in Thessalonica, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." Pay close attention to this verse. Paul says God has not destined us for wrath, specifically the wrath of the Day of the Lord (5:2). Further evidence that Christians will not go through the Tribulation is that when Paul writes 1 Corinthians, he sharply rebukes them for their being carnal Christians. In chapter 15, Paul also writes about the Rapture, yet he never once indicates that any true believers would have to endure the Tribulation.
If a Christian does not live a holy life, he will not be left behind. What will happen is that he will lose rewards from the Lord that he would have received if he had been obedient (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12). We hope that this has helped you to understand that the only way you will be left behind is if you have not received Christ as your Savior.
What is the marriage supper of the Lamb?
In his vision in Revelation 19:7-10, John saw and heard the heavenly multitudes praising God because the wedding feast of the Lamb—literally the "marriage supper"—was about to begin. The concept of the marriage supper is better understood in light of the wedding customs in the time of Christ.
There were three major parts of these customs. First, a marriage contract was consummated between the parents of the bride and the bridegroom, and the parents of the bride would pay a dowry to the bridegroom or his parents. This was called the betrothal period, what we would today call the engagement. This period was the one Joseph and Mary were in when she was found to be with child (Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5).
The second step usually occurred a year later, when the bridegroom, accompanied by his male friends, went to the house of the bride at midnight with a torchlight parade through the streets. The bride would know this was going to take place, and so would be ready with her maidens, and they would join the parade that would end up at the bridegroom's home. This was illustrated in the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. The third phase was the marriage supper itself, which might go on for days as illustrated by the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-2.
What John’s vision in Revelation pictures is the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and His bride (the Church) in its third phase, the implication being that the first two phases have already taken place. The first phase was consummated on earth when each individual member of the Church, the body of Christ made up of believers, placed his or her faith and trust in Christ as Savior. The dowry paid to the Bridegroom’s Parent (God the Father) would be the shed blood of Christ on the cross on the Bride’s behalf. Now the Church would belong to Christ in the sense of betrothal and, like the wise virgins in the parable, all would be watching and waiting for the appearance of the Bridegroom (the Second Coming). The second phase symbolizes the Rapture of the Church when Christ comes to claim His bride and take her to the Father's house. The marriage supper then follows as the third and final step.
The wedding feast to which the saints are invited includes not only the Church as the bride of Christ, but others as well. The "others" include Old Testament saints who are going to be raised at the Second Coming, as well as the martyred dead of the Tribulation who form the multitude. As the angel told John to write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). It is a glorious celebration of all who are in Christ, and since we will be in our spiritual state (bodies), there will be no need for food!
There were three major parts of these customs. First, a marriage contract was consummated between the parents of the bride and the bridegroom, and the parents of the bride would pay a dowry to the bridegroom or his parents. This was called the betrothal period, what we would today call the engagement. This period was the one Joseph and Mary were in when she was found to be with child (Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5).
The second step usually occurred a year later, when the bridegroom, accompanied by his male friends, went to the house of the bride at midnight with a torchlight parade through the streets. The bride would know this was going to take place, and so would be ready with her maidens, and they would join the parade that would end up at the bridegroom's home. This was illustrated in the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. The third phase was the marriage supper itself, which might go on for days as illustrated by the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-2.
What John’s vision in Revelation pictures is the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and His bride (the Church) in its third phase, the implication being that the first two phases have already taken place. The first phase was consummated on earth when each individual member of the Church, the body of Christ made up of believers, placed his or her faith and trust in Christ as Savior. The dowry paid to the Bridegroom’s Parent (God the Father) would be the shed blood of Christ on the cross on the Bride’s behalf. Now the Church would belong to Christ in the sense of betrothal and, like the wise virgins in the parable, all would be watching and waiting for the appearance of the Bridegroom (the Second Coming). The second phase symbolizes the Rapture of the Church when Christ comes to claim His bride and take her to the Father's house. The marriage supper then follows as the third and final step.
The wedding feast to which the saints are invited includes not only the Church as the bride of Christ, but others as well. The "others" include Old Testament saints who are going to be raised at the Second Coming, as well as the martyred dead of the Tribulation who form the multitude. As the angel told John to write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). It is a glorious celebration of all who are in Christ, and since we will be in our spiritual state (bodies), there will be no need for food!
Will there be an end times temple in Jerusalem?
The Bible mentions that some end-times events will occur in a temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). Second Thessalonians 2:4, speaking of the Antichrist, tells us, "He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." The Prophet Ezekiel described a temple that has as of yet never existed (Ezekiel chapters 40-48).Before the end times can occur, a temple must be present for these events to occur in.
There is still the “small” problem of the Islamic Dome of the Rock mosque being on the site where the Jewish temple is supposed to be. Muslims believe this is the place from which Mohammed ascended into heaven, making it the most sacred of Muslim shrines. For the Jews to take over this place and build a temple upon it would be unthinkable in today’s political climate. But during the tribulation, the building of the Temple will come about, protected by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:24-27).
When we see the Temple being constructed, we can be sure the end times are indeed upon us. The Antichrist will be reigning, the Church will already have been raptured, and the first half of the tribulation will have passed. But there will still be time for people to come to Christ for salvation.
There is still the “small” problem of the Islamic Dome of the Rock mosque being on the site where the Jewish temple is supposed to be. Muslims believe this is the place from which Mohammed ascended into heaven, making it the most sacred of Muslim shrines. For the Jews to take over this place and build a temple upon it would be unthinkable in today’s political climate. But during the tribulation, the building of the Temple will come about, protected by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:24-27).
When we see the Temple being constructed, we can be sure the end times are indeed upon us. The Antichrist will be reigning, the Church will already have been raptured, and the first half of the tribulation will have passed. But there will still be time for people to come to Christ for salvation.
What is Israel's role in the end times?
Every time there is an explosion of conflict in or around Israel, many see it as a sure sign of the quickly approaching end times. The problem with this is that it creates a “boy that cried wolf” syndrome. We may eventually tire of the conflict in Israel, so much so that we will not recognize when true prophetically significant events occur. Conflict in Israel is not necessarily a sign of the end times.
Conflict in Israel has been a reality whenever Israel has existed as a nation. Whether it was the Egyptians, Amalekites, Midianites, Moabites, Ammonites, Amorites, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, or Romans, the nation of Israel has always been surrounded by and persecuted by its neighbors. Why is this? According to the Bible, it is because God has a special plan for the nation of Israel, and Satan wants to defeat that plan. Satanically influenced hatred of Israel—and especially Israel’s God—is the reason Israel’s neighbors have always wanted to see Israel destroyed. Whether it is Sennacherib, king of Assyria; Haman, official of Persia; Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany; or Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, attempts to ultimately destroy Israel will always fail. The persecutors of Israel will come and go, but the persecution will remain until the second coming of Christ. As a result, conflict in Israel cannot be considered a reliable indicator of the soon arrival of the end times.
At the same time, there will be terrible conflict in Israel during the end times. That is why the time period is known as the Tribulation, the Great Tribulation, and the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Here is what the Bible does say about Israel in the end times:
There will be a mass return of Jews to the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:3; Isaiah 43:6; Ezekiel 34:11-13; 36:24; 37:1-14).
The Antichrist will make a 7-year covenant of "peace" with Israel (Isaiah 28:18; Daniel 9:27).
The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 11:1).
The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel, and worldwide persecution of Israel will result (Daniel 9:27; 12:1, 11; Zechariah 11:16; Matthew 24:15, 21; Revelation 12:13). Israel will be invaded (Ezekiel chapters 38-39).
Israel will finally recognize Jesus as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). Israel will be regenerated, restored, and regathered (Jeremiah 33:8; Ezekiel 11:17; Romans 11:26).
There is much turmoil in Israel today. Israel is persecuted, surrounded by enemies—the Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, etc. But this hatred and persecution of Israel is only a hint of what will happen in the end times (Matthew 24:15-21). The latest round of persecution began when Israel was reconstituted as a nation in 1948. Many Bible prophecy scholars believed the six-day Arab-Israeli war in 1967 was the "beginning of the end." Could what is taking place in Israel today indicate that the end is near? Yes. Does it necessarily mean the end is near? No. Jesus Himself said it best, "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matthew 24:4-6).
Conflict in Israel has been a reality whenever Israel has existed as a nation. Whether it was the Egyptians, Amalekites, Midianites, Moabites, Ammonites, Amorites, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, or Romans, the nation of Israel has always been surrounded by and persecuted by its neighbors. Why is this? According to the Bible, it is because God has a special plan for the nation of Israel, and Satan wants to defeat that plan. Satanically influenced hatred of Israel—and especially Israel’s God—is the reason Israel’s neighbors have always wanted to see Israel destroyed. Whether it is Sennacherib, king of Assyria; Haman, official of Persia; Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany; or Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, attempts to ultimately destroy Israel will always fail. The persecutors of Israel will come and go, but the persecution will remain until the second coming of Christ. As a result, conflict in Israel cannot be considered a reliable indicator of the soon arrival of the end times.
At the same time, there will be terrible conflict in Israel during the end times. That is why the time period is known as the Tribulation, the Great Tribulation, and the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Here is what the Bible does say about Israel in the end times:
There will be a mass return of Jews to the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:3; Isaiah 43:6; Ezekiel 34:11-13; 36:24; 37:1-14).
The Antichrist will make a 7-year covenant of "peace" with Israel (Isaiah 28:18; Daniel 9:27).
The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 11:1).
The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel, and worldwide persecution of Israel will result (Daniel 9:27; 12:1, 11; Zechariah 11:16; Matthew 24:15, 21; Revelation 12:13). Israel will be invaded (Ezekiel chapters 38-39).
Israel will finally recognize Jesus as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). Israel will be regenerated, restored, and regathered (Jeremiah 33:8; Ezekiel 11:17; Romans 11:26).
There is much turmoil in Israel today. Israel is persecuted, surrounded by enemies—the Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, etc. But this hatred and persecution of Israel is only a hint of what will happen in the end times (Matthew 24:15-21). The latest round of persecution began when Israel was reconstituted as a nation in 1948. Many Bible prophecy scholars believed the six-day Arab-Israeli war in 1967 was the "beginning of the end." Could what is taking place in Israel today indicate that the end is near? Yes. Does it necessarily mean the end is near? No. Jesus Himself said it best, "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matthew 24:4-6).
What is the mark of the beast (666)?
The main passage in the Bible that mentions the "mark of the beast" is Revelation 13:15-18. Other references can be found in Revelation 14:9,11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4. This mark acts as a "seal" for the followers of antichrist and the false prophet (the spokesperson for the antichrist). The false prophet (the second beast) is the one who causes people to take this mark. The mark is literally placed in the hand or forehead, and is not simply a card someone carries.
The recent breakthroughs in medical implant chip technologies have increased interest in the "mark of the beast" spoken of in Revelation chapter 13. Here are some very interesting articles on the recent technological developments:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29954-2004Oct13.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5439055/
It is likely that the technology we are seeing today represents the beginning stages of what may eventually be used as the "mark of the beast."
It is important for us to realize that a medical implant chip is not the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be something given only to those who worship the antichrist. Having a medical or financial microchip inserted into your right hand or forehead is not the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be an end times "mark" required by the antichrist to buy or sell and will be given only to those who worship the antichrist.
Many good expositors of Revelation have differed widely as to what exactly the mark of the beast is. Besides the "ID card" view, others have speculated that it is a microchip, a barcode that is tattooed into the skin, or simply a mark that identifies someone as being faithful to the antichrist's kingdom. This last view requires the least speculation, since it does not add any more information to what the Bible gives us. In other words, any of these things are possible, but at the same time they are all speculations, so we will just have to see how it turns out. We shouldn't spend a lot of time speculating on the details that go further than the Bible goes.
The meaning of 666 is a mystery as well. Recently, many people speculated that there was a connection to June 6, 2006—06/06/06. However, in Revelation chapter 13, the number 666 identifies a person, not a date. Revelation 13:18 tells us, "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666." Somehow, the number 666 will identify the antichrist. For centuries Bible interpreters have been trying to identify certain individuals with 666. Nothing is conclusive. That is why Revelation 13:18 says the number requires wisdom. When the antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), it will be clear who he is and how the number 666 identifies him.
The recent breakthroughs in medical implant chip technologies have increased interest in the "mark of the beast" spoken of in Revelation chapter 13. Here are some very interesting articles on the recent technological developments:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29954-2004Oct13.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5439055/
It is likely that the technology we are seeing today represents the beginning stages of what may eventually be used as the "mark of the beast."
It is important for us to realize that a medical implant chip is not the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be something given only to those who worship the antichrist. Having a medical or financial microchip inserted into your right hand or forehead is not the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be an end times "mark" required by the antichrist to buy or sell and will be given only to those who worship the antichrist.
Many good expositors of Revelation have differed widely as to what exactly the mark of the beast is. Besides the "ID card" view, others have speculated that it is a microchip, a barcode that is tattooed into the skin, or simply a mark that identifies someone as being faithful to the antichrist's kingdom. This last view requires the least speculation, since it does not add any more information to what the Bible gives us. In other words, any of these things are possible, but at the same time they are all speculations, so we will just have to see how it turns out. We shouldn't spend a lot of time speculating on the details that go further than the Bible goes.
The meaning of 666 is a mystery as well. Recently, many people speculated that there was a connection to June 6, 2006—06/06/06. However, in Revelation chapter 13, the number 666 identifies a person, not a date. Revelation 13:18 tells us, "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666." Somehow, the number 666 will identify the antichrist. For centuries Bible interpreters have been trying to identify certain individuals with 666. Nothing is conclusive. That is why Revelation 13:18 says the number requires wisdom. When the antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), it will be clear who he is and how the number 666 identifies him.
What is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the hope of believers that God is in control of all things, and is faithful to the promises and prophecies in His Word. In His first coming, Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby in a manager in Bethlehem, just as prophesied. Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies of the Messiah during His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. However, there are some prophecies regarding the Messiah that Jesus has not yet fulfilled. The Second Coming of Christ will be the return of Christ to fulfill these remaining prophecies. In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering servant. In His Second Coming, Jesus will be the conquering King. In His first coming, Jesus arrived in the most humble of circumstances. In His Second Coming, Jesus will arrive with the armies of heaven at His side.
The Old Testament prophets did not make this distinction between the two comings. This can be seen in Scriptures such as Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7 and Zechariah 14:4. As a result of the prophecies seeming to speak of two individuals, many Jewish scholars believed there would be both a suffering Messiah and a conquering Messiah. What they failed to understand is that the same Messiah would fulfill both roles. Jesus fulfilled the role of the suffering servant (Isaiah chapter 53) in His first coming. Jesus will fulfill the role of Israel’s deliverer and King in His Second Coming. Zechariah 12:10 and Revelation 1:7, describing the Second Coming, look back to Jesus being pierced. Israel, and the whole world, will mourn for not having accepted the Messiah the first time He came.
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the angels declared to the apostles, “‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:11). Zechariah 14:4 identifies the location of the Second Coming as the Mount of Olives. Matthew 24:30 declares, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” Titus 2:13 describes the Second Coming as a “glorious appearing.”
The Second Coming is spoken of in greatest detail in Revelation 19:11-16, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
The Old Testament prophets did not make this distinction between the two comings. This can be seen in Scriptures such as Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7 and Zechariah 14:4. As a result of the prophecies seeming to speak of two individuals, many Jewish scholars believed there would be both a suffering Messiah and a conquering Messiah. What they failed to understand is that the same Messiah would fulfill both roles. Jesus fulfilled the role of the suffering servant (Isaiah chapter 53) in His first coming. Jesus will fulfill the role of Israel’s deliverer and King in His Second Coming. Zechariah 12:10 and Revelation 1:7, describing the Second Coming, look back to Jesus being pierced. Israel, and the whole world, will mourn for not having accepted the Messiah the first time He came.
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the angels declared to the apostles, “‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:11). Zechariah 14:4 identifies the location of the Second Coming as the Mount of Olives. Matthew 24:30 declares, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” Titus 2:13 describes the Second Coming as a “glorious appearing.”
The Second Coming is spoken of in greatest detail in Revelation 19:11-16, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
What are the signs of the end times?
Matthew 24:5-8 gives us some important clues so we can discern the approach of the end times, “For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” An increase in false messiahs, an increase in warfare, and increases in famines, plagues, and natural disasters—these items are signs of the end times. Even in this passage, though, we are given a warning. We are not to be deceived, because these events are only the beginning of birth pains; the end is still to come.
Some interpreters point to every earthquake, every political upheaval, and every attack on Israel as a sure sign that the end times are rapidly approaching. While the events may signal the approach of the last days, they are not necessarily indicators that the end times have arrived. The Apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. “In the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). The last days are described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “resist the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1-9; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3).
Other possible signs would include a rebuilding of a Jewish temple in Jerusalem, increased hostility towards Israel, and advances toward a one-world government. The most prominent sign of the end times, however, is the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a sovereign state for the first time since 70 A.D. God promised Abraham that his posterity would have Canaan as “an everlasting possession” (Genesis 17:8), and Ezekiel prophesied a physical and spiritual resuscitation of Israel (Ezekiel 37). Having Israel as a nation in its own land is important in light of end-time prophecy because of Israel’s prominence in eschatology (Daniel 10:14; 11:41; Revelation 11:8).
With these signs in mind, we can be wise and discerning in regards to the expectation of the end times. We should not, however, interpret any of these singular events as a clear indication of the soon arrival of the end times. God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, and that is what we are called to do.
Some interpreters point to every earthquake, every political upheaval, and every attack on Israel as a sure sign that the end times are rapidly approaching. While the events may signal the approach of the last days, they are not necessarily indicators that the end times have arrived. The Apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. “In the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). The last days are described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “resist the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1-9; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3).
Other possible signs would include a rebuilding of a Jewish temple in Jerusalem, increased hostility towards Israel, and advances toward a one-world government. The most prominent sign of the end times, however, is the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a sovereign state for the first time since 70 A.D. God promised Abraham that his posterity would have Canaan as “an everlasting possession” (Genesis 17:8), and Ezekiel prophesied a physical and spiritual resuscitation of Israel (Ezekiel 37). Having Israel as a nation in its own land is important in light of end-time prophecy because of Israel’s prominence in eschatology (Daniel 10:14; 11:41; Revelation 11:8).
With these signs in mind, we can be wise and discerning in regards to the expectation of the end times. We should not, however, interpret any of these singular events as a clear indication of the soon arrival of the end times. God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, and that is what we are called to do.
What is the Tribulation? How do we know the Tribulation will last seven years?
The tribulation is a future 7-year period of time when God will finish His discipline of Israel and finalize His judgment of the unbelieving world. The Church, made up of all who have trusted in the person and work of the Lord Jesus to save them from being punished for sin, will not be present during the tribulation. The Church will be removed from the earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). The Church is saved from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Throughout Scripture, the tribulation is referred to by other names such as:
1) the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, 31, 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2)
2) trouble or tribulation (Deuteronomy 4:30; Zephaniah 1:1)
3) the great tribulation which refers to the most intense second half of the 7-year period (Matthew 24:21)
4) time or day of trouble (Daniel 12:1; Zephaniah 1:15)
5) time of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)
An understanding of Daniel 9:24-27 is necessary in order to understand the purpose and time of the tribulation. This passage in Daniel speaks of 70 weeks that have been declared against "your people." Daniel's "people" are the Jews, the nation of Israel, and what Daniel 9:24 speaks of is a period of time that God has given "to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy." God declares that "70 sevens" will fulfill all these things. This time period of which God speaks is actually 70 sevens of years, or 490 years. (Some translations refer to 70 weeks of years.) This is confirmed by another part of this passage in Daniel. In verses 25 and 26, Daniel is told that the Messiah will be cut off "7 sevens and 62 sevens" (69 total) beginning with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. In other words, 69 sevens of years (483 years) after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, the Messiah will be cut off. Biblical historians confirm that 483 years passed from the time of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the time when Jesus was crucified. Most Christian scholars, regardless of their view of eschatology (future things/events), have the above understanding of Daniel's 70 sevens.
With 483 years having passed from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the cutting off of the Messiah, this leaves one 7-year period to be fulfilled in terms of Daniel 9:24: "to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy." This final 7-year period is known as the tribulation period—it is a time when God finishes judging Israel for their sin.
