So, what is the big deal about the “70 Weeks of Daniel”? Isn’t it just more hard-to-understand-to-unintelligible prophetic scriptures? Let’s take a look and see what’s up:
have been decreed for your people and your holy city,
(the Jewish people and Jerusalem),
to finish the wrongdoing,
(a divine intervention to halt the rebellion and disobedience of the Jewish people),
to make an end of sin,
(The end of sin is a theme echoed in the New Testament, particularly in passages like Hebrews 9:26, which speaks of Christ appearing to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself),
to make atonement for guilt
(Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through a sacrificial offering),
to bring in everlasting righteousness,(
the establishment of a new order characterized by perpetual righteousness),
to seal up vision and prophecy,
(the fulfillment and completion of prophetic revelations),
and to anoint the Most Holy Place,
(the anointing of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest and the establishment of a new covenant).
Verse 25.So you are to know and understand that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until Messiah the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks,
(in other words, 7 x 7 weeks = 49 years plus 62×7 weeks = 434 years = a total of 483 years – this period is the exact number of years from the proclamation of the decree or the command by King Arteries of Persia in 444 B.C. to rebuild Jerusalem until Jesus’ crucifixion. To Wit: Converting the 360-day year used by the ancient Jews, 483 years become 476 years on our solar calendar. Adjusting for the switch from B.C. to A.D., 476 years after 444 B.C. places us at A.D. 33, which would coincide with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–9). The prophecy in Daniel 9 specifies that, after the completion of the 483 years, “the Anointed One will be cut off” (verse 26). This was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified.);
it will be built again, with streets and moat, even in times of distress. Verse 26.Then after the sixty-two weeks,
(This phrase, “after the sixty-two weeks”, refers to a prophetic timeline given earlier in Daniel 9:24-25, where seventy weeks are decreed for the people of Israel. The “sixty-two weeks”, or 434 years, follow an initial period of seven weeks, making a total of sixty-nine weeks or 483 years. These 69 weeks are understood as symbolic of years, with each week representing seven years. This period is significant in biblical prophecy, marking the time from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the coming of the Messiah. I.e., there are 70 weeks mentioned in Daniel 9, and at this point we have exhausted 69 of the 70 weeks – which obviously leaves one week on the eschatological clock or 7 years),
the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing,
(this is a reference to Jesus’ crucifixion and death),
and the people of the prince who is to come,
(This part of the prophecy is commonly associated with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 A.D. by the Romans. The “people of the prince who is to come” are understood to be the Roman forces under General Titus, who was responsible for the siege of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. during the First Jewish-Roman War. This campaign resulted in the destruction of the city and the Second Temple, marking a significant turning point in Jewish history. The “prince”, however, is interpreted as a future ruler or antichrist figure, suggesting a dual fulfillment of prophecy),
will destroy the city and the sanctuary,
(The First Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians and is considered a precursor or a foreshadowing of the destruction of the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D, by the Romans. Both events are commemorated on the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av). And its end will come with a flood, (a ‘flood’ is a type of judgment in the Bible. The Great Flood of Noah occurred around twenty-four fifty-eight B.C. which was judgment on the entire earth for its continual sin. This ‘flood’ as mentioned in Daniel 11 is, first, a flood of people, of invading armies (see Daniel 11) the next reference is by Jesus referencing a ‘flood’ as found in Matthew 24:36-41,);even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined (this is a reference to Jesus remark in Matthew 24:6-8,“And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains(of the tribulation periods).
Verse 27. And he will confirm a covenant with the many for one week,
(Note that this is to occur AFTER “wars and rumors of war” – after the “Birth Pains” of the tribulation that “he”, the antichrist, will confirm of make a peace treaty with “the many” is Israel, her allies and others involved in the Mideast conflict with Israel),
but in the middle of the week,
(which will be after 3 ½ years, at the blowing of the sixth tribulation trumpet – see Revelation 9:13-21),
he,
(the antichrist),
will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come,
(The “abomination that causes desolation” is a term used to describe a sacrilegious act that defiles the temple, making it desolate. This phrase is rooted in historical events, such as the desecration by Antiochus IV, who set up an altar to Zeus in the Jewish temple. Jesus references this prophecy in Matthew 24:15, indicating its future fulfillment. The “wing of the temple” suggests a specific part of the temple complex, possibly an elevated or prominent area, where this abomination will occur. This event is seen as a pivotal moment in eschatological timelines, marking a period of intensification of the great tribulation),
the one who makes desolate, until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, gushes forth on the one who makes desolate.”
“So what” you may ask. Why does it matter “when” the tribulation starts or “when” Christians are to be raptured into the heavens?
It matters because being ready for His Return is proof of True Christianity, and only a True Believer in Christ will be guaranteed to join Christ at the sound of His Great Trumpet call and escape the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.
It matters because being ready requires believing and doing what He has instructed us to do in preparation for His return.
It matters because He has warned that “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and, in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
It matters because many Christians are sitting idly waiting for an event that has already begun and they are not DOING what He told them to do and therefore are in grave danger.
It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness.
It matters because, as Christians, our faith, our convictions and our behavior are speaking louder than our words.
Jesus will either say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the rest of My Father”, or He will ask you, “Why do you call me Lord, when you do not do what I have commanded you? Depart from me, you who work lawlessness. I never knew you”.
We, as Christians, have been and are being taught that we have little to do more than wait. Just sitting by, waiting for Jesus’ return and our rapture off the earth and into our promised heavenly home. Just waiting and behaving as nicely as we are able, going to church, tithing and performing some ‘good works’ as defined by or as offered through our church. But, be warned. And if you think that this is all you have to do, then take notice: you are being misled. Jesus said none of this. What He did say to His disciples – including you – is:
Repent of that thinking – for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.
Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to do all that I have commanded you.
Be ready and stay reading for His return, doing all He has commanded you, or you will be left behind.
As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support. 11 And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the rest of My Father”.
Let’s pray for one another that we will be found faithful.
God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline
GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE
I heard an evangelist once say and ask, “Jesus is coming back soon. Are you excited?”, to which the congregation exploded in cheers and applause. Then this evangelist became quiet and in a low and serious voice he said, “Too many Christians are doing little more than staring skyward waiting for the Lord to return, but He has told us we are to be busy with His works. So, it is time we stopped looking at the sky and get busy with the Father’s business!”
It is true, in my observations, that far too many Christians are doing little more than waiting around for certain events to occur, which have already begun. The Lord Jesus warned against this in no uncertain terms: “Why do you call me Lord, when you have not done the things I commanded you?”
Let’s clear the confusion and bring God’s bigger picture into sharp focus.
God’s PLAN began in the beginning of time. It came into sharper focus with the birth of Jesus. It has continued to unfold since that day, and we are included in His Plan, and It will conclude exactly as He has PURPOSED.
God’s PLAN is a Planof Perfection. Throughout all of earth’s history, God has been at work perfecting His creation. There is no event in the history of this world that has not been under God’s control and within His Perfect Plan. He is preparing His Church, those who have surrender themselves to follow and obey Jesus, to spend eternity with Him and with one another in perfect harmony in a new and perfect heaven and earth.
The PURPOSE of God’s plan is found in Daniel 9:24, is to
1) “to finish transgression,” (that is, to end man’s rebellion toward God),
2) “to put an end to sin,” (that is, to bring an end to sin),
3) “to atone for wickedness,” (that is, to make amends or reparation for wickedness),
4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness,” (that is, the quality of being morally right or justifiable),
5) “to seal up vision and prophecy,” and (that is, to confirm these prophetic visions),
6) “to anoint the most holy.” (that is, to anoint, or to confer divine or holy office upon; in this case the Holy One, Jesus.).
We are included in God’s PURPOSE. His method is found in Daniel 12 is that
1) Many will be cleansed,
2) Many will be purified,
3) They will be made spotless and,
4) They will be refined.
Here are some of the major Biblical events through which God has been working to accomplish His Plan and His Purpose in and through our lives. (I have selected the major events only, in order to simplify this matter. Here, you can see God’s Hand moving in the affairs of humankind, leading to the End of the Age – Prepare yourself accordingly:
God created them, male and female, with a plan, in Their image with a ‘flaw’, i.e., from Strong’s Bible Hebrew language Concordance – ‘a phantom, an illusion, a vain image, of dubious character’, but with potential; which includes me and you!
Before 4,000 B.C.
3rd. The fall of man (Genesis 3:1–24) – Adam and Eve disobeyed. The ‘flaw in their character and imagefrom creation’, which is ‘sin’, had its effect, which continues to this day, but it will have an end.
6th. The tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) – The ‘flaw of sin’ reemerges as pride and rebellion toward God. Instead of destroying them, this time God scattered them.
10th. The birth of Jesus (Matt 1:18–2:23; Luke 2:1–10) – The arrival of Perfection on earth. Jesus, God in the Flesh, is born and the New Covenant – for you and me – is established. Now the ‘called’ can see and be made into the very image of God.
The tribulation begins, and The Eternal Plan enters its final stages.
5 B.C. through 95 B.C.
When a Tribulation Seal is broken, an event or a series of events occur and will last for certain periods of time. Most events will continue until the “Consummation of the Age”.
In the case of the tribulation, once a SEAL tribulation event begins, it will continue for decades. Then, as a second or third event occurs, They will overlap and continue to occur simultaneously, until the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, which marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb. (The Seals will be followed by the Trumpet and Bowl judgments).
We see that the first 5 Seals have been opened are overlapping and are in progress. This began around AD 1. Here is the progression of the breaking of Tribulation Seals until the current time:
the 2nd Tribulation Seal – Wars and Rumors of War. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)
the 3rd Tribulation Seal – Famine. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)
the 4th Tribulation Seal – Death. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)
The 6th Tribulation Seal – Cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun. The breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal is yet to come. It will be The BEGINNING OF the 7 years of “THE GREAT TRIBULATION” period, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord or the Wrath of the Lamb. It will include
The Sealing of the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel.
The Rapture.
The Multitude from the tribulation at the Throne of God.
NOTE: The breaking of the 6th Tribulation Scroll Seal will be the start of the seven years of the GREAT TRIBULATION, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, or The Wrath of the Lamb and as Daniel’s Seventieth Week.
THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING THE EXACT DAY NOR THE HOUR this will occur, but we know the season, and we are told that we must be ready according to scriptures or perish!
13th. The Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 5:1–7:29; Luke 6:29–40) – Jesus gives the picture of salvation and teaches about the process of sanctification and how we – that is, you and me – are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through many tests, trials, temptations and much tribulation.
A.D. 35 or earlier
Jesus, describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days, Matthew 24:4-31.
Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4),
“In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets”. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).
Jesus was describing 4th Tribulation Seal: “In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes”. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the 4th Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8).
Jesus was describing 2nd Tribulation Seal: “In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars”. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:6 and the 2nd Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4).
Jesus was describing 5th Tribulation Seal: “In the Last Days, there will be a persecution and martyrdom of Christians”. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:9 and the 5th tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:9-11).
Jesus was describing 5th Tribulation Seal: In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).
These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun betweenthe time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.
Jesus conquers sin and death. He lives, and we – you and I – can now live! The way is cleared to follow Jesus.
30 A.D.
16th. The giving of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) – The invasion of earth has begun. Jesus sends His army of saints – which includes you and me – to set the prisoners free. He sends us with His authority, and He is with us until the end!
A.D. 30 to A.D. 60.
17th. The day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41) – A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, the power of the Holy Spirit is released into the lives of the saints of God – and yes, that includes you and me, and, nothing will ever be the same.
Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS, Acts 2:14-17,.- (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last daysit shall be…’
These words were spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and these events have been intensifying and overlapping with other tribulation seals to this very day!
1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.”(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
These verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
What would you think?
A.D. 30 to A.D. 60,
The Apostle Paul said these are the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
These verses say all these things began occurring and The Apostle Paul said these are the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
What would you think?
A.D. 30 to A.D. 60.
Timothy said these are the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. 2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
These verses say all these things had begun occurring and Timothy said these are the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
What would you think?
A.D. 95.
Through these verses John said that the Last Hour had come and John said was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION 1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).
Through these verses John said that the Last Hour had come and John said was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95.
What would you think?
These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at the birth of Christ and these first 5 tribulation Seals have been overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation.
The Near Future.
18th. The Second Coming of Jesus. – (Matthew 24:29-31) – We are now standing at the precipice of a cosmic cataclysm which will shake and reshape the planet, disrupt the stars in heaven and cause many to die from cosmic, meteorological, geological disturbances and from fright. This event is known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week, which begins with the breaking (or opening) of the 6th Scroll Seal of the Tribulation.
The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other – and if you are alive at that time, we are included. (The rapture will have occurred).
19th. The arrival of Jesus on a white horse, as the “Word of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. (Revelation 19:11–19) – From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it, He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath, of God, the Almighty. An angel standing in the sun cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid-heaven, “Come, assemble for the great feast of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, and small and great. Satan, the Beast and those who are not written in the Lambs Book of Life are relegated to the pit and the fires of hell.”
