Maybe soon part 1
- Preface
- Why it is Important that we (Christians) Watch?
- That are Some of the Signs we (Christians) Watch? 10 19 20 29 30 39 40 49 50 59 60 69 70 75
- Necessary Definitions and Clarifications
- Why I believe in pre-tribulational rapture
- Daniel’s 70th Week Definition and Clarification
Preface
I realize some recipients of this material might be quick to dismiss or disregard what is being presented. This was sent to you in thought and love in Jesus Christ. Please consider reading the material at least once, and if not, at the very least, please save this is a convenient location because either yourself or someone you love may realize an urgent blatant need for the material in the coming days.
Starting in 2003, I began my studies of Christian end times prophecy. I have been absolutely fascinated and current with the subject ever since. In the following, I would like to share one of the most startling and exciting discovery of end times signs to date in my opinion. But, before I do that, I would like to review some material that leads into it and will support the overall presentation and context. Whether you as the reader are a Christian or not, I would expect this material to be absolutely fascinating, and to Christians, this will be very exciting when you examine the “Exciting Discovery”
There are several purposes to this material and how it is organized. Regardless of your current beliefs, the common theme to this article is that time might be short, for Christians this should be rather exciting, for those that are not Christians or lukewarm Christians, this material might demonstrate a need for a sense of urgency to examine your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Before you begin reading, I realize that there is a lot of material presented here and I also recognize that there could be several audience types examining this presentation. That being said, please consider the following to possibly assist:
If the rapture and/or tribulation has not yet occurred
1) If you are not a Believer or if you are a Christian who is not too familiar with end times prophecy, then I recommend starting with section I, “Why is it Important that We Watch”
2) If you are a Believer and are rather familiar with end times prophecy, then you may be comfortable skipping to section III, “The Exciting Discovery”
If the rapture and/or tribulation start has already occurred
1) If you are not a Believer, please consider reading and starting in section IV “Salvation”
2) If you are a Believer, please consider reading and starting in section V as it may prove useful.
I hope this study is useful to you in multiple capacities. God bless and I pray I meet you in Heaven someday.
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Why it is Important that we (Christians) Watch?
We are commanded to watch with urgent alertness, so the Lord's return does not take us by surprise:
Matthew 24:42-44 (New King James Version)
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour[a] your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Mark 13:34-37 (New King James Version)
34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"
The parable of the ten virgins given by Jesus in Matthew 25 describe this "thief in the night" event adequately enough. There, five of the young virgins have maintained a vigil of watchfulness by keeping their lamps burning brightly at the midnight hour.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins:
Matthew 25 (New King James Version)
1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming;[a] go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[b] in which the Son of Man is coming.
The midnight hour symbolizes the epic hour at which the Bridegroom (Jesus) shall come. The oil in the lamps symbolizes the Holy Spirit fueling the sense of watchfulness in the wise virgins. Contrastly the five virgins who did not maintain oil permitted their lamps to be darkened at the midnight hour, leaving them unprepared for the sudden sound of the cry to come out to meet the bridegroom. Thusly the Lord announced, "I know you not"! Their state of slumber reveals the fact that they were not ready to meet the Lord at all.
A Falling Away is the slow gradual decline into a state of slumberness which simply is not conducive for the duty of Watching for the return of Jesus. This is exactly the kind of condition that Jesus warned us would prevail just before he comes back, thus he issued numerous commendations for blessings for those that watch for his return. I have never seen a lost person watching for Jesus to return. Yet I've also seen many Christians likewise that do not watch for his return.
In the end days the Lord warns lukewarm Christians.
Revelation 3:15-17 (New King James Version)
15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[b] I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
Jesus wants as many people as possible included amongst the crowd that has put on the breastplate of faith and love and accepted his free gift of salvation and to be watching for him when he comes. Jesus does not want anyone to be left behind when he does come, hence the command to watch.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-9 (New King James Version)
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Jesus remarks to the church of Sardis are words of alarm to those who feel that watching is unimportant and pointless. In this evaluation of the Sardis church, Jesus exposes what complacency with regard to things of doctrine and Biblical teaching could culminate in Revelation 3:3
Revelation 3:3 (New King James Version)
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Notice the similarity to the predicament the five foolish virgins found themselves in at the midnight hour? They were without oil for lighting their lamps when the bridegroom came. Likewise, the church of Sardis had so laxed in their resolve to maintain the discipline of true Biblical doctrine, that they too risked the voidance of oil for their lampstand. This church ran the risk of being left behind much like the Laodicean Church, which represents the Fallen Away church of the last days. Those who are not watching will not likely know of his near return and may be caught being asleep.
Revelation 16:15 (New King James Version)
15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
If one believes in a pre-tribulational rapture, this verse may appear somewhat perplexing as to specifically why this verse about WATCHING is placed here just in front of the only verse in the Bible that makes any mention of the place called Armageddon. It appears that the verse is out of place, until further examination.
The description of Jesus coming as a thief in the night is once again included here. It is only the ones that have been clothed with a garment of the Lord's righteousness that are gathered unto the Lord in his coming like a thief in the night. All others shall then be exposed, as one that is naked, before that evil one which is coming upon the world. The utilization of the word, "they", which is used in this verse directly connects to the usage of the same word, "they", used in connection to the unclean spirits, the antichrist, and the false prophet with all the legion of demonic spirits unleashed from the bottomless pit alluded to in the preceding two verses (verses 13-14).
John says in these verses that unclean spirits like frogs came out of the mouths of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and that, "they", were the spirits of devils, working miracles, going unto all those that are exposed as naked, (lacking God's seal) and thus will be subjected to the shame of their judgment.
"Blessed is he that WATCHETH", so that he does not have to endure the terrible era of the Tribulation that is coming upon this Christ rejecting world.
Jesus stated in Luke 21: 35-36 this hopeful watch: For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch therefore, and pray always, that ye may be so accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, (tribulational events) and to stand before the Son of Man. There is only one way of course to stand before the Son of Man, and that is to be clothed in the righteous garment of Salvation.
Isaiah 61:10 (New King James Version)
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Remember that Adam saw his nakedness after the original sin, and hid himself from God. Likewise during the Great Tribulation all the Christ rejectors will hide themselves among the rocks and mountains and plead for them to cover their exposed nakedness from the wrath of God.
All Christians can live with an assurance that they have been so clothed and will escape the time of the Lord's wrath. The promise to the faithful church of Philadelphia carries just that assurance. So Watching therefore is not an endeavor which is without a hope. Watching instills a blessing to all that keep watch.
God's promise to the church of Philadelphia was to keep her from the hour of temptation that shall come upon the world. The admonition to keep your garment, lest ye walk naked, is the blessed assurance that the clothed individual shall never have to endure the onslaught of the Great Tribulation, and be left as one naked, and have the shame of being seduced by the maniacal spirits of devils.
Revelation 19:7-9 (New King James Version)
7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
Many shall endure the Great Tribulation because they do not have such clothing; but many will find that clothing amidst the onslaught of Wrath. They're not so blessed as to miss the workings of devils, but shall find their white robes through martyrdom.
Revelation 7:13-14 (New King James Version)
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?"
14 And I said to him, "Sir,[a] you know."
So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 3:4-5 states that the church of Sardis had a few people that hadn't defiled their garments and further declares that all that should overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment. Contrastly to the church of Laodicea, the Lord literally chastises that church for being destined to be among the peoples who shall walk naked in the day of shame.
Notice the similarity in Revelation 3:18 compared to the quote in Revelation 16:15.
Behold, I ( Jesus ) come as a thief, "Blessed is he that Watcheth", and keep his garments, lest he walk Naked, and they see his shame.
Revelation 3:18 (New King James Version)
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Blessed is he that Watcheth and buys of Jesus, the gold tried in the fire; and is given fine white linen as a covering for his nakedness; so that he shall not endure tribulation; but shall enjoy the Blessed Hope of his appearance, and to be caught away from the Wrath that is to come, forever to be with the Lord!
Lamentations 3:25 (New King James Version)
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
Watching for the Lord's return is a blessing that is beyond all description. It compels Christians to be ready to leave this world at a moments notice. It supports an eternal perspective and detours a worldly perspective and attachment. Also it exhorts us to keep our garments a spotlessly white spic and span clean and primed for our immediate entry into the portals of Heaven to be seated down at a great marriage feast with our Bridegroom.
I Peter chapter three indicates that scoffers would come in the last days asking; "Where is the promise of his coming"? It continues to describe these people as being willingly ignorant of the prophetic word of God which portends the soon return of Jesus. Seeing as how Jesus shall return like a thief in the night yet at the same time observing all the signs of the season for the final countdown, we still can see that Blessed day on the horizon as it approaches. But that requires watching for that day.
Why would anyone want to be willingly ignorant of that day? If they have their garments on, imagine the blessing that they are missing by not seeing the day as it nears.
Titus 2:13 exhorts us to "LOOK" for that "Blessed Day"; and the glorious appearing of the Lord!
Titus 2:13 (New King James Version)
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
At some point there will be a "Grand Delusion" perpetrated upon the world ( II Thess 2:11 ) to ensnare all who refuse to be clothed with garments of righteousness. It will be an extremely convincing lie catering to itching ears and cold hearts.
2 Thessalonians 2:11 (New King James Version)
11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
Bible prophecy encourages believers to live holy and godly, holding steadfastly to the promised hope of his coming. That is one of the greatest blessings that a Christian can have as he struggles to occupy in this old world. That is one of the real purposes of Bible Prophecy. Being able to see the day as it draws near incites one to be strong and confident amidst the storm-tossed sea of life, because victory is within view.
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That are Some of the Signs we (Christians) Watch?
10 19 20 29 30 39 40 49 50 59 60 69 70 75
There are many more last days prophecies (several too detailed for this brief list). However these 75 demonstrate that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is true that some of these signs have been around for millennia, but only our generation has witnessed the coming together of every one of these events. Contrast the Bible's 100% track record with other self-proclaimed prophetic sources and there is no comparison. The false prophets typically repackage and plagiarize the Bible's prophecies for the unsuspecting masses, or they make so many vague prophecies that one is bound to be fulfilled. Nostradamus did both.
1) There will be false teachers promoting pillow Christianity that caters to itching ears. It will distort the truth to such a degree that it will be destructive.
2 Peter 2:1-2 (New King James Version)
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
2) The false teachers’ motives will be greed.
2 Peter 2:3 (New King James Version)
3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does[a] not slumber.
3) The Christian gospel would be preached as a witness to all nations.
Revelation 14:6 (New King James Version)
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—
4) Global communications are foreseen. The Bible prophesies that the entire world will see certain events unfold. The invention of the television and the deployment of global satellite networks during the 20th century allow news to travel the world at the speed of light for the first time ever. Remember that in the apostle John's day, news traveled at the speed of horseback.