Daniel 9:27 gives a few highlights of the 7-year tribulation period. Daniel 9:27 says, "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 on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." The person of whom this verse speaks is the person Jesus calls the "abomination that makes desolate" (Matthew 24:15) and is called the beast in Revelation 13. Daniel 9:27 says that the beast will make a covenant for seven years, but in the middle of this week (3 1/2 years into the tribulation), he will break the covenant, putting a stop to sacrifice and grain offering. Revelation 13 explains that the beast will place an image of himself in the temple and require the world to worship him. Revelation 13:5 says that this will go on for 42 months, which is 3 1/2 years. Since Daniel 9:27 says that this will happen in the middle of the week, and Revelation 13:5 says that the beast will do this for a period of 42 months, it is easy to see that the total length of time is 84 months or 7 years. Also see Daniel 7:25 where the "time, times, and half a time" (time=1 year; times=2 years; half a time=1/2 year; total of 3 1/2 years) also refers to “great tribulation,” the last half of the 7-year tribulation period when the "abomination that causes desolation" (the beast) will be in power.
For further references about the tribulation, see Revelation 11:2-3 which speaks of 1,260 days and 42 months, and Daniel 12:11-12 which speaks of 1,290 days and 1,335 days, all of which have a reference to the midpoint of the tribulation. The additional days in Daniel 12 may include the time at the end for the judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46) and time for the setting up of Christ's millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
1) the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, 31, 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2)
2) trouble or tribulation (Deuteronomy 4:30; Zephaniah 1:1)
3) the great tribulation which refers to the most intense second half of the 7-year period (Matthew 24:21)
4) time or day of trouble (Daniel 12:1; Zephaniah 1:15)
5) time of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)
An understanding of Daniel 9:24-27 is necessary in order to understand the purpose and time of the tribulation. This passage in Daniel speaks of 70 weeks that have been declared against "your people." Daniel's "people" are the Jews, the nation of Israel, and what Daniel 9:24 speaks of is a period of time that God has given "to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy." God declares that "70 sevens" will fulfill all these things. This time period of which God speaks is actually 70 sevens of years, or 490 years. (Some translations refer to 70 weeks of years.) This is confirmed by another part of this passage in Daniel. In verses 25 and 26, Daniel is told that the Messiah will be cut off "7 sevens and 62 sevens" (69 total) beginning with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. In other words, 69 sevens of years (483 years) after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, the Messiah will be cut off. Biblical historians confirm that 483 years passed from the time of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the time when Jesus was crucified. Most Christian scholars, regardless of their view of eschatology (future things/events), have the above understanding of Daniel's 70 sevens.
With 483 years having passed from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the cutting off of the Messiah, this leaves one 7-year period to be fulfilled in terms of Daniel 9:24: "to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy." This final 7-year period is known as the tribulation period—it is a time when God finishes judging Israel for their sin.
Daniel 9:27 gives a few highlights of the 7-year tribulation period. Daniel 9:27 says, "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 on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." The person of whom this verse speaks is the person Jesus calls the "abomination that makes desolate" (Matthew 24:15) and is called the beast in Revelation 13. Daniel 9:27 says that the beast will make a covenant for seven years, but in the middle of this week (3 1/2 years into the tribulation), he will break the covenant, putting a stop to sacrifice and grain offering. Revelation 13 explains that the beast will place an image of himself in the temple and require the world to worship him. Revelation 13:5 says that this will go on for 42 months, which is 3 1/2 years. Since Daniel 9:27 says that this will happen in the middle of the week, and Revelation 13:5 says that the beast will do this for a period of 42 months, it is easy to see that the total length of time is 84 months or 7 years. Also see Daniel 7:25 where the "time, times, and half a time" (time=1 year; times=2 years; half a time=1/2 year; total of 3 1/2 years) also refers to “great tribulation,” the last half of the 7-year tribulation period when the "abomination that causes desolation" (the beast) will be in power.
For further references about the tribulation, see Revelation 11:2-3 which speaks of 1,260 days and 42 months, and Daniel 12:11-12 which speaks of 1,290 days and 1,335 days, all of which have a reference to the midpoint of the tribulation. The additional days in Daniel 12 may include the time at the end for the judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46) and time for the setting up of Christ's millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
What is going to happen according to end times prophecy?
The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times.
Christ will remove all born-again believers who are part of the Church (New Testament saints) from the earth by an event known as the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51ff). These believers will be rewarded for good works and service during their time on earth at the Judgment Seat of Christ or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The antichrist antichrist (beast) will come into power and sign a peace pact (covenant) with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period of time is known as the Tribulation. During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.
About halfway through the seven years, the antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against them. The antichrist will perform the abomination of desolation and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10). The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the antichrist and his armies and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1000 years and will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).
At the end of the thousand years, Satan is will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the Great White Throne Judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation chapters 21-22).
Christ will remove all born-again believers who are part of the Church (New Testament saints) from the earth by an event known as the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51ff). These believers will be rewarded for good works and service during their time on earth at the Judgment Seat of Christ or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The antichrist antichrist (beast) will come into power and sign a peace pact (covenant) with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period of time is known as the Tribulation. During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.
About halfway through the seven years, the antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against them. The antichrist will perform the abomination of desolation and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10). The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the antichrist and his armies and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1000 years and will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).
At the end of the thousand years, Satan is will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the Great White Throne Judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation chapters 21-22).
What is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin?
The case of the "unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin" or "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" in the New Testament is mentioned in Mark 3:22-30 and Matthew 12:22-32. The term “blasphemy” may be generally defined as "defiant irreverence." We would apply the term to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to Him. It is also attributing some evil to God, or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. This case of blasphemy, however, is a specific one, called "the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" in Matthew 12:31. In this passage the Pharisees, having witnessed irrefutable proof that Jesus was working miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit, claimed instead that He was possessed by the demon "Beelzebub" (Matthew 12:24). In Mark 3:30, Jesus is very specific about what exactly they did to commit "the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit."
This blasphemy then has to do with accusing Jesus Christ (in person, on earth) of being demon-possessed. There are other ways to blaspheme the Holy Spirit (such as lying to Him, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10), but the accusation against Jesus was the blasphemy that was unpardonable. This unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit cannot be duplicated today because Jesus Christ is not on earth but is seated at the right hand of God.
The only unpardonable sin today is that of continued unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in unbelief. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life." The only condition where someone would have no forgiveness is if he/she is not among the "whoever believes in Him." Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). To reject the only means of salvation is to condemn oneself to an eternity in hell because to reject the only pardon is, obviously, unpardonable.
Many people fear they have committed some sin that God cannot and will not forgive, and they feel there is no hope for them, no matter what they do. Satan would like nothing better than to keep us laboring under this misunderstanding. The truth is that if a person has this fear, he/she needs only to come before God, confess that sin, repent of it, and accept God’s promise of forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This verse assures us that God is ready to forgive any sin, no matter how heinous, if we come to Him in repentance. If you are suffering under a load of guilt today, God is waiting with His arms open in love and compassion for you to come to Him. He will never disappoint or fail to pardon those who do.
This blasphemy then has to do with accusing Jesus Christ (in person, on earth) of being demon-possessed. There are other ways to blaspheme the Holy Spirit (such as lying to Him, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10), but the accusation against Jesus was the blasphemy that was unpardonable. This unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit cannot be duplicated today because Jesus Christ is not on earth but is seated at the right hand of God.
The only unpardonable sin today is that of continued unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in unbelief. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life." The only condition where someone would have no forgiveness is if he/she is not among the "whoever believes in Him." Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). To reject the only means of salvation is to condemn oneself to an eternity in hell because to reject the only pardon is, obviously, unpardonable.
Many people fear they have committed some sin that God cannot and will not forgive, and they feel there is no hope for them, no matter what they do. Satan would like nothing better than to keep us laboring under this misunderstanding. The truth is that if a person has this fear, he/she needs only to come before God, confess that sin, repent of it, and accept God’s promise of forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This verse assures us that God is ready to forgive any sin, no matter how heinous, if we come to Him in repentance. If you are suffering under a load of guilt today, God is waiting with His arms open in love and compassion for you to come to Him. He will never disappoint or fail to pardon those who do.
What does the Bible say about when God will judge us?
There are two separate judgments. Believers are judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12). Every believer will give an account of himself, and the Lord will judge the decisions he made—including those concerning issues of conscience. This judgment does not determine salvation, which is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), but rather is the time when believers must give an account of their lives in service to Christ. Our position in Christ is the “foundation” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. That which we build upon the foundation can be the “gold, silver, and precious stones” of good works in Christ’s name, obedience and fruitfulness—dedicated spiritual service to glorify God and build the church. Or what we build on the foundation may be the “wood, hay and stubble” of worthless, frivolous, shallow activity with no spiritual value. The Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal this.
The gold, silver and precious stones in the lives of believers will survive God’s refining fire (v. 13), and believers will be rewarded based on those good works—how faithfully we served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27), how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), how well we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9), etc. We will have to give an account for our actions, whether they were truly indicative of our position in Christ. The fire of God’s judgment will completely burn up the “wood, hay and stubble” of the words we spoke and things we did which had no eternal value. “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12 ).
The second judgment is that of unbelievers who will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This judgment does not determine salvation, either. Everyone at the Great White Throne is an unbeliever who has rejected Christ in life and is therefore already doomed to the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12 says that unbelievers will be “judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Those who have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior will be judged based on their works alone, and because the Bible tells us that “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Galatians 2:16), they will be condemned. No amount of good works and the keeping of God’s laws can be sufficient to atone for sin. All their thoughts, words and actions will be judged against God’s perfect standard and found wanting. There will be no reward for them, only eternal condemnation and punishment.
The gold, silver and precious stones in the lives of believers will survive God’s refining fire (v. 13), and believers will be rewarded based on those good works—how faithfully we served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27), how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), how well we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9), etc. We will have to give an account for our actions, whether they were truly indicative of our position in Christ. The fire of God’s judgment will completely burn up the “wood, hay and stubble” of the words we spoke and things we did which had no eternal value. “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12 ).
The second judgment is that of unbelievers who will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This judgment does not determine salvation, either. Everyone at the Great White Throne is an unbeliever who has rejected Christ in life and is therefore already doomed to the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12 says that unbelievers will be “judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Those who have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior will be judged based on their works alone, and because the Bible tells us that “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Galatians 2:16), they will be condemned. No amount of good works and the keeping of God’s laws can be sufficient to atone for sin. All their thoughts, words and actions will be judged against God’s perfect standard and found wanting. There will be no reward for them, only eternal condemnation and punishment.
What is the Great White Throne Judgment?
The Great White Throne Judgment is found in Revelation 20:11-15 and is the final judgment prior to the lost being cast into the lake of fire (the place of eternal punishment commonly known as hell). We know from Revelation 20:7-15 that this judgment will take place after the millennium and after Satan, the beast, and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). The books that are opened (Revelation 20:12) contain records of everyone’s deeds whether they are good or evil, because God knows everything that has ever been said, done, or even thought, and He will reward or punish each one accordingly (Psalm 28:4; Psalm 62:12; Romans 2:6; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 18:6; Revelation 22:12).
Also at this time another book is also opened and that is the “book of life” (Revelation 20:12). It is this book that determines whether a person will inherit eternal life with God or receive everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. Although Christians are held accountable for their actions, they are forgiven in Christ and their names were written in the “book of life from the creation of the world” (Revelation 17:8). We also know from Scripture that it is at this judgment that the dead will be “judged according to what they had done” (Revelation 20:12) and that “anyone’s name” that is not “found written in the book of life” will be “thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).
The fact that there is going to be a final judgment for all men, both believers and unbelievers, is clearly confirmed in many passages of Scripture. Every single person will one day stand before Christ and be judged for their deeds. While it is very clear that the Great White Throne Judgment is the final judgment of Christ, Christians do disagree on how it relates to the other judgments mentioned in the Bible, and as to exactly who will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.
Many Christians believe that the Scriptures reveal three different judgments to come. The first is the judgment of the sheep and the goats or a judgment of the nations and is seen in Matthew 25:31-36. They believe it takes place after the tribulation period but prior to the millennium and that it is to determine who will get to enter into the millennium kingdom. The second is a judgment of believers’ works, often referred to as the “judgment [bema] seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10), at which time Christians will receive degrees of reward for their works or service to God. The third is the “Great White Throne” judgment at the end of the millennium (Revelation 20:11-15), which is the judgment of unbelievers in which they are judged according to their works and sentenced to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire.
Other Christians believe that all three of these judgments as seen in Matthew 25:31-36; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Revelation 20:11-15 speak of the same final judgment, not of three separate judgments. In other words, those that hold this view believe that the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20:11-15 will be the time that both believers and unbelievers alike are judged. Those whose names are found in the “book of life” will be judged for their deeds in order to determine the rewards or loss of rewards that they will receive; and those whose names are not in the “book of life” will be judged according to their deeds to determine the degree of punishment they will receive in the lake of fire. Those that hold this view believe that Matthew 25:31-46 is another description of what takes place at the Great White Throne judgment. They point to the fact that the result of this judgment is the same as what is seen after the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20:11-15. The sheep (believers) enter into eternal life while the goats (unbelievers) are cast into “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46).
Whichever view one holds of the Great White Throne judgment, it is important to never lose sight of the important facts concerning the coming judgment or judgments. First, Jesus Christ will be the judge, all unbelievers will be judged by Christ, and they will be punished according to the works they have done. The Bible is very clear that unbelievers are storing up wrath against themselves (Romans 2:5), and that God will “give to each person according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6). Believers will also be judged by Christ, but since Christ’s righteousness has been imputed to us and our names are written in the “book of life,” we will be rewarded, but not punished, according to the deeds that we did. Romans 14:10-12 is very clear that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and that each one of us will give an account to God.
Without a doubt the Bible is very clear that everybody, believer and unbeliever alike, will someday stand before Christ to be judged. But the good news for the believer is that our judgment will not be to determine if we are cast into the lake of fire, because that was settled once we believed the Gospel and became children of God. Those that are truly saved have benefited from the great exchange in which our sins are accounted to Christ and His righteousness is imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, while our salvation is secure in Christ we will still give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12,) and should strive to do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Also at this time another book is also opened and that is the “book of life” (Revelation 20:12). It is this book that determines whether a person will inherit eternal life with God or receive everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. Although Christians are held accountable for their actions, they are forgiven in Christ and their names were written in the “book of life from the creation of the world” (Revelation 17:8). We also know from Scripture that it is at this judgment that the dead will be “judged according to what they had done” (Revelation 20:12) and that “anyone’s name” that is not “found written in the book of life” will be “thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).
The fact that there is going to be a final judgment for all men, both believers and unbelievers, is clearly confirmed in many passages of Scripture. Every single person will one day stand before Christ and be judged for their deeds. While it is very clear that the Great White Throne Judgment is the final judgment of Christ, Christians do disagree on how it relates to the other judgments mentioned in the Bible, and as to exactly who will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.
Many Christians believe that the Scriptures reveal three different judgments to come. The first is the judgment of the sheep and the goats or a judgment of the nations and is seen in Matthew 25:31-36. They believe it takes place after the tribulation period but prior to the millennium and that it is to determine who will get to enter into the millennium kingdom. The second is a judgment of believers’ works, often referred to as the “judgment [bema] seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10), at which time Christians will receive degrees of reward for their works or service to God. The third is the “Great White Throne” judgment at the end of the millennium (Revelation 20:11-15), which is the judgment of unbelievers in which they are judged according to their works and sentenced to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire.
Other Christians believe that all three of these judgments as seen in Matthew 25:31-36; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Revelation 20:11-15 speak of the same final judgment, not of three separate judgments. In other words, those that hold this view believe that the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20:11-15 will be the time that both believers and unbelievers alike are judged. Those whose names are found in the “book of life” will be judged for their deeds in order to determine the rewards or loss of rewards that they will receive; and those whose names are not in the “book of life” will be judged according to their deeds to determine the degree of punishment they will receive in the lake of fire. Those that hold this view believe that Matthew 25:31-46 is another description of what takes place at the Great White Throne judgment. They point to the fact that the result of this judgment is the same as what is seen after the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20:11-15. The sheep (believers) enter into eternal life while the goats (unbelievers) are cast into “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46).
Whichever view one holds of the Great White Throne judgment, it is important to never lose sight of the important facts concerning the coming judgment or judgments. First, Jesus Christ will be the judge, all unbelievers will be judged by Christ, and they will be punished according to the works they have done. The Bible is very clear that unbelievers are storing up wrath against themselves (Romans 2:5), and that God will “give to each person according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6). Believers will also be judged by Christ, but since Christ’s righteousness has been imputed to us and our names are written in the “book of life,” we will be rewarded, but not punished, according to the deeds that we did. Romans 14:10-12 is very clear that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and that each one of us will give an account to God.
Without a doubt the Bible is very clear that everybody, believer and unbeliever alike, will someday stand before Christ to be judged. But the good news for the believer is that our judgment will not be to determine if we are cast into the lake of fire, because that was settled once we believed the Gospel and became children of God. Those that are truly saved have benefited from the great exchange in which our sins are accounted to Christ and His righteousness is imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). So, while our salvation is secure in Christ we will still give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12,) and should strive to do all things for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
What is the Judgment Seat of Christ / Bema Seat of Christ?
Romans 14:10-12 says, “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat…so then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” In the context, it is clear that both scriptures are referring to Christians, not unbelievers. The Judgment Seat of Christ, therefore, involves believers giving an account of their lives to Christ. The Judgment Seat of Christ does not determine salvation; that was determined by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All of our sins are forgiven and we will never be condemned for them (Romans 8:1). We should not look at the Judgment Seat of Christ as God judging our sins, but rather as God rewarding us for our lives. Yes, as the Scriptures say, we will have to give an account of ourselves. Part of this is surely answering for the sins we committed. However, that is not going to be the primary focus of the Judgment Seat of Christ.
At the Judgment Seat of Christ, believers are rewarded based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). The things we might be judged on are how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), how well we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9). The Bible speaks of believers receiving crowns for different things based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). The various crowns are described in 2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; and Revelation 2:10. James 1:12 is a good summary of how we should think about the Judgment Seat of Christ, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
At the Judgment Seat of Christ, believers are rewarded based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). The things we might be judged on are how well we obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), how victorious we were over sin (Romans 6:1-4), how well we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9). The Bible speaks of believers receiving crowns for different things based on how faithfully they served Christ (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). The various crowns are described in 2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; and Revelation 2:10. James 1:12 is a good summary of how we should think about the Judgment Seat of Christ, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
Will we remember our earthly lives when we are in Heaven?
Isaiah 65:17 tells us, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Some interpret Isaiah 65:17 as saying that we will have no memory of our earthly lives in heaven. However, one verse earlier in Isaiah 65:16, the Bible says, “For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.” It is likely only our “past troubles” that will be forgotten – not all of our memories. Our memories will be cleansed, redeemed, healed, and restored – not erased. There is no reason why we could not possess many memories from our earthly lives. The memories that will be cleansed are the ones that involve sin, pain, and sadness. Revelation 21:4 declares, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Some point to the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) as proof that the dead remember their earthly lives. The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn the rich man’s brothers not to come to hell. So he remembered his relatives. He must have also remembered his own life of sin because he never asked to be released from hell, nor did he ask why he was there or claim there had been some kind of mistake. He remembered enough about his earthly life to know that he deserved hell. But this is no proof that those in heaven remember their earthly lives. The rich man’s remembrance was part of his misery. If we have memories in heaven, they will only be of things that will bring us joy.
Some point to the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) as proof that the dead remember their earthly lives. The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to warn the rich man’s brothers not to come to hell. So he remembered his relatives. He must have also remembered his own life of sin because he never asked to be released from hell, nor did he ask why he was there or claim there had been some kind of mistake. He remembered enough about his earthly life to know that he deserved hell. But this is no proof that those in heaven remember their earthly lives. The rich man’s remembrance was part of his misery. If we have memories in heaven, they will only be of things that will bring us joy.
How can Heaven be perfect if all of our loved ones are not there?
