A Bible Study
Contents:
All prophecy looks to Jesus to fulfill God's plan; first and second coming.
God will fulfill his master-plan completely and precisely on time.
"The word of God is sure and the people of God are safe."
2 Foundation Stones [Contents]
1.The Word of God is entirely accurate and complete.
It tells us all we need to know concerning God's rescue plan
plans already fulfilled and also his plans for now and the future.
Some mysteries must remain, and it is foolish to speculate.
ALL his Word is true; we should read all of it.
Add nothing, delete nothing, change nothing. Rev 2218,19
All his promises are reliable.
He says what he means and he means what he says. There is no deceit.
In discussion try to keep to scripture, not our various opinions.
Some truth will be new; be open, enquiring, desire to hear God.
Christ can and always will reveal his truth to the earnest.
He promised to do so. Why did he ascend? Jn 167,13,15
2.Almighty God always has been faithful, and always will be faithful.
He will fulfil all that he has promised. Nothing takes him by surprise.
Table of Prophecies: 655 fulfilled, 89 partly fulfilled, 117 await fulfilment.
see full list of Prophecies
What God has begun he will certainly finish. Jn 1930 Act 111 Phil 16
He will not make us to be a de-rusted, patched lash-up; but perfect.
His gift is stability, wisdom and a secure hope in the traumatic days of tribulation.
Like his contemporary Jeremiah, Habbakuk saw increasing wickedness. Why didn't God do something?
God's answer was that evil Babylon will destroy Jerusalem! Hab 11
But Righteous live by faith. Hab 24 As we will in the Tribulation.
Faith = sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see. Heb 111
Introduction [Contents]
Men have an insatiable curiosity to know what is going to happen tomorrow.
Tempting to immediately dive in and try to satisfy this.
But it is wiser to first see the bigger picture.
Understanding the Last Days, requires knowing 'First Days' and 'Middle Days'.
'First Days'. God's 'very good' creation; man's fall no surprise.
'Middle Days'. God's Master-Plan to conquer sin, no compromise.
What is the story of man on earth so far?
How did it all begin, what is happening now, how will it end? Will it end?!
History is too often neglected.
But History = His Story, God's story and God's plan for man on earth.
History and Biblical Prophecy [Contents]
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth - perfect.
Vast and microscopic, careful, intricate design. It could not evolve on its own.
He designed just 118 different atoms to build all the variety in the universe.
What else did he create? Time, gravity, magnetism, electricity, temperature, colour, energy
and Life - Vegetation, fish, birds, insects, animals and MAN.
All 'very good'. But the earth did not remain 'very good' for long.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God; they sinned.
Almighty God was not surprised, he knew they would. Gen 217
He already had an agreed plan for overcoming sin.
These 'First Days' would shape all the following days.
It would take 4,000 years of history (all the OT !) - the 'Middle Days'.
to prepare men and to fulfil God's only solution for sin - Jesus Christ!
The same patient care that it took for God to create a world for men.
Scripture tells us that God did something else before creating earth and man.
It was even before he created time!
He wrote a book, a scroll. The Book of Life.
It had no narrative, only names.
Those whom he would save. Eph 14
He knew your name before time even began.
But when the day came, that you were born and walked this earth
then, he called you by name. Is 431 (and you responded to his call)
Jacob grasped Esau at birth. Gen 2526
But some 40 years later at Peniel he grasped God! Gen 3226
and God changed his name to Israel.
Be assured, there are no mistakes in God's creation, nor in his calling.
The scroll is revealed in Rev 51-14
The names are sealed.
The breaking of the seals herald the great events of the Last Days. Rev 6-19
The Last Days have been coming for 2,000 years - and still counting!
The Bible begins with creation and it ends with a 'new creation'. Rev 21,22
In between Almighty God reveals the folly of man and the wisdom of God.
During the 6,000 years of man on earth, God reveals his 'Master Plan',
piece by piece, stage by stage.
Our study is to examine this Plan and see why he is such a great Master.
To see his care and patience, his provision and power,
his mercy and grace, his enduring faithfulness.
May God reveal his truth along the way. It will at times surprise us.
May it also bring
courage in danger and disaster
stability and truth in disintegration, distress and deceptive days
assurance in doubt, difficulty and debt
forgiveness and healing when things go wrong
and gratitude to Almighty God, who does all things so well.
God will fulfill his master-plan completely and precisely on time.
"The Word of God is sure and the people of God are Safe."
What did God do for his 'fallen' world?
[Contents]
He prepared men for the coming of his Son - 1st and 2nd Coming.