Revelation 11:9-10 (New King James Version)
9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow[a] their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 17:8 (New King James Version)
8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
5) Mankind would be capable of destroying all life (Matthew 24:21-22). Consider that when Jesus made this prophecy the armaments of His day were swords and spears. But today, with nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, it is possible to wipe out all flesh on planet earth.
Matthew 24:21-22 (New King James Version)
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
6) The use of nuclear weapons anticipated (Zechariah 14:12). The neutron bomb melts (dissolves) its victims just as God warned 2500 years ago. "Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths." This was unimaginable in Zechariah's day.
Zechariah 14:12 (New King James Version)
12
And this shall be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the people who
fought against Jerusalem:
Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet,
Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets,
And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.
7) There would be a global cry for peace.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 (New King James Version)
3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
8) The Antichrist would use (false) peace to destroy many.
Daniel 8:23-25 (New King James Version)
23
“ And in the latter time of their kingdom,
When the transgressors have reached their fullness,
A king shall arise,
Having fierce features,
Who understands sinister schemes.
24
His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.
25
“ Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule;[a]
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be broken without human means.
9) In the last days Israel would have a peace treaty in place that the Antichrist will confirm and eventually break.
Daniel 9:27 (New King James Version)
27
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.”
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10) Damascus would be destroyed.
Isaiah 17:1 (New King James Version)
1
The burden against Damascus.
“ Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.
Jeremiah 49:23-27 (New King James Version)
23
Against Damascus.
“ Hamath and Arpad are shamed,
For they have heard bad news.
They are fainthearted;
There istrouble on the sea;
It cannot be quiet.
24
Damascus has grown feeble;
She turns to flee,
And fear has seized her.
Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor.
25
Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy?
26
Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets,
And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the LORD of
hosts.
27
“ I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus,
And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.”
Amos 1:3-5 (New King James Version)
3
Thus says the LORD:
“ For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron.
4
But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael,
Which shall devour the palaces of Ben-Hadad.
5
I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the LORD.
Zechariah 9:1-8 (New King James Version)
Israel Defended Against Enemies
1
The burden[a]
of the word of the LORD
Against the land of Hadrach,
And Damascus its resting place
(For the eyes of men
And all the tribes of Israel
Are on the LORD);
2
Also against Hamath, which borders on it,
And against Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.
3
For Tyre built herself a tower,
Heaped up silver like the dust,
And gold like the mire of the streets.
4
Behold, the Lord will cast her out;
He will destroy her power in the sea,
And she will be devoured by fire.
5
Ashkelon shall see it and fear;
Gaza also shall be very sorrowful;
And Ekron, for He dried up her expectation.
The king shall perish from Gaza,
And Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
6
“ A mixed race shall settle in Ashdod,
And I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
7
I will take away the blood from his mouth,
And the abominations from between his teeth.
But he who remains, even he shall be for our God,
And shall be like a leader in Judah,
And Ekron like a Jebusite.
8
I will camp around My house
Because of the army,
Because of him who passes by and him who returns.
No more shall an oppressor pass through them,
For now I have seen with My eyes.
11) Chaotic weather would become more prevalent.
Luke 21:25-26 (New King James Version)
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
12) There would be globalization and separated by regions.
Daniel 2:40-44 (New King James Version)
40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Daniel 7:23 (New King James Version)
23
“Thus he said:
‘ The fourth beast shall be
A fourth kingdom on earth,
Which shall be different from all other kingdoms,
And shall devour the whole earth,
Trample it and break it in pieces.
Revelation 13:7-8 (New King James Version)
7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe,[a] tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
13) Babylon would be rebuilt. Literal Babylon is Iraq. There are arguments that the Muslim empire, the U.S. or just Iraq could be what scripture describes as Babylon.
Zechariah 5:11 (New King James Version)
11 And he said to me, “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar;[a] when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.”
Isaiah 13 (New King James Version)
1
The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.
2
“ Lift up a banner on the high mountain,
Raise your voice to them;
Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles.
3
I have commanded My sanctified ones;
I have also called My mighty ones for My anger—
Those who rejoice in My exaltation.”
4
The noise of a multitude in the mountains,
Like that of many people!
A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together!
The LORD of hosts musters
The army for battle.
5
They come from a far country,
From the end of heaven—
The LORD and His weapons of indignation,
To destroy the whole land.
6
Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand!
It will come as destruction from the Almighty.
7
Therefore all hands will be limp,
Every man’s heart will melt,
8
And they will be afraid.
Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them;
They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth;
They will be amazed at one another;
Their faces will be like flames.
9
Behold, the day of the LORD comes,
Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger,
To lay the land desolate;
And He will destroy its sinners from it.
10
For the stars of heaven and their constellations
Will not give their light;
The sun will be darkened in its going forth,
And the moon will not cause its light to shine.
11
“ I will punish the world for its evil,
And the wicked for their iniquity;
I will halt the arrogance of the proud,
And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
12
I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold,
A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir.
13
Therefore I will shake the heavens,
And the earth will move out of her place,
In the wrath of the LORD of hosts
And in the day of His fierce anger.
14
It shall be as the hunted gazelle,
And as a sheep that no man takes up;
Every man will turn to his own people,
And everyone will flee to his own land.
15
Everyone who is found will be thrust through,
And everyone who is captured will fall by the sword.
16
Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes;
Their houses will be plundered
And their wives ravished.
17
“ Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver;
And as for gold, they will not delight in it.
18
Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces,
And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb;
Their eye will not spare children.
19
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride,
Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
20
It will never be inhabited,
Nor will it be settled from generation to generation;
Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there,
Nor will the shepherds make their sheepfolds there.
21
But wild beasts of the desert will lie there,
And their houses will be full of owls;
Ostriches will dwell there,
And wild goats will caper there.
22
The hyenas will howl in their citadels,
And jackals in their pleasant palaces.
Her time is near to come,
And her days will not be prolonged.”
14) Noah’s flood as a global event will be dismissed and denied.
2 Peter 3:5-6 (New King James Version)
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
15) Increased interest in vegetarianism and like diets are anticipated.
1 Timothy 4:3-4 (New King James Version)
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
16) There will be wars and rumors of wars.
Mark 13:7-8 (New King James Version)
7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.[a] These are the beginnings of sorrows.
17) Ethnic conflicts would be prevalent (Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:10). Jesus used the Greek word ethnos to describe the last days battles.
Luke 21:10 (New King James Version)
10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
18) The earth would be filled with violence.
Luke 17:26 (New King James Version)
26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
Genesis 6:11-12 (New King James Version)
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
19) Jesus foretold that there would be fearful sights. The Greek word translated fearful is phobetron, which can also be translated terror.
Luke 21:11 (New King James Version)
11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
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20) Multitudes would travel to and fro.
Daniel 12:4 (New King James Version)
4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
21) Knowledge would increase.
Daniel 12:4 (New King James Version)
4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
22) Understanding of end times prophecy would be unlocked or unsealed as end times nears.
Daniel 12:4 (New King James Version)
4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
23) There will be an increase in pestilences.
Matthew 24:7 (New King James Version)
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences,[a] and earthquakes in various places.
24) The final generation would be open to receiving a mark on/in their right hand or on/in their forehead.
Revelation 13:16 (New King James Version)
16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,
25) A global economic system would exist. This was unthinkable in the apostle John's day. Most economic change is preceeded by a crisis that warrents the change. Speculation would conclude that a global economic crisis might be in order.
Revelation 13:16-17 (New King James Version)
16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or[a] the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
26) A man would control all banking and commerce. Remember, this prophecy was penned 2000 years before our computer-driven society.
Revelation 13:16-18 (New King James Version)
16
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a
mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,
17
and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or[a]
the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18
Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast,
for it is the number of a man: His number is 666
27) Famines would become common.
Luke 21:11 (New King James Version)
11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
Revelation 6:5-8 (New King James Version)
5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart[a] of wheat for a denarius,[b] and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
Fourth Seal: Widespread Death on Earth
7
When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature
saying, “Come and see.”
8
So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was
Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of
the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the
earth.
28) There will be signs in the suns, moon, and stars.
Luke 21:11 (New King James Version)
11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:25-26 (New King James Version)
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
29) The sun would scorch the inhabitants of the earth.
Revelation 16:8-9 (New King James Version)
8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
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30) The nation Israel would be born in one day. On May 14, 1948 Israel became a nation.
Isaiah 66:8 (New King James Version)
8
Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.
31) The Jews would begin to re-gather in Israel.
Isaiah 11:11-12 (New King James Version)
11
It shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time
To recover the remnant of His people who are left,
From Assyria and Egypt,
From Pathros and Cush,
From Elam and Shinar,
From Hamath and the islands of the sea.
12
He will set up a banner for the nations,
And will assemble the outcasts of Israel,
And gather together the dispersed of Judah
From the four corners of the earth.
Ezekiel 37:21-22 (New King James Version)
21 “Then say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; 22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again.
Ezekiel 38:8 (New King James Version)
8 After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
Luke 21:29-31 (New King James Version)
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
32) Returning Jews would come from the north, south, east, and west.
Isaiah 43:5-6 (New King James Version)
5
Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
And gather you from the west;
6
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’
Bring My sons from afar,
And My daughters from the ends of the earth—
Jeremiah 31:7-10 (New King James Version)
7
For thus says the LORD:
“ Sing with gladness for Jacob,
And shout among the chief of the nations;
Proclaim, give praise, and say,
‘ O LORD, save Your people,
The remnant of Israel!’
8
Behold, I will bring them from the north country,
And gather them from the ends of the earth,
Among them the blind and the lame,
The woman with child
And the one who labors with child, together;
A great throng shall return there.
9
They shall come with weeping,
And with supplications I will lead them.
I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters,
In a straight way in which they shall not stumble;
For I am a Father to Israel,
And Ephraim is My firstborn.
10
“ Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
And declare it in the isles afar off, and say,
‘ He who scattered Israel will gather him,
And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’
33) Israel, once a desolate desert, would blossom in the last days and export produce to the world.
Isaiah 27:6 (New King James Version)
6
Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob;
Israel shall blossom and bud,
And fill the face of the world with fruit.
Isaiah 35:1-2 (New King James Version)
1
The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them,
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2
It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,
Even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the LORD,
The excellency of our God.
Ezekiel 36:34-36 (New King James Version)
34 The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35 So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the LORD, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the LORD, have spoken it, and I will do it.”
34) Israel would once again plant vineyards. Today, sweet wine flows from the Golan Heights and many other vineyards on the mountains of Israel.