Yes, we will experience difficulties, trials and tribulations in this life, but as The Apostle Peter says,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,so that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold which perishes, and though you are tested by fire, it may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
No matter at what time you will have lived your earthly life, the outcome for all Christians is the same. Those still alive when Christ returns will be raptured from the earth, those Christians who had passed on from this life will be raised from the grave to join them in the heavens, and we all will spend our eternity with the Lord.
Have you heard that “God has a plan for your life”? The implication, often, is that God has a tailor-made plan just for you and you alone. It is as if God has planned His entire creation around your time on this earth. Wow. Unfortunately, not only is this kind of thinking incredibly myopic and shortsighted, it is misinformed and will inevitably lead you down the wrong path. A dead end.
Now, I can almost hear many people say, “but Jeremiah 29:11-13 says that God has a plan for your life”. As an example, I hear many Christians, preachers, pastors and theologians included, suggest that God’s plan for your life and that it can be found in scriptures like, Jeremiah 29:11-13. To wit: ”For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29 verses 11 through 13 are widely read, widely quoted and very popular verses. I know many people ‘claim’ these verses as a promise from God to bless their life with a future and a hope. But this is just one example of how people will misunderstand God’s Plan by using a egocentric view of life. I.e., it’s all about ‘me’.
However, if you look at the context of these verses, you can see how many folks sadly take these verses out of context. Read what comes just before and after these verses.
Jeremiah 29:8, “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream.
Verse 9. ‘For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.
Verse 10. “For thus says the LORD, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.
Verse 11. ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Verse 12. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Verse 13. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Verse 14. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.’
Jeremiah chapter 29 is an historical account of the Israelites in exile, as punishment from God for their disobedience. The prophet Jeremiah confronts the false prophet, Hananiah, who had boldly proclaimed that God was going to free Israel from Babylon in two years.
So, if you don’t know this historical account, and most people don’t, are you certain you want God to ‘bless’ you with punishment and exile in order to bring you back to Himself?
However, God does have a plan. The Bible tells us that God has a plan. In fact, the Bible shows us His Master Plan, and you can see and learn about His plan if you are willing to take the time to study and search. And, I will suggest that God’s plan is much bigger than you or me. His plan is about the entire human race, the earth, the sun, the stars and the entire cosmos. And, His Plan is revealed in the first words in the book of Genesis and continues through the last words in Revelation.
Now, don’t get me wrong. You and I are included in His plan, and we are destined to navigate His plan. But we cannot do that correctly or effectively unless WE KNOW THE WAY AND THE PURPOSE of His Plan.
Once again, from an egocentric perspective, His Plan may seem like a maze to us. His plan is full of opportunities and obstacles. You must constantly be asking yourself which path to take to reach the goal? And this becomes increasingly impossible unless you know His Ultimate Goal. And, because God has designed this maze for your life, you are simply the sojourner, trying to find your way.
Jesus knows the way. In fact, Jesus is the way! He can and will lead you to safety. But you must follow Him.
This entire matter could be compared to the age old philosophical question, “why am I here, and what is the purpose of my life?” Well, if you are willing, we can answer that question:
You are here because God put you here, or more accurately, God created a man and a woman, (Adam and Eve), who, over time, put you here. That is the “how” of why you are here.
You are here because God put you here to test you. Yes, to test you, (see 1st Peter 1:3-7), and for those who ‘endure to the end’ of this testing, they will be ‘saved’, (see Matthew 24:13). That is the ‘why’ of why you are here.
God is testing you to prove you. Yes, to prove you. God’s intention is that you be saved and transformed into the image of Christ Jesus. (See Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18).
For us, this is a journey of discovery and revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.
This will lead to the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way. My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place.
In order to know God’s plan for your life – and the entirety of the cosmos, you must know the entire plan. Knowing is just the beginning, because once you know The Plan then you will know that you have to choose to join HIM in what HE is doing or go your own way. Okay?
So, let’s look at exactly what is God’s Plan for everyone and everything? What is His purpose? Let me put it as succinctly and briefly as possible:
God Created – and said “It is good” and “very good”. (see Genesis 1)
(Humankind rebelled, but it was no surprise to the omniscient God. See Genesis 3).
God will Destroy that which is not perfected. (see Matthew 24-25)
God will Create a new Heaven and a New Earth for all those whom He perfected, to live in perfection with Him. (see Revelation 21).
If you will come to understand this, then all your successes and failures, all the pleasantries and the tragedies, all the good and all of the bad things of life, even death and eternity, will begin to make perfect sense.
Notice that I do not say it will be easy. It will not and is not easy. It is hard. But, if you look hard enough, you can come to see the purpose in every circumstance, the pleasant and the unpleasant, the good and the bad. You will see the outcome as the proving of your faith, even if you have to wait years after these events that come upon you to see the results (see 1st Peter 1:3-7).
I will present, first, a very brief and a very simple overview of a biblical time line to help you understand. I will begin with the Creation of the heavens and the earth, and take you on a journey through time, until the destruction, and the creation of a New Heaven and a new earth. We will see the complete Plan of God, as found in the Bible. (And, don’t worry. It will be an abbreviated history of how God has created the world, dealt with the people He created, and why the world has gone the way it has gone and how it will conclude.)
One last note. This is not designed to please everyone, and it will not fit every different denominational doctrine. Instead, this is meant to
Inform you, to
Inspire you, and to
Ignite you to move toward the One Living God and to join Him in what He is doing!
I hope that my Christian friends, and others who read this, don’t find it objectionable solely because I have omitted certain events. However, it is my intention to inform and inspire, NOT overwhelm the reader with volumes of information.
PERFECTION – In the beginning, God created.
He began with the imperfect and created the Masterpiece, first in the heavens and then on the earth. His work completed in just seven days; He would allow His Masterpiece to mature for a millennium until it became His Perfection.
This is a journey of discovery and revelation of God’s Grand Plan and Design, from creation through the End of the Age, then into a New Heaven and a New Earth.
This is an introductory study and an explanation on the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way. My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place.
This will take you on a journey into the reasons for WHAT God is doing in these Last Days and WHY He is doing it this way, and it will reveal His PURPOSE.
My prayer is that, after reading this, everything you may have wondered regarding the reasoning behind God’s Plan for the world and your life, will fall into place. God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He purposed; from
The Creation, through
The Garden of Eden, and
The Fall of Man to,
The Great Flood,
The Tower of Babel,
The Exodus from Egypt,
The possessing of The Promised Land,
The Destruction of the First Temple, and
The Jewish Captivity in Babylon,
The birth of Jesus,
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus,
The Destruction of the Second Temple,
Our steady march through time has been exactly as Bible prophecy has foretold. We have entered an era leading to the destruction and, eventually, a rebirth of the heavens and the earth.
The world has entered the final epoch of time, known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End The of Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation Period”, which was marked by the birth of Jesus. There are reportedly visible and observable signs and ancient writings to help you, if you believe in such things. However, most people either don’t recognize the signs or writings or don’t believe. Even among those who believe these prophecies are coming to pass and see the signs, few know what they are seeing, where they are leading or what to do in response.
Daniel 12:1, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distresssuch as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life,but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.”
Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream. Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?”Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time. Verse 10. Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.Verse 12. Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
And there will be a time of such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, (These words are repeated by Jesus in Matthew 24:21), and,
everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse
Verse 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven,
and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream.Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream,
“How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that
(a) it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Verse 8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so, I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.
Verse 10.Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.
Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12.
(a) Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
Not surprisingly, the main interest in this subject continues to be in the sensationalism of the matter; and sadly, both fictional and religious writers are profiteering and capitalizing on the subject financially. All-the-while, assuming these things are true, they are grossly ignoring the urgency and the catastrophic ramifications which are being played out.
This subject is classified as “Eschatology”, which is the study of final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. The word comes from the Greek word, éschatos, meaning “last” and ‘logy’ meaning “the study of”. Most of the major religious denominations which teach this doctrine believe it will come on the world suddenly, with an increasing intensity and will last for just seven years. This view is a myopic view of the Bible’s history time line, but a careful study of the Bible tells a much different version of these events.
A study of the ‘long view’ of the Bible on this subject, will show that the End of This Age was planned before creation. God, indeed “has a plan for your life” as He has had a plan for the entire world, but it is not the “Sunday school version” you heard about. This is real, dangerous, exciting and both deadly and life-giving.
It has taken many millenniums for this travail to unfold, and we may still have many years to go. But I suppose that when you are dealing with an Eternal God who has no beginning and no end, time is not a factor. God can take all the ‘time’ He wants to execute His plan. Please come with me and let’s continue to explore God’s Plan for you and me and the entire cosmos.
WHERE ARE WE IN GOD’S TIMELINE?
The time is near. Could it possibly be that we are already in the Last Days? If so, when did they begin?
Let’s take a look at what Jesus and His first disciples had to say about the Last Days, the End of Days, the End of the Age
Matthew 24:4-31, Jesus describes a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4),
(1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).
(5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).
These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun betweenthe time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.
Acts 2:14-17, the Apostle Peter says, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last daysit shall be…’(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.”(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Now, what do you think?
1 Corinthians 10:11, the Apostle Paul says, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Now, what do you think?
2 Timothy 3:1, Timothy says, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Now, what do you think?
1 John 2:18, the Apostle John says, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).
If these verses say that John was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95. What do you think now?
These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at or around the time of the birth of Christ; and these mark the first 5 tribulation Seals being broken. They have been ongoing, overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation).
WHAT DOS THIS MEAN TO US?
THIS IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THE CONCLUSION OF THESE THINGS WILL HAPPEN IN A MOMENT AND THERE WILL BE NO SECOND-CHANCES. THE TIME IS UPON US.
The word “flood” is used about 28 times in the Bible. It is used eleven times in the Book of Genesis and refers to God’s Judgment on the world for sin by way of the Great Flood.
The word “flood” is used either in general terms or symbolically, twice in Job, five times in Psalms, once in Proverbs, Isaiah and Nahum, once in Luke.
It is used in reference to God’s Judgments, once in Daniel, twice in Matthew, once in Luke once in 2 Peter and once in Revelation. All of these references are related to the End of Days in some way, except for 2 Peter.
The Bible mentions a flood in conjunction with God’s Judgment and the “End of Days” as mentioned, in Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation 12.
Let’s focus on the narrative of a flood in Matthew 24:37 which speaks specifically about the “Flood”, comparing what is past and what coming.
The flood in Matthew 24:37 is a direct reference to the Great Flood of Noah’s day, which “took them all away” who were not safe in the Ark.
Matthew uses the same wording and warnings as found in the Genesis Flood account:
Matthew 24:39, tells us, “And, they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so, will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Verse 40. “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.
Verse 41. “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.
Verse 42. “Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Verse 43. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
Verse 44. “For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.
Verse 45. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Verse 46. “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”
In Noah’s day, although Noah warned them, they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away.
So, it will be with the coming of “The Son of Man, which is Jesus. But now we understand the warnings and will have no excuse. Still, if you do not heed the warnings, you will be taken away.
The warning is, “those who are not ready will be left”. They will be left. No excuses and no second chances, not even during the Tribulation.
“Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes:
Be on the alert; he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into
Be the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time.
This is to be our response. Get Ready and Stay Ready!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ON THE ALERT AND TO BE READY?
Repent of your sin and fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sin. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). The Lord knows who are His, and He will leave none of them behind (John 10:14).
Be found living your life as Jesus has modeled and taught. This is only possible if you are guided by the Holy Spirit, Who empowers you with His gifts, Guidance and the Fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Be found telling about and demonstrating the Good News of Jesus; making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to do all that Jesus has commanded.
I realize this is just a synopsis of all that the Bible teaches. But it is a starting point. Now it is up to you and to me to continue to pray and study about God’s Plan and our part in His Plan.
Let me conclude by saying that everything that occurs in these Last Days is part of God’s Plan. You don’t really have to fully understand each and every event or occurrence and how they fit into this Plan. You just have to know, by faith, that God is sovereign and that His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher that our ways. His word which goes out of His mouth will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish exactly what He has planned. It will succeed in the Purpose for which He has sent it. Therefore, your and I can go out with joy and be led in peace. This is what God says, “Guard justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come and My righteousness is to be revealed. Blessed is a man or woman who does this, and who takes hold of it; Who keeps from profaning the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil. I will give you an everlasting name which will not be eliminated.”
Assume with me, if you can, that you have never thoroughly read a Bible, or that you have only read it for cursory content information.
Please, further assume with me, that by chance these verses are the ones that might have caught your attention:
Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4),
(1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets.(This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5).
(5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10).
These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun betweenthe time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days.
Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last daysit shall be…’(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.”(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.”(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
What would you think?
1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
What would you think?
2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS.
What would you think?
1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.”(Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).
Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100).
If these verses say that John was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95.
What would you think?
These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at the birth of Christ and these first 5 tribulation Seals have been overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation.
Luke 12:54,And He was also saying to the crowds, “Whenever you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out. Verse 55. And whenever you feel a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it turns out that way. Verse 56. You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you do not know how to analyze this present time?”
THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 9 – The 5th & 6th Trumpets
Episode 11
(These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)
Chapter nine of the Book of The Revelation is another intensification of the pressures of God judgements of God on the earth. It gives us three indicators or woes that the end is drawing nearer.