It’s hard to imagine that we can be happy in heaven if we have an awareness that those we loved on earth are not present. We do know that when we arrive in Heaven, we will not have anything to be saddened by. Revelation 21:4 tells us, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Missing our loved ones would presumably fall under the category of pain or mourning. Perhaps we will have no knowledge or remembrance of them at all. Perhaps we will have come to see things from a heavenly perspective and will understand why our loved ones not being there somehow glorifies God and will rejoice. We do know that we will finally see everything from God’s perspective, something which is impossible now. “Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us” (1 Corinthians 13:12 CEV). In the meantime, we must accept by faith that what He says about Heaven is true and that we will have only joy for all eternity.
For a detailed description of Heaven, see Revelation chapters 21-22. Once we arrive in Heaven, we will be glorified and perfect. Our hearts, attitudes, and thoughts will be completely in agreement with God (1 John 3:2). If some of our loved ones are not in Heaven, we will be in 100% complete agreement that they do not belong there – that they are condemned by their own refusal to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 3:16; John 14:6). It is hard to understand this, but we will not be saddened by the lack of their presence. Our focus should not be on how we can enjoy Heaven without all of our loved ones there, but rather on how we can point our loved ones to faith in Christ – so that they will be there.
For a detailed description of Heaven, see Revelation chapters 21-22. Once we arrive in Heaven, we will be glorified and perfect. Our hearts, attitudes, and thoughts will be completely in agreement with God (1 John 3:2). If some of our loved ones are not in Heaven, we will be in 100% complete agreement that they do not belong there – that they are condemned by their own refusal to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 3:16; John 14:6). It is hard to understand this, but we will not be saddened by the lack of their presence. Our focus should not be on how we can enjoy Heaven without all of our loved ones there, but rather on how we can point our loved ones to faith in Christ – so that they will be there.
What does the Bible say about soul sleep?
Soul sleep is a minority belief that the soul sleeps unconsciously between the death of the body and its resurrection on Judgment Day. The concept of “soul sleep” is not a biblical doctrine. When the Bible says a person is “sleeping” in relation to death (Luke 8:52; 1 Corinthians 15:6), it does not mean literal sleep. Sleeping is just a way to describe death because a dead body appears to be sleeping. The Bible tells us that the instant we die, we are taken to heaven or hell based on whether we have placed our faith in Christ for salvation. For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). For unbelievers, death means everlasting punishment in hell (Luke 16:22-23). The moment we die, we face the judgment of God (Hebrews 9:27). Until the resurrection, though, there is currently a temporary heaven, “Paradise” (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4), and hell, “Hades” (Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14).
In a sense, a person’s body is “sleeping” while his soul is in the temporary Paradise or Hades. This body is then “awakened” and transformed into the eternal body a person will possess for eternity, whether in heaven or hell. Those who were in Paradise will be sent to the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Those who were in Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether o
In a sense, a person’s body is “sleeping” while his soul is in the temporary Paradise or Hades. This body is then “awakened” and transformed into the eternal body a person will possess for eternity, whether in heaven or hell. Those who were in Paradise will be sent to the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Those who were in Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether o
How can I know for sure that I will go to Heaven when I die?
Do you know for certain that you have eternal life and that you will go to Heaven when you die? God wants you to be sure! The Bible says: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would you say? You may not know what to reply. What you need to know is that God loves us and has provided a way that we can know for sure where we will spend eternity. The Bible states it this way: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
We have to first understand the problem that is keeping us from Heaven. The problem is this - our sinful nature keeps us from having a relationship with God. We are sinners by nature and by choice. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We cannot save ourselves. “For by grace are you saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves – it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). We deserve death and hell. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
God is holy and just and must punish sin, yet He loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus died for us on the cross: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus was resurrected from the dead: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).
So, back to the original question – “How can I know for sure that I will go to Heaven when I die?” The answer is this – believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). You can receive eternal life as a FREE gift. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). You can live a full and meaningful life right now. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). You can spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven, for He promised: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am” (John 14:3).
We have to first understand the problem that is keeping us from Heaven. The problem is this - our sinful nature keeps us from having a relationship with God. We are sinners by nature and by choice. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We cannot save ourselves. “For by grace are you saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves – it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). We deserve death and hell. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
God is holy and just and must punish sin, yet He loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus died for us on the cross: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus was resurrected from the dead: “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).
So, back to the original question – “How can I know for sure that I will go to Heaven when I die?” The answer is this – believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). You can receive eternal life as a FREE gift. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). You can live a full and meaningful life right now. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). You can spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven, for He promised: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am” (John 14:3).
What happens after death?
Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion in regards to what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to Heaven or Hell. Others believe that immediately after the moment of death, people are instantly judged and send to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” Heaven or Hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death?
First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death, believers’ souls/spirits are taken to Heaven, because their sins were forgiven from having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16,18,36). For believers, after death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified and perfected, and then reunited with the soul-spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the inhabitance of believers for eternity, in the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation chapters 21-22).
Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, after death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the Great White Throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to Hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).
Therefore, after death, for both believers and unbelievers, a person resides in a “temporary” Heaven or Hell. After this temporary realm, at their final resurrection, peoples’ eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. After death, believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21:1). After death, unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people - based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death, believers’ souls/spirits are taken to Heaven, because their sins were forgiven from having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16,18,36). For believers, after death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified and perfected, and then reunited with the soul-spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the inhabitance of believers for eternity, in the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation chapters 21-22).
Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, after death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the Great White Throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to Hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).
Therefore, after death, for both believers and unbelievers, a person resides in a “temporary” Heaven or Hell. After this temporary realm, at their final resurrection, peoples’ eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. After death, believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21:1). After death, unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people - based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).
Will we be able to see and know our friends and family members in Heaven?
Many people say that the first thing they want to do when they arrive in Heaven is see all their friends and loved ones who had passed on before them. In eternity, there will be plenty of time to see, know, and spend time with our friends and family members. However, that will not be our primary focus in Heaven. We will be far more occupied with worshipping God and enjoying the wonders of Heaven. Our reunions with loved ones is more likely to be concerned with recounting the grace and glory of God in our lives, His wondrous love, and His mighty works. We will rejoice all the more in our praise and worship of Him because we can do it in the company of other believers, and especially those we loved on earth.
What does the Bible say about whether we will be able to recognize people in the afterlife? King Saul recognized Samuel when the witch of Endor summoned Samuel from the realm of the dead (1 Samuel 28:8-17). When David’s infant son died as a result of David’s sin with Bathsheba, after his time of grief David declared, “But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). David assumed that he would be able to recognize his son in Heaven, despite the fact that he died as a baby. In Luke 16:19-31, Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man were all recognizable after death. At the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were recognizable (Matthew 17:3-4). In these examples, the Bible does seem to indicate that we will be recognizable after death.
The Bible declares that when we arrive in Heaven, we will “be like Him [Jesus]; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Just as our earthly bodies were of the first man Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47a), so will our resurrection bodies be just like Christ’s (1 Corinthians 15:47b). “And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:49,53). Many people recognized Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:16, 20; 21:12; 1 Corinthians 15:4-7). If Jesus was recognizable in His glorified body, we also will be recognizable in our glorified bodies. Being able to see our loved ones is a glorious aspect of heaven, but heaven is far more about God, and far less about our own wants. What a pleasure it will be to be reunited with our loved ones and worship God with our loved ones for all eternity.
What does the Bible say about whether we will be able to recognize people in the afterlife? King Saul recognized Samuel when the witch of Endor summoned Samuel from the realm of the dead (1 Samuel 28:8-17). When David’s infant son died as a result of David’s sin with Bathsheba, after his time of grief David declared, “But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). David assumed that he would be able to recognize his son in Heaven, despite the fact that he died as a baby. In Luke 16:19-31, Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man were all recognizable after death. At the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were recognizable (Matthew 17:3-4). In these examples, the Bible does seem to indicate that we will be recognizable after death.
The Bible declares that when we arrive in Heaven, we will “be like Him [Jesus]; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Just as our earthly bodies were of the first man Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47a), so will our resurrection bodies be just like Christ’s (1 Corinthians 15:47b). “And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:49,53). Many people recognized Jesus after His resurrection (John 20:16, 20; 21:12; 1 Corinthians 15:4-7). If Jesus was recognizable in His glorified body, we also will be recognizable in our glorified bodies. Being able to see our loved ones is a glorious aspect of heaven, but heaven is far more about God, and far less about our own wants. What a pleasure it will be to be reunited with our loved ones and worship God with our loved ones for all eternity.
Is there life after death?
The existence of life after death is a universal question amongst humanity. Job speaks for all of us by asking: “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure....If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:1-2, 14)?
Like Job, nearly all of us have been challenged by this question. Exactly what happens to us after we die? Do we simply cease to exist? Is life a revolving door of departing and returning to earth in order to eventually achieve personal greatness? Does everyone go to the same place, or do we go to different places? Is there really a heaven and hell?
The Bible tells us that there is not only life after death, but eternal life so glorious that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to the earth to give us this gift of eternal life. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus took on the punishment that each of us deserves and sacrificed His very life. Three days later, He proved Himself victorious over death by rising from the grave. He remained on the earth for forty days and was witnessed by thousands before ascending to Heaven. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
The resurrection of the Christ was a well-documented event. The apostle Paul challenged people to question eyewitnesses for its validity, and no one was able to contest its truth. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith; because Christ was raised from the dead, we can have faith that we, too, will be resurrected.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate proof of life after death. Christ was only the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. Physical death came through one man, Adam, to whom we are all related. But all who have been adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ will be given new life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Just as God raised up Jesus' body, so will our bodies be resurrected upon Jesus' return (1 Corinthians 6:14).
Although we will all be eventually resurrected, not everyone will go to heaven. A choice must be made by each person in this life, and this choice will determine the eternal destination. The Bible says that it is appointed for us to die only once, and after that will come judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have been made righteous by faith in Christ will go into eternal life in heaven, but those who reject Christ as Savior will be sent to eternal punishment in hell (Matthew 25:46).
Hell, like heaven, is not only a state of existence, but a literal, and very real place. It is a place where the unrighteous will experience never-ending, eternal wrath from God. They will endure emotional, mental, and physical torment, consciously suffering from shame, regret, and contempt. Hell is described as a bottomless pit (Luke 8:31, Revelation 9:1), and a lake of fire, burning with sulfur, where the inhabitants will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). In hell, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, indicating intense grief and anger (Matthew 13:42).
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires them to turn from their wicked ways so that they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). But He will not force us into submission; if we choose to reject Him, He accepts our decision to live eternally apart from Him. Life on earth is a test, a preparation for what is to come. For believers, life after death is eternal life in Heaven with God. For unbelievers, life after death is eternity in the lake of fire. How can we receive eternal life after death and avoid an eternity in the lake of fire? There is only one way—through faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...” (John 11:25-26).
The free gift of eternal life is available to all. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36). We will not be given the opportunity to accept God’s gift of salvation after death. Our eternal destination for our life after death is determined in our earthly lifetimes, by our reception or rejection of Jesus Christ. “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). If we trust the death of Jesus Christ as the full payment for our sin against God, we are guaranteed not only a meaningful life on earth, but also eternal life after death, in the glorious presence of Christ.
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a sample prayer. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in Him for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
Like Job, nearly all of us have been challenged by this question. Exactly what happens to us after we die? Do we simply cease to exist? Is life a revolving door of departing and returning to earth in order to eventually achieve personal greatness? Does everyone go to the same place, or do we go to different places? Is there really a heaven and hell?
The Bible tells us that there is not only life after death, but eternal life so glorious that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to the earth to give us this gift of eternal life. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus took on the punishment that each of us deserves and sacrificed His very life. Three days later, He proved Himself victorious over death by rising from the grave. He remained on the earth for forty days and was witnessed by thousands before ascending to Heaven. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
The resurrection of the Christ was a well-documented event. The apostle Paul challenged people to question eyewitnesses for its validity, and no one was able to contest its truth. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith; because Christ was raised from the dead, we can have faith that we, too, will be resurrected.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate proof of life after death. Christ was only the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. Physical death came through one man, Adam, to whom we are all related. But all who have been adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ will be given new life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Just as God raised up Jesus' body, so will our bodies be resurrected upon Jesus' return (1 Corinthians 6:14).
Although we will all be eventually resurrected, not everyone will go to heaven. A choice must be made by each person in this life, and this choice will determine the eternal destination. The Bible says that it is appointed for us to die only once, and after that will come judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have been made righteous by faith in Christ will go into eternal life in heaven, but those who reject Christ as Savior will be sent to eternal punishment in hell (Matthew 25:46).
Hell, like heaven, is not only a state of existence, but a literal, and very real place. It is a place where the unrighteous will experience never-ending, eternal wrath from God. They will endure emotional, mental, and physical torment, consciously suffering from shame, regret, and contempt. Hell is described as a bottomless pit (Luke 8:31, Revelation 9:1), and a lake of fire, burning with sulfur, where the inhabitants will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). In hell, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, indicating intense grief and anger (Matthew 13:42).
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires them to turn from their wicked ways so that they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). But He will not force us into submission; if we choose to reject Him, He accepts our decision to live eternally apart from Him. Life on earth is a test, a preparation for what is to come. For believers, life after death is eternal life in Heaven with God. For unbelievers, life after death is eternity in the lake of fire. How can we receive eternal life after death and avoid an eternity in the lake of fire? There is only one way—through faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...” (John 11:25-26).
The free gift of eternal life is available to all. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36). We will not be given the opportunity to accept God’s gift of salvation after death. Our eternal destination for our life after death is determined in our earthly lifetimes, by our reception or rejection of Jesus Christ. “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). If we trust the death of Jesus Christ as the full payment for our sin against God, we are guaranteed not only a meaningful life on earth, but also eternal life after death, in the glorious presence of Christ.
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a sample prayer. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in Him for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
Abbas Asks The Beast to Confirm Peace
by Michael G. Mickey
(2-4-09)
The EU Observer is reporting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking before the European Parliament on this date, has asked "Europe to play a bigger role in the Middle East, renewing his calls for the presence of international peacekeepers and election monitors in the region after the Israeli war on Gaza, which he labelled a "war crime"."
As this site has been anticipating for years, the European Union - the revived Roman empire of Bible prophecy - is being given more and more opportunities to step into the role that seems to be predicted for it in Bible prophecy, particularly Daniel 9:26-27. ( Daniel 9: 26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven,the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. 27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”) And what role is that? That of being a prominent peacemaking power in the Middle East, something which is most often accomplished through the deployment of peacekeeping forces these days - precisely what Mahmoud Abbas is asking for!
Is prophetic posturing occurring?
The prophecy given to Daniel tells us a prince (or leader) of Roman descent is going to "confirm" (or make strong) a covenant of peace in the Middle East seven years in length (one set of seven). This he (the prophesied Antichrist) will do "with many".
The prince referred to in Daniel's prophecy is the Antichrist who will either be a great leader within the prophesied revived Roman empire we today call the European Union at the time he accomplishes what many believe to be an impossible diplomatic feat or he will swiftly ascend to being one upon confirmation of the peace covenant taking place. Establishing himself as a great peacemaker is going to set him on course, as improbable as it seems, to becoming the world's final global dictator before Christ's visible, physical, bodily return to the earth seven years later.
Readers, although there are numerous theories abounding these days concerning how events are going to play out concerning the advent of Antichrist, his background, ethnicity and religion, the one constant we can see, in my humble opinion, is the European Union becoming more and more integral in every aspect of critical concern to the international community, particularly in the wake of the global economic crisis.
Just today, for example, I read that European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is calling the euro "a "protective shield" amid the global economic crisis." Membership in the rising Beast empire has its privileges it seems. Not only that, I'd be remiss to point out the very active role prominent leaders in the European Union are playing in bringing the world closer to a unified currency as a result of the global economic collapse, which is a gateway to creation of the one-world government prophesied to come.
While these are perilous times, as prophesied to occur in 2nd Timothy 3:1, we are also told that when we BEGIN seeing signs pointing to the onset of the Tribulation Period - and this is one to be sure - we are to look up, lift up our heads (instead of hanging them down) for our redemption draweth nigh! (Luke 21:28)
The EU Observer is reporting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking before the European Parliament on this date, has asked "Europe to play a bigger role in the Middle East, renewing his calls for the presence of international peacekeepers and election monitors in the region after the Israeli war on Gaza, which he labelled a "war crime"."
As this site has been anticipating for years, the European Union - the revived Roman empire of Bible prophecy - is being given more and more opportunities to step into the role that seems to be predicted for it in Bible prophecy, particularly Daniel 9:26-27. ( Daniel 9: 26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven,the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. 27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”) And what role is that? That of being a prominent peacemaking power in the Middle East, something which is most often accomplished through the deployment of peacekeeping forces these days - precisely what Mahmoud Abbas is asking for!
Is prophetic posturing occurring?
The prophecy given to Daniel tells us a prince (or leader) of Roman descent is going to "confirm" (or make strong) a covenant of peace in the Middle East seven years in length (one set of seven). This he (the prophesied Antichrist) will do "with many".
The prince referred to in Daniel's prophecy is the Antichrist who will either be a great leader within the prophesied revived Roman empire we today call the European Union at the time he accomplishes what many believe to be an impossible diplomatic feat or he will swiftly ascend to being one upon confirmation of the peace covenant taking place. Establishing himself as a great peacemaker is going to set him on course, as improbable as it seems, to becoming the world's final global dictator before Christ's visible, physical, bodily return to the earth seven years later.
Readers, although there are numerous theories abounding these days concerning how events are going to play out concerning the advent of Antichrist, his background, ethnicity and religion, the one constant we can see, in my humble opinion, is the European Union becoming more and more integral in every aspect of critical concern to the international community, particularly in the wake of the global economic crisis.
Just today, for example, I read that European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is calling the euro "a "protective shield" amid the global economic crisis." Membership in the rising Beast empire has its privileges it seems. Not only that, I'd be remiss to point out the very active role prominent leaders in the European Union are playing in bringing the world closer to a unified currency as a result of the global economic collapse, which is a gateway to creation of the one-world government prophesied to come.
While these are perilous times, as prophesied to occur in 2nd Timothy 3:1, we are also told that when we BEGIN seeing signs pointing to the onset of the Tribulation Period - and this is one to be sure - we are to look up, lift up our heads (instead of hanging them down) for our redemption draweth nigh! (Luke 21:28)
What is the Olivet Discourse?
The Olivet Discourse is the name given to the orderly and extended teaching given by Christ on the Mount of Olives. This discourse is recorded in Matthew 24:1 - 25:46. Parallel passages are found in Mark 13:1-37 and Luke 21:5-36.
Though the discourse itself begins at Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:3 and Luke 21:7, Christ's discourse is in response to questions from the disciples, questions based on what Jesus told them in Matthew 24:1-2, Mark 13:1-2, and Luke 21:5-6. The record in Matthew is most extensive, so reference here will be to Matthew's Gospel.
Before discussing the teaching found in this discourse, it is important to recognize that the interpretation of this discourse must be with reference to Israel and not the Church. Christ was speaking of God's program concerning Israel, and the content of this discourse in large part has direct reference to Daniel 9:24-27, as well as Revelation 6:1 - 19:21, passages that refer to the future 7-year period called the tribulation. The completion of God's program for the Church is the rapture, which is not found in the Olivet Discourse, but instead is found in John 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In Matthew 23, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees concerning judgment. This can be seen in the "woe" statements in that chapter. In chapter 24:1-2, Jesus is leaving the temple when the disciples ask Him about the temple buildings, seemingly so that Jesus could explain how the judgment of which He spoke related to the temple. Herod, who built the temple buildings that existed during the time of Christ's earthly ministry, built them to last. They were of limestone and would have lasted for thousands of years had the temple not been destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. In Matthew 24:2, Jesus tells the disciples that not one stone of the temple would be left on top of another. This sets the stage for the Olivet Discourse.