Joel 3:18 (New King James Version)
18
And it will come to pass in that day
That the mountains shall drip with new wine,
The hills shall flow with milk,
And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water;
A fountain shall flow from the house of the LORD
And water the Valley of Acacias.
Amos 9:13-15 (New King James Version)
13
“ Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD,
“ When the plowman shall overtake the reaper,
And the treader of grapes him who sows seed;
The mountains shall drip with sweet wine,
And all the hills shall flow with it.
14
I will bring back the captives of My people Israel;
They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them;
They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.
15
I will plant them in their land,
And no longer shall they be pulled up
From the land I have given them,”
Says the LORD your God.
35) The last days Jews would plant forests of trees. The Bible even specifies the variety of trees, cedar, acacia, myrtle, oil, cypress, pine, and box. Since 1900 more than one billion trees have been planted in Israel! This has happened in our day after Israel lay barren for nearly two millennia.
Isaiah 41:18-20 (New King James Version)
18
I will open rivers in desolate heights,
And fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water.
19
I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree,
The myrtle and the oil tree;
I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine
And the box tree together,
20
That they may see and know,
And consider and understand together,
That the hand of the LORD has done this,
And the Holy One of Israel has created it.
36) A pure language would be restored (Zephaniah 3:9). At the end of the 19th century the Zionist movement brought about the revival of Hebrew as a spoken language. In 1948, Hebrew became an official tongue of the state of Israel. Originally there was only one language (Genesis 11:1) and this pure speech will be restored (Isaiah 19:18). Interestingly, Hebrew has no swear words.
Zephaniah 3:9 (New King James Version)
9
“ For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language,
That they all may call on the name of the LORD,
To serve Him with one accord.
36) Jerusalem would be rebuilt on its own ruins. Since 1948, Jerusalem has been rebuilt on the old ruins exactly as foretold.
Jeremiah 30:18 (New King James Version)
18
“Thus says the LORD:
‘ Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents,
And have mercy on his dwelling places;
The city shall be built upon its own mound,
And the palace shall remain according to its own plan.
Zechariah 12:6 (New King James Version)
6 In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.
37) Jerusalem would be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Luke 21:24). Since 70 A.D., Jerusalem had been trampled by Gentiles until the Jews regained control of the city during the 1967 Six-Day War.
Luke 21:24 (New King James Version)
24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
38) Anti-Semitism worldwide is anticipated. History confirms that the Jews have been persecuted as no other people group. Hitler tried to exterminate them, and the Antichrist will attempt the same during the Tribulation. Today, anti-Semitism is a global epidemic. For example, of over 700 General Assembly resolutions passed since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, nearly 450 condemn Israel. None have been passed against any Arab country nor any Arab terrorist organizations! In other words, out of 190 nations in the UN, over 60% of all General Assembly resolutions rebuke just one member, Israel!
Deuteronomy 28:37 (New King James Version)
37 And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations where the LORD will drive you.
Jeremiah 29:18 (New King James Version)
18 And I will pursue them with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence; and I will deliver them to trouble among all the kingdoms of the earth—to be a curse, an astonishment, a hissing, and a reproach among all the nations where I have driven them,
Jeremiah 44:8 (New King James Version)
8 in that you provoke Me to wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have gone to dwell, that you may cut yourselves off and be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth
Luke 21:20-24 (New King James Version)
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Revelation 12 (New King James Version)
The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon
1
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon
under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.
2
Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.
3
And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having
seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.
4
His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And
the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her
Child as soon as it was born.
5
She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her
Child was caught up to God and His throne.
6
Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God,
that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Satan Thrown Out of Heaven
7
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and
the dragon and his angels fought,
8
but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them[a]
in heaven any longer.
9
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and
Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him.
10
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and
the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser
of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast
down. 11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
12
Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants
of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great
wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
The Woman Persecuted
13
Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the
woman who gave birth to the male Child.
14
But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the
wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a
time, from the presence of the serpent.
15
So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that
he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.
16
But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up
the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.
17
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest
of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of
Jesus Christ.
39) All surrounding nations would be united against Israel. This has never happened in history. Yet today, Israel is surrounded by Muslim nations sworn to her destruction.
Psalm 83:4-8 (New King James Version)
4
They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation,
That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
5
For they have consulted together with one consent;
They form a confederacy against You:
6
The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab and the Hagrites;
7
Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8
Assyria also has joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot. Selah
Zechariah 12:2 (New King James Version)
2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem
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40) Jerusalem would be a cup of trembling to all surrounding peoples. Jerusalem is a small city, with no natural resources, no port, insignificant manufacturing and industrial capability, yet its very existence causes the surrounding nations to shudder.
Zechariah 12:2 (New King James Version)
2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem
41) Jerusalem would be a burdensome stone to all nations. Almost daily the world news reports on the conflict over Jerusalem. The United Nations, the Vatican, and many world leaders want to make it an international city. However, God says that the city is His and He has given it to the Jews forever (Genesis 15:18; Leviticus 25:23; 2 Chronicles 6:6). All who burden themselves with it will be "cut in pieces." Despite God's warning, UN resolution 476 flagrantly reiterates that Israel's claim to Jerusalem are null and void. As a result, most countries refuse to transfer their embassies to Jerusalem - Israel's capital.
Zechariah 12:3 (New King James Version)
3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.
42) Israel would be invincible. Since 1948, tiny Israel has been attacked in three major wars and several lesser wars. Yet despite being vastly outnumbered, they have defeated all attacking foes. Even during the final battle, when it looks like Israel will be destroyed, the Lord shall deliver her (Jeremiah 30:3-7; Zechariah 14; Mark 13:14-20). An invincible Israel makes no sense unless you believe God's Word.
Zechariah 12:6-9 (New King James Version)
6
In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile,
and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding
peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited
again in her own place—Jerusalem.
7
“The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of
David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall not become greater
than that of Judah.
8
In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the one who is
feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David
shall be like God, like the Angel of the LORD before them.
9
It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that
come against Jerusalem.
43) Israel would be partitioned by all nations (Joel 3:2; Daniel 11:39). This is another unimaginable prophecy! In 1947, UN Resolution 181 planned the partitioning of Israel. Currently, the West Bank and Gaza have been seperated into Jewish and Palestinian settlements. Dividing Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria are also being negotiated today in order to create a Palestinian state.
Joel 3:2 (New King James Version)
2
I will also gather all nations,
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
And I will enter into judgment with them there
On account of My people, My heritage Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
They have also divided up My land.
Daniel 11:39 (New King James Version)
39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.
44) The Eastern Gate would remain closed until the Messiah returns. At Christ's Second Coming, He will enter Jerusalem through the now sealed Eastern Gate (Ezekiel 44:1-3). Today, as prophesied, the Eastern Gate remains sealed.
Ezekiel 44:1-3 (New King James Version)
1 Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. 2 And the LORD said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. 3 As for the prince, because he is the prince, he may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way.”
45) Rebuilt temple in Israel anticipated (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Mark 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 11:1-2). The prophet Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John all refer to the temple in the last days. Therefore we know it must be rebuilt. Preparations by the Temple Institute are nearly complete.
Daniel 9:27 (New King James Version)
27
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.”
Daniel 12:11 (New King James Version)
11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Mark 13:14 (New King James Version)
14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’[a] spoken of by Daniel the prophet,[b] standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (New King James Version)
4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God[a] in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Revelation 11:1-2 (New King James Version)
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood,[a] saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
46) The temple sacrifices would be reinstituted in Israel in the last days (Daniel 9:27; 12:11). Daniel foresaw the Antichrist ending the daily sacrifices. Therefore, the Jewish sacrificial system must have first been restored in the last days. Currently, the Temple Institute has created the temple furniture, vessels, and priestly garments. There are also several hundred young Jewish men in training for the Levitical priesthood.
Daniel 9:27 (New King James Version)
27
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.”
47) A red heifer without blemish must be born and sacrificed to purify the temple in Israel. The Temple Institute is actively seeking to acquire a kosher red heifer.
Numbers 19:2-9 (New King James Version)
2 “This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD has commanded, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never come. 3 You shall give it to Eleazar the priest, that he may take it outside the camp, and it shall be slaughtered before him; 4 and Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and sprinkle some of its blood seven times directly in front of the tabernacle of meeting. 5 Then the heifer shall be burned in his sight: its hide, its flesh, its blood, and its offal shall be burned. 6 And the priest shall take cedar wood and hyssop and scarlet, and cast them into the midst of the fire burning the heifer. 7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, he shall bathe in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp; the priest shall be unclean until evening. 8 And the one who burns it shall wash his clothes in water, bathe in water, and shall be unclean until evening. 9 Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and store them outside the camp in a clean place; and they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification;[a] it is for purifying from sin.
48) Though Israel would be the focus of many fulfilled prophecies, most Jews would remain blind to the fact that Jesus is their Messiah until the very end.
Luke 19:41-42 (New King James Version)
41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
Luke 13:34-35 (New King James Version)
34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly,[a] I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’”
Romans 11:25-26 (New King James Version)
25
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest
you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to
Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
26
And so all Israel will be saved,[a]
as it is written:
“ The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
49) Ancient Petra (Sela the rock city) in Jordan would exist and become the refuge for the fleeing Jews during the Tribulation (Isaiah 16:1-4; Matthew 24:16; Revelation 12:6, 14). In 1994, Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty making Petra a potential refuge for fleeing Jews.
Isaiah 16
1
Send the lamb to the ruler of the land,
From Sela to the wilderness,
To the mount of the daughter of Zion.
2
For it shall be as a wandering bird thrown out of the nest;
So shall be the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon.
3
“ Take counsel, execute judgment;
Make your shadow like the night in the middle of the day;
Hide the outcasts,
Do not betray him who escapes.
4
Let My outcasts dwell with you, O Moab;
Be a shelter to them from the face of the spoiler.
For the extortioner is at an end,
Devastation ceases,
The oppressors are consumed out of the land.
Matthew 24:16 (New King James Version)
16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Revelation 12:6 (New King James Version)
6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
Revelation 12:14 (New King James Version)
14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
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50) Russia (Magog) would rise as a military power and lead an attack on Israel. Iran (Persia), Sudan (Cush), and Libya (Put) would also partake in this attack on Israel (Ezekiel 38). Anti-Semitism in the Islamic world is rampant. According to the Koran and Hadith, Muslims are commanded to fight and slay non-believers in Jihad (holy war) unless they convert to Islam (Surahs 9:5 and 47:4; vol. 1, b. 2, Hadith # 24 and 35). Turkey (Gomer) would also join in the attack on Israel (Ezekiel 38). In 2002, Turkey elected a pro-Islamic party to govern the country. In 2005, Hitler's anti-Semitic manifesto Mein Kampf became a bestseller in Turkey. In 2007, Turkey elected an Islamist president. Ironically, Egypt and Jordan would not participate in this attack (Ezekiel 38). Interestingly, these two nations have signed recent peace treaties with Israel. Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.