This chapter gives us strange and difficult imagery. One might wonder if the images are actually creatures, animals and objects as they are depicted or if they are descriptions of modern things, things of these last days, as would be seen and described by an ancient people.
The Fifth Trumpet and the Bottomless Pit
Revelation 9:1, Then the fifth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I saw a star (angelic being) that had fallen from heaven to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit (abyss) was given to him (the star-angel). Verse 2. He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke like the smoke of a great furnace flowed out of the pit; and the sun and the atmosphere were darkened by the smoke from the pit. Verse 3. Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power [to hurt] was given to them, like the power which the earth’s scorpions have. From this pit comes smoke like a great furnace.
(Commentary break: Verses one through three describe a star, as ‘him’. And, ‘he’ it is assumed, was an angel or a heavenly being emitting a brilliance. And, he was given a key to the bottomless pit. The Bible does not tell us whether this is a volcanic chasm or the pit of hell. But it is further described as a great furnace, it is likely the pit of hell. An ominous precursor of what is to come. (End commentary break).
Verse 4. They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but [to hurt] only the people who do not have the seal (mark of ownership, protection) of God on their foreheads. Verse 5. They were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment and cause them extreme pain for five months; and their torment was like the torment from a scorpion when it stings a man. Verse 6. And in those days people will seek death and will not find it; and they will long to die [to escape the pain], but [will discover that] death evades them.
(Commentary break: There is only one mention of the Seal of God of those who enter the Great Tribulation (after the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal), and that is the sealing of the one hundred forty-four thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel. No one else has been sealed with God’s protection. Everyone else in the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, is suffering greatly, and although they may long for the relief of death, they are not granted that longing, but must continue to suffer unthinkable horrors of pain and suffering. They still have a short time to repent and be saved. But time is running short. (End Commentary Break).
Verse 7. The locusts resembled horses prepared and equipped for battle; and on their heads appeared to be [something like] golden crowns, and their faces resembled human faces. Verse 8. They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. Verse 9, They had breastplates (scales) like breastplates made of iron; and the [whirring] noise of their wings was like the [thunderous] noise of countless horse-drawn chariots charging [at full speed] into battle. Verse 10. They have tails like scorpions, and stingers; and in their tails is their power to hurt people for five months. Verse 11. They have, as king over them, the angel of the abyss (the bottomless pit); in Hebrew his name is Abaddon (destruction), and in Greek he is called Apollyon (destroyer-king).
Verse 12. The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still coming after these things.
(Commentary break: Some Bible teachers and commentators will suggest the descriptions of the locusts to be literal, but they are similes as evidenced by such wording as, “their heads appeared to be golden crowns”, “their faces resembled human faces”, “they had hair like women”, “their wings were like”, “they have tails like scorpions”, etc. We can only use conjecture when trying to determine what the ancients were seeing and describing, but the scene of the horrors comes through, loud and clear. (End Commentary Break).
The Sixth Trumpet & The Army from the East
Verse 13. Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, verse 14, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” Verse 15. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Verse 16. The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. Verse 17. And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fireand smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). Verse 18. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. Verse 19. For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm.
(Commentary Break: The sounding of the 6th Trumpet signals the release of the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates, which represents an army. The number of the troops of cavalry is “twice ten thousand times ten thousand”, or two hundred million. Most commentators suggest this is an army of China based on the size of the army.
However, the Euphrates river is in southwestern Asia, and winds through regions of the Middle East, through northern Syria and Iraq to the head of the Persian Gulf.
It is also useful to note thatthe 10 Nation Confederation named in Ezekiel 38, in Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon are from the nations of:
Gog, also known as Rosh, (Russia) and,
Rosh, (Russia),
Magog, also known as (Russia),
Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia),
Put, also known as (Libya),
Cush, also known as (Ethiopia),
Persia, also known as (Iran),
Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey),
Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey),
Beth-Togarmah, also known as(Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey -Armenia)
The combined armies described in the Book of Ezekiel, from the East. They are Russia, with an army of one million one-hundred thousand; Turkey, with an army of three hundred fifty-five thousand; Iran, with an army of five hundred twenty-three thousand, (including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard); Ethiopia’s army of one hundred thirty-eight thousand; Chechnya’s army is approximately ten thousand; the army of Georgia is approximately twenty-one thousand; Even with this abbreviated list we can count only two million, one hundred forty-two thousand fighting troops, far short of the prophesied “two hundred million troop” end-times military invasion of Israel.
(Interestingly, however, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has since transformed geopolitics, uniting the West against Russia and reigniting talk of a new Cold War or even World War 3. But Russia, it is now clear, is not as isolated as the initial global outcry suggested. It benefits from a robust network of partners, allies, and fellow travelers that includes countries such as Belarus, China, India, Iran, and North Korea.
Since the invasion, China and India have dramatically increased imports of discounted Russian oil, providing Moscow with a record current account surplus in 2022. Iran has provided Russia with vital arms, including Shahed kamikaze drones to swarm Ukraine’s air defenses. Last year, North Korea began shipments of artillery and missiles to Russia. And many countries in the Global South, including South Africa, continue to maintain military and strategic ties with Russia.
When considering Russia’s allies in addition to the 10 Nation Confederation previous referenced in this article from Ezekiel 38, Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon, the numbers begin to increase dramatically.
Finally, when considering the cumulative population of these countries (three billion seven hundred million) and their conscription capabilities, it is easy to see how a military force of 250,000,000 could be assembled at any moment.
And, they will be released to kill a third of mankind. (End Commentary Break).
They Would Not Repent
Verse 20. The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues,[footnote ‘a’], did not repent even then of the works of their hands, so as to cease worshiping and paying homage to the demons and the idols of gold and of silver and of bronze and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; verse 21, and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries (drugs, intoxications) nor of their [sexual] immorality nor of their thefts.
The sounding of the Sixth Trumpet marks the time when no one else will be saved from God’s Judgements. Now comes the Wrath of the Lamb and the final seven Bowl Judgements.
There has been confusion surrounding several key scriptures, thanks mainly to denominational differences and poor methodology of interpretation and incorrect explanation or analysis of text. (I am not a theologian nor am I an expert. But with prayer and diligent study, the word of God is meant to be understood when kept in the context of the entire Bible. Therefore:
“Now as to the periods and the end times, brothers and sisters, you have no need of anything to be written to you. verse 2. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night. verse 3. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. Verse 4. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief; verse 5. For you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; verse 6, so then, let’s not sleep as the rest of the others do, but let’s be alert and self-controlled and sober. Verse 7. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. Verse 8. But since we are of the day, let’s be self-controlled and ]sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. Verse 9. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, verse 10. Who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Verse 11. Therefore, comfort and encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:1)
The Sixth Seal: The Wrath of the Lamb
Revelation 6:12, And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; verse 13, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. verse 14. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. verse 15. Then the kings of the earth and the eminent people, and the commanders and the wealthy and the strong, and every slave and free person hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; verse 16,. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the sight of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; verse 17, for the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
The placement of these verses, twelve through seventeen, of chapter six of the Revelation, is telling. They come after tribulation seals one through five which, throughout the Bible, are consistently referred to as ‘the tribulation period’ or of ‘birth pains“, as opposed to what follows, which is the Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord or the Wrath of the Lamb.
What do we know so far?
The Lord is coming just like a thief in the night.
While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. Verse 4. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that the day would overtake you like a thief.
God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This occurs after the 5th tribulation seal – with the breaking of the 6th Tribulation seal, comes Revelation 6 verse 16 and, the wrath of the Lamb; Revelation 6 verse 17, the great day of Their wrath has come.
Next we see, in Revelation 14:9, “Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, verse 10, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.”
Revelation 15:1, “Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.”
Finally, and, while we are at it… Three great ‘denominational misconceptions’.
Misconception #1. All the tribulation seals are broken after the rapture.
Correction to misconception #1. The tribulation seals ONE through FIVE have been broken as early as the birth of Christ through A.D. 95 and have been progressively overlapping and intensifying to this day. The Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord or the Wrath of the Lamb and the rapture, occur at or near the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal. (Please refer to “Just Before The Rapture.”)
Misconception #2. The Antichrist will not be revealed until after the rapture.
Correction to misconception #2. The Antichrist is revealed after the Great Apostasy (the 5th tribulation seal) and before the rapture of the Church. (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).
Misconception #3. The mark of the beast will be given before the rapture.
Correction to misconception #3. The mark of the beast comes after the rapture. It will not be given until the 6th Tribulation Trumpet. (see the placement of Revelation 14:9).
The scriptures encourage us to be like the Bereans, noble-minded, receiving the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things are so.
(Please note that I use page links in lieu of footnotes, citations and references. These links also give important details regarding statement and references in this article. I urge you to please use them.)
Whether you know it or not, whether you will believe it or not, and whether you like it or not, there are three urgent things everyone needs to know. There should be no doubt that:
God exists.
There is A Plan for all humanity, the earth, the heavens and the entire cosmos.
Everything is going according to plan – and you are included in The Plan – whether you know it or not, whether you believe it or not, and whether you like it or not.
If you scoff at the THREE MAIN THINGS, then scoff if you must. But it would serve you well to take a closer look, and seriously investigate what is being presented here.
i. GOD EXISTS
There was a time, when in its infancy, science was compatible with religion. (When I speak of religion in this article, I am referring to Christianity). It was inevitable with the passage of time, however, that certain influential atheists, would become influential scientists. Their science would be defined by and framed by their humanist idealism, imagination and secular-humanist worldview. That is to say that since it is their conviction that there is no God, they concurrently would see the world, the universe and the cosmos, strictly as a natural occurrence.
By the way, I have heard it said that it takes faith to believe in God, but that it takes exponentially more faith to believe that everything that exists came from nothing and randomly ‘evolved’ into a precision that defies all reason, logic and science – all by chance; that all of existence has been a series of serendipitous events.
There was a period of about 175 years that America was considered a Christian nation. However, the Christian America thesis would be sidelined after the Scopes Trial of 1925, and it would find a new, yet brief life in the 1970s. It continues to be a burning issue today. Those who now argue that America was founded as a Christian nation inherit a long and consistent tradition.
“It was also in the 19th century that pair-structured phrases “religion and science” and “science and religion” first emerged in the literature. This coincided with the refining of “science” (from the studies of “natural philosophy”) and of “religion” as distinct concepts in the preceding few centuries, partly due to professionalization of the sciences, the Protestant Reformation, colonization, and globalization. Since then the relationship between science and religion has been characterized in terms of “conflict”, “harmony”, “complexity”, and “mutual independence”, among others.” (see the foregoing excerpt from Wikipedia).
It is also interesting that these humanist-atheists-scientists found it expeditious to use the language of the Bible as academic stepping stones to sell their new scientific idealism to succeeding generations – effectively separating God and science in the public mind and coining the new term, ‘creationism’ – a victory for atheists and humanists and a sad acquiescence on the part of Christian apologists and theologians.
For example:
Carl Sagan – Cosmos – Its Only Sacred Truths:
Carl Sagan – Cosmos- Stars – We Are Their Children
Only recently have a few notable Christian apologists offered a sound public rebuttal, which may have galvanized the beliefs of the faithful, but has done little to undo the damage to public perception caused by Saganists. Damage which has obscured the truth of scriptures and which has reached inside the Christian church and community.
In case you have been unduly influenced by the “Saginists” of the science world, let me present you a case in favor of the fact that GOD DOES EXIST.
The Bible states that, “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel – (which means God with us.)” Isaiah 7:14.
Again, the Bible says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.
These are the odds against – yes, AGAINST – Jesus Christ having sent by God, born, live on earth and fulfilled just 48 of the over 450 prophecies written about Him.
In order to give you some perspective, consider that electrons are very small objects. They’re smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 TIMES of 10 to just the 15th power of them, laid side by side, to make one inch. Even if we counted 250 of these electrons each minute, and counted day and night, it would still take 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long. NINETEEN MILLION YEARS!
Read that again, please. Why is that significant?
It is significant because it gives us evidence that the Bible is true and correct when it says that Christ Jesus came to earth and is the Savior of the world.
Just think about it: It is a scientific and a mathematical impossibility that HAS COME TO PASS!
(And by the way, it gives you evidence, if you choose to pay attention, that your life can be eternal with the only LIFE Source which gives eternal Peace, Safety, Security, Joy and fulfillment the universe has ever known or ever will know.)
ii. There is A Plan.
The Bible, when read as a whole, reveal an amazing narrative reaching back in time to creation and extending in time to the conclusion and rebirth of all things.
The logical question to ask, I believe is, can you prove it? I will rely on one source and refer to another to validate this point.
THE ONE SOURCE
The Bible lays out God’s complete plan, from before creation through the end of the age and into the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. His is a ‘Plan of Perfecting’. God is perfecting all who would believe and follow Jesus in humble submission in preparation for us to live with Him, worship Him and to rule with Him for all eternity.