Beginning in Matthew 24:3, we find Jesus and the disciples on the Mount of Olives. The disciples ask Jesus, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" When the disciples asked, "When will these things be?" it was with reference to the destruction of the temple. The destruction of the temple occurred in A.D. 70 when Rome, led by Titus, destroyed Jerusalem. The temple was burned. The things made of gold that resided in the temple melted as the temple burned and the gold ran down into the cracks between the stones. Every stone was toppled from its place as people searched for the gold. The destruction of Jerusalem is referenced in Matthew 24:15-22 and more clearly spoken of in Luke 21:20-24 as Christ taught that those in Jerusalem should flee for their lives. This first destruction of Jerusalem is a foreshadowing of what is in store for Jerusalem. It also should be noted that there will be a double fulfillment of the destruction of Jerusalem. While Titus did destroy the city in A.D. 70, he did not fulfill all that Christ spoke in the Olivet Discourse concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. It will be fulfilled in its entirety when the Beast or Antichrist first takes authority and sets up an image of himself in the future temple that will be in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; Revelation 13:1-18). He will rule from Jerusalem for 42 months (3 1/2 years), which is the last half of the tribulation.
The content of what Jesus taught in Matthew 24-25 primarily refers to the future tribulation period and the second coming of Christ at the end of the tribulation. In Matthew 24:4-26, Christ is answering the disciples' question, "what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" As stated earlier, the tribulation is a future 7-year period. During this time, God will complete His punishment of Israel and will judge the world (Daniel 9:24-27; Revelation 6–19).
The teaching in Matthew 24:4-8 refers to the first half of the tribulation. Daniel 9:27 indicates that the tribulation will be divided into two equal parts. The birth pangs refer to the sufferings that Israel will experience during the first 3 1/2 years. The signs with reference to Christ's return and the end of the age are 1) false messiahs (v.5); 2) reports of wars (v.6-7); and 3) natural catastrophes (v.7). A parallel passage to this is Revelation 6 where the Apostle John writes of the seal judgments. Revelation 6:2 speaks of a rider on a white horse, which could refer to a false messiah. Revelation 6:4 says that peace is taken from the earth (war). Revelation 6:6-8 speaks of famine and death. These are only the "beginning of birth pangs" (Matthew 24:8). With reference to Revelation, the last half of the tribulation does not seem to begin until Revelation 13 when the Beast sets up his rule for 42 months, the last half of the tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). There is a reference to 1,260 days (42 months or 3 1/2 years) in 11:3 and 12:6, which could also refer to the beginning of the last half of the tribulation. Therefore, at least Revelation 6-10 can be considered the first half of the tribulation.
The teaching in Matthew 24:9-14 refers to the signs of the second half of the tribulation. The persecution and death (v.9) will be the result of the Beast's rise to power and the persecution of those that refuse to follow him (Revelation 13:1-18). Though there will be many false prophets (Matthew 24:11), Revelation 13:11-18 presents the ultimate false prophet, the one who will demand the worship of the Beast. The salvation promised in Matthew 24:13 is salvation or deliverance from the persecution of the Beast. The one who endures until Christ returns will be saved from the Beast. The preaching of the gospel of the kingdom refers to the good news (gospel) that Christ will soon return in judgment, and then setup His earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). This will help people to realize their sinful state and receive the Savior during the tribulation.
The teaching in Matthew 24:15-26 gives further details concerning the tribulation. Matthew 24:15 refers specifically to the Beast who will establish his power during the last half of the tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:1-18) and to the persecution of those who refuse to worship him and take his number (666), the mark of the beast. In verses 16-20, Christ instructs that those in Jerusalem should flee for their lives when they see that Beast has taken his seat of authority. Verses 21-22 tell us that there never has been nor shall be again a time like this on the earth and that if those days were not cut short (ended) by the return of Christ, every person would be destroyed. Verses 23-26 tell us of the prominence of false christs and false prophets in those days and how those on earth at that time can identify and avoid them.
The teaching in Matthew 24:27-31 addresses the second coming of Christ. His second coming will be 1) openly done, perhaps even seen by all (v.27); 2) announced by the sun, moon and stars (v.29); and 3) followed by the gathering of the elect from all over the earth (v.31).
What follows Matthew 24:31 are illustrations, some in the form of parables. Matthew 24:32 is the parable of the fig tree. Jesus says that by the signs already given you can recognize His coming is soon, just like you can recognize the nearing of summer. Matthew 24:36-41 is the illustration of the days of Noah. It should be noted that verses 40-41 do not refer to the rapture but rather to the people who are taken in judgment during the tribulation. Matthew 24:42-44 is the parable of the faithful householder, and 24:45-51 is the parable of the wise servant. All of these are given that those who are living during that time can recognize the time in which they are alive and be prepared for Christ's return.
Matthew 25:1-13 is the parable of the ten virgins, and 25:14-30 is the parable of the talents. These are given specifically as a warning to Israel that they may be prepared for Christ's return. The last section is that of Matthew 25:31-46. This concerns the judgment of the Gentiles after Christ's return. The Lord will separate the Gentiles as a shepherd separates sheep and goats. They will be separated based on how they treated Israel, "these brothers of mine." Those individuals who did not treat Israel well during the tribulation (which marks them as unbelievers) will go to eternal punishment. Those who did treat Israel well (indicating belief in Christ) will inherit eternal life and be allowed to go into the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
Though the discourse itself begins at Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:3 and Luke 21:7, Christ's discourse is in response to questions from the disciples, questions based on what Jesus told them in Matthew 24:1-2, Mark 13:1-2, and Luke 21:5-6. The record in Matthew is most extensive, so reference here will be to Matthew's Gospel.
Before discussing the teaching found in this discourse, it is important to recognize that the interpretation of this discourse must be with reference to Israel and not the Church. Christ was speaking of God's program concerning Israel, and the content of this discourse in large part has direct reference to Daniel 9:24-27, as well as Revelation 6:1 - 19:21, passages that refer to the future 7-year period called the tribulation. The completion of God's program for the Church is the rapture, which is not found in the Olivet Discourse, but instead is found in John 14:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In Matthew 23, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees concerning judgment. This can be seen in the "woe" statements in that chapter. In chapter 24:1-2, Jesus is leaving the temple when the disciples ask Him about the temple buildings, seemingly so that Jesus could explain how the judgment of which He spoke related to the temple. Herod, who built the temple buildings that existed during the time of Christ's earthly ministry, built them to last. They were of limestone and would have lasted for thousands of years had the temple not been destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. In Matthew 24:2, Jesus tells the disciples that not one stone of the temple would be left on top of another. This sets the stage for the Olivet Discourse.
Beginning in Matthew 24:3, we find Jesus and the disciples on the Mount of Olives. The disciples ask Jesus, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" When the disciples asked, "When will these things be?" it was with reference to the destruction of the temple. The destruction of the temple occurred in A.D. 70 when Rome, led by Titus, destroyed Jerusalem. The temple was burned. The things made of gold that resided in the temple melted as the temple burned and the gold ran down into the cracks between the stones. Every stone was toppled from its place as people searched for the gold. The destruction of Jerusalem is referenced in Matthew 24:15-22 and more clearly spoken of in Luke 21:20-24 as Christ taught that those in Jerusalem should flee for their lives. This first destruction of Jerusalem is a foreshadowing of what is in store for Jerusalem. It also should be noted that there will be a double fulfillment of the destruction of Jerusalem. While Titus did destroy the city in A.D. 70, he did not fulfill all that Christ spoke in the Olivet Discourse concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. It will be fulfilled in its entirety when the Beast or Antichrist first takes authority and sets up an image of himself in the future temple that will be in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; Revelation 13:1-18). He will rule from Jerusalem for 42 months (3 1/2 years), which is the last half of the tribulation.
The content of what Jesus taught in Matthew 24-25 primarily refers to the future tribulation period and the second coming of Christ at the end of the tribulation. In Matthew 24:4-26, Christ is answering the disciples' question, "what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" As stated earlier, the tribulation is a future 7-year period. During this time, God will complete His punishment of Israel and will judge the world (Daniel 9:24-27; Revelation 6–19).
The teaching in Matthew 24:4-8 refers to the first half of the tribulation. Daniel 9:27 indicates that the tribulation will be divided into two equal parts. The birth pangs refer to the sufferings that Israel will experience during the first 3 1/2 years. The signs with reference to Christ's return and the end of the age are 1) false messiahs (v.5); 2) reports of wars (v.6-7); and 3) natural catastrophes (v.7). A parallel passage to this is Revelation 6 where the Apostle John writes of the seal judgments. Revelation 6:2 speaks of a rider on a white horse, which could refer to a false messiah. Revelation 6:4 says that peace is taken from the earth (war). Revelation 6:6-8 speaks of famine and death. These are only the "beginning of birth pangs" (Matthew 24:8). With reference to Revelation, the last half of the tribulation does not seem to begin until Revelation 13 when the Beast sets up his rule for 42 months, the last half of the tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). There is a reference to 1,260 days (42 months or 3 1/2 years) in 11:3 and 12:6, which could also refer to the beginning of the last half of the tribulation. Therefore, at least Revelation 6-10 can be considered the first half of the tribulation.
The teaching in Matthew 24:9-14 refers to the signs of the second half of the tribulation. The persecution and death (v.9) will be the result of the Beast's rise to power and the persecution of those that refuse to follow him (Revelation 13:1-18). Though there will be many false prophets (Matthew 24:11), Revelation 13:11-18 presents the ultimate false prophet, the one who will demand the worship of the Beast. The salvation promised in Matthew 24:13 is salvation or deliverance from the persecution of the Beast. The one who endures until Christ returns will be saved from the Beast. The preaching of the gospel of the kingdom refers to the good news (gospel) that Christ will soon return in judgment, and then setup His earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6). This will help people to realize their sinful state and receive the Savior during the tribulation.
The teaching in Matthew 24:15-26 gives further details concerning the tribulation. Matthew 24:15 refers specifically to the Beast who will establish his power during the last half of the tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:1-18) and to the persecution of those who refuse to worship him and take his number (666), the mark of the beast. In verses 16-20, Christ instructs that those in Jerusalem should flee for their lives when they see that Beast has taken his seat of authority. Verses 21-22 tell us that there never has been nor shall be again a time like this on the earth and that if those days were not cut short (ended) by the return of Christ, every person would be destroyed. Verses 23-26 tell us of the prominence of false christs and false prophets in those days and how those on earth at that time can identify and avoid them.
The teaching in Matthew 24:27-31 addresses the second coming of Christ. His second coming will be 1) openly done, perhaps even seen by all (v.27); 2) announced by the sun, moon and stars (v.29); and 3) followed by the gathering of the elect from all over the earth (v.31).
What follows Matthew 24:31 are illustrations, some in the form of parables. Matthew 24:32 is the parable of the fig tree. Jesus says that by the signs already given you can recognize His coming is soon, just like you can recognize the nearing of summer. Matthew 24:36-41 is the illustration of the days of Noah. It should be noted that verses 40-41 do not refer to the rapture but rather to the people who are taken in judgment during the tribulation. Matthew 24:42-44 is the parable of the faithful householder, and 24:45-51 is the parable of the wise servant. All of these are given that those who are living during that time can recognize the time in which they are alive and be prepared for Christ's return.
Matthew 25:1-13 is the parable of the ten virgins, and 25:14-30 is the parable of the talents. These are given specifically as a warning to Israel that they may be prepared for Christ's return. The last section is that of Matthew 25:31-46. This concerns the judgment of the Gentiles after Christ's return. The Lord will separate the Gentiles as a shepherd separates sheep and goats. They will be separated based on how they treated Israel, "these brothers of mine." Those individuals who did not treat Israel well during the tribulation (which marks them as unbelievers) will go to eternal punishment. Those who did treat Israel well (indicating belief in Christ) will inherit eternal life and be allowed to go into the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
Parallels Between the Six Seals and the Olivet Discourse
Parallels Between the Six Seals
and the Olivet Discourse
Having seen the scroll with the seven seals
First Seal: I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. ... I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest
(Revelation 6:1,2). Jesus: Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many
(Matthew 24:4,5).
Second Seal: When the Lamb opened the second seal,...another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword
(Revelation 6:3,4). Jesus: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom
(Matthew 24:6,7).
Third Seal: When the Lamb opened the third seal,...there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard...a voice...saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
(Revelation 6:5,6). Jesus: There will be great earthquakes, famines...
(Luke 21:11).
Fourth Seal: When the Lamb opened the fourth seal,...I looked and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth
(Revelation 6:7,8). Jesus: [There will be]...famines and pestilences [plagues] in various places...
(Luke 21:11). All these are the beginning of birth pains [sorrows](Matthew 24:8).
Fifth Seal: When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained
(Revelation 6:9). Jesus: Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. ... For then there will be great distress [great tribulation], unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened
(Matthew 24:9,21,22).
Sixth Seal (part 1): I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place
(Revelation 6:12-14). Jesus: Immediately after the distress [great tribulation] of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies [powers of the heavens] will be shaken
(Matthew 24:29).
Sixth Seal (part 2): Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
(Revelation 6:15-17). Jesus: At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet [shofar] call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other
(Matthew 24:30,31).
Gog/Magog vs. Antichrist
Gog vs. Antichrist
| Characteristic | Gog | Antichrist |
| | | |
| Supernatural Authority | None | 3 ½ Years Authority to make war with the saints and over all peoples and nations |
| Relationship to | Invader to take a spoil Very short unsuccessful war | 7 Year Covenant of Peace Lengthy war against |
| Fate at death | Buried in a mass grave | Immediately resurrected and cast into the |
| Spiritual Relationship | Against the God of Israel but makes no claims of deity | Enters the |
| Supernatural Powers | None | Signs, Wonders, and Miracles |
| Relationship to Satan | An evil human leader, but not indwelt or possessed by Satan. Completely controlled by God | Possessed by Satan Satan Incarnate |
War of Gog & Magog vs. War of Armageddon
| Gog & Magog | Armageddon |
| | |
| Eze 38:8, 11, 14 | It is a time of much persecution & troubles. The remnant of Rev 12:6, 13-16; Mt 24:15-22 |
| Surprise invasion of Israel by an alliance of nations: Magog (Russia); Persia (Iran); Cush (Sudan, Ethiopia); Put (Libya); Gomer (Germania or southern regions of old USSR); Togarmah (Armenia, Turkey) - Eze 38:2-9 | All Kings of the world are gathered to No mention of Gog or any of Gog’s specific allies in the book of Revelation. |
| Invasion from the far north - Eze 38:6, 15. No mention is made of the Kings of the east or of the | Armies come from all over the world & Kings of the east cross the dried up |
| Invasion is made to take a great spoil in the | Demonic gathering of armies to crush |
| Gog is the leader from the far north but not said to be any of: the Antichrist; Beast; Little Horn; Assyrian; King of Assyria; King of Babylon; King of the North; or King of the South | Antichrist is Satanically possessed & is World Dictator. Antichrist; False Prophet; & Satan are working together. Demons from them gather the armies to |
| No mention of | Armies are gathered at |
| No mention of 7 year Peace Covenant | Peace Covenant has been violated & |
| No stated expectation by | |
| Diplomatic protest by Sheba & Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, & the young lions thereof: Possibly Saudi Arabia & Western World of | No diplomatic protest - the assembling of the armies is demonically guided & there are no nations allied with |
| No mention of any of the end time plagues or judgments of God before the invasion is judged by God’s intervention. | The War of Armageddon will be preceded by a number of devastating plagues and judgments from God – Trumpets & Bowls. |
| Invaders are destroyed by supernatural intervention of God but no mention of Jesus Christ or 2nd Coming. Destruction is descriptive of the 6th Seal Judgment – Rev 6:12-17 | Armies are destroyed supernaturally by Jesus Christ at the Glorious Appearing of his 2nd Coming - Rev 19:19-21 The 7th Bowl Judgment of God’s Wrath -Rev 16:17-21 |
| Homelands of invading armies are also destroyed by fire - Eze 39:6 | No mention of homelands - except all cities will fall - Rev 16:19 |
| Invaders do not reach Eze 39:4-5 | |
| Gog & his multitude are buried in the | Antichrist & False Prophet are cast into the |
| The birds and beasts of the field feast upon Gog’s dead soldiers. God refers to this as “My sacrifice” and “My table” – Eze 39:4, 17-20 | Birds feast upon the dead soldiers (beasts not mentioned). God refers to this as “the great supper of God” – Rev 19:17-18, 21 |
| Invasion is followed by 7 months of cleansing of the land and burying the dead; & 7 years of burning the weapons. Eze 39:9-16 | Armageddon is followed by an interim interval of 75 days which will include cleansing the land & the Temple after which the Millennial Kingdom of God will begin - Dan 12:11-12; Rev 20:6; Dan 7:14, 27 |
| Spiritual wake up call to the world- God has intervened! Leads to spiritual revival of faith - a national reawakening of Eze 38:23; 39:21-22 | Follows the National spiritual regeneration of Jer 31:31-34; Zech 12:10 |
| Leads to an increased re-gathering of Jews in Jerusalem & Israel in preparation for judgment by God | Results in the final worldwide re-gathering of all Jews to |
| War of Gog & Magog similar enough to Armageddon to confuse the elect - | Messiah will return in the clouds from heaven & will be visible to all with the brightness of his coming - the sign of the Son of Man will be in the sky - Mt 24:30; Rev 19:11-16 |
Friday, February 6, 2009
Zero hour approaches (from WND.com)
Zero hour approaches
Exclusive: Hal Lindsey sees multiple prophecies at work with Iran, Syria, Israel
Posted: February 06, 2009
By Hal Lindsey
We've been counting down to the year that Iran will finally become a nuclear power ever since Iranian dissidents exposed the Iranian nuclear program in 2002. European intelligence estimated it would take Iran until 2012 to achieve this. Israeli intelligence figured late 2007.
Last year's National Intelligence Estimate completely undercut the Bush administration's Iran foreign policy when it estimated Iran was still "many years" from being able to build a bomb.
The NIE predicted: "… with moderate confidence that the earliest possible date Iran would be technically capable of producing enough HEU [highly enriched uranium] for a weapon is late 2009, but that is very unlikely."
Unlikely though it may have been, the International Atomic Energy Agency found that Iran had enriched enough uranium to make its first atomic bomb on Nov. 21, 2008. By now, as it brings new centrifuges online, Tehran may well have enough for a second.
The head of Russia's state nuclear corporation, Sergei Kiriyenko, was quoted from the Kremlin on Wednesday confirming the launch of the Bushehr reactor later this year. Iran's nuclear ambitions are no longer even remotely unclear.
Yet, knowing this, Moscow fully intends to supply Iran with all the nuclear material it needs.
In Gaza, Hamas is claiming victory on the same ground as did Hezbollah in 2006. It survived, and Israel pulled out without meeting all its objectives. Rockets continue to rain down on Israel from Gaza, and Hamas continues to hold Israeli solider Gilad Shalit hostage.
To the north, either out of nervous tension or tactical plan, Hezbollah launched several rockets into Israel. Syrian troops opened fire with small arms on Israeli troops on their side of the border near Sheba Farms. In a couple of days, Israeli voters are likely to return Benjamin Netanyahu to power, which changes the whole equation in the region.
WorldNetDaily reported yesterday of a secret message sent by Netanyahu to Hamas' top leadership saying that if they don't stop the rocket attacks against Israel, he will order the IDF to "wipe them out."
Netanyahu makes three specific promises to voters upon the strength of which he is expected to win. The first is the destruction of Hamas.
The Jerusalem Post quoted Netanyahu speaking from the site of a Grad missile strike in Ashkelon on Monday, saying: "A government under my leadership will overthrow the Hamas rule in Gaza and bring about a cessation of rocket fire," he said. "The policy of blindness followed in the past years has brought us to this situation."
The second is the destruction of Hezbollah and Syrian influence over Lebanon. The third promise is left deliberately vague: "Iran will not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons." Netanyahu doesn't elaborate on exactly how Israel will prevent it. But notice something curious about that. Not many Israelis want him to.
Taking a step back and looking at the Big Picture, it is hard not to miss the fact that events are developing in concert with the ancient prophecies of Scripture.
The Prophet Isaiah foretold the "burden of Damascus" (Isaiah 17:1) in which the prophet predicts the overnight destruction of that great city in the last days: "At evening time, behold there is terror! Before morning they are no more. Such will be the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who pillage us." (Isaiah 17:14)
The Prophet Ezekiel predicts an alliance between Russia and an Islamic confederacy headed by Iran, or Persia.