Ezekiel 38 (New King James Version)
1
Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2
“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of
Rosh,[a]
Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
3
and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the
prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.
4
I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all
your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with
bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.
5
Persia, Ethiopia,[b]
and Libya[c]
are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
6
Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and
all its troops—many people are with you.
7
“Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered
about you; and be a guard for them.
8
After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the
land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people
on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out
of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
9
You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and
all your troops and many peoples with you.”
10
‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts
will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan:
11
You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a
peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and
having neither bars nor gates’—
12
to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste
places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the
nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the
land. 13
Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to
you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty,
to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great
plunder?’”’
14
“Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On
that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it?
15
Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples
with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army.
16
You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It
will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the
nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.”
17
Thus says the Lord GOD: “Are you he of whom I have spoken in former days
by My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied for years in those days
that I would bring you against them?
Judgment on Gog
18
“And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of
Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “that My fury will show in My face.
19
For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: ‘Surely in
that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel,
20
so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field,
all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the
face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown
down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.’
21
I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains,” says the Lord
GOD. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother.
22
And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down
on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding
rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
23
Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes
of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.”’
51) Israel would dwell without walls prior to the invasion from the north (Ezekiel 38:8-11). As foretold, Israel now dwells "without walls" or bars or gates. Until 1900, most Middle East cities and villages were fortified. Yet modern weaponry (jets/missiles) can "ascend...covering the land like a cloud" making these barriers obsolete.
Ezekiel 38:8-11 (New King James Version)
8
After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the
land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people
on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out
of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
9
You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and
all your troops and many peoples with you.”
10
‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts
will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan:
11
You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a
peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and
having neither bars nor gates’—
52) The Euphrates River would be dried up. Today, the massive Ataturk Dam in Turkey, completed in 1990, can hold back the Euphrates to a trickle.
Revelation 16:12 (New King James Version)
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.
53) Egypt would exist in the last days - but only as a "lowly Kingdom" (Ezekiel 29:14-16). Egypt was one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Yet today, as prophesied, Egypt remains - but only as a third world nation - which will "never again exalt itself above the nations" (v. 15). And while God's Word foretold of the demise of many other ancient people groups and kingdoms (which have long since vanished), Egypt remains.
Ezekiel 29:14-16 (New King James Version)
14 I will bring back the captives of Egypt and cause them to return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they shall be a lowly kingdom. 15 It shall be the lowliest of kingdoms; it shall never again exalt itself above the nations, for I will diminish them so that they will not rule over the nations anymore. 16 No longer shall it be the confidence of the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity when they turned to follow them. Then they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.”’”
54) Great earthquakes in diverse places foreseen.
Luke 21:11 (New King James Version)
11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
55) Marriage would be forbidden by many.
1 Timothy 4:3 (New King James Version)
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
56) Deceptive signs and wonders would abound.
Matthew 7:22-23 (New King James Version)
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Matthew 24:24 (New King James Version)
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 (New King James Version)
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,
57) Men would be lovers of themselves. This generation, like no other, regards self above all else. Self-love, self-esteem, self-reliance, self-gratification, are encouraged by the media, schools, psychologists, etc. In contrast, Jesus taught self-denial. Even many churches today preach a feel good about yourself message.
2 Timothy 3:1-2 (New King James Version)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
58) Youth would become increasingly rebellious.
2 Timothy 3:1-2 (New King James Version)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Mark 13:12 (New King James Version)
12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
59) Humanity would become increasingly materialistic and lovers of pleasure. No generation in history has had so many means to entertain and arouse the senses. Every imaginable hedonistic pleasure is available and has become big business.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (New King James Version)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
59) Jesus said Christians would be hated for His name's sake (Luke 21:17; Revelation 6:9-11; 20:4). The banning of the Bible, prayer, the Ten Commandments, nativity scenes, Christmas songs, etc., reflects this trend. Also consider that more Christians were martyred during the past century than during all previous history.
Luke 21:17 (New King James Version)
17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.
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60) Homosexuality would be flaunted at the end of the age. Jesus warned that the last days would be like the days of Lot who lived in wicked Sodom (Luke 17:28-30). We know that the root of Sodom's sin was pride and complacency (Ezekiel 16:49) as it is today. However, Sodom's lasting infamy stemmed from their aggressive homosexual sin (Genesis 19; Jude 1:7). Today, the homosexual agenda is flaunted and forced upon our entire society.
Luke 17:28-30 (New King James Version)
28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
61) In the last days, fallen angels would interact with mankind (1 Timothy 4:1; Luke 17:26; Genesis 6:1-4). There has been an explosion of ET/alien reports during the past 60 years. Studies indicate these entities behave more like demons than space travelers. They transcend the laws of physics, invoke fear, and deliver anti-Christian messages.
1 Timothy 4:1 (New King James Version)
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
Luke 17:26 (New King James Version)
26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
Genesis 6:1-4 (New King James Version)
1
Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and
daughters were born to them,
2
that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful;
and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.
3
And the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive[a]
with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one
hundred and twenty years.”
4
There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons
of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them.
Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
62) Apostasy would occur just before the Antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Increasingly, experience-based "Christianity" is replacing the Bible as the standard for saving faith. The ecumenical movement is striving for unity at the expense of truth. Christ's exclusive claims are negated in the name of tolerance.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (New King James Version)
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin[a] is revealed, the son of perdition,
63) There would be a move towards a one-world religion. Today, as never before, we are witnessing religions joining hands in the name of peace and tolerance.
Revelation 13:8 (New King James Version)
8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 17 (New King James Version)
The Scarlet Woman and the Scarlet Beast
1
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me,
saying to me,[a]
“Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,
2
with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of
the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
3
So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman
sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having
seven heads and ten horns.
4
The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious
stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the
filthiness of her fornication.[b]
5
And on her forehead a name was written:
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
The Meaning of the Woman and the Beast
7
But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of
the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the
ten horns. 8
The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless
pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose
names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when
they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.[c]
9
“Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains
on which the woman sits.
10
There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has
not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time.
11
The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven,
and is going to perdition.
12
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet,
but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.
13
These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the
beast. 14
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is
Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are
called, chosen, and faithful.”
15
Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are
peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.
16
And the ten horns which you saw on[d]
the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her
flesh and burn her with fire.
17
For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind,
and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
18
And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the
earth.”
64) A woman would call herself "queen" and head the global counterfeit church in the last days - proving herself an imposter Tens of millions follow the apparition of Mary, who is regarded as the Mother of the Church, the Lady of All Nations, the Co-Redemptrix, and the Queen of Heaven and Earth. The woman would also represent a great city set on seven hills (Revelation 17:9, 18). The Queen of Heaven is considered the Mother of the Roman Catholic Church which has its headquarters (the Vatican) situated on seven hills. As the Catholic Encyclopedia states, It is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills, that the entire area of Vatican State proper is now confined.
Revelation 17 (New King James Version)
1
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me,
saying to me,[a]
“Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,
2
with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of
the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
3
So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman
sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having
seven heads and ten horns.
4
The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious
stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the
filthiness of her fornication.[b]
5
And on her forehead a name was written:
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
The Meaning of the Woman and the Beast
7
But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of
the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the
ten horns. 8
The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless
pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose
names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when
they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.[c]
9
“Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains
on which the woman sits.
10
There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has
not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time.
11
The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven,
and is going to perdition.
12
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet,
but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.
13
These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the
beast. 14
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is
Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are
called, chosen, and faithful.”
15
Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are
peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.
16
And the ten horns which you saw on[d]
the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her
flesh and burn her with fire.
17
For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind,
and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
18
And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the
earth.”
Revelation 18:7 (New King James Version)
7 In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’
65) In the last days, this wicked woman would go out over the face of the whole earth. She would be associated with a global curse. Her final destination would be Babylon in the land of Shinar. Interestingly, the apparition of Mary claims that she will soon travel through the entire world saving those who look to her.
Zechariah 5 (New King James Version)
Vision of the Flying Scroll
1
Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll.
2
And he said to me, “What do you see?”
So I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits and
its width ten cubits.”
3
Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the
whole earth: ‘Every thief shall be expelled,’ according to this side of
the scroll; and, ‘Every perjurer shall be expelled,’ according to
that side of it.”
4
“ I will send out the curse,” says the LORD of hosts;
“ It shall enter the house of the thief
And the house of the one who swears falsely by My name.
It shall remain in the midst of his house
And consume it, with its timber and stones.”
Vision of the Woman in a Basket
5
Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, “Lift your eyes now,
and see what this is that goes forth.”
6
So I asked, “What is it?” And he said, “It is a basket[a]
that is going forth.”
He also said, “This is their resemblance throughout the earth:
7
Here is a lead disc lifted up, and this is a woman sitting inside
the basket”;
8
then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he thrust her down into the
basket, and threw the lead cover[b]
over its mouth.
9
Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with
the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they
lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.
10
So I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are they carrying the basket?”
11
And he said to me, “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar;[c]
when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.”
66) Epidemic drug use foreseen. The Greek word translated sorceries is pharmakeia which can also refer to drug use, both illegal drugs and mind-altering drugs. The use of illegal drugs and the dispensing of mind-altering drugs has risen sharply during our current generation.
Revelation 9:21 (New King James Version)
21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries[a] or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
67) Sorceries referring to witchcraft, magic, or occult practices used to enchant and deceive are also anticipated in the last days (Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; Isaiah 47:9-15; Micah 5:10-15). Today, interest in the occult is flourishing.
68) Despite the Bible's numerous warnings and last days prophecies, many people would be taken off guard when these events culminate (Luke 21:34-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6).
Luke 21:34-36 (New King James Version)
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy[a] to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (New King James Version)
2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober
69) All true followers of Christ would suddenly vanish, raptured (caught up) by God to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). A false explanation will deceive the unsuspecting masses (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Today many apparitions, angels, ETs, channelers, and New Agers are offering a counterfeit explanation for this soon to take place event.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (New King James Version)
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (New King James Version)
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
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70) Some would depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). This generation has witnessed the explosion of "heavenly visitors" and false doctrines that are embraced by professing Christians even though their messages contradict the Word of God. Channeling, witchcraft, yoga, psychics, etc., have also gained in popularity though forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
1 Timothy 4:1 (New King James Version)
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
71) Idolatry would be pervasive (Revelation 9:20; 13:12-15; 19:20; Micah 5:10-15; Zechariah 13:1-2). An idol is anything that competes for the attention due only to our Creator. Statues, images, charms, false gods, angels, apparitions, as well as possessions, position, pleasure, a person, self, and any created thing can all become idols (Romans 1:18-25).