Throughout the OT (4,000 years) God sent his Prophets. (72 named + various unnamed in OT)
| Adam | 0 | 4000 BC | Gen 3 |
| Noah | 1500 | 2500 BC | Gen 6-9 |
| Abraham | 2000 | 2000 BC | Gen 12-25 |
| Moses | 2500 | 1500 BC | Exodus |
| David | 3000 | 1000 BC | Sam Kings Chronicles |
| Jesus | 4000 | BC / AD | NT |
| Last Days | ~6000 | ~2000 AD | 2014 = Jewish Year 5774 |
Each careful step by careful step.
But men were so slow to comprehend the truth. Lu 2425 See Christ had to suffer.
Today we are no quicker. Why? It always requires the revelation of God.
He revealed his plans - local and worldwide; immediate and eternal.
It has 2 parts - Judgement of sin and Salvation by grace. Is 612 Lu 418-21
Judgement and Salvation - God's Master-Plan.
There is nowhere more accurate or complete than what God himself
has revealed to us in the Scriptures, OT and NT.
From Abel to Zechariah wicked men tried to kill the prophets. Lu 1149-51
But Almighty God unfolded his plan and brought redemption to his world.
O the love that drew salvation's plan,
O the grace that brought it down to man,
O the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary.
Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied for me
There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary.
Only by examining what he said, did and revealed in the past,
we will better understand what he has said he will do in the future.
Adam and Eve
God gave them each the opportunity to confess. What happened?
Only excuses; but no repentance. Gen 311-13 Thus lessons for all!
God's verdict: Gen 314-19
To Satan: Cursed. Eve's offspring (Jesus) will crush your head, you will strike his heal.
To Eve: Pain in childbearing + Gender relationship.
(As God knew pain of man's sin and also pain of his life-giving remedy)
To Adam: Weeds! By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.
(As sin grows naturally in the hearts of all men)
Abel
How did Abel prophesy? What was God's message?
Righteousness was possible. But how?
By faith he was commended as a righteous man. Heb 114a
He gave the very best part of the best of his flock. Gen 44
He knew that Almighty God had accepted his sacrifice;
but he knew that no man's sacrifice is ever sufficient to save his soul.
Abel believed that one day God would send a perfect sacrifice - and he did!
This was what God revealed, his faith 'saw' what he believed.
The blood of Jesus speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Heb 1224
By faith he still speaks. Heb 114b Abel has been speaking for 6,000 years!
What has he been saying?
Abel's blood cried out from the ground for justice. Gen 410
So did the pool of blood at the foot of the cross some 4,000 years later.
The blood of Jesus cries for justice for us, not against us.
Jesus thy blood and righteousness,
My beauty are, my glorious dress,
Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.
Enoch
By faith Enoch was taken from this life. Heb 115
Enoch walked with God 300 years. Gen 521 How? Ps 243-6 Joel 232
(from 65, when Methuselah was born. Only hint, no further information)
God's intention was always resurrection and eternal life for men.
Methuselah walked this earth for 969 years, with a name tag for all to see.
It was God's warning - "In the day that I die it shall happen."
One of the last things Noah did before entering the Ark was to bury Meth'.
It was the year 1656.
God faithfully warned men for nearly 1,000 years, before he sent the flood
(and especially during 120 years while Noah built the Ark)
Noah. What did he prophesy?
Last days will be "As it was in the days of Noah ..." Math 2537
What was happening?
Sin was so rampant (esp. sex and violence), no one sought God. Gen 62,5-7,11
What was God's conclusion? Gen 74, 11,12, 22
But see also 1Pe 320 God is patient.
Men so wicked, God kills the whole world. Only 8 were saved. How saved?
By God-given faith in God-given atonement. Heb 117 Gen 614 ('Pitch')
Hebrew word Kaphar = pitch here,
but all the other 94 times = atone, cleanse, pardon, reconcile ...
Pitch was inside and outside the Ark. God gave Noah assurance within.
But those outside, who ridiculed God, were given judgement!
The flood is a prime example of how both judgement and salvation
is faithfully delivered by the hand of God.
Today, as prophesied, Creation and Flood are both denied and ridiculed. 2Pe 33-7
Babel - Proud, wicked men offend Almighty God; and so they were scattered.
Many tongues to confuse c.f. Pentecost God's tongues gives understanding.
The Babel attitude has not ended but continues today.
EU blasphemous advert "Many Tongues, One Voice" + inverted demonic stars.
Strasbourg parliament building designed on Brougel's painting of Babel.
Europa (woman riding a beast) statue outside EU office in Brussels. Rev 17
EU flag has 12 stars of Mary. Adopted 8/12/55 on Feast of Immaculate Conception.
EU anthem 'Ode to Joy' = Joy by entering shrine of pagan godess, Elysium!
Written on wall of EU Parliament Visitors Centre:
"National sovereignty is the root cause of most crying evils of our times.