Most theologians and Bible apologists will outline the Bible by giving a book-by-book topical overview and details of events contained in the individual books, which is probably the very best way to study the entire Bible. However, considering that the Bible (New American Standard version) contains 782,815 words, composing 31,103 verses and 1,189 chapters and 66 books written by 40 authors over a span of 1,500 years, (and further complicating this matter, there are about fifty mainline versions of the Bible, not counting revisions), it is easy to see how one could fail to see ‘the forest’ for the many trees of words, verses, chapters and recorded events.
(The forest is the entire body of work of the Bible which is a straight line from the beginning of creation to end of all things and into a new creation.)
(ANOTHER SOURCE – Note: this small section is not included in the audio).
Scientist say, on the one hand, that all things had a beginning – including time and space – and they named it the Big Bang. Then on the other hand certain leading scientists are beginning to speculate that perhaps something existed before the ‘Big Bang’. But, they all agree that everything will likely end in an event they are calling the Big Crunch. So, at least on two points there is agreement: There was a beginning and there will be an end.
Scientists are quick to point out that they are still learning and what they know may change and that is just the nature of science. (Oh, my). That means we can depend on scientific truth, sort of.
That it is true until it is not – and this validates my point about the existence of God. Science says it is right, until it is not!
The Bible says it is right because it is God-breathed, yesterday, today and forever!
THE JOURNEY TO PERFECTION
If you will patiently walk with me, I will take you on an amazing journey. A journey from the beginning of time through recorded world and Biblical histories. We will identify important past Bible prophecies and correlate them to the actual past world events; then we will compare both prophecies and histories to one specific prophecy known as ‘Daniel’s Seventy Weeks’, which will bring us to current events and the final epoch of time known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End The Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation”, which are now unfolding with frightening accuracy.
I will not stop there, however. I will conclude by laying out a successful response to these events, a plan of action by which you can both survive and thrive in these final days.
Finally, there is an event coming which is so fantastic as to be unbelievable. But I will show the evidence leading to this event, known as the ‘Rapture’ and I will even help you calculate the odds of its occurrence. You will then be faced with the most monumental decision you have ever faced.
The Purposeof God’s Eternal Plan is “Perfection”. He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.
“Because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14
Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.
This journey is not any easy one. In fact, it is impossibly difficult. It is something only God can accomplish; and as difficult as it is, and at times, terror filled, it is also filled with purpose with a glorious end.
1) “to finish transgression,” (that is, to end man’s rebellion toward God)
2) “to put an end to sin,” (that is, to bring an end to sin)
3) “to atone for wickedness,” (that is, to make amends or reparation for wickedness)
4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness,” (that is, the quality of being morally right or justifiable)
5) “to seal up vision and prophecy,” and (that is, to confirm these prophetic visions)
6) “to anoint the most holy.” (That is, to anoint, or to confer divine or holy office upon; in this case the Holy One, Jesus.)
Notice that the results of this six-fold purpose concerns the total eradication of sin and the establishing of righteousness.
The prophecy of the 70 weeks summarizes what happens before Jesus sets up His millennial kingdom.
iii. EVERYTHNING IS GOING ACCORDING TO PLAN
The world has entered the final epoch of time, known by various names, such as, “The Last Days”, “The End The Age” the “Latter Days” and “The Tribulation Period”, which was marked by the birth of Jesus. There are reportedly visible and observable signs and ancient writings to help you. However, most people either don’t recognize the signs or writings or don’t believe. Even among those who believe these prophecies are coming to pass and see the signs, few know what they are seeing, where they are leading or what to do in response.
The best description of the purpose, length and, outcome of this end time, variously known as the “birth pains”, the tribulation and finally, the Great Tribulation.
Here is a Biblical outline of the seals broken up to this very day:
the 3rd Tribulation Seal – Famine. (This Seal was broken around A.D. 1 to A.D. 95, and is overlapping seals 1 through 2, and seals 4 and 5 amd is intensifying).
the 4th Tribulation Seal – Death. (This Seal was broken around A.D. 1 to A.D. 95, and is overlapping seals 1 through 3 and seal 5, and is intensifying).
We are on the precipice of the opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal which triggers the beginning of the period known as the Great Tribulation or the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb – which will continue with the breaking of tribulation seal 7, then the blowing of the 7 tribulation trumpets, and ending with the pouring out of the 7 tribulation bowls.
The Opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal is The BEGINNING OF the 7 years
Whether you know it or not, whether you believe it or not and whether you like it or not, you are included in God’s Plan.
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;
AS THE SHEEP
“And He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
AS THE GOAT
“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
“These (on My left hand) will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous (those on My right hand) into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46).
Dear friends, you and I get one chance at this. The Bible says “And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27).
“The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).
If you will “confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting insalvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
Do you ever wonder what will happen on earth in the years and months just before the Rapture?
If you don’t wonder then it is probably due to one of two reasons: (1) You don’t care. (2) You believe what you’ve been hearing about the ‘pre-tribulation rapture’ taking place before the 1st Tribulation Seal is broken.
Well, if you fit into either or both these 2 reasons, then news on both counts.
On the first count, Jesus says you take care and be ready (Matthew 24:42 ff) or you will be left behind.
And, on the second count, the 1st Seal, according to the testimonies of Jesus and the Apostles Paul, Peter and Timothy, are found in :
Jesus says, in Matthew 24:9–13, that a day is coming when “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”
Now, pay close attention to what Jesus, Himself, says in Revelation chapters one, two and three about enduring and overcoming. Jesus is speaking to the seven Churches in these chapters – and remember – the time of tribulation has begun (in or around A.D. 1 to A.D. 95) and the Church is still on the earth at that time, receiving instruction from Jesus. And a clear, plain face-value reading of Matthew chapter 24 will tell you that the Church will remain on earth until the breaking of the 6th Seal of the Tribulation (please, read it).
– The Revelation of Jesus Christ – Things which must soon take place –Words of the prophecy
This letter of the Revelation begins with these words, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
Be aware that John was writing of FUTURE events because the Temple had already been destroyed the first time, 26 years before John wrote the book of The Revelation.
So, we must ask the one most important question, “Why is Jesus warning the churches and His followers of something that is coming, in the Book of Revelation, if they would not endure it?”
Until then, “The ones who have an ear, let them hear”.
Jesus tells the Churches (the followers of Christ), that until the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, they must OVERCOME.
Revelation 2:7 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’
To him who overcomes: Jesus made this promise to him who overcomes – but what does this “Overcomer” overcome? We usually think of overcoming in dramatic terms of overcoming sin and in spiritual warfare, but here Jesus is speaking of overcoming coldness of heart and lack of love marked by leaving their first love of Jesus.
I will give to eat from the tree of life: The promise for these “Overcomers” was a return to Eden, a restoration to God’s Presence, and eternal life. This was meant, first in the eternal sense of making it to heaven, which was no small promise to a people threatened with the removal of Jesus’ presence.
It is also meant in the sense of seeing the effects of the curse cancelled in our own lives though Jesus’ redeeming act of love.
Revelation 2:11‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’
He who overcomes: This was a promise for “Overcomers”. This promise is for those who overcome the threat of persecution, and the presence of persecution.
We might say that we overcome by our close association with Jesus, but, it is that very association that brings both persecution and salvation. Jesus is the ultimate “Overcomer”, as He says, In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Shall not be hurt by the second death: Those who overcome by the power and presence of Jesus within them, will never be hurt by the second death. The second death is hell, the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Though Satan will threaten and attack your life, Jesus promises His “Overcomers” that death is conquered for them.
Revelation 2:17 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’
To him who overcomes: The one who overcomes this spirit of accommodation to false teaching and living will receive hidden manna. This is God’s perfect provision, the true bread from heaven (John 6:35).
And I will give him a white stone: In the ancient world, the use of a white stone had many associations. A white stone could be a ticket to a banquet, a sign of friendship, evidence of having been counted, or as a sign of acquittal in a court of law. Jesus may have any one of these meanings in mind, but at the very least we know that it has the assurance of blessing.
Revelation 2:26 ‘He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS;
He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end: Even when there is the immoral and idolatrous influence of a Jezebel, Christians can overcome and keep Jesus’ works until the end. We must not become overly discouraged at immorality and idolatry around us, even among Christians. God’s work will still go on through His “Overcomers”.
To him I will give power over the nations: Jesus promised that His people will reign with Him. Here, there is a special promise to those who overcome the threat of immorality and idolatry. To them, Jesus offered a share in His own kingdom.
“The word for ‘rule’ (Greek = ‘poimanei’) literally means ‘to shepherd.’
Their rule will not be simply that of executing judgment, but also that of administering mercy and direction.”
I will give him the morning star: Jesus offered them a reward greater than the kingdom. He offered them the reward of Himself, because He is the Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).
Revelation 3:5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments: Jesus identified the “Overcomers” with those few names who have not defiled their garments (Revelation 3:4). These “Overcomers” would wear white garments, received from Jesus.
Jesus explained the absolute necessity of this being clothed by God with His garments of purity and righteousness in His parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:11-14).
Real righteousness is receiving God’s covering instead of trying to cover ourselves. Adam and Eve tried to cover their own sin (Genesis 3:7) but God provided them with a covering that came from sacrifice (Genesis 3:21).
And I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life: By this, the “Overcomers” were assured of their heavenly citizenship. In the ancient world, death or a criminal conviction could blot out the name of an ancient citizen from the city’s book of the living, which was the city register.
But I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels: This was an amazing promise. It simply makes sense that we should be willing to confess the name of Jesus, but it is amazing that He would not be ashamed to confess us!
Revelation 3:12 ‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.”
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar: “Overcomers” were told that they would be as a pillar in the temple of My God. Pillars were pictures of strength, stability, and dignified beauty.
He shall go out no more: The “Overcomer” would have a place of permanence and stability with God, in contrast to an uncertain place in this world.
I will write on him the name of My God… I will write on him My new name: The “Overcomer” also received many names – of God, the New Jerusalem, and the new name of Jesus. These names are marks of identification because they show who we belong to. They are marks of intimacy, because they show we are privileged to know Him in ways others are not.
Revelation 3:21 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
To him who overcomes: Jesus’ promise to the “Overcomer”, even at Laodicea, showed that we don’t have to be Christians who are compromising and lukewarm. If we are, we can change and become one of Jesus’ overcomers.
I will grant to sit with Me on My throne: Those who overcome the battle against indifference, compromise, and self-reliance, receive a special reward. They enjoy a place with the enthroned Jesus (as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne).
Revelation 21:5 “And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Verse 6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
Verse7 “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
Verse 8 “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Jesus is telling His Followers that they must “Endure to the end” and“Overcome”. We are nearing that time.
(Please Note: I have condensed this page by using external page links in place of detailed explanation of footnotes, references and citations. Please use these links for insights, details and references.)
Wars and rumors of war have been waged since the beginning of time. Whether between brothers, families, clans, tribes or nations, there has never been a true time of peace on earth.
Rather than recounting all the wars in the history of the world, let’s consider the most recent physical manifestations of this long-running war and see what we can determine.
Ukraine and Russia.
The United States has provided over $75 billion in aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. We are in great part, funding this war instead of fighting it directly.
Israel.
The U.S. has provided Israel with over $300 billion in aid since 1971, and U.S. has provisionally agreed to provide around $4 billion per year through 2028. Recently, the Biden administration has requested an additional $14 billion in emergency funding as Israel wars with Hamas terrorists. Although we are not directly engaging Hamas, Hezbollah or other terror groups in the region, we are helping by funding the war against them.
Iran.
The United States is spending billions of dollars responding militarily to attacks by Iranian military proxies, such as the Houthis, Hamas, Harakat al-Nujaba, Hezbollah and others. We also respond militarily on occasion.
China.
The United States has been in a trade war and a war of economic and geopolitical strategies with China. But recently, rhetoric between the two nations is sounding like saber-rattling. There is a deep concern that an actual war with China could be on the horizon.
Fear of a new full-blown global war is real. The reasons for this fear are complex. A multitude of opinions and facts quickly overwhelm the average reader. But all lead to the same conclusion: Any misstep could bring us dangerously close to a full scale war. A war that would be unimaginably costly and just as deadly.
Russia is wary of the growth and encroachment of NATO on her borders. President Vladimir Putin has said as recently as October 2023 that suggestions the United States should prepare for a war against Russia and China were nonsense. Then warns the West that any war against Russia would be on a whole different level to the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that nuclear arms are ‘on the table’ in such a turn of events.
We are waging a war for our sovereignty. It is common knowledge that our borders are not secure and it is estimated that over 11 million people now reside in the U.S., who entered illegally.
There are justified fears that there are those who have entered the United States illegally are here to commit illegal activities or who plan to harm the United States acting as foreign spies or through terrorist activities.
Aren’t we already fighting a war and just won’t acknowledge it? We read and hear about the wars being fought around the world, every day. These are physical wars, taking scores of lives daily. They are devastating communities and destroying states and nations.
But what’s new with all of this? Haven’t things like this been going on for decades, even centuries? The difference is that there is now a concurrence and a convergence of events that give additional meaning and urgency to what we are seeing.
Whether as a proxy or in direct confrontation, it would seem that the United States is already engaged in a physical global conflict, an undeclared state of war.
I would like to point out that there is also a spiritual war being waged in and unseen realm. A realm which is in the hearts and minds of men and women and is projected from these hearts and minds into the physical realm of our world.