Revelation 9:20 (New King James Version)
20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.
Zechariah 13:1-2
1
“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.
2
“It shall be in that day,” says the LORD of hosts, “that I will cut off
the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I
will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land.
72) Blasphemy would be common (2 Timothy 3:2; Revelation 16:9, 11, 21). Consider how often people use their Creator's name (God, Lord, or Jesus Christ) as a curse word. What they have done is liken the One who is the source of every blessing (eyesight, sunsets, food, family, friends, etc.) to a four-letter curse word. Fifty years ago, Hollywood seldom used God's name in vain. Today, nearly every movie includes blasphemy.
2 Timothy 3:2 (New King James Version)
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
73) Sexual immorality would be rampant (Jude 18; Revelation 9:21). Keep in mind, Jesus said whoever looks to lust has already committed adultery in his heart (Matthew 5:28). Therefore, God equates Internet porn, lustful movies, TV shows, and magazines to fornication. The availability and consumption of sensual products has exploded in our generation.
Jude 1:18 (New King James Version)
18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.
Revelation 9:21 (New King James Version)
21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries[a] or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
74) Men would sear their conscience so they could continue in sin (1 Timothy 4:2). The conscience is where God reveals right and wrong. Con means with and science means knowledge. Therefore we sin with knowledge when we ignore God's moral law and violate our own conscience.
1 Timothy 4:2 (New King James Version)
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
75) Men would mock the warning signs of the end of the age saying, These signs have always been around (2 Peter 3:3-4). The Bible even reveals their motivation - they love lust.
2 Peter 3:3-4 (New King James Version)
3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
The above represents a sample of the signs Christians are called to watch develop or watch occur in the last days. It is evident that some signs have already occurred, whereas some are obviously on the brink and others only occur during the Great Tribulation. The remaining of the study will focus on signs 28 and 69, signs in the heavens and the rapture as it relates to possible timing and Daniels 70th week prophecy.
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Necessary Definitions and Clarifications
The following definitions and clarifications of the rapture, tribulation, Daniel’s 70th week, and Jewish feasts are necessary to understand the fascinating signs that have been discovered. None of the definitions or clarifications below are controversial and are widely accepted as accurate.
Rapture Definition and Clarification:
(Note: this study approaches the subject from a pre-tribulational rapture perspective, and an argument for such will be outlined below under “timing”)
What is the rapture:
The word "rapture" does not occur in the
Bible. The original greek is “harpazo” and was eventually translated into Latin
as “rapiemur” which eventually
became “rapture.” However, most translations today just say “caught up.”
The concept of the Rapture, though, is clearly taught
in Scripture. The Rapture of the church is the event in which God removes all
believers from the earth in order to make way for His righteous judgment to be
poured out on the earth during the Tribulation period. The Rapture is described
primarily in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. 1 Thessalonians
4:13-18 describes the Rapture as God resurrecting all believers who have died,
giving them glorified bodies, and then departing the earth with those believers
who were still alive, who have also been given glorified bodies. "For the Lord
Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the
archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise
first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be
with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 focuses on the instantaneous nature of the Rapture and on
the glorified bodies we will receive. "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not
all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised
imperishable, and we will be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The Rapture is
the glorious event we should all be longing for. We will finally be free from
sin. We will be in God's presence forever. There is far too much debate over the
meaning and scope of the Rapture. This is not God’s intent. Rather, in regards
to the Rapture, God wants us to “encourage each other with these words.”
When does the rapture occur:
There are many theories as to when the rapture might occur as it relates to the Great Tribulation. This author holds the position of a pre-tribulational rapture. Ultimately, rapture timing is not 100% clear, hence the disagreement and unsolidified positions held by many Christians. The author believes that the pre-tribulational rapture is best support in debate, and if the rapture is not pre-tribulational, it is nearly 100% pre-wrath (before the judgments in the tribulation)
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Why I believe in pre-tribulational rapture
- Post-Tribulational
- Mid-Tribulation Theory
- Pre-Tribulation
- Conclusion
- The literal method of interpretation
- The nature of the seventieth week
- The scope of the seventieth week
- The purpose of the seventieth week
- The unity of the seventieth week
- The nature of the church
- The concept of the church as a mystery
- The doctrine of imminence
- The work of the restrainer
- The necessity of an interval
- The promises to the true Church
- Jewish Wedding Traditions & the Rapture
Psalms 97:10 “Ye
that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he
delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked”.
Luk 21:36
Watch ye therefore, and pray always,
that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to
pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
The main basis for the rapture doctrine which we have all read before is 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18:
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant
about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no
hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will
bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's
own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming
of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the
Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of
the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise
first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with
them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord
forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
From this passage the notion of the rapture is clear; at some future time all of
the saints of God, both dead and alive, shall be "caught up" into the air to be
with their Lord!
So let's go over the Post-Tribulational Theory
In essence, the post-tribulational system decrees that the rapture occurs after
the tribulation period -- the natural consequence being that the Church must
endure it.
I personally dismisses this view of the rapture by appealing to 1 Thessalonians
5:9 "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath
but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ"
and Revelation 3:10 "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I
will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole
world to test those who live on the earth".
Nevertheless, post-tribulationists dismiss these views, appealing to John 16:33,
"in this world you will have tribulation".
To the post-tribulationist, it is unthinkable that God would offer a
remarkable transport to the Church as an escape route in the face of global
disaster, eluded to earlier (although such was the case with Noah).
Truly throughout history the Church has suffered persecution -- indeed under
such persecution the Church has historically thrived -- not materially, but in a
spiritual harvest, as faith is refined and tested and the gospel is propagated
to further regions. This was the case in Jerusalem --
"Those who had been scattered preached the word
wherever they went" (Acts 8:4). This was the
case under Roman persecution. Persecution kept the Church pure -- it kept
hypocritical, dishonest and insincere people from the Church. "No light
decisions were made for Christ in those times, especially when acceptance of
Christ meant possible loss of citizenship; imprisonment with daily starvation
and torture until death; crucifixion, and sometimes burning while still alive
and hanging on the cross.
The flaw in this logic, however, is that the tribulation period is not a time of
persecution. Rather, it is a time of God's wrath being poured out on the earth.
During this time people shall cry 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 6:16-17). When Christ returns,
"He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty"
(Revelation 19:15). These verses above apply most certainly -- for God
has appointed His Church to salvation and not to wrath.
Surely the day of the Lord will be terrible!
(Malachi 4:5)
Finally, the rapture is quite distinct from the Second Coming in which Jesus
returns to the earth, to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14). At the rapture,
Jesus draws the Saints to Himself in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). At
the Second Coming, He returns with the Saints (Revelation 19:11-16). The post-tribulational
view virtually has the Saints of God acting like a yo-yo -- arising into the
air, only to return immediately to the earth. This further gives no time for the
Bema seat of Christ or the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Mid-Tribulation Theory
The mid-tribulation view of the rapture is that it will take place midway
through the tribulation period.
Such a view is a curious view of scripture, for the Antichrist makes a covenant
with the Jewish people and then breaks it three and a half years into the
tribulation (Daniel 9:27). Even if the mid-tribulation rapture occurs earlier
than this time, it still must take place after the Antichrist has been revealed,
which can only happen after the "restrainer" {Church} is removed (I1
Thessalonians 2:7-8).
Some have suggested that the identity of the "restrainer" is the Antichrist
himself -- a nonsensical notion indeed, particularly in light of Paul's teaching
that "the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now
holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then
the lawless one will be revealed" (I1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). Others suggest the
"restrainer" is the Holy Spirit
However, John sees those who have become Christians during the tribulation, and
martyred for their faith (Revelation 7:14). It is only by the work of the Holy
Spirit that one can be brought to Christ (John 16:8), not by man, and so the
Holy Spirit can not be the "restrainer" removed from the earth. The "restrainer"
is in fact none other than the Church -- the "salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13)
and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Hence, the Church must be raptured
before the Antichrist may be revealed and so the mid-tribulation view of the
Antichrist being revealed before the rapture is not possible.
Furthermore, the mid-tribulation position requires the tribulation to be broken
into two unrelated halves, which has the potential for requiring many Biblical
passages to have an allegorical interpretation in order to be consistent. For
one, the seventieth "week" of years of Daniel's remarkable prophecy (Daniel
9:24-27) could not be for "his" (Daniel's) people -- the Jews (Daniel 9:24) --
it would also of necessity pertain to the Church.
One possible basis for the mid-tribulation rapture is the inability to
distinguish between the rapture of the Church and the rapture of the two
witnesses which does take place midway through the tribulation period
(Revelation 11:3, 7, 11). However, the two witnesses are hardly representative
of the entire Church and it must be concluded that they are quite separate.
Some scholars identify the "last trump" of 1 Corinthians 15:52 with the blowing
of the "seventh trumpet" in the middle of the tribulation (Revelation 11:15-18)
This is one of the major fallacies which has led to so much confusion in
prophetic interpretation has been the tendency to identify Paul's 'last trump'
with 'the seventh trumpet' of the Book of Revelation".
Due to the fact that 1 Corinthians was written about 55 A.D. and Revelation was
written about 96 A.D. (some would say 70 A.D., but nevertheless, it was written
after 1 Corinthians and Paul's martyrdom). Explicitly John states that the
contents of the book of Revelation were given by God the Father to the Lord
Jesus, who in turn used an angelic messenger to convey the message to John
(Revelation 1:1-2). The very word "revelation" means an unveiling of that which
was hitherto unknown or concealed. Therefore, when Paul wrote of one generation
of believers experiencing rapture (being 'changed') at 'the last trump,' neither
he nor the Corinthians knew anything concerning the seven seals, seven trumpets,
and seven bowls of the Book of Revelation. Paul's 'last trump' and the Book of
Revelation's 'seventh trumpet' are not synonymous.
The true meaning of "the last trump" requires an understanding of the Jewish
notion of the "Day of the Lord" used nineteen times by eight Old Testament
prophets. This was the future time when God would go to war. Associated with
this would be the blowing of a trumpet -- the Jewish "shofar" (Joel 1:15; 2:1;
Zephaniah 1:14-16). Indeed, the phrase "the last trump" hardly shows a
mid-tribulation rapture because it instead refers to the commencement of the
very last time of battle in this age -- the very start of the dreadful Day of
the Lord -- the tribulation period itself.