The only final remedy for this supreme and catastrophic evil of our time
is a federal union of the peoples." c.f. Word of Almighty God !!
These facts are not intended to be a political statement,
but to show that the EU foundation is deeply wicked, evil.
It should be a spiritual warning concerning its future objective.
Like at Babel, wickedness abounds and is increasing rapidly.
So it is not a question of if, but when will God bring his 'last days' judgement?
Perhaps God will be merciful
until the full number of Gentiles has come in. Ro 1125
Judgements against sin yet to come:
Rev 68 God orders first 4 Seals to be opened. ¼ die. 7B/4 = 1,750m !
So begins 7 years of the Great Tribulation.
Rev 915 6th Trumpet, ⅓ die. 5.25B/3 = 1,750m !
Rev 1921 Last battle (2nd major war), Jesus returns. "the rest were killed."
Who were 'the rest'?
What was happening when Jesus returned?
Beast and his one-world army were attacking God's people in Jerusalem.
Where does Christ return? Jerusalem. Zech 143-5
Jews have sought always to be buried on the Mount of Olives (see picture),
This is where Messiah returns to and resurrection begins. Zech 144
Judgement for the righteous:
Rev 79 Great multitude from every nation stand in white robes.
Rev 152 Men victorious over Beast sing. Triumphant martyrs!
Rev 191 Great multitude shout. The Redeemed of God rejoice.
God is faithful in both his Judgement and his Salvation.
But this is 'jumping the gun'.
The big question was how could man be changed
so that he once more be able to walk with the Almighty Holy God?
We have seen how quickly and easily man succumbed to sin and rebellion.
But the Lord God did not despair and walk away in disgust.
He was not surprised. He never had to adopt plan B or C because man sinned.
He always knew what man would do.
What was his unchanging Master Plan?
Our objective now is to outline this surprising plan,
with deep gratitude to marvel at its wisdom,
and to appreciate the mercy, grace and faithfulness of our wonderful God.
God chose one man and his wife from Ur - Abraham and Sarah.
God's Covenant with Abraham and his Descendants [Contents]
Abraham was the first of a succession of prophets and leaders sent to reveal
God’s plan of salvation over the next 2,000 years; and they still do.
It is not for us to question why God chose Abraham and the Jewish people.
We must humbly learn from the wise fact that he did.
It is a choice that he has never abandoned, and never will. Indeed he cannot!.
Almighty God has chosen to bind himself to his covenant. He must be faithful.
This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day,
who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar - the Lord Almighty is his name:
"Only if these decrees vanish from my sight," declares the Lord,
"will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before me."
This is what the Lord says: "Only if the heavens above can be measured
and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the
descendants of Israel because of all they have done," declares the Lord. Jer 3135-37
God's choice of Abraham was entirely God's idea.
Unlike Mohammed (Islam), Joseph Smith (Mormons), Mary Baker Eddy (C.Sc),
who each claimed to be God's prophets, but lied.
In Gen 12-22 are recorded 9 separate occasions when God spoke to Abraham.
Let us see the truth revealed and the everlasting covenant he made.
1. Gen 121-3
Leave your country (Haran) ... and go to the land I will show you.)
Abraham obeyed. He left Ur, and then Haran after his father Terah died.
God assured him he was doing the right thing. Heb 118-10 (Like he did Abel etc)
I will make you into a great nation ...
Have the Jews ever been a great nation? Not like Egypt, Babylon, or Rome.
Perhaps under king David there was a brief time of limited greatness.
Jews have had a roller-coaster ride for last 4,000 years.
They have been disobedient and punished, enslaved in Egypt,
exiled by Assyria and Babylon. Though chosen by God they rejected
the Messiah and thus exiled by Rome.
Yet they remained a nation without real-estate and have now returned.
One day the faithful God has promised they will be great -
much to the chagrin of today’s superpowers
and the surprise of most of the church!
Israel will become a righteous nation, and this will make her great.
Ezek 1117 Hos 34,5 Zech 81-8 (+ photos) Zech 106-9 Joel 31
God's promised plan for the Jews is not yet complete; but it will be.
Redemption is complete, 'finished'. Jn 1930 Salvation is yet to come. Heb 928
We experience the amazing grace of Gentile inclusion.
but some have yet to see that God intends to fully restore Israel.
and I will bless you.
How? Almighty God gave to the Jews the Covenants, promises, scriptures,
the Patriarchs, the Law, and the prophets. Most of all he gave them
the promised Christ. Ro 94,5
I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse.
Who have blessed? Very few. But by his grace he has blessed even me!
Who have cursed? Many. God will destroy the enemies of Israel.