This spiritual war is not just between nations and armies. It is being fought in our everyday lives. It is a war between good and evil, between God and His adversaries.
The end of this war was determined from its outset; but it must be fought to its conclusion. Your life in this present time, as well as your life eternally, are at stake.
Simply put, the dramatic rise of Globalism is a main concern. A Marxist-style of Globalism is being promulgated and propagated by entities such as the United Nations (through their Agenda 2030), U.N.E.S.C.O, and the World Economic Forum. There is, however, a new twist on this approach to Globalism, which I shall dub as “The New Global Cabal” (T.N.G.C.).
“The New Global Cabal” (T.G.N.C.) has renewed its efforts at world conquest by diminishing or eliminating the influence of global superpowers in order to merge all nations into a global community to be organized under a global commission to police and manage a one world government.
What is new is that this new Global Cabal is replacing threats of warfare as a means of conquest, with something called Sustainable Development. This could be looked upon as a modern day Trojan Horse. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, promises to provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
The second greatest problem facing this Globalist movement is the seemingly impossible task of getting the major world religions to cooperate in the formation of a one-world community with a one-world governance. This Global movement has formulated a genius method, however, to get the cooperation needed, and the crowning achievement is the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House. This is being introduced as a “Human Fraternity”. Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued and signed the Document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is jointly bestowed on His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb. Three religions, Catholicism (2 billion), Islam, (1.9 billion), and Judaism, (15.2 million), are represented. What is glaringly absent is (non-Catholic) Christianity, (1.3 billion). (See “The One World Church” for more detail).
Finally, there is a concurrent fulfillment of multiple Biblical prophecies converging and coinciding with ongoing and developing world events.
The first is an apparent reappearance of the prophetic harbinger known asThe Tower of Babel.
Secondly, is the ongoing fulfillment of the words of Jesus, delivered on the Mount of Olives (around A.D. 30). His disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen?What will be the sign of Your (second) coming, and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.” Jesus then went into summary detail of the convergence of end time events which lead to a One World Government, the steps to a One World Religion and the End of the Age. (See “Is This The End?”)
There has been centuries of talk about a tribulation, the coming Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, the End of the Age, the second advent of Christ, a rapture of Christians from the earth and The Wrath of the Lamb.
We are told by Jesus and some of the Apostles that the End of Days, also known as the “birth pains” had begun as early as AD 1, but more likely between AD 30 and AD 100. For example:
Jesus called this period the LAST DAYS or the END OF THE AGE inMatthew 24:3-8.
The Apostle Paul called this period the LAST DAYS in Hebrews 9:26.
The Apostle Peter called this period the LAST DAYS in Acts 2:14-17.
The Apostle Paul called this period THESE LAST DAYS in Hebrews 1:1-2.
The Apostle Timothy called this period the LAST DAYS in 2 Timothy 3:1.
The Apostle Peter called this period the LAST DAYS in 1 Peter 1:20.
The Apostle Peter called this period the LAST DAYS in 1 Peter 4:7.
The Apostle Peter called this period the LAST DAYS in 2 Peter 3:3.
The Apostle John called this period the LAST DAYS in 1 John 2:18
It is very likely that the beginning of Sorrows, also known as the birth pangs as described in tribulation Seals ONE through FIVE which have been broken, progressively, up until this day.
There have been many times and events that have led Christians to believe that the day had arrived, only to discover that the time had not yet arrived. I believe many are growing skeptical when comparing current world events to prophecies. They are perhaps taking the stance that ‘it will happen when it happens’, and are becoming inattentive or doubtful, swallowed up in their own worldly affairs. But Scriptures tell us we will not know the day or the hour, but we can know ‘the season’ by the prophecies fulfilled and the events taking place.
Scriptures say that in comparison to “those days, before the (great global) flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so it will be with the coming of the Son of Man. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.” (See Matthew 24:38-41). Now is the time to be on watch and to be on the alert.
There has never been such a concurrence and convergence of both prophetic and world events as are now occurring. The Bible warns us to remain vigilant and ready and it gives examples and warnings of what will happen to those people who are not ready. (See Matthew 24:42 – 25:30).
All of this to say, that despite the chaos of political upheaval, the likelihood of wars, climatological fearmongering, famines, and earthquakes, Jesus tells us, “do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me.” Our hope and peace is found in Him.
Let’s be about the work of the Kingdom as we stay ready for His triumphant return and pray to hear Him say, “well done, good and faithful servant”.
ARE YOU SURE YOU KNOW THE SIGN OF JESUS’ COMING and THE END OF THE AGE?
Matthew 24:3, “And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, andoftheendoftheage?”
Signs of Christ’s Return
Jesus and His disciples have been referring to, warning about and teaching about the onset of ‘The Last Days’ since around A.D. 30 to around A.D. 95. In fact, these same disciples clearly said the ‘Last Days’ had already begun around the time of Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, death and resurrection; and that the events of these last days, as symbolized by the breaking of the Tribulation Seals (specifically Seals ONE through FIVE), as spoken of by Jesus and related by John in the Book of the Revelation, would overlap and intensify.
Jesus is giving His disciples (and us, His disciples today) a review and an overview of what has occurred, is occurring and continues to occur and intensify in these last days.(see Matthew 24:4-14):
“And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people.
SEALS #1, #2. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,
(Note: Political intrigue and upheaval, wars and rumors of wars have been occurring in intensifying in number, frequency and severity since the days of Jesus).
SEALS #3, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.
SEALS #4, #5. “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And, because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.
(Note: Severe persecutions, hatred for and the slaughter of Jews and Christians have been occurring in intensifying in numbers, frequency and severity since the days of Jesus).
But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved.
This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
(Note: It is both interesting and important to recognize that Jesus’ instructions and teachings about the Last Days, and specifically The End of The Age, which occurred in A.D. 30 and which are recorded in Matthew 24, are spoken in the future tense.
(But, every other time Jesus and His disciples speak of these events from Matthew 24, regarding The Last Days and specifically, The End of The Age, they speak in the aorist tense. The aorist tense has no regard for past, present or future tense; i.e., “that which was, is now, and shall continue to be”. They have occurred, are occurring, and will continue to occur until the consummation of scriptures!)
This is also true of Jesus words, recorded by John in the Book of The Revelation.)
Jesus, in His discourse to His disciples, has brought us up-to-date in our linear eschatological timeline.
It is at this point that Jesus re-introduces a term found in Matthew 24:3, which is previously used by the archangel Michael as a prophetic instruction and warning in Daniel 12:13, “But as for you (Daniel), go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
“But immediately after the tribulation ofthosedays,(‘the tribulation of those days’is referring to tribulation seals ONE through FIVE which were opened in or around A.D. 1 through A.D. 95, which are overlapping and intensifying to this current day), (then) THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds,from one end of the sky to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31).
The book of Matthew continues to warn, and rebuke believers (and non-believers) that we are in the Last Days and the End of The Age is perilously near and instructs us on what it means to be ready. You and I would do very well to take heed and prepare.
The Book of the Revelation lays out the terrifying details of the Wrath of the Lamb at the End of The Age and the horrifying judgments contained in Daniel’s Seventieth Week reserved for those who have not surrendered their life to God through Jesus Christ!
So, if you are a devoted follower of Christ, why should any of this concern you? Many churches teach that, as a Christian, you have a ‘get out of Tribulation free card’. While it is true that when the Trumpet of God sounds and Jesus appears in the air to gather His elect from the four corners of the earth, you will be spared the judgment reserved for those who do not bear the seal or mark of God and whose life is not recorded in the Book of Life.
But don’t be deceived. The finals days leading up to the 6th Tribulation Seal are full of trouble and terrifying signs. Jesus tells us that ‘false Christs’ and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Christians need to know what is coming in order to alert all those who are susceptible to deceptions and will hear the Gospel and a way of escape to safety.
Dear brothers and sisters, we cannot and must not stand idly by, waiting for His return.
Matthew 25:14-24, “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one, he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. The one who had received the five talents immediately went and did business with them, and earned five more talents. In the same way the one who had received the two talents earned two more. But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
“Now, after a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have earned five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’
“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have earned two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’
“Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(Honestly. This makes me tremble. And I will say that if our doctrines teach that our righteous behaviors and deeds or lack thereof have no bearing on our eternity – please think again and be warned. We cannot ‘earn or salvation’ but our deeds reflect our faith and beliefs, and we are to work out our salvation with a righteous fear and trembling!)
When I dwell in the shelter of the Most High, I remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].
I say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”
For He saves me from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.
He covers me and completely protects me with His Wings, And under His wings I find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.
I am not afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.
A thousand of my enemies fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand, but no real danger ever comes near me.
I am only a spectator as I look on with my eyes and witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as I watch safely from the shelter of the Most High].
Because I have made the LORD, my refuge, The Most High is my dwelling place, No evil will befall me, nor will any plague come near my abode.
For God will command His angels in regard to me, to protect and defend and guard me in all my ways [of obedience and service]. They will lift me up in their hands, so that I will not [even] strike my foot against a stone
I tread upon the lion and cobra; the young lion and the serpent I trample underfoot.
God declares that:
“Because you set your love on Me, therefore I will save you;
I will set you [securely] on high, because you know My name and [you confidently trust and rely on Me, knowing I will never abandon you – no, never].
“You will call upon Me, and I will answer you;
I will be with you in trouble;
I will rescue you and honor you.
“With a long life I will satisfy you and I will let you see My salvation.” (Taken from Psalm 91)
And they will prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18 and Joel 2:28-29))
There are testimonies, warnings and plain statements regarding at time in the Bible known as the Last Days or the End of the Age. For example, Jesus gives us an account of the Last Days and The End of the Age from two distinct perspectives. We need to look at a Biblical comparison and correlation of The Seals of the Tribulation as seen in the book of Matthew and correlated with the book of The Revelation (1). So we can know the sequence of these events that may be prepared and ready at all times. (2). It is also important so that we will not be taken by surprise or frightened and lose focus and composure; (3). It is also a reminder that we are to inform and warn others of the present and coming judgements. To Wit:
Matthew 24:1-5 tells us, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Revelation 1:1-3, which was written around A.D. 95 says, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place ; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, everything that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
Verse 4. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who [c]is to come, and from the [d]seven spirits who are before His throne, verse 5, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— verse 6, and He made us into a kingdom, priests to [e]His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Verse 7. BEHOLD, HE IS COMING
Jesus and these same disciples testified that these present and coming prophetic judgments and events may have already begun. in or around the birth of Christ or as late as A.D. 95, calling them “events of These Last Days”:
Hebrews 1:2,“but in these last daysHe (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
(This was written by the Apostle Paul, is written in the present tense, in or around the year A.D. 70 and is referred to as these last days ).
Hebrews 9:26,“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
(These events were occuring in or around A.D. 30. The book of Hebrews is written by the Apostle Paul, and is written in the past and present tense, in or around A.D. 70 and is referred to as the end of the ages.)
Acts 2:14-17, “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.”
(This occurred in or around A.D. 60 and as written in the past and present tense, by Peter the Apostle, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is referred to as being ‘in the last days’).
2 Timothy 3:1,“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.’
(This was written by the Apostle Timothy, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in or around the year A.D. 67, was written in the present tense and is referred to as being ‘in the last days‘.)
1 Peter 1:20-21,” He (Jesus) was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
(This is written in the past tense was recorded in or around A.D. 90, and is referred to, by the Apostle Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as being ‘in the last times ‘.)
1 Peter 4:7,“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
(This is written in the past tense was recorded in or around A.D. 90, and is referred to, by the Apostle Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as being ‘the end of all things‘.)
2 Peter 3:3,“Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
(This is written in the future tense as a testimony about. things that were already beginning to occur, and was recorded in or around A.D. 90. This is referred to, by the Apostle Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as being ‘in the last days‘.)
1 John 2:18, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, sonow many antichrists have (already) come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.“
(This is written in the present tense was recorded in or around A.D. 90, and is referred to, by the Apostle John, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as referred to as being in ‘the last hour‘.)
Matthew 24:29-31, ““But immediately afterthe tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
This is written in the future tense was recorded in or around A.D. 70, and is referred to, by the Apostle Matthew, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as referred to as being in ‘afterthe tribulation of those days’ , speaking of the tribulation of those days already referred to (above here.)
RECAP:
Seals ONE through FIVE have been broken, progressively, up until this day.
(CONCLUSION: These events (the breaking of Tribulation Seals 1 through 5) began in or around the birth of Christ or as late as A.D. 95, and have been overlapping and intensifying. We are still waiting for the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal as described in Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 6:12-16)
Considering the ‘seasons’ which we have entered, and considering the Seal which is upon us, this prophecy from Isaiah 61 is being fulfilled. This is the calling of the Shofar to gather around and begin the final assault!
NOW, HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD:
The Spirit of the Lord GOD has come upon us, because the LORD is anointing and commissioning us to bring good news to the humble and afflicted;
He is sending us to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted, to proclaim release from confinement and condemnation to the physical and spiritual captives, and freedom to prisoners, to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD, that is a day of salvation (49:8), and the year of His redeemed (63:4), and the day of vengeance and retribution of our God, so that we will no longer be prey to the nations, and the predators of the earth will not devour us; but we will live safely, and no one will make us afraid in this day of the Messiah’s reign.