Pre-Tribulation
The pre-tribulation view may be summarized as thus,
"It was held that the return of Christ would take place in two stages. First
there would be a quiet appearance of Christ when all true Christians would be
taken from the earth -- the 'rapture' of the saints. After this, Antichrist's
reign would continue but be brought to an end by the appearing of Christ in
glory and the introduction of a 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth from
Jerusalem"
If the book of Revelation is to be taken as a chronological work, which most
futurists would agree, there is great significance in the similarities between 1
Thessalonians 4:16-17 above and Revelation 4:1-2 -- again a voice like a trumpet
is heard and John is transported instantly through a door in heaven to the very
throne-room of God.
Now , there is great significance in the fact that John is told to
"Come up hither" (Revelation 4:1) -- the
very same words spoken to the two witnesses before they too are raptured
(Revelation 11:12). Further, the Church is remarkably absent from any of the
proceedings from Revelation 4:1 to 19:11 when Christ returns -- indeed, the
Church surely has no part in the tribulation.
Not only so, but the tribulation period is the final "week" of years in Daniel's
prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), specifically designated for the Jewish people. The
times of the Gentiles are complete, and God again turns His hand to His ancient
people, the end result is that at His Second Coming the Jews will look on Him
whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10) and all Israel will be saved (Romans
11:26) -- the Messiah they expected at Jesus' first coming will finally arrive.
Arguments
But he that shall endure
unto the end, the same shall be saved.
When Jesus said, "only those that endured to the end, would be saved," what do
you think that meant?
Is this a statement that people must go through the tribulation time, to be
saved, which would be proof that there is no rapture before the tribulation?
Absolutely not. Many people use that text, Matthew 24:13, as evidence that we
cannot be raptured before the tribulation, because the passage is interpreted as
saying that we have to endure and survive all the way through to the end of the
tribulation to be saved. But what does the passage, and the Bible, really say?
Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end,
the same shall be saved.
I note that the question imparts two peculiar meanings to the text, as follows,
within parentheses:
"But he that shall endure (physically survive) unto the end (of the
tribulation), the same shall be saved."
Now, did Jesus really say that, or was Jesus saying something else? The problem
is that those additions create a new doctrine that is completely contrary to
scripture. Nowhere is our physical survival listed as important and necessary
for salvation in the Bible. Here is a few great examples of true doctrine on
this topic of physical survival:
Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life
shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Matthew 16:26 For what
is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or
what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Always, Salvation in the Bible is dependant upon our faithfulness and obedience
to God. Therefore, I read the passage another way. I see it as saying:
"But he that shall endure (in faithfulness) unto the end (of his life), the same
shall be saved."
Now, we might argue about the meaning of "end," as supplied by the context --
whether it is speaking of tribulation, or trials unto death. And each of us
might have "evidence" for our view in a verse we can find previously which says,
Matt 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you:
and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Obviously, the context is about trials unto death, which can also be seen as
tribulation. And certainly, during the tribulation, the faithful will be put to
death by the antichrist. So, we each have a "context" to support each of our
view.
However, the view that the "end" refers to survival of the time of tribulation,
is contrary to the teaching that those who are faithful unto death will be
saved, and resurrected.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was
given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness
of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in
their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 20 conclusively proves that you can die during the tribulation, (you do not
need to physically survive the trials) and you will still be saved and
resurrected. Therefore, I submit that as proof that the one interpretation MUST
be wrong, and the passage must be saying absolutely NOTHING about a needing to
survive to the end of the tribulation to be saved. I suggest that the best and
only valid reading of the passage is that it is speaking of enduring faithful to
the end of your life, and then you will be saved. And there are other passages
in the Bible which echo this meaning such as:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the
prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that
beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any
means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Conclusion
Why
I believe in pre-tribulational rapture
The prevalent interpretation of the question of the time of the rapture in
relation to the tribulation period is the pre-tribulation interpretation, which
holds that the church, in its entirety, will, by resurrection and translation,
be removed from the earth before any part of the seventieth week of Daniel
begins (i.e. the beginning of the 7 years tribulation period).
After chapter 3 of the book of Revelation, the church is not mentioned by the
apostle John until Revelation 19:7-11. It is important to understand the
underlying reason for this. The most reliable reason is that the church will be
raptured to the Heaven before the opening of the "Seven Seals" in Revelation 6.
That is to say, the church will not undergo the 7 years Tribulation Period. In
this connection, it is worthwhile to examine the reasons why the church will not
undergo the tribulation period before proceeding to chapter 4 of the book of
Revelation.
The literal method of
interpretation
The doctrine of the pre-millennial return of Christ to institute a literal
kingdom is the outcome of the literal method of interpretation of the Old
Testament promises and prophecies. The post-tribulationist must either interpret
the book of Revelation historically, which is basically a spiritualizing method
which spiritualize away the literalness of the events in an attempt to harmonize
these events with other Scriptures such the Old Testament prophecies regarding
the future Millennial reign of the Messiah.
The nature of the seventieth week
There are a number of words used in both the Old and New Testaments to describe
the seventieth week period, which give us the essential nature of this period:
[list=]
1. Wrath (Revelation 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:19; 15:1, 7; 16:1, 19; 1 Thessalonians
1:9-10; 5:9; Zephaniah 1:15, 18);
2. Punishment (Isaiah 24:20-21);
3. Hour of trouble (Jeremiah 30:7);
4. Destruction (Joel 1:15); and
5. Darkness (Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Amos 5:18). [/list]
Let us understand the nature of the Tribulation is divine wrath. We know that
our Lord Jesus Christ bore for us the wrath of God, therefore we who are in Him
shall not come into judgment. "For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the
obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
The scope of the seventieth week
This period relates to the unbelieving Gentile nations and particularly to
Israel. Jeremiah 30:7 calls this period "the time of Jacob's trouble." God says
to Daniel "seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city"
(Daniel 9:24). This whole period has special reference to Daniel's people,
Israel, and Daniel's holy city, Jerusalem.
Inasmuch as many passages in the New Testament such as Ephesians 3:1-6;
Colossians 1:25-27 make it clear that the church is a mystery and its nature as
a body composed of Jew and Gentile alike was unrevealed in the Old Testament.
Since the church did not have its existence until after the descent of the Holy
Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), the church could not have been in the first
sixty-nine weeks of Daniel's prophecy. Since it had no part in the first
sixty-nine weeks, which are related only to Israel, it can have no part in the
seventieth week, which is again related to God's program for Israel after the
mystery program for the church has been concluded.
The purpose of the seventieth
week
There are two major purposes to be accomplished in the seventieth week.
The first purpose is stated in Revelation 3:10, "I also will keep thee from the
hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell
upon the earth." First of all we see that this period has in view "them that
dwell on the earth" and not the church. The true church does not need to be
tested to see if her faith is genuine.
The second major purpose of the seventieth week is in relation to Israel. The
God will send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the day of the Lord in
order to prepare a remnant in Israel for the advent of the Lord (Malachi 4:5-6).
It is evident that no such ministry is needed by the church since she by nature
is without spot, but is holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27).
The unity of the seventieth week
The entire seventieth week is in view when it is described and predicted in
Bible prophecy. It becomes impossible to adopt the position that the church
although exempt from a portion of the seventieth week, may be in the first half
of it, for the nature of the entire seventieth week is the same throughout.
The nature of the church
It should be observed that the professing church is composed of those who make a
profession of faith in Christ. To some this profession is based on reality and
to some on no reality at all. This latter group will go into the tribulation
period, for Revelation 2:22 indicates clearly that the unsaved professing church
will experience this visitation of wrath. Only the true church will be raptured.
Membership in the group called national Israel is based on a physical birth, and
all in this group who are not saved and removed by rapture and who are alive at
the time of the rapture will, with the professing church, be subjected to the
wrath of the tribulation.
There is a distinction between the true church and true or spiritual Israel.
Prior to Pentecost there were saved individuals, but there was no church, and
they were a part of spiritual Israel, not the church. After the day of Pentecost
and until the rapture we find the church which is Christ's body, but no
spiritual Israel because all faithful men will become a church member. After the
rapture we find no church, but a true or spiritual Israel again. These
distinctions must be kept clearly in mind as they would help us to understand
the nature of the true church.
Since the church is the object of Christ's love (Ephesians 5:25) and has been
perfected and delivered from all judgment (Romans 8:1; John 5:24; 1 John 4:17),
if she is subjected to wrath and judgment again the promises of God would be of
none effect and the death of Christ would be ineffectual.
Again, all who are in the seventieth week are brought into subjection to the
powers of the Beasts and Satan (Revelation 13:7). If the church were in this
period she would be subjected to Satan, and Christ would Himself, because of His
union with the church, would be likewise subjected to Satan's authority. Such a
thing is impossible.
The concept of the church as
a mystery
The fact that God was going to form Jews and Gentiles alike into one body was
never revealed in the Old Testament and forms the mystery of which Paul speaks
in Ephesians 3:1-7; Romans 16:25-27; Colossians 1:26-29. This whole mystery
program was not revealed until after the rejection of Christ by Israel. It was
after the rejection of Matthew 12:23-24 that the Lord first makes a prophecy of
the coming church in Matthew 16:18. It is after the rejection of the Cross that
the church had its inception in Acts 2. It was after the final rejection by
Israel that God called out Paul to be the Apostle of the Gentiles through whom
this mystery of the nature of the church is revealed. The church is manifestly
an interruption of God's program for Israel, which was not brought into being
until Israel's rejection of the offer of the Kingdom. This mystery program must
itself be brought to a conclusion before God can resume His dealing with the
nation Israel. This concept of the church makes a pre-tribulation rapture a
necessity.
The doctrine of imminence
Many signs were given to the nation of Israel which would precede the second
advent, so that the nation might be living in expectancy when the time of His
coming should draw nigh. To the Church no such signs were ever given. The Church
was told to live in the light of the imminent coming of the Lord to translate
them in His presence (John 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52;
Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Timothy 6:14; 1 Peter
3:3-4). All believers are to be watching for the Lord Himself, not for signs
that would precede His coming. The fact that no signs are given to the Church,
but she, rather, is commanded to watch for Christ, precludes her participation
in the seventieth week.
The work of the restrainer (i.e. Holy
Spirit) in 2 Thessalonians 2
As long as the Holy Spirit is resident within the Church (i.e. all believers),
which is His temple, this restraining work will continue and the man of sin
cannot be revealed. It is only when the Church, the temple, is removed that this
restraining ministry ceases and lawlessness can produce the lawless one. This
ministry of the Holy Spirit must cease before the lawless one can be revealed,
requires the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, for Daniel 9:27 reveals that
that lawless one will be manifested at the beginning of the week.
It should be noted that the Holy Spirit does not cease His ministries with the
removal of the Church, nor does He cease to be omnipresent, with her removal,
but the restraining ministry does cease.