Hamas continues to attack Israel with rocket attacks for the sheer joy of the violence of it all. Related to this, the Prophet Obadiah pronounced this verdict against Edom, who is one of the forefathers of the people of Hamas, saying, "Because of violence to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever." Interestingly, the word translated as "violence" in this Scripture is the Hebrew word, chamac, pronounced "hamas."
Of all the generations in history, it is to this generation that the prophecies of the last days are addressed. Previous generations looked for the signs given by Scripture, but only this generation can truly see them all come together at one time – which is itself a key fulfillment of prophecy.
The Prophet Daniel predicted these conditions: "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, 'Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.'" (Daniel 12:8-9) We are witnessing the "unsealing" of the end-times prophecies.
The same Spirit that inspired the incredible accuracy of the prophets to this point is not likely to suddenly have a misstep. So what does that mean? The Lord of the Universe is getting ready to judge the world. But before that, He will come for His own. Make sure you are one of them.
Exclusive: Hal Lindsey sees multiple prophecies at work with Iran, Syria, Israel
Posted: February 06, 2009
By Hal Lindsey
We've been counting down to the year that Iran will finally become a nuclear power ever since Iranian dissidents exposed the Iranian nuclear program in 2002. European intelligence estimated it would take Iran until 2012 to achieve this. Israeli intelligence figured late 2007.
Last year's National Intelligence Estimate completely undercut the Bush administration's Iran foreign policy when it estimated Iran was still "many years" from being able to build a bomb.
The NIE predicted: "… with moderate confidence that the earliest possible date Iran would be technically capable of producing enough HEU [highly enriched uranium] for a weapon is late 2009, but that is very unlikely."
Unlikely though it may have been, the International Atomic Energy Agency found that Iran had enriched enough uranium to make its first atomic bomb on Nov. 21, 2008. By now, as it brings new centrifuges online, Tehran may well have enough for a second.
The head of Russia's state nuclear corporation, Sergei Kiriyenko, was quoted from the Kremlin on Wednesday confirming the launch of the Bushehr reactor later this year. Iran's nuclear ambitions are no longer even remotely unclear.
Yet, knowing this, Moscow fully intends to supply Iran with all the nuclear material it needs.
In Gaza, Hamas is claiming victory on the same ground as did Hezbollah in 2006. It survived, and Israel pulled out without meeting all its objectives. Rockets continue to rain down on Israel from Gaza, and Hamas continues to hold Israeli solider Gilad Shalit hostage.
To the north, either out of nervous tension or tactical plan, Hezbollah launched several rockets into Israel. Syrian troops opened fire with small arms on Israeli troops on their side of the border near Sheba Farms. In a couple of days, Israeli voters are likely to return Benjamin Netanyahu to power, which changes the whole equation in the region.
WorldNetDaily reported yesterday of a secret message sent by Netanyahu to Hamas' top leadership saying that if they don't stop the rocket attacks against Israel, he will order the IDF to "wipe them out."
Netanyahu makes three specific promises to voters upon the strength of which he is expected to win. The first is the destruction of Hamas.
The Jerusalem Post quoted Netanyahu speaking from the site of a Grad missile strike in Ashkelon on Monday, saying: "A government under my leadership will overthrow the Hamas rule in Gaza and bring about a cessation of rocket fire," he said. "The policy of blindness followed in the past years has brought us to this situation."
The second is the destruction of Hezbollah and Syrian influence over Lebanon. The third promise is left deliberately vague: "Iran will not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons." Netanyahu doesn't elaborate on exactly how Israel will prevent it. But notice something curious about that. Not many Israelis want him to.
Taking a step back and looking at the Big Picture, it is hard not to miss the fact that events are developing in concert with the ancient prophecies of Scripture.
The Prophet Isaiah foretold the "burden of Damascus" (Isaiah 17:1) in which the prophet predicts the overnight destruction of that great city in the last days: "At evening time, behold there is terror! Before morning they are no more. Such will be the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who pillage us." (Isaiah 17:14)
The Prophet Ezekiel predicts an alliance between Russia and an Islamic confederacy headed by Iran, or Persia.
Hamas continues to attack Israel with rocket attacks for the sheer joy of the violence of it all. Related to this, the Prophet Obadiah pronounced this verdict against Edom, who is one of the forefathers of the people of Hamas, saying, "Because of violence to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever." Interestingly, the word translated as "violence" in this Scripture is the Hebrew word, chamac, pronounced "hamas."
Of all the generations in history, it is to this generation that the prophecies of the last days are addressed. Previous generations looked for the signs given by Scripture, but only this generation can truly see them all come together at one time – which is itself a key fulfillment of prophecy.
The Prophet Daniel predicted these conditions: "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, 'Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.'" (Daniel 12:8-9) We are witnessing the "unsealing" of the end-times prophecies.
The same Spirit that inspired the incredible accuracy of the prophets to this point is not likely to suddenly have a misstep. So what does that mean? The Lord of the Universe is getting ready to judge the world. But before that, He will come for His own. Make sure you are one of them.
Why We Will See Armageddon Before 2025 A.D. Or Thereabouts
Matthew 24:3-6
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (KJV)
Luke 21:7-9
7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. (KJV)
After Jesus had prophesied that the ancient Jewish temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed, the disciples later asked Him, privately, when these things would happen, and what would be the signs of His Coming and of the end of the age. Evidently, as far as the disciples were concerned, their religious and cultural perspective on matters made them think that all of these prophetic events would have to be fulfilled at the same time. They simply could not imagine any other outcome because the temple was the very centerpiece of their whole earthly existence. So, from their limited perspective, when their magnificent Holy Temple was destroyed (which happened in 70 A.D.), such an event would have to signal the end of the age, too.
But Jesus chose not to disclose any additional information regarding the future destruction of the Jewish temple. Instead, He addressed their two remaining questions concerning the signs that would indicate His Coming and the end of the age were near. So, we should observe that the very first thing Jesus did was to issue a warning regarding the incredible deception that would flourish throughout the earth at the time of the end. Thus, when the disciples asked Jesus: “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?” His immediate response was an urgent warning: “Take heed that no man deceive you.”
In a similar vein, the apostle Paul warned that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (II Timothy 3:13). Likewise, the apostle Paul also warned that the initial appearance of the Antichrist will be “after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders”! (II Thess. 2:9). Therefore, these scriptures clearly warn that religious and philosophical deception will flourish throughout the earth during the “time of the end.”
Jesus continued: “Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” (Luke 21:8). It is interesting to observe that the New Age Movement teaches that all of us are really gods or divine-in-nature deep inside our psyches — it is just that we do not know it until we achieve “Christ consciousness” or “oneness with the universe” through “higher consciousness” techniques. In more recent years, they also have insisted that humanity is on the verge of a “sudden, evolutionary leap” or “transformation,” and that when sufficient numbers of people achieve a personal transformation (i.e., a mystical, pantheistic perception of reality), then all of the world can achieve a dramatic leap forward in realizing the age-old dream of world peace, prosperity and the brotherhood of all humanity embodied in a “new world order.” Thus, the apparent recent upsurge in freedom and democracy throughout the world, New Agers claim, is due in part, at least, to this “uplifting of spiritual consciousness.”
Therefore, the very first “signs” which indicate that the “end of the age” and the Coming of Christ are imminent involve the following three prophetic developments:
1. “Many false Christs (i.e., messiahs; Vine’s Expository Dictionary) who deceive many.” Since the late 1960s and early 1970s, millions of Americans and other Westerners have been caught up in a huge variety of Eastern religious cults! Many of these religious cults deceive people into thinking they are only “natural” or “scientific” techniques for relaxation and self-fulfillment. But, a closer examination reveals that they actually possess all of the characteristics of a religion as set forth in a dictionary, and that they are steeped in Eastern religion methodologies and techniques designed to achieve a higher level of consciousness. Likewise, never throughout all of history have we seen the appearance of so many self-proclaimed messiahs and gurus; they literally have proliferated into the hundreds, and even the thousands. Although there may have been a few false messiahs here and there down throughout history, never have we been deluged by a sudden, massive onslaught of false messiahs and gurus like we have experienced in our modern society.
2. The second prophetic sign heralding the approach of the “end of the age” is the onset of “commotions,” which in the Greek means “extreme social turmoil.” Thus, the endtime fulfillment of this prophetic prediction ranges from the mass urban riots and demonstrations that were a hallmark feature of the late 1960s, to the horrific onslaught of modern organized terrorism that has plagued humanity at rapidly-escalating levels of terror and destruction since the early 1970s, including the horrendous terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Other notable examples of extreme social turmoil (and rumors of wars) would include the nuclear and bio-chemical holocaust scares we have endured as a modern society in recent years. Foremost among these scares was the highly successful propaganda offensive that was launched during the 1980s by the Soviet Union concerning the horrors of nuclear war. Then finally, most recently, there has been the threat of radical Islamic terrorist groups using weapons of mass destruction against the United States, Europe, Israel and other areas of Western Civilization. So, it does not seem possible for anyone to argue that Western society has ever suffered a more extreme period of social turmoil and terror than what we have confronted in recent times.
3. “Wars and rumours of wars.” Please bear in mind that even though prophetic events may have been partially fulfilled on many occasions throughout history, we should always look for the complete and ultimate prophetic fulfillment. Accordingly, every aspect of a biblical prophecy must be completely fulfilled before we can truly say it has been fulfilled. On that basis then, we should observe that sometimes people will say that “wars and rumours of wars” are not a prophetic sign of the end of the world (Greek word AION, meaning “age”) because we have always been plagued by wars throughout most of history. But, Jesus was asked by his disciples to explain the prophetic signs or indicators that would signal the nearness of His Coming and the “end of the age.” So, we should give serious consideration to the hypothetical proposition that His discourse really did respond to the issues posed by His disciples — especially since it is very easy to correlate all of the prophetic events portrayed in the Olivet Discourse with apocalyptic prophecies described in Revelation and the Old Testament. Therefore, even though Jesus chose to withhold any additional revelations regarding the forthcoming destruction of the Jewish temple, it makes sense that He did answer the remaining two questions.
Accordingly, the “wars and rumors of wars,” mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, are a definitive reference to a special set of horrendous conditions and circumstances that would engulf the whole world during the “last days” (Matt. 24:3-6), and only communism has demonstrated the ability to create dramatic and very violent trouble spots all over the world at once. In fact, during the 1970s and 1980s, it seemed as if countless numbers of communist-inspired wars and brush wars were exploding in hotspots all over the globe. Moreover, this geopolitical phenomenon was in stark contrast with other eras in history when wars were far fewer in number at any given moment, and were only sporadic or regional in scope, or were wars that involved massive military campaigns such as World Wars I and II. Therefore, this dramatic prophecy in the Olivet Discourse has only been fulfilled significantly in modern times.
Furthermore, Jesus even warned that the very existence of the world would appear to be threatened by these “wars and rumors of wars” and commotions (extreme social turmoil such as terrorism). His exact words of warning were: “Be not terrified, the end is not yet.” Obviously extraordinary circumstances must be associated with the fulfillment of this frightening biblical prophecy. That is why, in my opinion, this prediction achieved at least a preliminary fulfillment through the “Peace Movement” of the 1980s which was encouraged by a successful propaganda offensive launched by the Soviet Union concerning the horrors of nuclear war. The psychological environment deteriorated so badly that public sentiment sometimes even bordered on the hysterical.
However, most recently, the world has witnessed the apparent demise of the communist Soviet Empire in a possible fulfillment of the prophecy that communism would “come to the full.” (Daniel 8:23). Russia has even acknowledged, publicly, the existence of the poverty and inefficiency that plagued Soviet Russian society for many decades. Obviously the only real asset Russia has had during all of this time was a very formidable and dangerous military capability which they have modernized significantly in recent years. Therefore, it is very possible that the communist hard-liners in Moscow will try to use their massive military capability in one, last desperate attempt to restore the glory of the former Soviet Empire. If so, that will be when the communists truly “come to the full” as Daniel predicted, and the nuclear war scare of the 1980s will have been only a preliminary fulfillment of the prophecy by Jesus that world conditions would deteriorate to the point of apparent destruction. Thus, we may see the ultimate fulfillment for both of these prophecies in our immediate future, prompting the Antichrist to rescue the world from the horrors of radical Islamic terrorism and/or the threat of nuclear destruction and/or Russian military aggression...
There are several important factors we should consider very carefully when we interpret biblical scriptures, including the forthcoming passages in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. But, perhaps the foremost consideration is the methodology we employ in our interpretation of scriptures. Because if we do not understand the individual words which God is using whenever He communicates with us, we will never get very far in ascertaining His message.
Accordingly, please bear in mind that experiential common sense tells us that the Bible, generally, should be interpreted in the same manner that any other book, generally, is read and understood. Obviously God would appreciate the wisdom in using conventional modes of communication in order to minimize any possible misunderstandings. Therefore, we should give a plain, literal interpretation to a passage, in accordance with the rules of grammar and logic, unless the context very clearly indicates otherwise or a literal interpretation would not make any sense.
Unfortunately, sometimes people say we should not follow a literal and common-sense approach to our exegesis of Scripture. Instead, they say we should “spiritualize” or “allegorize” the meaning of the biblical passages we read. But, this approach to interpreting the Bible is erroneous and antithetical to truth for two basic reasons:
1. Since God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33), we must conclude that the Bible should be read and interpreted in a plain, literal manner unless the context indicates differently or a literal interpretation would not make any sense. To do otherwise makes it possible to argue a question mark after every statement in the Bible because everyone would have their own special way of interpreting the true meaning of words and statements. Therefore, any examination of the Scriptures will be much more fruitful if we use the definitions that are given to words in everyday life and in our word dictionaries.
If we do not adhere to this methodology, then under such circumstances, how could God even hold people accountable on Judgment Day? If we were consistent in applying this epistemological view of knowledge to everything in life, where everything was viewed on a spiritualized and subjective basis, how could we even communicate intelligibly following such guidelines? Everyone would have their own version of truth and understanding, and voluntary cooperation and understanding between people would be near impossible. Therefore, we obviously must assume that an infinite, rational God and Creator would understand the necessity and the wisdom for realistic and objective standards while communicating to us with human words.
2. The Bible is also full of scriptural examples where the sensical literal mode of interpretation is followed. For instance, hundreds of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled literally, thus establishing a definite precedent in which to emulate. Jesus even chided the generation of His day for their failure to recognize the prophetic signs of the time (Matt. 16:1-14), and a primary reason for this failure was their refusal to interpret literally the prophecies concerning His First Coming, more than 300 specific predictions which Jesus fulfilled with His life, death and resurrection. Therefore, I believe that wisdom and intellectual honesty mandate we avoid such error when interpreting biblical prophecies concerning His Second Coming.
We should also observe that even though many prophetic scriptures may have been partially fulfilled previously, we should always look for the complete fulfillment of every detail in a prophecy without stretching or ignoring relevant aspects of recorded history. Accordingly, every single detail of a prophecy must be fulfilled completely before we can really say it has been fulfilled. But even then, the prophetic fulfillment must be to the fullest extent possible before we finally can say that the prophecy truly has realized its final and complete fulfillment.
As an example of how people can sometimes be misled if they ignore the aforementioned rational principles for interpreting biblical passages, sometimes it is alleged that the prophetic events in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 were actually fulfilled near the time of Jesus. Of course, in order to make this claim, they are forced to “spiritualize” the meaning of words so that words can mean anything they wish for them to mean, rather than the way they are defined in our dictionaries. They are also forced to twist and warp and ignore many aspects of recorded history in order to interpret the scriptures to mean whatever it is they wish for them to mean.
For instance, it is quite evident that the Second Coming of Christ, the Battle of Armageddon, and all of the plagues described in Revelation and Old Testament passages have never happened yet. Without any rational doubt, there is no instance in recorded history where the entire earth was demolished and destroyed by a series of Trumpet-Vial plagues featuring massive amounts of fire, and gigantic pieces of hail, and huge meteorites, and famine, and pestilence, and warfare, and incredible earthquakes that destroyed most of the people living on the earth. Yet, some people say otherwise while ignoring any evidence that invalidates their way of thinking. Or alternatively, they will apply metaphorical definitions to any words in the biblical scriptures that cannot be ignored or explained away in any other manner. So, their exegetical approach is both intellectually dishonest and irrational, and we should avoid such grievous error.
Luke 21:28-36
“And when these things BEGIN to come to pass (i.e., when we first see the prophetic signs involving false messiahs, wars and commotions), then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption (i.e., Rapture) draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and ALL the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see all these things come to pass, know ye that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till ALL be fulfilled.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away (i.e., be changed): but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape (i.e., flee out of) all these things (i.e., post-Rapture events described in verses 10-27) that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man.” (KJV)
The first thing we might observe, in the above scriptural passage, is the promise that the generation which bears witness to the initial prophetic events described in Luke 21 will also see everything else happen. That is why it is important to understand that when words such as “ye” or “you” are used in this passage, they are used as an editorial convenience, meaning that such words can be a reference to the generation of believers living at the time of the prophetic fulfillment — regardless of when that fulfillment occurs. Thus, the prophecy does not necessarily apply to the immediate audience to whom Jesus was speaking on that particular occasion. Obviously this is quite consistent with how the Bible, generally, is written because all of God’s Holy Word is intended for the enlightenment and edification of all Christian believers, not just believers who lived during the time of Jesus and His disciples.
Likewise, when Jesus said “this generation” in the passage above, He did not necessarily mean that “this generation” absolutely had to be a reference to His immediate audience. Instead, for the very same reason we noted in the previous paragraph, Jesus simply meant that whichever generation of believers witnessed the fulfillment of these initial prophetic signs would be the same generation who would see everything else happen, including the literal establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. This view is supported by the dictionary definition for the original Greek word translated here as the English word “this” because the Greek word could be translated properly as either “this” or “that.” And if we translate the original Greek word as the English word “that” instead of the English word “this,” then no one could possibly insist we necessarily must interpret this scriptural passage as a reference to the generation living at the time of Jesus. Here is what Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary states:
3778 houtos (hoo’-tos);
including nominative masculine plural houtoi (hoo’-toy); nominative feminine singular haute (how’-tay); and nominative feminine plural hautai (how’-tahee); from the article 3588 and 846; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):
KJV— he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.
Often it is said that because the fig tree sometimes symbolizes Israel in the Bible, this parable of the fig tree should be interpreted to mean that one particular generation will see both the birth of modern national Israel and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. However, please note carefully that Jesus actually said, “fig tree and all the trees,” obviously meaning all trees, not just the fig tree only. Apparently the fig tree was mentioned in this scriptural passage, specifically, because it was very popular with the Jews back then, both as a food-producing plant and as a source of shade from the hot sun. Therefore, Jesus did not say that one particular generation would see both Armageddon and the establishment of national Israel (in 1948). Instead, the simple lesson illustrated by this parable is that just as a budding tree signals the near approach of summer, so likewise will the appearance of these prophetic “signs” signal the nearness of the Return of Christ Jesus and the subsequent establishment of God’s literal Kingdom on earth. Any attempt to make this passage say anything else contrary to what is plainly stated here is a complete mistake.
In verse 28, the word “redemption” in the Greek is APOLUTROSIS, meaning the act of “ransom” in full, i.e., figuratively “riddance” or specifically Christian “salvation”; it is often translated as “deliverance” or “redemption” in the Bible. Concerning this concept of “ransom in full,” there is a three-fold process involved:
1) SOUL - “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.” (Gal. 3:13).
2) BODY - “Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23).
3) THE EARTH - “The redemption of the purchased possession.” (Eph. 1:14).
In other words, “redemption” will include the restoration of everything humanity lost in the Garden of Eden. Accordingly, the redemption of the soul involves the simple act of accepting Christ Jesus as personal Saviour in one’s life. Likewise, the redemption of the body will become a reality for Christian believers at the time of the pre-tribulation Rapture when they will be translated or resurrected, instantaneously and supernaturally, to Heaven with new, immortal spirit bodies. (People who become Christians after the Rapture will either be resurrected immediately after the Great Tribulation is over, or they will be translated, seven years later, just before Christ Returns to the earth.) Then finally, the redemption of the earth will be accomplished after the “seven-sealed” book in Heaven is opened during the apocalyptic events that will culminate in the Return of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon to evict Satan and his evil angels from the earth.