To comfort all who mourn, To grant to those who mourn in Zion the following: To give them a turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning, the oil of joy instead of mourning, The garment expressive of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So, we will be called the trees of righteousness strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
We then will rebuild the ancient ruins, and we will raise up and restore the former desolations; And they will renew the legacy of the ruined cities, the spiritual desolations, deserted spiritual settlements, of many generations.
Strangers will stand and feed our flocks, and foreigners will be our farmers and our vinedressers.
And we shall be called the priests of the LORD; People will speak of us as the ministers of our God. We will eat the wealth of nations, And we will boast of their riches.
Instead of our former shame we will have a double portion; And instead of humiliation we will shout for joy over our portion.
Therefore, in this our land, we will possess double what we have forfeited; everlasting joy will be ours. (personalized from Isaiah 61)
(Then, at The Breaking of The Sixth Tribulation Seal (See Matthew 24:29-31))
‘I, (GOD), WILL DISPLAY WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE
AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW,
BLOOD, FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.
‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS
AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD,
BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD COMES.
‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’ (Acts 2:18-20 and Joel 2:30-32, Matthew 24:29-31)
The Lord is calling and. I am inviting you into the ranks of His earthly army. I am inviting you to join together as an earthly contingent of God’s heavenly armies to join in this final assault.
What does this mean?
First know, that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, contending only with physical opponents, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly and supernatural places.
Secondly know that we will encounter physical opponents who are of the spiritual forces of wickedness, but it is not ours to destroy them physically, but We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when our own obedience as a church is complete.
The time has come that the Church is no longer to be an idle building, a gathering place for pleasure and entertainment.
“The Apostle Paul says the foundation of this building called the church is made up of the prophets and the Apostles, that is, the Old Testament prophets and New Testament Apostles. Why? It’s because the prophets and Apostles are the agents of revelation by whom God speaks to His people. They delivered the Word of God. Another way of saying this is that the foundation of the church is the Word of God.
“That’s why we must pay close attention to our doctrine of Scripture. The attacks launched against the integrity, authority, sufficiency, and trustworthiness of Scripture are attacks not upon a side alcove of this building. They don’t put a dent in the roof of the church. They’re attacks on the church’s very foundation. To have a church without Apostolic authority, without the Word of God as its foundation, is to build a church on sand rather than on rock. The foundation of the prophets and the Apostles is necessary for the entire edifice of the church to stand securely.
“Paul continues the building metaphor in Ephesians 2:20b: “Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” Christ is the cornerstone, the point that holds the foundation together. Take out the cornerstone, and everything falls apart. “In [Christ] the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21–22). The church is a new temple built in Christ, by Christ, and for Christ. Obviously, Paul isn’t saying the church is a building made out of mortar and brick, but that we are the stones, the living stones, as 1 Peter 2:5 tells us. Each believer is part of this church just as each stone is part of a building. The church, the new temple, is still under construction. Every day, new stones are added. This new temple will not be finished until Jesus returns to consummate His kingdom. Christ is still building His church, not by adding cement but by adding people who are the stones that hold together in Him.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
“The Apostle Paul explains the doctrine of the church so that we might understand what God has done and so that we may understand who we are. And in calling us to understand who we are and what we’re called to do, Paul says that we’re the church. We’re the church that God ordained from the foundation of the world. We’re His people; we‘re His household, so let the church be the church.
“Christ is the cornerstone, the point that holds the foundation together.
“We’re living in a time of crisis. Many Christians are decrying the decadence of American culture and complaining about the government and its value system. I understand that, but if we want to be concerned for our nation and culture, our priority must be the renewal of the church. We are the light of the world.
“Government merely reflects and echoes the customs embraced by the people in a given generation. In a real sense, our government is exactly what we want it to be, or it wouldn’t be there. Change in culture doesn’t always come from the top down. It often comes from the bottom up. The change we need to work for, chiefly, is renewal within the church. As the church becomes the fellowship of citizens of heaven who manifest what it means to be the household of Christ, and when the church walks according to the power of the Holy Spirit—then the people of God will shine as the light of the world. When people see that light, they will give glory to God (Matt. 5:16). This will change the world. But Paul says, first of all, let the church be the church. We must remember who we are, who the foundation is, who the cornerstone is, who the head of our building is, who the Lord of the church is.
“Do we love the church? I doubt if there have been many times in our history when there has been as much anger, hostility, disappointment, and disillusionment with the institutional church as there is today. It’s hard not to be critical of the church because in many ways the church has failed us. But if the church has failed, that means we have failed. We are called to serve the church in the power of God the Holy Spirit.
“We, the church, have been made for this task by the indwelling presence and power of God’s Spirit. Yet, we are called not so much to rise up but to bow down. And if we bow down to our Lord, as Paul says in Ephesians 3:14, the church will be the church, and our light will pierce the darkness.” (the foregoing in quotes is from Ligonier.com, by R.C. Sproul)
PUTTING OUT THE CALL
This is an all-volunteer force. I you need financial support, you will eventually have to raise that funding as you go.
This is not a call to build buildings, to establish religious corporations nor to leash ourselves to any 501-c-3 contract. This is not a hierarchy of priests. You are like living stones, being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture:
You are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A CONSECRATED NATION, A special PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies, the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were NOT A PEOPLE at all, but now you are GOD’S PEOPLE; once you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
We will consider others as more important that ourselves. We will continually and faithfully devote ourselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers. Day after day we will meet, continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. We will eat their meals together with joy and generous hearts.
I am putting out the call, first for:
Apostles: The title apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos which means “a messenger, one sent forth with orders”. It refers to one who has been delegated authority by another in a foreign land. Apostles were the first leaders of the Church; they were commissioned by Jesus to initiate and direct the preaching of the gospel. (There is no passage in the Bible saying this gift was temporary nor that is has ceased)
Prophets: In the New Testament, the office of prophet is to equip the saints for the work of service through exhortation, edification, and consolation (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:3 Ephesians 4:11). The prophet’s corresponding gift is prophecy. Prophecy is “reporting something from God’s Word that God brings to your mind”.
Prophecy is addressed to the human understanding “he who prophesies speaks to men,” Corinthians 14:1-25. The prophet “edifies the church” (14:4).
Evangelists: An evangelist is one who devotes himself to preaching the gospel. In the New Testament, evangelists preached from city to city, church to church.
Pastors: This term derives from a Greek word for “shepherd”. Pastoral Gifts include integrity and compassion.
(The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep to defend the sheep from attackers to heal the wounded and sick sheep to find and save lost or trapped sheep to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him to maintain visual contact.)
Teachers: Someone who devotes his or her life to preaching and teaching the Christian faith. When teaching is provided for the Church by God, two gifts are actually given—to the Church is given a teacher and along with the teacher comes a divine capacity to teach.
Also, Those with the spiritual gift of Service: The word translated as “ministry” is diakonia, which can also be translated “service”. Since there are many types of ministries and service to the Church, this then describes a broad array of gifts rather than a single gift.
Those with the spiritual gift of Exhortation: The ability to motivate Christians “to patient endurance, brotherly love, and good works”.
Those with the spiritual gift of Giving: Those with this gift share their own possessions with others with extraordinary generosity. While all Christians should be givers, those possessing this gift will go beyond this normal giving.
Those with the spiritual gift of Overseeing: This gift speaks to the various roles found in the Church. While many think of roles such as administration, management of funds, strategy planning, etc. as functions outside of the supernatural realm, in reality individuals in these positions are just as in need of supernatural empowerment as are ministers of the gospel. This is sometimes inappropriately called ‘leadership’.
Those with the spiritual gift of Mercy: Possibly identical to the gift of helps, the mercy-shower possesses a ministry of visitation, prayer, and compassion to the poor and sick.
Those with the spiritual gift of a Word of wisdom: An utterance or message of wisdom supernaturally granted to an individual. For Paul, wisdom refers to “the knowledge of the great Christian mysteries: the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ, and the indwelling in the believer of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 1:17)”.
Those with the spiritual gift of a Word of knowledge: The knowledge referred to is often said to relate to understanding Christian doctrine or scriptural truth. It is sometimes said to be connected with the ministry of teachers.
Those with the spiritual gift of Faith: This refers to that strong or special faith “which removes mountains, casts out devils (Matthew 17:19–20), and faces the most cruel martyrdom without flinching”. It is distinguished from the “saving” and “normal” Christian faith.
Those with the spiritual gift of Gifts of healing: The ability to supernaturally minister healing to others. The plural indicates the variety of sickness healed and the many forms the gift takes, such as healing by anointing with oil, by the laying on of hands, by saying the name of Jesus or by the sign of the cross.
Those with the spiritual gift of Working of miracles: The performance of deeds beyond ordinary human ability by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Visions. An outpouring of this gift is prophesied in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 and is expected to increase and be of great value in the “last days”.
Those with the spiritual gift of Discerning of spirits: The capacity to discern, distinguish, or to discriminate the source of a spiritual manifestation—whether it emanates from a good or evil spirit. It seemed to have been particularly associated with prophecy as it would be necessary to know whether a prophetic utterance was truly inspired by God.
Those with the spiritual gift of Helps: This gift has to do with service to the sick and the poor. Possessor of this gift has a “spiritual burden and a God-given love for the needy and afflicted”.
Those with the spiritual gift of Administration: Also called the gift of governing, the Greek word translated “governments” is “kubernesis”, the verb form of which means “to steer” or “to be a helmsman”. This gift then refers to the God-given capacity to oversee or guide the Church through storms and difficult seas.
CONCLUSION
This is not meant to be and is not a ‘new movement’. It is a continuation of the Church that Jesus built, as the Bible describes it. There are to no assumptions to be made about anything that is not written in the Bible (such as special or new revelations, unwritten words of knowledge, new prophetic words, cessation, reformation, replacement). If the Bible is silent, we are silent. Where the Bible speaks, we speak.
We must become (recreate in our own lives) what Jesus created as His Church. The fruit of the Spirit, the result of His presence within us, is love and unselfish concern for others, joy, inner peace, patience, not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Remembering that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified and are crucifying the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.
We must strive to remember that as we claim to live by the Holy Spirit, we will also walk by the Spirit with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit. We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.
Pray that, following the lead and example of Jesus, as our numbers grow, God’s influence will become an irresistible force as the day of His return draws ever-so-near.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
(Please reply in confidence, below. I will reply and we will begin the Assembly.)
(Notice: there are 3 seperate audio clips on this page.)
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
“HAMAS”
“HAMAS”
The news of the day is the heinous attacks on innocents in Israel by the demonic terrorists, Hamas in Gaza. There is speculation swirling in the smoke and columns of fire from the rocket attacks that this could be the ‘beginning of the end’ as prophesied in scriptures (The Last Days).
The swift, decisive and appropriatley violent response by Israel would make it seem that this will at least be the end of Hamas as a terror group, and should send a strong message to Iran and other terrorist states. But if this unprovoked attack and murder of innocent men, women, children and babies spreads, it could begin to look like prophecies regarding Israel and the End of Days are coming to pass.
There are events, however, which must take place to confirm of disprove these kinds of speculations, but this could very well the precursor or harbinger, of things to come.
Comparing the correlating verses from Luke chapter 21 and Matthew chapter 24 we can get a clearer view of prophesied events of the Last Days, specifically targeting similar events in the Middle East and Israel.
Luke chapter 21 and Matthew chapter 24 give us a look at the events leading up to the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, which is the beginning of the SEVEN YEARS of the Great Tribulation – also known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week – The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord.
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as seen in Luke 21
Luke 21:5-9, (Amplified Bible Version – annotated), “As some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and consecrated offerings [of magnificent gifts of gold which were displayed on the walls and hung in the porticoes], He said, “As for all these things which you see, the time will come when there will not be one stone left on another that will not be torn down.”
They asked Him, (Jesus), “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to happen?” He said, “Be careful and see to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name (acting as if they are Me or pretending to act on my behalf as leaders of religious organizations calling themselves ‘The Church’), [appropriating for themselves the name (and the authority of) Messiah which belongs to Me alone], saying, ‘I am He,’ (thereby implying and acting in a way that says ‘I have the authority of Jesus as given by His Father’) and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and disturbances [civil unrest, revolts, uprisings], do not panic; for these things must take place first, but the end will not come immediately.”
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as compared to Matthew 24
Matthew 24:1-5, (Amplified Bible Version – annotated): “Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to Him to call His attention to the [magnificent and massive] buildings of the temple. And He said to them, “Do you see all these things? I assure you and most solemnly say to you, not one stone here will be left on another, which will not be torn down.”
While Jesus was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, and said, “Tell us, when will this [destruction of the temple] take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end (completion, consummation) of the age?”
Jesus answered, “Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]. For many will come in My name (acting as if they are Me or pretending to act on my behalf as leaders of religious organizations calling themselves ‘The Church’), [misusing it, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Me], saying, ‘I am the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ (thereby implying and acting in a way that says ‘I have the authority of Jesus as given by His Father’), and they will mislead many .”