The necessity of an interval
Passages such as 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 3:11-16; Revelation 4:4; 19:8,
14 show that the Church has been examined as to her stewardship and has received
her reward at the time of the second advent of Christ. It is impossible to
conceive of this event as taking place without the expiration of some period of
time. The Church is to be presented as a gift from the Father to the Son
(Ephesians 5:25-27; Jude 24). In Revelation 19:7-9 it is revealed that the
consummation of the union between Christ and the Church precedes the second
advent. In many passages, such as Matthew 25:1-13; 22:1-14; and Luke 12:35-41,
the King is seen in the role of Bridegroom at His coming, indicating that the
marriage has taken place. This event requires the expiration of a period of time
and makes the view that the rapture and revelation are simultaneous events
impossible. In this connection, an interval between the rapture and the
revelation is required.
The promises to the true Church
There are certain passages of Scripture which definitely promise the Church a
removal before the seventieth week.
1.
"I will keep thee from the hour of temptation"
(Revelation 3:10). John is promising a complete removal from the sphere
of testing, not a preservation through it.
2. "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord
Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The contrast in this passage is between
wrath and salvation from that wrath. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 indicates that this
wrath and darkness is that of the Day of the Lord. A comparison of this passage
with Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:14-18; Amos 5:18 will describe the darkness mentioned
here as the darkness of the seventieth week. A comparison with Revelation 6:17;
11:18; 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1, 19 will describe the wrath of the Day of the
Lord.
3. Paul clearly teaches that our expectation is not wrath, but the revelation of
"His Son from Heaven." This could not be unless the Son were revealed before the
wrath of the seventieth week falls on the earth (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
Why I believe in pre-tribulational rapture
To recap, and summarize by clarifying the verses with modern terminology:
1. I beg you,
by the Pre-Tribulation Rapture promise of Christ,
2. That you don't worry if you "hear by letter" that you are in the 7 year Great
Tribulation of God's wrath
3. Don't be deceived. The Tribulation doesn't come until after the world wide
events of the Great resurrection and rapture, which removes the righteous and
leaves only those in rebellion and apostasy, which allows for the revealing of
the Antichrist,
4. Who says he is God, and who will sit in the temple and declare claim to be
God.
5. Don't you remember this doctrine I told you already?
6. And now you know why the Antichrist is not yet revealed to the world
7. Yes, the Antichrist is working, but not fully, because you are still here,
preventing his works by your prayers, until the rapture, when you will be taken
out of the way.
8. And then the Antichrist will come out of hiding, and the Lord will destroy
him.
I can hear Paul thinking to himself... how could my disciples have been so
easily misled, deceived and troubled that they missed the rapture? And by a mere
letter? It's a world-wide gospel-promoting supernatural event that no person
could miss who was looking forward to it! They know it includes people rising
from the dead, the last trump, and all the rest. I told them that in my first
letter to them in Chapter 4, in fact, it was the only doctrinal teaching in my
entire letter! Sheesh! I'd better make another journey back to Thessalonia to
set these guys straight and reassure them, just in case my letter doesn't do it!
Now, I'm not ignorant of the fact that post-trib rapture believers interpret 2
Thess 2 in the opposite way, and use it to prove a post-trib rapture... here's
how they do it.
2Thess 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
They say this is the rapture, correctly, but then say the next verse "day of
Christ" refers to the rapture as well.
2Thess 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind,
or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as
that the day of Christ is at hand.
Obviously, the Post-tribulationists are afraid of the Rapture, because this is
the only way that that verse makes any sense. Yes, fear of the Lord is a good
thing, but you should not let it affect your theology to the point where you are
praying for the Lord to not come until after 7 years of tribulation!.... Also,
being a post-tribulationist, if you disbelieve Christ's ability to cleanse you
of sin, and believe you need further cleansing through tribulation, being a
post-trib believer, there is plenty of extra time to repent, 7 years, and/or
simply stand up for Christ and accept a beheading to achieve "trib saint
status", which may give one a full license to sin all they want until that time,
since the immanency of the rapture, which comes first, is removed. Perhaps the
post-tribulationists feel they deserve punishment for their sins, because they
have a hard time accepting the free gift of salvation through Christ.
2Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means:
for that day [rapture--which they fear] shall not come, except there come a
falling away
They assume means: "from the faith"--which, they say, includes false doctrine,
such as pre-trib rapture teaching, which somehow leads one to worship Satan
through complacency and laziness, but I've never seen how that is possible if
one is truly focused on Christ and knows the Bible, since the Antichrist cannot
deceive the elect--so their fears of the Antichrist’s deception are also
baseless (man, these post-trib guys fear a lot... consider Rev which says the
fearful have their lot in Hell)] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son
of perdition;
2Thess 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth
himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God
sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will
let, until he be taken out of the way.
Since this further explanation of Christians being removed disproves what they are saying, they say the "he" is undefined, and may mean "Michael, the chief/arch angel, whose removal allows for the rising of the Antichrist, although there is no other scripture anywhere in the Bible to support this teaching, other than the fact that Michael is a strong and powerful Angel, able to aid the delivering of a message to Daniel.
2Thess 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed,
whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with
the brightness of his coming:
Now, as for mid-trib or pre-trib. If the rapture reveals the antichrist, is the
antichrist revealed when he sits in the temple or earlier? Well, in Daniel, the
antichrist is revealed when he acts in front of "many"
Dan 9:27.6 And he [antichrist] shall confirm the
covenant with many for one week [of years]: and in the midst of the week [of
years] he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the
overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the
consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
And in Rev. he breaks the covenant 3.5 years into it when he sits in the temple
and says he is God and receives power to make war against the saints, and make
the mark of the beast mandatory.
Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him
[antichrist] a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given
unto him to continue forty and two months. [3.5 years]
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name,
and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
And when does the antichrist receive power to continue for 3.5 years?
Rev 11:7 And when they [the two witnesses] shall
have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless
pit [antichrist/Satan Rev 9:11, 17:8, Rev 20:3] shall make war against them, and
shall overcome them, and kill them.
The antichrist receives power after he kills God's two witnesses who prophesy
for the first half of the 7 year trib, 1260 days...
Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two
witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days,
clothed in sackcloth.
I believe that Satan is cast down to earth at the time of the beginning of the 7
year tribulation, after all, the antichrist is revealed after/at the rapture,
and I don't think the rapture would occur while Satan is still in Heaven--we
Christians, who will judge angels, would slaughter him (and the Bible never
describes a heavenly conflict between the raptured humans and Satan in Heaven),
so, instead, the angels throw him out, just in time for our arrival in Heaven.
Rev 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness,
where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a
thousand two hundred and threescore days. [3.5 years]
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the
dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:13 And when
the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which
brought forth the man child.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly
into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and
times, and half a time [the other way to say 3.5 years], from the face of the
serpent.
In other words, Satan cannot make war against these saints (Israel, the woman,
and all who obey the commandments) for the first half of the 7 year tribulation,
before he has any real power to do so, and while the woman is still being
protected by God.
So, therefore, since the antichrist is revealed at the 7 year covenant, and he
will need the 3.5 years just to solidify his world political power as well, the
rapture MUST take place prior to the confirmation of the 7 year covenant, which
represents the 7 year tribulation, or final week of Daniel's prophesy, the 70th
week:.
Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy
people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end
of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting
righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most
Holy.
Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the
commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall
be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again,
and the wall, even in troublous times.
Satan receives power just as God's wrath is being poured out in full, the last
half of the 3.5 years of tribulation...
Here are a few verses that show the rapture takes place *prior* to the wrath of
the tribulation: (just in case the previous exposition was not enough to
convince you). There are many more verses that talk about the rapture, but I'm
only listing a few that show "PRE" tribulation below:
Isa 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy
chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little
moment, until the indignation be overpast.
21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of
the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall
no more cover her slain.
Isa 57:1 The righteous perisheth, and no man
layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the
righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
Mal 3:16 Then they that
feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard
it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the
LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up
my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Pss 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his
saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy
to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son
of man.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from
the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him.
2Pet 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with
her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 3:10 Because you have kept
my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial which is
coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell
upon the earth.
Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the
first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which
said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Rev 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhibiters of the earth [those
not raptured?] by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels,
which are yet to sound!
Rev 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven
[the raptured?], saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power,
unto the Lord our God:
Finally, read all of Psalm 27, which is supposed to be read daily, every day for
30 days, during the 30 day time period of repentance that come prior to the
Feast of Trumpets, also known as 'the last trump' the 'day that no man knows but
the father', the day that comes 'like a thief in the night', also known as the
'wedding of the messiah', --and the Church is the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5)
Pss 27:1 The LORD is my light and my
salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall
I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my
flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war
should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell
in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the
LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of
his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:
therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I
will sing praises unto the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer
me.
8 When thou said, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will
I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast
been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine
enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are
risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the
land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD.
And there are many, many more verses that show that God saves his people during
all kinds of trouble and tribulation. In fact, you could say that God's mercy
and deliverance is a major theme of the Bible. There are no less than 6
examples of the pre-tribulation rapture in Genesis alone; Noah and Lot are only
two.
If you study the Feast of Trumpets, and the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and compare
with all the verses of the Rapture, you will see that they coincide, and show
that the rapture is prior to the seven year tribulation, and will likely occur
on the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the three Jewish festivals of the Fall,
which have never been fulfilled, and all speak of Christ's second coming. The
first 4 Jewish feasts have already been fulfilled when Christ came the first
time and when he poured out the Holy Spirit on the Church at Pentecost.
Jewish Wedding Traditions & the Rapture Why I believe in pre-tribulational rapture
RAPTURE OF THE BRIDE
There are many different opinions regarding biblical eschatology (end-time
events). This page deals with the "rapture"; a supernatural taking-up of
Christians to be with the Lord before His wrath is poured out.
This page is to offer some information that may support a rapture before the
tribulation period. As we all know, God uses symbolism very often in scripture
to convey a spiritual meaning. We also know that God calls the church "The
Bride" or "Bride of Christ" (Ephesians 5:22-33, 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, Jeremiah
2:1, Hosea 2:16). It is in this context that we look at the Jewish wedding
customs of that day and analyze any likenesses with the church bride.
...In my Father's house are many mansions; if it
were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go
and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself,
that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)
ANALOGY OF THE JEWISH WEDDING CUSTOM
The first major step in a Jewish marriage was Betrothal. This established the
marriage covenant.