“Take heed... lest... your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting...” The Greek word for “overcharged” is BARUNO, meaning to “burden,” figuratively-speaking. The Greek for “surfeiting” is KRAIPALE, meaning “headache” from drunkenness, i.e., by implication a “debauch,” and by analogy a “glut.” So, the message of this verse would be a warning not to burden your heart with debauchery and gluttony and drunkenness and cares of this life — a definite warning concerning the extraordinary period of peace and prosperity that Antichrist will forge into existence to help him deceive and destroy people, spiritually, before the Rapture.
“So that day come upon you unawares.” All the prophets of God used expressions such as “that day” to indicate the Day of the Lord, a day of darkness and gloominess and judgment. That meaning is consistent with the context of this scriptural passage. Concerning the word “unawares,” the Greek dictionary defines it as “non-apparent” and “unexpected,” i.e., adverbially “suddenly.” Thus, to an unbelieving world, everything will seem fine because there will be no apparent indication that apocalyptic disaster is about to strike — a condition that will parallel precisely the circumstances that existed in the days just before Noah’s Flood struck the earth. Not surprisingly, therefore, when Antichrist performs his incredible miracles while creating an economic paradise throughout the world, it will not be very easy to convince most people that he is actually quite evil and deceptive, and that God’s devastating judgments upon the earth are imminent.
“For as a snare shall it come.” The Greek word for “snare” is PAGIS, and it is defined as “a trap to ensnare suddenly and unexpectedly.” So again, there is this reference to a sudden and unanticipated destruction “as in the days of Noah.” But Jesus also admonished us to “watch” and “pray” so that we (as Christians) will “escape” all these things. Moreover, this word “escape” is the exact same word used by the apostle Paul in I Thessalonians 5:1-10 to warn that “children of darkness” would not escape or evade the day of God’s wrath and judgment. But, here in this passage, Jesus teaches that Christians can avoid the chaos and destruction coming upon the world. It will be possible for them to “escape,” which according to the Greek dictionary means literally “to flee out of” disaster and “to get safely away from danger.”
Jesus said that no man will know “the day or the hour” of His Return. (Matt. 24:36, 42, 50). Much sensationalism and loss of credibility for Bible prophecy and Christianity, generally, could have been avoided down through the years if people had paid more attention to this warning by Jesus. However, this should not deter us from ascertaining any prophetic truth that is clearly taught in Scripture. Accordingly, the above passage in Luke 21:28-36 does, in fact, give us scriptural clues as to when God’s Kingdom and the Coming of Christ will be near in time. Likewise, the apostle Paul also addressed this same matter:
I Thessalonians 5:1-10
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (KJV)
“Day of the Lord” is defined by a careful, analytical reading of various biblical scriptures to be the “great day of God’s wrath” upon the world sometime AFTER the pre-tribulation Rapture has occurred. It will last for a period of seven years during which time the seven Trumpet-Vial Plagues of fire will demolish and melt much of the world before culminating in the Second Coming of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon. Moreover, when you read the following scriptural references in Revelation which describe the “Great Day Of His Wrath” — a period of time which is ushered in by the events of the Sixth Seal, and highlighted by the seven Trumpet-Vial plagues — they sound remarkably similar to the descriptions of the Day of the Lord found in the Old Testament prophecies describing Armageddon and the period of time just prior to the Battle of Armageddon. Hence the inevitable conclusion they are one and the same.
Therefore, the Day Of The Lord can NOT refer to any period of time AFTER the Millennium, but instead it must refer to the seven-year period of Divine judgments that will culminate in the Battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 6:12-17) (Rev. 8:1, 2, 5-13) (Rev. 9:1-19) (Rev. 11:13-15) (Joel 2:1-11) (Joel 2:28-31) (Isa. 24:17-23) (Isa. 13:6-13) (Zech. 14:1-3) (II Peter 3:10-12) (Zeph. 1:14-18) (Amos 5:18-20) (Isa. 2:10-21). Furthermore, just as the Rapture will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, so likewise will the “Day of the Lord” come “as a thief in the night,” without warning. That is because the Day Of The Lord should be viewed as an integral part of the continuous, ongoing process of apocalyptic destruction that will begin immediately after the Rapture occurs.
“Peace and safety; then sudden destruction...” Contextually-speaking, the scriptural phrase “sudden destruction” is an obvious direct reference to the “Day Of The Lord” mentioned in the previous scriptural verse. Thus, the expression, “peace and safety,” must be an explicit allusion to a very specific period of time, i.e., the deceptive period of peace and prosperity that will be inspired by Antichrist until the pre-tribulation Rapture ushers in a catastrophic period of tribulation, judgment, death and destruction. Therefore, because the period of “peace and safety” in the above passage is followed immediately by “sudden destruction” during the Day Of The Lord, it obviously correlates with the prophetic scenario associated with the Antichrist.
This view is even confirmed in the very same scriptural sentence: “Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child.” Since Revelation 12 uses this very same symbolic “woman in travail” to portray the Rapture, this proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the prophetic events described in this scriptural passage should be associated, contextually, with the Rapture. Moreover, we should observe that the passage in I Thessalonians 5:3 stipulates that the “sudden destruction” and “a woman travailing with child” occur together almost simultaneously. Therefore, in essence, this passage is saying that peace and safety will be ended abruptly when the Rapture begins a process of judgment and destruction.
Paul continues by saying that since we (as Christians) are “the children of light” and “not of the night, nor of darkness,” we should “not sleep as others” but should “watch and be sober.” The word “watch” comes from the Greek word GREGOREUO, and it means to “keep awake” (literally or figuratively) and is sometimes translated as “vigilant.” In verse 4, Paul states that because we “are not in darkness,” that day (i.e., “Day of the Lord”) should not overtake us as a thief.
However, in verse 3, Paul says that the children of darkness will not “escape” the “sudden destruction” which will strike the world. The word used here in the Greek for the word “escape” is EKPHEUGO — the same word we saw in Luke 21 — and, again, it means to “flee out” of danger. Accordingly, the message of this passage is a very blunt warning that non-believers will not be able to flee from the coming destruction which will occur during the Great and Terrible Day Of The Lord.
But, in contrast, God has not appointed Christians to “wrath,” but to “salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (verse 9). It is interesting to note that the word “wrath” comes from the Greek word ORGE, and it means violent “passion” or justifiable “abhorrence,” which by implication means “punishment.” Accordingly, since God obviously does not “abhor” (i.e., detest) those who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, He has appointed or destined us “to obtain salvation.” Furthermore, the word “salvation” in the Greek is SOTERIA, and it means “rescue” or “safety” in a physical or moral sense, and is translated throughout the Bible as “deliver, health, salvation, save and saving.” So, obviously the dictionary definition agrees with the context of this passage in giving the word “salvation” the meaning of “rescue to safety,” i.e., the Rapture.
It should be emphasized Paul taught that since we, as Christians, are the “children of light,” we should not be caught unawares when the “Day of the Lord” approaches. In like manner, Jesus scolded the religious hypocrites of His day for their failure to discern the “signs of the times.” Furthermore, the prophet Daniel said that complete understanding of his “end-time” prophecies would be hidden and “sealed till the time of the end.” (Dan. 12:9) (cf. Dan. 8:17, 19, 26, 27). So, all of these biblical scriptures make it very clear we can know “when the hour is near.”
Accordingly, since Jesus promised that one generation would see the fulfillment of all the “end-time” prophetic events that are described in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, we can draw some possible inferences about the general “prophetic time-line” with which we are dealing. On that basis, unless God or modern science extends the average life-time for people living during “the time of the end,” one generation’s adult life-span — according to biblical scriptures — is approximately 50 years in length (Ps. 90:10) (Num. 1:2-3). Therefore, if I am correct in believing that the first signs (i.e., false messiahs, wars, and commotions) commenced their initial fulfillment during the late 1960s and early 1970s, then 50 years from that approximate period of time would place us in the time-period of 2020-2025 A.D. as the very latest possible date for Armageddon and the literal establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. So, in other words, perhaps Armageddon will occur sometime before 2025 A.D. or thereabouts.
Moreover, if Armageddon must happen sometime before the year 2025 A.D., then the approximate date of 2014 A.D. or thereabouts would be the latest possible date for the Rapture since there are at least ten and one-half years between the pre-tribulation Rapture and Armageddon. But, in view of the fact that the cities of Babylon and Tyre have yet to be rebuilt into centers of world trade and commerce, it might seem as if we could be pressed for sufficient time for everything to happen as the Bible predicts — although things could surprise us by happening very swiftly once they begin. However, perhaps it will be possible for Babylon and Tyre to continue their accumulation of wealth and power, after the Rapture, even though death and destruction will begin to strike the earth immediately after the Rapture occurs. If so, that would give us more time for Babylon and Tyre to achieve the level of power and wealth that the Bible predicts they will enjoy at the time of their destruction, near the time of Armageddon itself. Accordingly, it is not possible for anyone to pinpoint the exact time of His Coming; the best we can do is to observe the prophetic signs carefully and scripturally in order to know, as the apostle Paul explained, when the time is near.
http://www.frankcaw.com/Final-Generation.html
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (KJV)
Luke 21:7-9
7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. (KJV)
After Jesus had prophesied that the ancient Jewish temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed, the disciples later asked Him, privately, when these things would happen, and what would be the signs of His Coming and of the end of the age. Evidently, as far as the disciples were concerned, their religious and cultural perspective on matters made them think that all of these prophetic events would have to be fulfilled at the same time. They simply could not imagine any other outcome because the temple was the very centerpiece of their whole earthly existence. So, from their limited perspective, when their magnificent Holy Temple was destroyed (which happened in 70 A.D.), such an event would have to signal the end of the age, too.
But Jesus chose not to disclose any additional information regarding the future destruction of the Jewish temple. Instead, He addressed their two remaining questions concerning the signs that would indicate His Coming and the end of the age were near. So, we should observe that the very first thing Jesus did was to issue a warning regarding the incredible deception that would flourish throughout the earth at the time of the end. Thus, when the disciples asked Jesus: “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?” His immediate response was an urgent warning: “Take heed that no man deceive you.”
In a similar vein, the apostle Paul warned that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (II Timothy 3:13). Likewise, the apostle Paul also warned that the initial appearance of the Antichrist will be “after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders”! (II Thess. 2:9). Therefore, these scriptures clearly warn that religious and philosophical deception will flourish throughout the earth during the “time of the end.”
Jesus continued: “Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.” (Luke 21:8). It is interesting to observe that the New Age Movement teaches that all of us are really gods or divine-in-nature deep inside our psyches — it is just that we do not know it until we achieve “Christ consciousness” or “oneness with the universe” through “higher consciousness” techniques. In more recent years, they also have insisted that humanity is on the verge of a “sudden, evolutionary leap” or “transformation,” and that when sufficient numbers of people achieve a personal transformation (i.e., a mystical, pantheistic perception of reality), then all of the world can achieve a dramatic leap forward in realizing the age-old dream of world peace, prosperity and the brotherhood of all humanity embodied in a “new world order.” Thus, the apparent recent upsurge in freedom and democracy throughout the world, New Agers claim, is due in part, at least, to this “uplifting of spiritual consciousness.”
Therefore, the very first “signs” which indicate that the “end of the age” and the Coming of Christ are imminent involve the following three prophetic developments:
1. “Many false Christs (i.e., messiahs; Vine’s Expository Dictionary) who deceive many.” Since the late 1960s and early 1970s, millions of Americans and other Westerners have been caught up in a huge variety of Eastern religious cults! Many of these religious cults deceive people into thinking they are only “natural” or “scientific” techniques for relaxation and self-fulfillment. But, a closer examination reveals that they actually possess all of the characteristics of a religion as set forth in a dictionary, and that they are steeped in Eastern religion methodologies and techniques designed to achieve a higher level of consciousness. Likewise, never throughout all of history have we seen the appearance of so many self-proclaimed messiahs and gurus; they literally have proliferated into the hundreds, and even the thousands. Although there may have been a few false messiahs here and there down throughout history, never have we been deluged by a sudden, massive onslaught of false messiahs and gurus like we have experienced in our modern society.
2. The second prophetic sign heralding the approach of the “end of the age” is the onset of “commotions,” which in the Greek means “extreme social turmoil.” Thus, the endtime fulfillment of this prophetic prediction ranges from the mass urban riots and demonstrations that were a hallmark feature of the late 1960s, to the horrific onslaught of modern organized terrorism that has plagued humanity at rapidly-escalating levels of terror and destruction since the early 1970s, including the horrendous terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Other notable examples of extreme social turmoil (and rumors of wars) would include the nuclear and bio-chemical holocaust scares we have endured as a modern society in recent years. Foremost among these scares was the highly successful propaganda offensive that was launched during the 1980s by the Soviet Union concerning the horrors of nuclear war. Then finally, most recently, there has been the threat of radical Islamic terrorist groups using weapons of mass destruction against the United States, Europe, Israel and other areas of Western Civilization. So, it does not seem possible for anyone to argue that Western society has ever suffered a more extreme period of social turmoil and terror than what we have confronted in recent times.
3. “Wars and rumours of wars.” Please bear in mind that even though prophetic events may have been partially fulfilled on many occasions throughout history, we should always look for the complete and ultimate prophetic fulfillment. Accordingly, every aspect of a biblical prophecy must be completely fulfilled before we can truly say it has been fulfilled. On that basis then, we should observe that sometimes people will say that “wars and rumours of wars” are not a prophetic sign of the end of the world (Greek word AION, meaning “age”) because we have always been plagued by wars throughout most of history. But, Jesus was asked by his disciples to explain the prophetic signs or indicators that would signal the nearness of His Coming and the “end of the age.” So, we should give serious consideration to the hypothetical proposition that His discourse really did respond to the issues posed by His disciples — especially since it is very easy to correlate all of the prophetic events portrayed in the Olivet Discourse with apocalyptic prophecies described in Revelation and the Old Testament. Therefore, even though Jesus chose to withhold any additional revelations regarding the forthcoming destruction of the Jewish temple, it makes sense that He did answer the remaining two questions.
Accordingly, the “wars and rumors of wars,” mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, are a definitive reference to a special set of horrendous conditions and circumstances that would engulf the whole world during the “last days” (Matt. 24:3-6), and only communism has demonstrated the ability to create dramatic and very violent trouble spots all over the world at once. In fact, during the 1970s and 1980s, it seemed as if countless numbers of communist-inspired wars and brush wars were exploding in hotspots all over the globe. Moreover, this geopolitical phenomenon was in stark contrast with other eras in history when wars were far fewer in number at any given moment, and were only sporadic or regional in scope, or were wars that involved massive military campaigns such as World Wars I and II. Therefore, this dramatic prophecy in the Olivet Discourse has only been fulfilled significantly in modern times.
Furthermore, Jesus even warned that the very existence of the world would appear to be threatened by these “wars and rumors of wars” and commotions (extreme social turmoil such as terrorism). His exact words of warning were: “Be not terrified, the end is not yet.” Obviously extraordinary circumstances must be associated with the fulfillment of this frightening biblical prophecy. That is why, in my opinion, this prediction achieved at least a preliminary fulfillment through the “Peace Movement” of the 1980s which was encouraged by a successful propaganda offensive launched by the Soviet Union concerning the horrors of nuclear war. The psychological environment deteriorated so badly that public sentiment sometimes even bordered on the hysterical.
However, most recently, the world has witnessed the apparent demise of the communist Soviet Empire in a possible fulfillment of the prophecy that communism would “come to the full.” (Daniel 8:23). Russia has even acknowledged, publicly, the existence of the poverty and inefficiency that plagued Soviet Russian society for many decades. Obviously the only real asset Russia has had during all of this time was a very formidable and dangerous military capability which they have modernized significantly in recent years. Therefore, it is very possible that the communist hard-liners in Moscow will try to use their massive military capability in one, last desperate attempt to restore the glory of the former Soviet Empire. If so, that will be when the communists truly “come to the full” as Daniel predicted, and the nuclear war scare of the 1980s will have been only a preliminary fulfillment of the prophecy by Jesus that world conditions would deteriorate to the point of apparent destruction. Thus, we may see the ultimate fulfillment for both of these prophecies in our immediate future, prompting the Antichrist to rescue the world from the horrors of radical Islamic terrorism and/or the threat of nuclear destruction and/or Russian military aggression...
There are several important factors we should consider very carefully when we interpret biblical scriptures, including the forthcoming passages in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. But, perhaps the foremost consideration is the methodology we employ in our interpretation of scriptures. Because if we do not understand the individual words which God is using whenever He communicates with us, we will never get very far in ascertaining His message.
Accordingly, please bear in mind that experiential common sense tells us that the Bible, generally, should be interpreted in the same manner that any other book, generally, is read and understood. Obviously God would appreciate the wisdom in using conventional modes of communication in order to minimize any possible misunderstandings. Therefore, we should give a plain, literal interpretation to a passage, in accordance with the rules of grammar and logic, unless the context very clearly indicates otherwise or a literal interpretation would not make any sense.
Unfortunately, sometimes people say we should not follow a literal and common-sense approach to our exegesis of Scripture. Instead, they say we should “spiritualize” or “allegorize” the meaning of the biblical passages we read. But, this approach to interpreting the Bible is erroneous and antithetical to truth for two basic reasons:
1. Since God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33), we must conclude that the Bible should be read and interpreted in a plain, literal manner unless the context indicates differently or a literal interpretation would not make any sense. To do otherwise makes it possible to argue a question mark after every statement in the Bible because everyone would have their own special way of interpreting the true meaning of words and statements. Therefore, any examination of the Scriptures will be much more fruitful if we use the definitions that are given to words in everyday life and in our word dictionaries.
If we do not adhere to this methodology, then under such circumstances, how could God even hold people accountable on Judgment Day? If we were consistent in applying this epistemological view of knowledge to everything in life, where everything was viewed on a spiritualized and subjective basis, how could we even communicate intelligibly following such guidelines? Everyone would have their own version of truth and understanding, and voluntary cooperation and understanding between people would be near impossible. Therefore, we obviously must assume that an infinite, rational God and Creator would understand the necessity and the wisdom for realistic and objective standards while communicating to us with human words.
2. The Bible is also full of scriptural examples where the sensical literal mode of interpretation is followed. For instance, hundreds of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled literally, thus establishing a definite precedent in which to emulate. Jesus even chided the generation of His day for their failure to recognize the prophetic signs of the time (Matt. 16:1-14), and a primary reason for this failure was their refusal to interpret literally the prophecies concerning His First Coming, more than 300 specific predictions which Jesus fulfilled with His life, death and resurrection. Therefore, I believe that wisdom and intellectual honesty mandate we avoid such error when interpreting biblical prophecies concerning His Second Coming.
We should also observe that even though many prophetic scriptures may have been partially fulfilled previously, we should always look for the complete fulfillment of every detail in a prophecy without stretching or ignoring relevant aspects of recorded history. Accordingly, every single detail of a prophecy must be fulfilled completely before we can really say it has been fulfilled. But even then, the prophetic fulfillment must be to the fullest extent possible before we finally can say that the prophecy truly has realized its final and complete fulfillment.
As an example of how people can sometimes be misled if they ignore the aforementioned rational principles for interpreting biblical passages, sometimes it is alleged that the prophetic events in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 were actually fulfilled near the time of Jesus. Of course, in order to make this claim, they are forced to “spiritualize” the meaning of words so that words can mean anything they wish for them to mean, rather than the way they are defined in our dictionaries. They are also forced to twist and warp and ignore many aspects of recorded history in order to interpret the scriptures to mean whatever it is they wish for them to mean.