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as seen in Luke 21
Things to Come
Luke 21:10-11,“Then Jesus told them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and [deadly and devastating] pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.
(Note: Jesus spoke these prophetic words in the future tense in or around A.D. 30. So, although there have always been wars, conflicts, earthquakes, famines, plagues and epidemics, they will greatly increase in their frequency and intensity and Ezekiel 38 describes the crescendo of these events.
Jesus pinpoints the season of these events as He links them with the words, “and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven” which is a direct link to the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, which is the beginning of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb – marking the 70th Week of Daniel and the beginning of the final SEVEN YEARS of THE TRIBULATION: THE SIXTH and SEVENTH SEAL of The Great Tribulation, The SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGEMENTS and The SEVEN BOWLS OF WRATH.)
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as seen in Luke 21
Luke 21:12-19, “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake (which is the amplifying and intensifying of the breaking of the FIFTH TRIBULATION SEAL). This will be a time and an opportunity for you to testify [about Me]. So, make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you [skillful] words and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed and handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be continually hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls.
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as compared to Matthew 24
Matthew 24:6-14, “You will continually hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end [of the age]. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish and the time of unprecedented trouble].
“Then they will hand you over to [endure] tribulation, and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved. This good news of the kingdom [the gospel] will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end [of the age] will come.“
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as seen in Luke 21
Luke 21:20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by [hostile] armies, then understand [with confident assurance] that her (Israel’s) complete destruction is near. At that time, those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside the city (Jerusalem) must get out, and those who are [out] in the country must not enter the city; for these are days of vengeance [of rendering full justice or satisfaction], so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. Woe to those women who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For great trouble and anguish will be on the land, and wrath and retribution on this people [Israel]. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles (a race of people, the nations of the heathen world, Gentiles, joined by practicing pagan and heathen customs and common culture; unbelieving Gentiles (non-Jews)), are fulfilled (completed).
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as compared to Matthew 24
Matthew 24:15-28, “So when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION [the appalling sacrilege that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains [for refuge]. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things that are in his house [because there will not be enough time]. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. And woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! Pray that your flight [from persecution and suffering] will not be in winter, or on a Sabbath [when Jewish laws prohibit travel]. For at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will [again]. And if those days [of tribulation] had not been cut short, no human life would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you [during the great tribulation], ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones). Listen carefully, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out there, or, ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms [of a house],’ do not believe it. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming [in glory] of the Son of Man [everyone will see Him clearly]. Wherever the corpse is, there the [e]vultures will flock together.”
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as seen in Luke 21
The Return of Christ
Luke 21:25-28, “There will be signs (attesting miracles)in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations, in perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea and the waves, people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with [transcendent, overwhelming] power [subduing the nations] and with great glory. Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”
THE RETURN OF JESUS & THE END OF THE AGE
as compared to Matthew 24
Matthew 24:29-31, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT PROVIDE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And at that time the sign of the Son of Man [coming in His glory] will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth [and especially Israel] will mourn [regretting their rebellion and rejection of the Messiah], and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN with power and great glory [in brilliance and splendor]. And He will send His angels with A LOUD TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect (God’s chosen ones) from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
WARS AND RUMORS OF WAR – THE COMING INVASION OF ISRAEL?
WHO ARE THE ‘PLAYERS’?
When we see this invasion of Israel by the joint forces of Russia, Iran and her proxies, forces from Turkey, the Republic of Georgia, Ethiopia, Libya and Northern Africa, and the Caucuses, we can know this time has come. This is when God will intervene
Luke 21:20 tells us, “when you see Jerusalem surrounded by [hostile] armies, then understand [with confident assurance] that her (Israel’s) complete destruction is near.”
We can see who these hostile invading armies are, by readingEzekiel chapter 38:1,
“And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Verse 2. “Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog(current day Russia),the chief ruler of Meshech (southern Russia and Ukraine and possibly the Republic of Georgia) and Tubal (central Turkey), and prophesy against him,
Verse 3, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief ruler of Meshech and Tubal.
Verse 4. I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them magnificently clothed in full armor, a great horde with buckler (small shield) and [large] shield, all of them wielding swords;
Verse 5. Persia (Iran), Cush(Ethiopia),and Put(Libya, N. Africa)with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
Verse 6. Gomer(southern Russia) and all its troops; Beth-togarmah(the Caucuses region of Armenia and Georgia)from the remote parts of the north and all its troops–many peoples with you.
These are the 10 Nation Confederation to watch, (THE HEADS), of the BEAST Ezekiel 38, of Daniel 7,9 and Revelation 17. All are Islamic, the Center of which is MECCA:
Nation #1. Gog: A Reubenite, son of Shemaiah, the prophetic prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and Magog. Gog is identified as a descendant of the prophet Joel, and in Ezekiel 38–39, he is the chief prince of the tribes of Meshech and Tubal in the land of Magog, the mountainous region between Cappadocia and Media (Russia.).
Nation #2. Magog: The 2nd son of Japheth, grandson of Noah, and progenitor of several tribes northward from Israel; the mountainous region between Cappadocia and Media and habitation of the descendants of Magog, son of Japheth and grandson of Noah. (Russia.)
Nation #3. Rosh: “the Prince of Rosh” is Asiatic Russia receives confirmation from the Imperial Dictionary. “Evidence exists of an ancient people called Rosh, or Rhos, supposed to be the original stem from which the Russia or modern Russians have derived their race and name.” The scholar, Bishop Lowther says: “Rosh, taken as a proper name, in Ezekiel, signifies the inhabitants of Scythia, from whom modern Russians derived their name. We must conclude therefore, that Ezekiel’s “episode of Gog’s invasion” (A. B. Davidson) points irrefutably and undeniably to the Russians.
Nation #4. Meschach: Was a Chaldean. The Chaldeans inhabited the coastal area near the Persian Gulf. About 630 Nabopolassar became king of the Chaldeans and in 626 he forced the Assyrians out of Uruk and crowned himself king of Babylonia. Modern day Turkey.
Nation #5. Tubal: a region in east Asia Minor, perhaps nearly equal to Cappadocia
Nation #6. Persia:Iran
Nation #7. Cush(Ethiopia): located on either side or both sides of the Red Sea. As such, “Cush” is alternately identified in scripture with the Kingdom of Kush or ancient Ethiopia.
Nation #8. Put (Libya): Ancient Libya. In this sense, Libya was the whole known African continent to the west of the Nile Valley and extended south of Egypt. Herodotus described the inhabitants of Libya as two peoples: The Libyans in northern Africa and the Ethiopians in the south.
Nation #9. Gomer: (was the wife of the prophet Hosea (8th century BC), mentioned in the Hebrew Bible‘s Book of Hosea (1:3). Hosea 1:2 refers to her alternatively as a “promiscuous woman” (NIV), a “harlot” (NASB), and a “whore” (KJV) but Hosea is told to marry her according to Divine appointment. She is also described as the daughter of Diblaim.) The Hebrew name Gomer refers to the Cimmerians, who dwelt in what is now southern Russia, “beyond the Caucusus”, and attacked Assyria in the late 7th century BC.
Nation #10. Beth-Togarmah: Togarmah is a city mentioned in Assyrian and Hittite texts. It was north of Carchemish on an Assyrian trade route. It may be related to modern Gurun between the Halys and Euphrates Rivers. (Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey/Armenia.)
Because of the length and complexity of the scriptures regarding the invasion of Israel in the Last Days from the book of The Revelation, I will simply recap these events by linking to the appropriate verses, and a detailed commentary with videos by Zion’s Hope (David Rosenthal) at the end of this page..
Just know that the destruction of the Antichrist, the beast and their invading armies and demonic forces will be thoroughly defeated and cast into the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 16 through 20) after the 7th Tribulation Bowl is poured out.
It is also worthy to note that there is some ‘controversy’ or discussion about the “2nd Coming” or the SECOND ADVENT of Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:29-31 (and similarly in Luke 21) record these words, “But immediately after the tribulation of those days (it is important to note the words ‘immediately after the tribulation OF THOSE DAYS’), THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” This is clearly Jesus appearing, which will occur after the 5th Tribulation Seal and at the moment of the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal and is spoken of in the future tense. By all appearances we are well into the 5th Tribulation Seal and are very near the 6th Seal, so the ‘future tense’ of this verse can easily be considered to be from this day (10/11/2023) until His appearing – which could be immanent.
Then, in Revelation 19:11-16 we read, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Many commentators believe these verses describe the 2nd Advent of Christ. But clearly, taking Matthew 24:29-31 into account, this would be a THIRD advent, which would be incorrect. This is NOT a new advent or a new coming of Christ, but it is Jesus, who has already returned to gather His Elect (Matthew 24:31) and is seen sitting on horse, judging and waging war against the nations!
CONCLUSION – THE LONG VIEW
The events of the “Last Days” began as early as the birth and/or the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus, as reported by Jesus and the Apostles Paul, Peter and Timothy in or around 2 B.C. through A.D. 95, and found in:
These events will conclude at the end of the pouring out of the Tribulation Bowls at the end of the SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION period, the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord.
We are seeing clear and distinct signs of the final days before His return and the beginning of the Great Tribulation. If you are His disciple, you do not need to be afraid. He is your protector. Your weapons and shield are the words of your testimony and the Blood of the Lamb.
When the time comes, He will give you words of wisdom to say, which no one can resist. Be brave and courageous.
If you have not already, now is the time, now is the day of your salvation. Turn to Jesus in humble submission and exchange your life for His, today – this moment. Find your peace, safety, sanctuary and salvation in Him!
If you have already given yourself and your life to God by His grace and through faith in Jesus, now is the time to complete your calling.
Do not wait for others to do the work of your calling – not the preacher, pastor, deacon, elder or friend. It is your calling and your joy to serve the Living God today.
YOU,“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Jesus, believe in Him, and obey His words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that He has commanded you; and lo, He is with you always [remaining with you perpetually–regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
Next, let’s confirm the meaning of scriptures related to the END OF THE AGE or THE LAST DAYS by correlating and comparing the Tribulation Seals of Judement, from Matthew chapter 24 with the book of The Revelation chapters 6, 7 and eight through COMPARISON and CONTEXT!
(NOTE: Jesus, in the book of Matthew gives a present view looking to the future – Jesus, in The book of The Revelation gives a panorama of a continuous past, present and future.)
After reading each of the following verses, please ask and answer, “What is REALLY Going On?
What is REALLY Going On – in Matthew 24:1 –5, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives,
the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them. “See to it that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.
Revelation 6:1-2, “Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come!” I looked, and behold…”
Seal 1 – Matthew 24:6-7 – also in Revelation 6:1 – 6:3 – WARS & RUMORS OF WAR, RIDER ON WHITE HORSE.
What is REALLY Going On – in the FirstSeal in Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:6. “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
“You will behearing of wars and rumors of wars -Matthew 24:6”
(future tense – spoken in A.D. 30).
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
What is REALLY Going On – in the FirstSeal in Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:7-8, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against – Matthew 24:7”
(future tense – spoken in A.D. 30) .
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur have been are increasing in intensity to this day).
What is REALLY Going On – in the FirstSeal in Revelation 6?
Revelation 6:1–2, Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
“A white horse rider went out conquering and to conquer – Revelation 6:2”
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D.)
(has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
What is REALLY Going On – in the Second and ThirdSeals in Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:7-8, “…and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.
and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
(This is the beginning – in or around A.D. 30,and they have been continuing to occur and are increasing in intensity to this day).
What is REALLY Going On – in the Second and Third Seals in Revelation 6?
Revelation 6:3-4. “When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
“A red horse went out to take peace from the earth and people would kill one another – Revelation 6:4”
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
(has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and has been increasing in intensity to this day).
People would kill one another.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
(has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and has been increasing intensity to this day).
-The Completion of the Second & Third TribulationSeals –
Seal 4: Matthew 24:9 – also in Revelation 6:7 – PERSECUTION, DISEASE, FAMINE, DEATH.
What is REALLY Going On – in the FourthSeal in Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:9, “Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
What is REALLY Going On – in the FourthSeal in Revelation 6?
Revelation 6:7-8, “When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.”
An ashen horse of death.
Death by sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts.
(has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity and will culminate with over one-fourth of earth’s inhabitants killed).
– The Completion of the FourthTribulationSeal –
Seal 5: Matthew 24:10-15 – also in Revelation 6:9– APOSTASY, FALSE PROPHETS, HATRED, LAWLESSNESS, ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, GREAT EARTHQUAKES, MARTYRS, DEATH.
What is REALLY Going On – in the FifthSeal in Matthew 24?
Matthew 24:10-15, “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will ariseand will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.Therefore, when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place – let the reader understand. (this is the last of the prophecies to come).
Many will fall away and hate one another (the great Apostasy).
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
False prophets will arise and mislead many..
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity to this day).
(A past event foreshadowing the future event which marks the last of the prophecies and the coming End).
What is REALLY Going On – in the FifthSeal in Revelation 6?
Revelation 6:9-11, “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.”
Persecutions, martyrs and death of the saints of God.
(has been occurring since A.D. 30, are continuing to occur and have been increasing in intensity until the end).