Jesus established an eternal covenant through His blood. His Holy Spirit is the
"ring" (if you will) - sealing the bride with a guarantee that He will return
for her. (Hebrews 13:20, Luke 22:20, *Ephesians 1:13)
The Jewish bridegroom took the initiative in marriage by leaving his father's
house and traveling to the home of the prospective bride.
So Jesus left His Father's house in heaven and traveled to the earth; the home
of His prospective Church (bride) [John 6:32-33;51]. Jesus came to earth to
obtain the church (bride) through the establishment of a covenant.
On the same night Jesus made His promise in John 14, He instituted communion. In
this communion, he passed the cup of wine to the disciples saying: "This cup is
the new covenant in My blood." (1 Corinthians 1:25)
At the home of the prospective bride, the Jewish bridegroom would negotiate
with her father to determine the price (mohar) that he must pay to purchase his
bride.
Jesus paid a price to purchase the church (bride). The price He paid was His
life blood. (Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was
established, and the young man and woman were regarded as husband and wife. From
that moment on, the bride was declared to be consecrated or sanctified; set
apart exclusively for her bridegroom.
So the church is said to be sanctified and set apart exclusively for Christ.
(Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Corinthians1:2; 6:11, Hebrews 10:10;13:12)
As a symbol of the covenant relationship, the groom and bride would drink
from a cup of wine over which a betrothal benediction had been pronounced.
The cup of communion serves as the symbol of the covenant through which Christ
has obtained the church (bride). (1 Corinthians11:25)
After the marriage covenant was established, the groom would leave the bride's
home and return to his father's house. There he would remain separate from his
bride for a period of 12 months.
Just as the Jewish groom left the home of his bride and returned to his father's
house, so Jesus left the earth, the home of the church (bride) and returned to
His Father's house in heaven after He'd established the new covenant and risen
from the dead. The church is currently living in this this period of separation
awaiting Christ's return. (John 6:62; 20:17)
During this period of separation between the Jewish bride and groom, the
bride would use this time to gather her trousseau and prepare for her married
life. The groom occupied himself with the preparation of living accommodations
in his father's house where he would bring his bride.
Parallel to the custom of the Jewish groom preparing living accommodations for
his bride in his father's house, Christ as been preparing living accommodations
for the church in His Father's house in heaven. (John 14:2)
At the end of the period of separation, the groom would come to take his
bride to live with him. The taking of the bride usually took place at night.
So Christ will come to take the church (bride) to live with Him at the end of
the separation period. (John 14:3)
The groom, best man and other male escorts would leave the Jewish groom's
father's house and conduct a torch light procession to the home of the bride.
Just as the taking of the Jewish bride was accomplished by a procession of the
groom and male escorts from the father's house to the bride's house, so the
taking of the church (bride) will be accomplished by a procession of Christ and
an angelic escort from heaven to the home of the church. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Although the Jewish bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did
not know the exact time of his coming.
So the church (bride) does not know the exact time of Christ's coming for her.
(Matthew 25:1-13, Revelation 3:2-3;11)
As a result of the bride not knowing the exact time the groom would come for
her, the groom's arrival would be preceded by a shout. This shout would forewarn
the bride to be prepared for the coming of the groom.
So Christ's arrival will be preceded by a shout. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
After the Jewish groom received his bride together with her female
attendants, the enlarged wedding party would return from the bride's home to the
groom's father's house.
Similarly, the church (bride) will return with Christ to His Father's house in
heaven after she is taken from the earth to meet Him. (1 Thessalonians 4:17,
John 14:2-3)
Upon arrival there, the wedding party would find that the wedding guests had
assembled already.
In the same manner, Christ and the church (bride) will find the soul of Old
Testament saints assembled in heaven when they arrive. These souls serve as the
wedding guests.
Shortly after arrival, the bride (remaining veiled) and groom would be
escorted by the other members of the wedding party to the bridal chamber (huppah)
While the groomsmen and bridesmaids would wait outside, the bride and groom
would enter the bridal chamber alone. There in the privacy of that place they
would enter into physical union for the first time ~ consummating the marriage
that was covenanted earlier.
Parallel to the custom of the Jewish groom and bride entering into physical
union after their arrival and thereby consummating the marriage that was
covenanted earlier, Christ and the church (bride) will experience spiritual
union after their arrival in heaven; thereby consummating their relationship
covenanted earlier.
After the marriage was consummated, the groom would announce the consummation
to the other members of the wedding party waiting outside the chamber. These
people would in turn pass this news on to the wedding guests. Upon hearing this
good news, the wedding guests would begin the feast and make merry for the next
7 days.
During those 7 days of the wedding festivities (sometimes called "the 7 days of
huppah"), the bride remained hidden in the bridal chamber.
In correspondence with the Jewish bride remaining hidden in the bridal chamber
for 7 days after arrival at the groom's father's house, the church (bride) will
remain hidden for a period of 7 years after arrival in heaven.
While the 7 year tribulation period is taking place on earth, the church will be
hidden from the sight of those living on the earth.
At the conclusion of the 7 days, the groom would bring his bride out of the
bridal chamber, now with her veil removed, so that all could see who his bride
was.
So Christ will bring the Church (Bride) out of heaven in His second coming at
the conclusion of the 7-year tribulation period in full view of all who are
alive, so that all can see who the true Church (Bride) is. (Colossians 3:4, Jude
14)
Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide
yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past. For
behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth
for their iniquity; the earth will also disclose her blood, and will no more
cover her slain. (Isaiah 26:20)
I believe it is often overlooked in the verse from Acts 1:7, that these "times
and seasons" are "set by his own authority" (NIV) or "put in his own power" (KJV),
or "fixed by His own authority" NASB (Acts 1:7). That these are set times, or
fixed times, indicate that these "times and seasons" are likely alluding to the
"appointed times" and "set times" of the feasts. Therefore, Acts 1:7 is another
verse that strongly indicates that the Lord will restore the kingdom to Israel
on the feasts, because those are the set times, the times appointed by God.
I am fully persuaded that the Thessalonians "knew perfectly" about the Feasts of
the Lord, which, as Torah observant Jews, they would have been practicing and
following annually, and in particular, how one is the Feast of Trumpets which,
as Paul must have explained, teaches about how we will be seized, or caught up,
harpazo-ed, or raptured, as in a marriage to the Lord.
The Feast of Trumpets is also known as that "day or hour no man knows". This
description is apt for the Feast of Trumpets for several reasons.
First, this feast is observed on the day of the new moon, which comes every 29.5
days.
Now, there is no plainly explicit scripture in the Old Testament about the Lord
coming as a "thief in the night", although there is plenty in the Hebrew
Scriptures about the "day of the Lord". Information about the Lord returning "as
a thief" is contained in the Old Testament in pictures and hints only. This "as
a thief in the night" phrase is a peculiar New Testament phrase, and goes back
to the words of Jesus in the Olivet Discourse, and also spoken of in the gospel
of John.
Again, the common "at any moment" pre-trib teaching is that the Thessalonians
must be ignorant regarding the return, because they will be surprised by it,
like a thief. I am not refuting the pre-trib rapture. I refute the supposed
ignorance of the Thessalonians and ourselves. I believe the "coming as a thief"
strongly indicates that Jesus is coming as a groom to seize his bride according
to the wedding and various Bible passages as we have seen.
I do not believe the "coming as a thief" phrase means we will not know because
it will be a surprise. The manner, in which this phrase "as a thief" is used
elsewhere in scripture, strongly implies that we will or can know. As we will
see, "we are not in darkness".
The common pre-trib "at any moment" mistake is to literally apply verse 40,
"for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think
not" to mean that we must be in ignorance about the times and seasons of
the Lord's return. This common wrong interpretation is in contrast to the
parable, which implies that we are blessed if we know to watch and be prepared,
and blessed are those who teach the strong meat of such topics, "in due season",
or at the proper time. Jesus goes on in Luke 12 to make the points that watching
is for preparation, and that we should be able to discern the times.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how
is it that ye do not discern this time?
Matthew record the same dialogue, including the same main points, that watching
for the thief is for the purpose of preparation, but he links these words with
the verses about "one taken and the other left", which appear at the end of Luke
17, not Luke 12.
If we are like the goodman of the house, and watch, then it is implied that it
will be impossible for us to be surprised by the Lord returning as a thief.
Watching, as we will see, means being sober, awake, alert, implying being
knowledgeable of spiritual things and teachings.
Matt 24:48 But and
if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the
drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and
in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites:
there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Now, some will certainly try to accuse me of denying the literal words of
the Bible, but I don't deny anything the Bible is saying. The words are
literally true, "for ye know neither the day nor the hour", in several ways.
First, the early generation did not know
when Jesus would return, as they thought it would be in their lifetimes. Note,
the verse does not say no man will ever know, it simply says that they didn't
know, "ye know neither". Those who twist the verse to include us, and say that
we, today, also cannot know, must change either the pronoun or the verb tense to
do so.
Second, a global event such as the rapture cannot be pinpointed to a specific
day or hour, given that the earth contains 24 time zones and two calendar days
at once.
Third, the Feast of Trumpets itself is a two day event, the timing of which is
uncertain because the new moon comes every 29.5 days. As I have said, the
phrase, "for ye know neither the day nor the hour" is an expression referring to
the Feast of Trumpets. Not only that, it is an expression referring to the time
of a marriage. A groom would say about his upcoming wedding day when he would
fetch his bride, "of that day and hour knoweth no man, but my Father only" (much
like Matt 24:36--the first use of this phrase which is used three times in close
succession in Matt 24-25) because the groom's father would be the one to give
the final approval on the preparation of the bridal chamber, or "place prepared"
(John 14:1-4) for the new bride.
Again, the context of Jesus coming as a thief is the marriage, and the Feast of
Trumpets, as the Feasts of the Lord are the "times and seasons", set times,
appointed times. And the context in 1 Thess 5 was just given, the seizing, the
catching up, or harpazo into heaven.
(Not to mention that Rosh Hashanah is two literal days)
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Daniel’s 70th Week Definition and Clarification
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 these:
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 1:15)
3) Great Tribulation, which refers to the more 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 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 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." God declares that "70 weeks" will fulfill
all these things. It is important to understand that when "70 weeks" is
mentioned, it is not speaking of a week as we know it (7 days). The Hebrew word
(heptad) translated as “week” in Daniel 9:24-27 literally means "7" and 70 weeks
literally means “70 sevens” (70 times 7). This time period of which God speaks
is actually 70 sevens of years, or 490 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 weeks and 62 weeks" (69 weeks total) after 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 weeks.
With 483 years having passed from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the cutting
off of the Messiah, this leaves 1 seven (7 years) to fulfill the terms of Daniel
9:24. 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. This verse
says, "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the
middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on
the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete
destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
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 1 week (7 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
the 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 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).