For instance, it is quite evident that the Second Coming of Christ, the Battle of Armageddon, and all of the plagues described in Revelation and Old Testament passages have never happened yet. Without any rational doubt, there is no instance in recorded history where the entire earth was demolished and destroyed by a series of Trumpet-Vial plagues featuring massive amounts of fire, and gigantic pieces of hail, and huge meteorites, and famine, and pestilence, and warfare, and incredible earthquakes that destroyed most of the people living on the earth. Yet, some people say otherwise while ignoring any evidence that invalidates their way of thinking. Or alternatively, they will apply metaphorical definitions to any words in the biblical scriptures that cannot be ignored or explained away in any other manner. So, their exegetical approach is both intellectually dishonest and irrational, and we should avoid such grievous error.
Luke 21:28-36
“And when these things BEGIN to come to pass (i.e., when we first see the prophetic signs involving false messiahs, wars and commotions), then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption (i.e., Rapture) draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and ALL the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see all these things come to pass, know ye that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till ALL be fulfilled.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away (i.e., be changed): but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape (i.e., flee out of) all these things (i.e., post-Rapture events described in verses 10-27) that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man.” (KJV)
The first thing we might observe, in the above scriptural passage, is the promise that the generation which bears witness to the initial prophetic events described in Luke 21 will also see everything else happen. That is why it is important to understand that when words such as “ye” or “you” are used in this passage, they are used as an editorial convenience, meaning that such words can be a reference to the generation of believers living at the time of the prophetic fulfillment — regardless of when that fulfillment occurs. Thus, the prophecy does not necessarily apply to the immediate audience to whom Jesus was speaking on that particular occasion. Obviously this is quite consistent with how the Bible, generally, is written because all of God’s Holy Word is intended for the enlightenment and edification of all Christian believers, not just believers who lived during the time of Jesus and His disciples.
Likewise, when Jesus said “this generation” in the passage above, He did not necessarily mean that “this generation” absolutely had to be a reference to His immediate audience. Instead, for the very same reason we noted in the previous paragraph, Jesus simply meant that whichever generation of believers witnessed the fulfillment of these initial prophetic signs would be the same generation who would see everything else happen, including the literal establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. This view is supported by the dictionary definition for the original Greek word translated here as the English word “this” because the Greek word could be translated properly as either “this” or “that.” And if we translate the original Greek word as the English word “that” instead of the English word “this,” then no one could possibly insist we necessarily must interpret this scriptural passage as a reference to the generation living at the time of Jesus. Here is what Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary states:
3778 houtos (hoo’-tos);
including nominative masculine plural houtoi (hoo’-toy); nominative feminine singular haute (how’-tay); and nominative feminine plural hautai (how’-tahee); from the article 3588 and 846; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):
KJV— he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.
Often it is said that because the fig tree sometimes symbolizes Israel in the Bible, this parable of the fig tree should be interpreted to mean that one particular generation will see both the birth of modern national Israel and the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. However, please note carefully that Jesus actually said, “fig tree and all the trees,” obviously meaning all trees, not just the fig tree only. Apparently the fig tree was mentioned in this scriptural passage, specifically, because it was very popular with the Jews back then, both as a food-producing plant and as a source of shade from the hot sun. Therefore, Jesus did not say that one particular generation would see both Armageddon and the establishment of national Israel (in 1948). Instead, the simple lesson illustrated by this parable is that just as a budding tree signals the near approach of summer, so likewise will the appearance of these prophetic “signs” signal the nearness of the Return of Christ Jesus and the subsequent establishment of God’s literal Kingdom on earth. Any attempt to make this passage say anything else contrary to what is plainly stated here is a complete mistake.
In verse 28, the word “redemption” in the Greek is APOLUTROSIS, meaning the act of “ransom” in full, i.e., figuratively “riddance” or specifically Christian “salvation”; it is often translated as “deliverance” or “redemption” in the Bible. Concerning this concept of “ransom in full,” there is a three-fold process involved:
1) SOUL - “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.” (Gal. 3:13).
2) BODY - “Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23).
3) THE EARTH - “The redemption of the purchased possession.” (Eph. 1:14).
In other words, “redemption” will include the restoration of everything humanity lost in the Garden of Eden. Accordingly, the redemption of the soul involves the simple act of accepting Christ Jesus as personal Saviour in one’s life. Likewise, the redemption of the body will become a reality for Christian believers at the time of the pre-tribulation Rapture when they will be translated or resurrected, instantaneously and supernaturally, to Heaven with new, immortal spirit bodies. (People who become Christians after the Rapture will either be resurrected immediately after the Great Tribulation is over, or they will be translated, seven years later, just before Christ Returns to the earth.) Then finally, the redemption of the earth will be accomplished after the “seven-sealed” book in Heaven is opened during the apocalyptic events that will culminate in the Return of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon to evict Satan and his evil angels from the earth.
“Take heed... lest... your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting...” The Greek word for “overcharged” is BARUNO, meaning to “burden,” figuratively-speaking. The Greek for “surfeiting” is KRAIPALE, meaning “headache” from drunkenness, i.e., by implication a “debauch,” and by analogy a “glut.” So, the message of this verse would be a warning not to burden your heart with debauchery and gluttony and drunkenness and cares of this life — a definite warning concerning the extraordinary period of peace and prosperity that Antichrist will forge into existence to help him deceive and destroy people, spiritually, before the Rapture.
“So that day come upon you unawares.” All the prophets of God used expressions such as “that day” to indicate the Day of the Lord, a day of darkness and gloominess and judgment. That meaning is consistent with the context of this scriptural passage. Concerning the word “unawares,” the Greek dictionary defines it as “non-apparent” and “unexpected,” i.e., adverbially “suddenly.” Thus, to an unbelieving world, everything will seem fine because there will be no apparent indication that apocalyptic disaster is about to strike — a condition that will parallel precisely the circumstances that existed in the days just before Noah’s Flood struck the earth. Not surprisingly, therefore, when Antichrist performs his incredible miracles while creating an economic paradise throughout the world, it will not be very easy to convince most people that he is actually quite evil and deceptive, and that God’s devastating judgments upon the earth are imminent.
“For as a snare shall it come.” The Greek word for “snare” is PAGIS, and it is defined as “a trap to ensnare suddenly and unexpectedly.” So again, there is this reference to a sudden and unanticipated destruction “as in the days of Noah.” But Jesus also admonished us to “watch” and “pray” so that we (as Christians) will “escape” all these things. Moreover, this word “escape” is the exact same word used by the apostle Paul in I Thessalonians 5:1-10 to warn that “children of darkness” would not escape or evade the day of God’s wrath and judgment. But, here in this passage, Jesus teaches that Christians can avoid the chaos and destruction coming upon the world. It will be possible for them to “escape,” which according to the Greek dictionary means literally “to flee out of” disaster and “to get safely away from danger.”
Jesus said that no man will know “the day or the hour” of His Return. (Matt. 24:36, 42, 50). Much sensationalism and loss of credibility for Bible prophecy and Christianity, generally, could have been avoided down through the years if people had paid more attention to this warning by Jesus. However, this should not deter us from ascertaining any prophetic truth that is clearly taught in Scripture. Accordingly, the above passage in Luke 21:28-36 does, in fact, give us scriptural clues as to when God’s Kingdom and the Coming of Christ will be near in time. Likewise, the apostle Paul also addressed this same matter:
I Thessalonians 5:1-10
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (KJV)
“Day of the Lord” is defined by a careful, analytical reading of various biblical scriptures to be the “great day of God’s wrath” upon the world sometime AFTER the pre-tribulation Rapture has occurred. It will last for a period of seven years during which time the seven Trumpet-Vial Plagues of fire will demolish and melt much of the world before culminating in the Second Coming of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon. Moreover, when you read the following scriptural references in Revelation which describe the “Great Day Of His Wrath” — a period of time which is ushered in by the events of the Sixth Seal, and highlighted by the seven Trumpet-Vial plagues — they sound remarkably similar to the descriptions of the Day of the Lord found in the Old Testament prophecies describing Armageddon and the period of time just prior to the Battle of Armageddon. Hence the inevitable conclusion they are one and the same.
Therefore, the Day Of The Lord can NOT refer to any period of time AFTER the Millennium, but instead it must refer to the seven-year period of Divine judgments that will culminate in the Battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 6:12-17) (Rev. 8:1, 2, 5-13) (Rev. 9:1-19) (Rev. 11:13-15) (Joel 2:1-11) (Joel 2:28-31) (Isa. 24:17-23) (Isa. 13:6-13) (Zech. 14:1-3) (II Peter 3:10-12) (Zeph. 1:14-18) (Amos 5:18-20) (Isa. 2:10-21). Furthermore, just as the Rapture will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, so likewise will the “Day of the Lord” come “as a thief in the night,” without warning. That is because the Day Of The Lord should be viewed as an integral part of the continuous, ongoing process of apocalyptic destruction that will begin immediately after the Rapture occurs.
“Peace and safety; then sudden destruction...” Contextually-speaking, the scriptural phrase “sudden destruction” is an obvious direct reference to the “Day Of The Lord” mentioned in the previous scriptural verse. Thus, the expression, “peace and safety,” must be an explicit allusion to a very specific period of time, i.e., the deceptive period of peace and prosperity that will be inspired by Antichrist until the pre-tribulation Rapture ushers in a catastrophic period of tribulation, judgment, death and destruction. Therefore, because the period of “peace and safety” in the above passage is followed immediately by “sudden destruction” during the Day Of The Lord, it obviously correlates with the prophetic scenario associated with the Antichrist.
This view is even confirmed in the very same scriptural sentence: “Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child.” Since Revelation 12 uses this very same symbolic “woman in travail” to portray the Rapture, this proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the prophetic events described in this scriptural passage should be associated, contextually, with the Rapture. Moreover, we should observe that the passage in I Thessalonians 5:3 stipulates that the “sudden destruction” and “a woman travailing with child” occur together almost simultaneously. Therefore, in essence, this passage is saying that peace and safety will be ended abruptly when the Rapture begins a process of judgment and destruction.
Paul continues by saying that since we (as Christians) are “the children of light” and “not of the night, nor of darkness,” we should “not sleep as others” but should “watch and be sober.” The word “watch” comes from the Greek word GREGOREUO, and it means to “keep awake” (literally or figuratively) and is sometimes translated as “vigilant.” In verse 4, Paul states that because we “are not in darkness,” that day (i.e., “Day of the Lord”) should not overtake us as a thief.
However, in verse 3, Paul says that the children of darkness will not “escape” the “sudden destruction” which will strike the world. The word used here in the Greek for the word “escape” is EKPHEUGO — the same word we saw in Luke 21 — and, again, it means to “flee out” of danger. Accordingly, the message of this passage is a very blunt warning that non-believers will not be able to flee from the coming destruction which will occur during the Great and Terrible Day Of The Lord.
But, in contrast, God has not appointed Christians to “wrath,” but to “salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (verse 9). It is interesting to note that the word “wrath” comes from the Greek word ORGE, and it means violent “passion” or justifiable “abhorrence,” which by implication means “punishment.” Accordingly, since God obviously does not “abhor” (i.e., detest) those who have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, He has appointed or destined us “to obtain salvation.” Furthermore, the word “salvation” in the Greek is SOTERIA, and it means “rescue” or “safety” in a physical or moral sense, and is translated throughout the Bible as “deliver, health, salvation, save and saving.” So, obviously the dictionary definition agrees with the context of this passage in giving the word “salvation” the meaning of “rescue to safety,” i.e., the Rapture.
It should be emphasized Paul taught that since we, as Christians, are the “children of light,” we should not be caught unawares when the “Day of the Lord” approaches. In like manner, Jesus scolded the religious hypocrites of His day for their failure to discern the “signs of the times.” Furthermore, the prophet Daniel said that complete understanding of his “end-time” prophecies would be hidden and “sealed till the time of the end.” (Dan. 12:9) (cf. Dan. 8:17, 19, 26, 27). So, all of these biblical scriptures make it very clear we can know “when the hour is near.”
Accordingly, since Jesus promised that one generation would see the fulfillment of all the “end-time” prophetic events that are described in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, we can draw some possible inferences about the general “prophetic time-line” with which we are dealing. On that basis, unless God or modern science extends the average life-time for people living during “the time of the end,” one generation’s adult life-span — according to biblical scriptures — is approximately 50 years in length (Ps. 90:10) (Num. 1:2-3). Therefore, if I am correct in believing that the first signs (i.e., false messiahs, wars, and commotions) commenced their initial fulfillment during the late 1960s and early 1970s, then 50 years from that approximate period of time would place us in the time-period of 2020-2025 A.D. as the very latest possible date for Armageddon and the literal establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. So, in other words, perhaps Armageddon will occur sometime before 2025 A.D. or thereabouts.
Moreover, if Armageddon must happen sometime before the year 2025 A.D., then the approximate date of 2014 A.D. or thereabouts would be the latest possible date for the Rapture since there are at least ten and one-half years between the pre-tribulation Rapture and Armageddon. But, in view of the fact that the cities of Babylon and Tyre have yet to be rebuilt into centers of world trade and commerce, it might seem as if we could be pressed for sufficient time for everything to happen as the Bible predicts — although things could surprise us by happening very swiftly once they begin. However, perhaps it will be possible for Babylon and Tyre to continue their accumulation of wealth and power, after the Rapture, even though death and destruction will begin to strike the earth immediately after the Rapture occurs. If so, that would give us more time for Babylon and Tyre to achieve the level of power and wealth that the Bible predicts they will enjoy at the time of their destruction, near the time of Armageddon itself. Accordingly, it is not possible for anyone to pinpoint the exact time of His Coming; the best we can do is to observe the prophetic signs carefully and scripturally in order to know, as the apostle Paul explained, when the time is near.
http://www.frankcaw.com/Final-Generation.html
Trying to wrap my mind around this:
Why Gog In Ezekiel 38
Represents The Antichrist
That Ezekiel 38 portrays a Russian invasion of Israel, years before the Battle of Armageddon begins, is almost an absolute article-of-faith for many people. But, in my considered opinion, the scriptural evidence very clearly indicates otherwise. For instance, in the following scriptural passage, please note that it is Gog, “the chief prince,” who will invade the land of Israel, and that Magog (i.e., Russia) is simply a “land” or nation of people whose soldiers will be one of the many armies under the direct command and leadership of Gog. In fact, it is also said in this scriptural passage that Gog will be “the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (i.e., the countries in northern Europe and Asia, including Russia). Therefore, we must be intellectually honest and distinguish the difference between Gog, a person, and Magog, a geographical land under the rulership of Gog:
Ezekiel 38:2, 3
2 Son of Man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophecy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. (KJV)
Once again, even a cursory analysis of the above scriptural text indicates that the expressions “Gog” and “Magog” are not synonymous with each other because Gog is represented or characterized as a person (e.g., “chief prince” and “prophesy against him”), whereas Magog is designated as simply a “land.” Furthermore, please consider what is said in Ezekiel 38:17: “Thus saith the Lord God; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them (i.e., Israel; verse 18).” This passage of scripture clearly identifies “Gog” as the individual spoken of by the “prophets of Israel” who frequently prophesied he would invade Israel during the “last days”! Obviously there will be only one such individual, and that person will be none other than the Antichrist. No other person, besides the Antichrist, was singled out for this kind of attention in the Old Testament prophecies. Most assuredly, then, the identity of Gog must be ascribed to the Antichrist (and Satan).
Here is how Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary defines Gog and Magog:
1136 Gog (gogue);
of Hebrew origin [1463]; Gog, a symb. name for some future Antichrist:
KJV— Gog.
3098 Magog (mag-ogue’);
of Hebrew origin [4031]; Magog, a foreign nation, i.e. (figuratively) an Antichristian party:
KJV— Magog.
Clearly, once again, precisely as we observed with the descriptions of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38, there is a distinct difference between the two terms, Gog and Magog, in the Hebrew-Greek dictionary! Gog is a symbolic name for a future antichrist (Satan), whereas Magog is a name reserved for any foreign nation or group of people. Furthermore, this is exactly how these two terms are used in yet another prophetic passage that describes a similar situation, although contextually it takes place 1000 years after Armageddon occurs. Thus, in Revelation 20, we observe that the expression “Gog and Magog” is used to represent both Satan AND all of humanity who will join with Satan in his final rebellion against God, immediately after the Millennial Reign of Christ is over. So, in other words, in Revelation 20, “Gog” represents Satan, and “Magog” represents rebellious people from foreign nations around the world:
Revelation 20:7-10
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (KJV)
As we will confirm later, Gog (in Ezekiel 38) represents both Satan and Antichrist because they will share the same physical human body after the Rapture until near the end of Armageddon. Adequate scriptural proof concerning this matter will be forthcoming in later chapters of this book. Therefore, when all of the scriptural evidence is considered, there can be no question that Gog, in Ezekiel 38, represents Antichrist fighting at the Battle of Armageddon where he meets his demise during the Second Coming of Christ.
Some translations read “Prince of Rosh” rather than “chief prince” in an attempt to imply that we should interpret this expression as meaning the “prince of Russia.” However, this is absolutely erroneous because ROSH appears 456 times within the Old Testament, and NEVER is it used as a proper noun! ROSH is a Hebrew word meaning “chief,” whereas Russia is a Finnish word meaning “rowers” (of a boat). There simply is no comparison or connection between these two words — words which even originate from two entirely different languages. Furthermore, the first or chief day of the Jewish calendar year is called ROSH HASHANA, thereby further proving our contention in this matter.
“And thou (Gog) shalt come from thy place out of the north parts... and will cause thee to come up from the north parts...” (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:2). Sometimes it is said these two passages prove that “Gog and Magog” are from Russia because the country of Russia lies far to the north of Israel. But, other scriptural passages also use the word “north” to designate any invader who approaches Israel from that direction, regardless of their origin:
Ezekiel 26:7
7 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. (KJV)
Jeremiah 25:9
9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing... (KJV)
Jeremiah 10:22
22 Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate... (KJV)
Jeremiah 4:6-7
6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.
7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. (KJV)
All of these passages portray ancient, fulfilled prophecies concerning death and destruction and invasion coming from the north, thus proving our point. The context, in each case, clearly demonstrates this to be true. (See, e.g., the relevant footnotes in Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.) For instance, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invaded and destroyed the land of Israel, the scriptural prophecies characterized him as an invader from the north because that was the direction from which he approached Israel in his invasion even though Babylon is actually located east of Israel. In like manner, the Antichrist will invade Israel from the north on two different and separate occasions. Once during his initial rise to power in Lebanon before the pre-tribulation Rapture occurs, and then many years later, after the Rapture, a second time when he invades Israel in order to desecrate the rebuilt Jewish temple for three and one-half years before fighting the Battle of Armageddon.
As further verification, the countries listed by Ezekiel as being with Gog are the same countries which comprise the empire of Antichrist:
1. Based on commonly-accepted scholarship, MESHECH, TUBAL, and MAGOG represent countries in northern Europe and Asia, including Russia. (e.g., see Genesis 10; Noah’s descendants). Please note that Gog (Antichrist) controls the land of Magog (i.e., Russia), and that Gog is the “chief prince” of Meshech and Tubal (i.e., Russian and European territory). The prophetic fact that Gog will control all of Russia simply indicates that Russia will be a part of Gog’s empire at that point in time.
2. PERSIA, ETHIOPIA, and LIBYA. Persia represents modern Iran. Ethiopia was translated from the Hebrew word CUSH, which is somewhat misleading because the descendants of Cush (one of Noah’s grandsons) populated all of black Africa, not just Ethiopia. (see Genesis 10). By the same token, Libya was translated from the Hebrew word PUT (another grandson of Noah), whose descendants populated the Arab countries of northern Africa, including Libya. (see Genesis 10).