– The Completion of the FifthTribulationSeal –
Seal 6:Matthew 24:29-31 – also in Revelation 6:12– COSMIC CATACLYSMS after the tribulation of the previous days, TERROR, SUN DARKENED, MOON WILL NOT SHINE, STARS WILL FALL, HEAVENS SHAKEN, SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN, SON COMING ON THE CLOUDS, GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, GATHERING OF THE ELECT, RAPTURE.
What is REALLY Going On – in the SixthSeal in Matthew 24?
“But immediatelyafterthetribulationofthosedaysTHE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
“But immediatelyafterthetribulationofthosedays
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
What is REALLY Going On – in the SixthSeal in Revelation 6?
Revelation 6:12-17, “I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrathhas come, and who is able to stand?”
There was a great earthquake.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
The sun became black
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
The moon became like blood.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
The stars fell from the sky.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
The sky was split apart like a scroll.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
Every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
Him who sits on the throne.
(Present historical tense; is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
(It has always been this, from the past to the present).
Hide us from The Wrath of the Lamb.
(Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95).
(has been prophesied to occur as of A.D. 95, therefore, it is continuing to occur in God’s Time until its completion).
The Great Day of Wrath has come.
Notice this is in the Aorist tense; has occurred, is occurring, is continuing to occur – spoken in A.D. 95)
(has been occurring since A.D. 95, are continuing to occur and has been increasing in intensity).(A coming event such as the world has never seen before and never will again – The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb – the final 7 years).
An Interlude between the 6th Tribulation Seal and the 7th Tribulation Seal. (the last of the prophecies yet to come)
What is REALLY Going On – in the SixthSeal in Revelation 7?
Revelation 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. 2And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”
What is REALLY Going On – in the SixthSeal in Revelation 7?
The 144,000 Sealed
Revelation 7:4-5 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, 6 from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, 7 from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.
A Multitude from the Tribulation – The Rapture
What is REALLY Going On – WHAT IS GOING ON in the SixthSeal in Revelation 7?
Who is the ‘great multitude’
Revelation 7:9-16, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10and they cry out with a loud voice,
What is REALLY Going On – in the SixthSeal in Revelation 7?
Where is this great multitude?
saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Where did this great multitude come from?
“Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?”
“I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
“For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
All of these final events have culminated with the elect of God having been raptured before the Throne of God and in their eternal home, God’s Eternal Tabernacle.
– The Completion of the SixthTribulationSeal –
Seal 7: Revelation – SILENCE IN HEAVEN for half an hour, SEVEN ANGELS and SEVEN TRUMPETS, PEALS OF THUNDER, SOUNDS AND FLASHES OF LIGHTENING AND AN EARTHQUAKE.
What is REALLY Going On – in the SeventhSeal in Matthew 24?
Silence. (Jesus will continue in Matthew with instruction of recognizing the times and days, preparing for these Last Days and the Blessings and Consequences for not preparing ahead of time – preparing NOW!
The scene now moves to the heavens (see Revelation chapter 8).
What is REALLY Going On – in the SeventhSeal in Revelation 8?
Revelation 8:1-2, “When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
A lull in the cosmic and terrestrial storms.
7 angels standing BEFORE GOD and 7 trumpets are given to them. (These are the 7 trumpets of judgment).
Revelation 8:3-5, “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
There are testimonies, warnings and plain statements regarding at time in the Bible known as the Last Days or the End of the Age. For example, Jesus gives us an account of the Last Days and The End of the Age from two distinct perspectives. We need to look at a Biblical comparison and correlation of The Seals of the Tribulation as seen in the book of Matthew and correlated with the book of The Revelation (1). So we can know the sequence of these events that may be prepared and ready at all times. (2). It is also important so that we will not be taken by surprise or frightened and lose focus and composure; (3). It is also a reminder that we are to inform and warn others of the present and coming judgements. To Wit:
Matthew 24:1-5 tells us, “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
Revelation 1:1-3, which was written around A.D. 95 says, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place ; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, everything that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
Verse 4. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who [c]is to come, and from the [d]seven spirits who are before His throne, verse 5, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— verse 6, and He made us into a kingdom, priests to [e]His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Verse 7. BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
These words were written sometime around A.D. 90. Over 1,900 years have passed since this prophecy was written, and according to the God-breathed and Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. The first ‘contradiction’, if that is possible, is if these were ‘to soon take place’.
(Please Note: Many protestant denominations will interpret Revelation 1:7 as being fulfilled in Revelation 19:11 as “Jesus’ Second coming’. It is important, when establishing a Biblical timeline, to get the chronology right. Please compare Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 19:11
Matthew 24:30-31, “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
And,
Revelation 19:11-16, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it, He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Matthew 24:30, is when the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory will occur at the beginning of the 7-year period of the Great Tribulation period. This is when Jesus will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY 2ND ADVENT – AND THE GATHERING (rapture) OF HIS ELECT (CHOSEN).
Revelation 19:11, is when theheaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages waris to occur at the end of the Bowls of Wrath, which is at the end of the 7-year Great tribulation period.This is when Jesus ‘judges and wages war’. JESUS HAS ALREADY RETURNED AND GATHERED HIS ELECT (HIS CHOSEN) AND IS NOW DEFEATING THE BEAST, THE ANTICHRIST AND ALL WHO RELIEVED THE MARK OF THE BEAST, and is casting them into the lake of fire.
Jesus and these same disciples testified that these present and coming prophetic judgments and events may havealreadybegun.in or around A.D. 30, calling them “events of These Last Days”:
Hebrews 1:2,“but in these last daysHe (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
(This was written by the Apostle Paul, is written in the present tense, in or around the year A.D. 70 and is referred to as these last days).
Hebrews 9:26,“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own,for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, He (Christ) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
(These events were occuring in or around A.D. 30. The book of Hebrews is written by the Apostle Paul, and is written in the past and present tense, in or around A.D. 70 and is referred to as the end of the ages.)
Acts 2:14-17, “But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”
(This occurred in or around A.D. 60 and as written in the past and present tense, by Peter the Apostle, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is referred to as being ‘in the last days’).
2 Timothy 3:1,“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.‘
(This was written by the Apostle Timothy, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in or around the year A.D. 67, was written in the present tense and is referred to as being ‘in the last days‘.)
1 Peter 1:20-21,“He (Jesus) was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of youwho through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
(This is written in the past tense was recorded in or around A.D. 90, and is referred to, by the Apostle Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as being ‘in the last times‘.)
1 Peter 4:7,“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
(This is written in the past tense was recorded in or around A.D. 90, and is referred to, by the Apostle Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as being ‘the end of all things‘.)
2 Peter 3:3,“Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
(This is written in the future tense as a testimony about. things that were already beginning to occur, and was recorded in or around A.D. 90. This is referred to, by the Apostle Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as being ‘in the last days‘.)
1 John 2:18, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, sonow many antichrists have (already) come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.“
(This is written in the present tense was recorded in or around A.D. 90, and is referred to, by the Apostle John, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as referred to as being in ‘the last hour‘.)
Matthew 24:29-31, ““But immediately afterthe tribulation of those daysthe sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, andthe stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
(This is written in the future tense was recorded in or around A.D. 70, and is referred to, by the Apostle Matthew, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as referred to as being in ‘afterthe tribulation of those days’ , speaking of the tribulation of those days already referred to (above here.)
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
It is important because this illustrates the correct timeline and timing of these events. ‘NOT THE DAY NOR THE HOUR’, because no one knows the exact day or hour, not even Jesus, but the Father alone knows. But, this does give us an accurate description of the fig tree: “as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near;. (Matthew 24:32)
It is important because we must be mentally, physically and spiritually of and ready for the things that are upon us so we do not faint or fall away.
It is important because the context, the uses and meanings of these various words which refer to Tribulation affect our attitudes and our motivation for GETTING and STAYING READY for His return. They also affect our view of the timing of the coming Tribulation and the Great Tribulation.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Why does it matter “when” the tribulation starts or “when” Christians are to be raptured into the heavens?
It matters because being ready for His Return is proof of True Christianity, and only a True Believer in Christ will be guaranteed to join Christ at the sound of His Great Trumpet call and escape the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.
It matters because being ready requires believing and doing what He has instructed us to do in preparation for His return.
It matters because He has warned that “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
It matters because many Christians are sitting idly waiting for an event that has already begun and they are not DOING what He told them to do and therefore are in grave danger.
It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness.
It matters because as Christians, our faith, our convictions and our behaviors are speaking louder than our words – and if we truly believe these things are coming to pass – we need to be getting ready
Finally, there is are two huge misconceptions or misunderstanding and in some churches, a false teaching that (#1), the Rapture will occur before the appearing of the Antichrist.
HOWEVER, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 clearly says, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.No one is to deceive you in any way! For it (the day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
And (#2), the second big misconception is that the ‘mark of the beast’ will be given and this will occur prior to the rapture, when at that time no one will be able to buy or sell without that mark’.
However, Revelation 3:16-17 says, He will “cause all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Therefore, the Antichrist gives his ‘mark’ after the Seal Judgments, after the Rapture, and just after the 6th Tribulation Trumpet Judgment and at the blowing of 7th Trumpet Judgment – which is the Mid-Point of the Great Tribulation – which is after three and one half years of the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation period.
I mention these two misconceptions because they are included in the chronology of the last days.
Coming next: Confirm scriptures with scriptures regarding the Last Days by correlating and comparing the Tribulation Seals from Matthew chapter 24 with the book of The Revelation chapters 6, 7 and eight.
(Jesus, in the book of Matthew gives a present view looking to the future – Jesus, in The book of The Revelation gives a panorama of a continuous past, present and future.)
Speaking for myself, if I allow myself to listen to the words of the world through other people, or through the news media and television , I find that I begin to doubt and worry.
I am continually hearing of wars and rumors of wars. I try not to be frightened, for I know that these things must take place, and although the time is near, I know that it is not yet the end of the age.
Nations are rising against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms, and there are increasing famines and earthquakes (and they are telling us the earth is heating up, on the verge of a climatological disaster) in many and various places.
The Bible tells me that these things are ‘the beginning of birth pangs’, that is the intolerable anguish and the time of unprecedented trouble which is yet to come, (judgements of God on a sinful world).
There are many have come and who are now coming in the name of Jesus, misusing His Name, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Him, saying or implying, ‘I am the Christ, or I am speaking on behalf of the Jesus,’ and they are misleading many.
We have been warned that those who hate God, will subject us who are Christians over to ridicule and persecution and to endure tribulation, and they will even put some of us to death.
The Bible says that we will be hated by all nations because of the Name of Jesus. We are already at the time that many are being offended and repelled by our association with Jesus. And many who have falsely claimed to be Christians are falling away from Jesus’ teachings, the very One they should trust, and are betraying one another, and reporting believers to those who work against the ways of God and the Bible, the ones who persecute us and hate everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
Many false prophets are already appearing and are misleading many within the Church. Lawlessness has increased and continues to get worse, and the love of many people toward others is growing cold. (Please see Matthew 24:5-12 regarding the above.)
HERE IS THE ‘SECRET’ (in red bold lettering)
Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples,(John 16:16),“In a little while you are no longer are going to see Me; then, again a little later, you will see Me.”
Verse 17. So some of His disciples said to one another, “What is this that He is telling us, ‘In a little while, and you are not going to see Me; and again a little while later you will see Me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” Verse 18. So, they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.” Verse 19. Jesus knew that they wanted to question Him, and He said to them, “Are you deliberating together<mg3326, 240=””> about this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you are not going to see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’? Verse 20. Truly, truly, I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy! Verse 21. Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. Verse 22. Therefore, you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one is going to take your joy away from you.
(Hint:This is a reference to Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.)
Verse 23. And on that day,you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Verse 24. Until now, you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
Verse 25. “These things I have spoken to you in figures of speech; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainlyabout the Father. Verse 26. On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; verse 27, for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. Verse 28. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
Verse 29, His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainlyand are not using any figure of speech. Verse 30. Now we know that You know all things, and that You have no need for anyone to question You; this is why we believe that You came forth from God.” Verse 31. Jesus replied to them, “Do you now believe? Verse 32. Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
What has happened? Suffice it to say, for now, that this is no longer metaphors or figures of speech. It is a mystery for we who believe that enables us, too, to live assured of victory in and over all circumstances. As outlandish and as outrageously bold as this statement sounds, it is exactly what Jesus is telling you.
THE SECRET REVEALED – THE MYSTERY SOLVED
Read what Paul says in Ephesians 1:18, “I pray thatthe eyes of your heart having been enlightened, that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, verse 19, and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might verse 20, which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, verse 21, far above all rule and authority and power anddominion, and every name that is named, Not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Verse 22. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, verse23, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (believers).
Ephesians 2:4, “But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, verse 5, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace–His undeserved favor and mercy–you have been saved from God’s judgement).
Verse 6. And He has raised us up together with Him [when we believed],AND HE SEATED US WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES, in Christ Jesus,
We are Join-Heirs with Christ. If you don’t understand this, or if you don’t believe it, you are missing your full inheritance.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
PS: You can USE this one!
“I have spoken these things to you so that, in Me, you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