3. GOMER and TOGARMAH represent the various countries within Europe, according to scholarly consensus. (see Gen. 10). The phrase, “and many people with thee,” represents far-distant countries which lie outside the “nucleus” of the Antichrist’s empire, i.e., Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
Because common-sense reason asserts that both Russia and the Antichrist could NOT possibly control the very same empire at the very same point in time, we must conclude that Russia will either be conquered by the Antichrist or it will become voluntarily submissive to Antichrist BEFORE the Rapture. Otherwise, it would not be possible for Antichrist to fulfill biblical prophecy by controlling ALL of the world (including Russia) immediately after the Rapture occurs:
Revelation 13:4, 7-8
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
7 And it was given unto him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over ALL kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And ALL that dwell upon the earth shall worship him... (KJV)
If you carefully compare the description of Ezekiel’s battle with other biblical scriptures describing Armageddon, it becomes quite apparent that Ezekiel’s battle must be the Battle of Armageddon! (Compare: Ezekiel 38:1-23; Ezekiel 39:1-20, 29; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 14:14-20; Zechariah 14:1-16; Zechariah 12:1-6, 9-11; Joel 3:1-17.) Please note when you read these scriptures (either in your Bible or in the seventh chapter of this book) that many major similarities can be found repeatedly throughout these passages, thereby adding considerable weight to the argument that Ezekiel 38 depicts the Battle of Armageddon:
1. Soldiers of Antichrist are struck with madness and fight each other.
2. Fire and brimstone rained down from Heaven; flesh of the soldiers literally consumed away.
3. Birds and animals “invited” to feast on the multitudes slain.
4. Great “shaking” of the earth; extraordinary earthquakes.
5. Winepress symbolism portraying the massive slaughter.
Obviously there are many points of similarity which can be found in the various descriptions of Armageddon, even when you include Ezekiel 38 and 39 in the comparison. That is why there should be no doubt regarding the identification of Ezekiel’s battle. Its description sounds so strikingly similar to other scriptural passages which describe Armageddon that we are forced to conclude that Ezekiel 38 does, in fact, portray the Battle of Armageddon.
Furthermore, Ezekiel even concludes the events described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 by stating that God NEVER will hide His face from Israel again after the horrific battle he describes is concluded. But, that would not be a true statement if Gog really did represent Russia invading Israel before the rise of Antichrist, thereby forcing the Battle of Armageddon to be fought at some later date. Accordingly, with that clarification in mind, please observe what God promises, very clearly and specifically, to Israel AFTER the battle in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is over:
Ezekiel 39:21-29
21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.
23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.
25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;
26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.
27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;
28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.
29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)
Represents The Antichrist
That Ezekiel 38 portrays a Russian invasion of Israel, years before the Battle of Armageddon begins, is almost an absolute article-of-faith for many people. But, in my considered opinion, the scriptural evidence very clearly indicates otherwise. For instance, in the following scriptural passage, please note that it is Gog, “the chief prince,” who will invade the land of Israel, and that Magog (i.e., Russia) is simply a “land” or nation of people whose soldiers will be one of the many armies under the direct command and leadership of Gog. In fact, it is also said in this scriptural passage that Gog will be “the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (i.e., the countries in northern Europe and Asia, including Russia). Therefore, we must be intellectually honest and distinguish the difference between Gog, a person, and Magog, a geographical land under the rulership of Gog:
Ezekiel 38:2, 3
2 Son of Man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophecy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. (KJV)
Once again, even a cursory analysis of the above scriptural text indicates that the expressions “Gog” and “Magog” are not synonymous with each other because Gog is represented or characterized as a person (e.g., “chief prince” and “prophesy against him”), whereas Magog is designated as simply a “land.” Furthermore, please consider what is said in Ezekiel 38:17: “Thus saith the Lord God; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them (i.e., Israel; verse 18).” This passage of scripture clearly identifies “Gog” as the individual spoken of by the “prophets of Israel” who frequently prophesied he would invade Israel during the “last days”! Obviously there will be only one such individual, and that person will be none other than the Antichrist. No other person, besides the Antichrist, was singled out for this kind of attention in the Old Testament prophecies. Most assuredly, then, the identity of Gog must be ascribed to the Antichrist (and Satan).
Here is how Strong’s Hebrew-Greek Dictionary defines Gog and Magog:
1136 Gog (gogue);
of Hebrew origin [1463]; Gog, a symb. name for some future Antichrist:
KJV— Gog.
3098 Magog (mag-ogue’);
of Hebrew origin [4031]; Magog, a foreign nation, i.e. (figuratively) an Antichristian party:
KJV— Magog.
Clearly, once again, precisely as we observed with the descriptions of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38, there is a distinct difference between the two terms, Gog and Magog, in the Hebrew-Greek dictionary! Gog is a symbolic name for a future antichrist (Satan), whereas Magog is a name reserved for any foreign nation or group of people. Furthermore, this is exactly how these two terms are used in yet another prophetic passage that describes a similar situation, although contextually it takes place 1000 years after Armageddon occurs. Thus, in Revelation 20, we observe that the expression “Gog and Magog” is used to represent both Satan AND all of humanity who will join with Satan in his final rebellion against God, immediately after the Millennial Reign of Christ is over. So, in other words, in Revelation 20, “Gog” represents Satan, and “Magog” represents rebellious people from foreign nations around the world:
Revelation 20:7-10
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (KJV)
As we will confirm later, Gog (in Ezekiel 38) represents both Satan and Antichrist because they will share the same physical human body after the Rapture until near the end of Armageddon. Adequate scriptural proof concerning this matter will be forthcoming in later chapters of this book. Therefore, when all of the scriptural evidence is considered, there can be no question that Gog, in Ezekiel 38, represents Antichrist fighting at the Battle of Armageddon where he meets his demise during the Second Coming of Christ.
Some translations read “Prince of Rosh” rather than “chief prince” in an attempt to imply that we should interpret this expression as meaning the “prince of Russia.” However, this is absolutely erroneous because ROSH appears 456 times within the Old Testament, and NEVER is it used as a proper noun! ROSH is a Hebrew word meaning “chief,” whereas Russia is a Finnish word meaning “rowers” (of a boat). There simply is no comparison or connection between these two words — words which even originate from two entirely different languages. Furthermore, the first or chief day of the Jewish calendar year is called ROSH HASHANA, thereby further proving our contention in this matter.
“And thou (Gog) shalt come from thy place out of the north parts... and will cause thee to come up from the north parts...” (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:2). Sometimes it is said these two passages prove that “Gog and Magog” are from Russia because the country of Russia lies far to the north of Israel. But, other scriptural passages also use the word “north” to designate any invader who approaches Israel from that direction, regardless of their origin:
Ezekiel 26:7
7 For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. (KJV)
Jeremiah 25:9
9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing... (KJV)
Jeremiah 10:22
22 Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate... (KJV)
Jeremiah 4:6-7
6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.
7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. (KJV)
All of these passages portray ancient, fulfilled prophecies concerning death and destruction and invasion coming from the north, thus proving our point. The context, in each case, clearly demonstrates this to be true. (See, e.g., the relevant footnotes in Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.) For instance, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, invaded and destroyed the land of Israel, the scriptural prophecies characterized him as an invader from the north because that was the direction from which he approached Israel in his invasion even though Babylon is actually located east of Israel. In like manner, the Antichrist will invade Israel from the north on two different and separate occasions. Once during his initial rise to power in Lebanon before the pre-tribulation Rapture occurs, and then many years later, after the Rapture, a second time when he invades Israel in order to desecrate the rebuilt Jewish temple for three and one-half years before fighting the Battle of Armageddon.
As further verification, the countries listed by Ezekiel as being with Gog are the same countries which comprise the empire of Antichrist:
1. Based on commonly-accepted scholarship, MESHECH, TUBAL, and MAGOG represent countries in northern Europe and Asia, including Russia. (e.g., see Genesis 10; Noah’s descendants). Please note that Gog (Antichrist) controls the land of Magog (i.e., Russia), and that Gog is the “chief prince” of Meshech and Tubal (i.e., Russian and European territory). The prophetic fact that Gog will control all of Russia simply indicates that Russia will be a part of Gog’s empire at that point in time.
2. PERSIA, ETHIOPIA, and LIBYA. Persia represents modern Iran. Ethiopia was translated from the Hebrew word CUSH, which is somewhat misleading because the descendants of Cush (one of Noah’s grandsons) populated all of black Africa, not just Ethiopia. (see Genesis 10). By the same token, Libya was translated from the Hebrew word PUT (another grandson of Noah), whose descendants populated the Arab countries of northern Africa, including Libya. (see Genesis 10).
3. GOMER and TOGARMAH represent the various countries within Europe, according to scholarly consensus. (see Gen. 10). The phrase, “and many people with thee,” represents far-distant countries which lie outside the “nucleus” of the Antichrist’s empire, i.e., Europe, Russia and the Middle East.
Because common-sense reason asserts that both Russia and the Antichrist could NOT possibly control the very same empire at the very same point in time, we must conclude that Russia will either be conquered by the Antichrist or it will become voluntarily submissive to Antichrist BEFORE the Rapture. Otherwise, it would not be possible for Antichrist to fulfill biblical prophecy by controlling ALL of the world (including Russia) immediately after the Rapture occurs:
Revelation 13:4, 7-8
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
7 And it was given unto him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over ALL kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And ALL that dwell upon the earth shall worship him... (KJV)
If you carefully compare the description of Ezekiel’s battle with other biblical scriptures describing Armageddon, it becomes quite apparent that Ezekiel’s battle must be the Battle of Armageddon! (Compare: Ezekiel 38:1-23; Ezekiel 39:1-20, 29; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 14:14-20; Zechariah 14:1-16; Zechariah 12:1-6, 9-11; Joel 3:1-17.) Please note when you read these scriptures (either in your Bible or in the seventh chapter of this book) that many major similarities can be found repeatedly throughout these passages, thereby adding considerable weight to the argument that Ezekiel 38 depicts the Battle of Armageddon:
1. Soldiers of Antichrist are struck with madness and fight each other.
2. Fire and brimstone rained down from Heaven; flesh of the soldiers literally consumed away.
3. Birds and animals “invited” to feast on the multitudes slain.
4. Great “shaking” of the earth; extraordinary earthquakes.
5. Winepress symbolism portraying the massive slaughter.
Obviously there are many points of similarity which can be found in the various descriptions of Armageddon, even when you include Ezekiel 38 and 39 in the comparison. That is why there should be no doubt regarding the identification of Ezekiel’s battle. Its description sounds so strikingly similar to other scriptural passages which describe Armageddon that we are forced to conclude that Ezekiel 38 does, in fact, portray the Battle of Armageddon.
Furthermore, Ezekiel even concludes the events described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 by stating that God NEVER will hide His face from Israel again after the horrific battle he describes is concluded. But, that would not be a true statement if Gog really did represent Russia invading Israel before the rise of Antichrist, thereby forcing the Battle of Armageddon to be fought at some later date. Accordingly, with that clarification in mind, please observe what God promises, very clearly and specifically, to Israel AFTER the battle in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is over:
Ezekiel 39:21-29
21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.
22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward.
23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.
25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;
26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.
27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations;
28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.
29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
BIBLE CODES: Axe to the Root (by: Shekel)
Axe to the Root
Aug. 13, 2004, when the torch was lit at the opening of the Olympic games and hurricane Charlie struck the U.S., that day lies in the middle of the 3.5 months of the above chart. That day symbolically represented as 2012 BC or (4020 day-years later) as AD 2009. This day was symbolically pivotal in every way. First, there are 3.5 years between 2009 and 2012 in the mirror. And secondly, 2012 is 1260 plus 1290 years from the fall of Babylon in 539 BC. It is also an interesting date for other reasons too.
Moreover, Charlie struck the U.S. again on the next day, Aug. 14, which was symbolic 2011 BC or AD 2010. Hence, the years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 are highlighted. (Category 4, Hurricane Charlie, was the first in a long series of hurricanes that we have been studying in relation to the Balance Bible Code.)
Recall that Bel and Nabu are the Babylonian gods that are being judged in this bible code, just as they were judged back in 539 BC when Babylon fell, (also see Rev. 13, 17-18). The timing is too perfect to be a coincidence. Is God pointing to 2009 as the start of something important in the world? Or is it just another time frame that He is using symbolically with no intentional of doing anything significant during those literal years? I do not know. And perhaps it is contingent on what we as believers want and do?
2Peter 3:9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some account of delay, but is longsuffering towards you, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements, burning with heat, shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works in it shall be burnt up.
2Pe 3:11-12 All these things then being to be dissolved, what ought ye to be in holy conversation and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements, burning with heat, shall melt?
Prophesied cashless society: It's almost here
Prophesied cashless society: It's almost here
Exclusive: Hal Lindsey links elites' meltdown-induced 'new world' promise to Revelation
Posted: January 30, 2009
1:00 am Eastern
By Hal Lindsey
When I read the headline to Jerome Corsi's story, "Economic meltdown excuse for 'new world'" at WorldNetDaily yesterday, my first thought was, "What took them so long?"
That thought was immediately followed by the realization that the timing is just about perfect. Corsi zeroed in on comments by Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland – specifically, Schwab's comment that the global economic crisis was a "transformational crisis" useful in reshaping a "new world."
One of the scarier quotes in his piece was from a professor Nouriel Roubini who said the global banking system was "effectively insolvent," which, to my untrained ears, sounds a lot like "bankrupt."
The last time this happened was in 1933, forcing the federal government to ban private ownership of gold so it could be confiscated and used to satisfy the government's creditors.
That was the national bankruptcy that predicated the Great Depression, which allowed Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration to ram through the socialist "New Deal" policies that economic historians say made the Depression both longer and deeper than it needed to be.
During the Depression, FDR had more or less unhindered ability to push through whatever socialist legislation he deemed necessary. People were in pain and were willing to accept almost anything the government proposed if it would make it stop.
It was this same economic pain that convinced the Germans to go along with Adolf Hitler's madness during the 1930s.
After more than a decade of economic depression, as long as Hitler's policies were keeping factories busy and the economy humming along, he was free to do whatever else he pleased.
One of the first things I expect to see introduced as a consequence of this "transformational crisis" is the elimination of cash as a medium of exchange. This is a step that governments and banks have been trying to take for almost two decades without success.
There are good and logical reasons for the elimination of cash. It will essentially wipe out the cash dependent drug trade. It will remove the incentive behind most petty crimes. Paper money is dirty, spreads diseases and it is expensive to print and expensive to handle.
Electronic money addresses all of these issues in a single stroke. The difficulty rests in overcoming public resistance to the idea. But desperate times call for desperate measures, as the saying goes, and when the times get desperate enough, public resistance will evaporate like summer rain.
The Book of the Revelation foretells the events that will take place during the final seven years of human government before the Second Coming of Christ. It records the judgments of what popular culture has come to call the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
One of these judgments is symbolized by the rider on the black horse: "When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a day's wages and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!" (Revelation 6:5-6 NIV)
The symbols of wheat and barley are representative of a day's food and a denari was a day's wage for an average worker. The oil and the wine are symbolic of a wealthy man's food. So in that day, it will cost all of a workingman's wages to buy a day's food. However, the wealthy will be relatively unaffected during this judgment. This is a textbook description of a modern economic depression.
During Revelation's predicted Tribulation period, the global system will be presided over by a single political authority in the person of the antichrist. The Apostle John forewarns that his control over the economy will be absolute: "He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name." (Revelation 13:16-17 NIV)
This is one of the most famous prophecies of Scripture, especially today. Even in 1969, when I wrote in my book "The Late Great Planet Earth" about the Mark of the Beast and the numerical value of his name – 666 – it was difficult to understand just how such control over every individual on earth could be accomplished.
However, it is only in the light of the exponential leap in today's technology that this crucial end-time prophecy can be fully comprehended.
The one necessary element for which I have been looking for more than 50 years that would make this prophecy possible is now becoming clear. It was the mystery of just how the economies of the world would be forced under the central control of one small group.
So now let us return to the enormous relevance of Klaus Schwab's above-mentioned comment that "the global economic crisis" is a "transformational crisis" useful in reshaping "a new world."
If the present economic crisis continues to spiral downward into a world depression, as experts reluctantly admit will happen, it can indeed be the "transformational crisis" that forces the world to accept a totally centralized control of a cashless society. All that remains, then, is for the anointed leader the Bible calls the antichrist to step forward and take over.
The Apostle John, under the inspiration of God's Spirit, predicted these things 2,000 years ago on the small island of Patmos. Now what seemed impossible for nearly 20 centuries is developing right before our eyes.
It is important to remember that all of these predictions were linked with a series of events that lead to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He is coming very soon. It is time for everyone to receive the gift of pardon He died to purchase for us. As Jesus promised, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:18 NIV)
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=87455
Exclusive: Hal Lindsey links elites' meltdown-induced 'new world' promise to Revelation
Posted: January 30, 2009
1:00 am Eastern
By Hal Lindsey
When I read the headline to Jerome Corsi's story, "Economic meltdown excuse for 'new world'" at WorldNetDaily yesterday, my first thought was, "What took them so long?"
That thought was immediately followed by the realization that the timing is just about perfect. Corsi zeroed in on comments by Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland – specifically, Schwab's comment that the global economic crisis was a "transformational crisis" useful in reshaping a "new world."
One of the scarier quotes in his piece was from a professor Nouriel Roubini who said the global banking system was "effectively insolvent," which, to my untrained ears, sounds a lot like "bankrupt."
The last time this happened was in 1933, forcing the federal government to ban private ownership of gold so it could be confiscated and used to satisfy the government's creditors.
That was the national bankruptcy that predicated the Great Depression, which allowed Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration to ram through the socialist "New Deal" policies that economic historians say made the Depression both longer and deeper than it needed to be.
During the Depression, FDR had more or less unhindered ability to push through whatever socialist legislation he deemed necessary. People were in pain and were willing to accept almost anything the government proposed if it would make it stop.
It was this same economic pain that convinced the Germans to go along with Adolf Hitler's madness during the 1930s.
After more than a decade of economic depression, as long as Hitler's policies were keeping factories busy and the economy humming along, he was free to do whatever else he pleased.
One of the first things I expect to see introduced as a consequence of this "transformational crisis" is the elimination of cash as a medium of exchange. This is a step that governments and banks have been trying to take for almost two decades without success.
There are good and logical reasons for the elimination of cash. It will essentially wipe out the cash dependent drug trade. It will remove the incentive behind most petty crimes. Paper money is dirty, spreads diseases and it is expensive to print and expensive to handle.
Electronic money addresses all of these issues in a single stroke. The difficulty rests in overcoming public resistance to the idea. But desperate times call for desperate measures, as the saying goes, and when the times get desperate enough, public resistance will evaporate like summer rain.
The Book of the Revelation foretells the events that will take place during the final seven years of human government before the Second Coming of Christ. It records the judgments of what popular culture has come to call the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
One of these judgments is symbolized by the rider on the black horse: "When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a day's wages and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!" (Revelation 6:5-6 NIV)
The symbols of wheat and barley are representative of a day's food and a denari was a day's wage for an average worker. The oil and the wine are symbolic of a wealthy man's food. So in that day, it will cost all of a workingman's wages to buy a day's food. However, the wealthy will be relatively unaffected during this judgment. This is a textbook description of a modern economic depression.
During Revelation's predicted Tribulation period, the global system will be presided over by a single political authority in the person of the antichrist. The Apostle John forewarns that his control over the economy will be absolute: "He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name." (Revelation 13:16-17 NIV)
This is one of the most famous prophecies of Scripture, especially today. Even in 1969, when I wrote in my book "The Late Great Planet Earth" about the Mark of the Beast and the numerical value of his name – 666 – it was difficult to understand just how such control over every individual on earth could be accomplished.
However, it is only in the light of the exponential leap in today's technology that this crucial end-time prophecy can be fully comprehended.
The one necessary element for which I have been looking for more than 50 years that would make this prophecy possible is now becoming clear. It was the mystery of just how the economies of the world would be forced under the central control of one small group.
So now let us return to the enormous relevance of Klaus Schwab's above-mentioned comment that "the global economic crisis" is a "transformational crisis" useful in reshaping "a new world."
If the present economic crisis continues to spiral downward into a world depression, as experts reluctantly admit will happen, it can indeed be the "transformational crisis" that forces the world to accept a totally centralized control of a cashless society. All that remains, then, is for the anointed leader the Bible calls the antichrist to step forward and take over.
The Apostle John, under the inspiration of God's Spirit, predicted these things 2,000 years ago on the small island of Patmos. Now what seemed impossible for nearly 20 centuries is developing right before our eyes.
It is important to remember that all of these predictions were linked with a series of events that lead to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He is coming very soon. It is time for everyone to receive the gift of pardon He died to purchase for us. As Jesus promised, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:18 NIV)
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=87455
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