Is 13-23 Jer 46-51 Ezek 25-28, Obadiah Nahum Zeph 2
Nations will be punished, not only for their wickedness, but especially for
for what they did to Israel. Jer 5149 Ezek 253, 12, 15 262 2824 Obed 112
All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Not only Jews are promisedblessing but all believers in Jesus from all nations.
We have been hugely blessed by our Redeemer.
The Veil was rent, and we are invited to enter. Heb 1019-23 Includes Gentiles.
All people will be blessed when he returns - especially the Jews!
2. Gen 127
To your offspring I will give this land?
This and the the next four direct revelations to Abraham by Almighty God concern land.
This gift of 'real-estate' is vigerously contested.
Whose is the land? God created it. Ps 241,2
We are never owners, at best we are temporary tenants.
3. Gen 1315
All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring for ever.
I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth.
What offspring? The offspring of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the Jews.
These promises of land, have became a major problem today,
especially to those who use the Scriptures selectively, or maybe not at all!
Almighty God's gift of the land to the Jews is 'for ever'. (see also 5b and 6)
How much land? All the land of Canaan that Abraham saw.
All the land that Almighty God had led him to. Like the Magi. Math 21-12
4. Gen 1419
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine.
He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,
"Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth."
Melchizedek brought a word of blessing to Abraham direct from heaven.
5a. Gen 155,13-15
Look up at the heavens and count the stars –if indeed you can count them.
Then he said to him, "so shall your offspring be."
God confirms the vast number of his descendants.
With the naked eye we can see 50% of ~10,000 stars (>magnitude 6)
(astronomical telescopes especially, Hubble, enable many more to be seen.)
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
All such promises are revealed by faith - see Heb 1123
He also said to him, "I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans
to give you this land to take possession of it.
Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own,
and they will be enslaved and ill-treated 400 years ... and afterwards
they will come out with great possessions. ... Your descendants will come back here."
God confirms his land gift promise.
Egypt would be punished for enslaving the Jews.
Amram and Jochebed knew this promise when their 3rd child, Moses, was born. Exd 22 76,7
5b. Gen 1518
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and said,
"To your descendants I give this land,
from the river of Egypt (Nile) to the great river, the Euphrates ..."
God defines the borders of Israel - much further than the UN 1948 borders!
Almighty God is not impressed by the world-backed claims by the Palestinians.
which proclaim that all Jewish building in Judea or E. Jerusalem is illegal!
God's promise has only been partly fulfilled. But one day it will be.
(See website Who's Land (Use Back-Arrow to return here)
6a. Gen 171-8
I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless. I confirm my covenant
between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.
This is my covenant with you; You will be the father of many nations ...
I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and
your descendants after you ... to be your God.
The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien,
I will give you as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you;
and I will be their God. ...
God here confirms his previous promises concerning both descendants and land.
He also twice emphasises that his covenant is everlasting. And it is unconditional.
The wicked, who discard the Word of Almighty God, vigorously contest his gift.
But mere man cannot thwart the plan of God.
UK reneaged on the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the League of Nations 1922
and UK and UN divided Palestine Jewish homeland + Arabs in 1947/8
See Joel 32 for what will happen later 'because they divided my land'.
Thus our empire has gone, and our Christian heritage has almost vanished.
6b. Gen 1711, 19-21
You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be a sign of the covenant ...
Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac.
I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant
for his descendants after him.
My covenant I will establish with Isaac,
(Like the Rainbow is a sign that world-wide flood was a one-off judgement.)
whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.
Circumcision is not a covenant, but is a sign of God's covenant.
Not all circumcised Jews/Gentiles are saved. Not proof of salvation. Ro 96-8
Sometimes the sign is made more important than what is signifies. Gal 612-15
Abraham and Sarah were still childless. Now God reveals his timing.
7. Gen 1810, 14
I will surely return to you about this time next year,
and Sarah your wife will have a son.
God repeats the timing of his promise.
8. Gen 2112,13
Do not be distressed about the boy (Ishmael) and your maidservant. Listen to
whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be
reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he
is your offspring.
Ishmael was not a child of promise. See also Gen 222 255,6
2,600 years later one of his descendants became the father of Islam.
Note the consistent fulfilment of the prophecy:
He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone
and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility
toward all his brothers. Gen 1612 2518 e.g. current 'mess' in Syria and Yemen
9. Gen 22
This is the climax of Almighty God's revelations to his servant Abraham.
Heb 1111 c.f. Heb 1113 What did Abraham have to wait for? Son, land, salvation.
Gen 222 'Take your son, your only son ... and sacrifice him ...'
God asked no more than he did for himself with his son Jesus.
Gen 227,8 'Where is the lamb?' ... God himself will provide the lamb'.
And he did provide. Jn 129 Math 317
'The full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.'
Gen 2214 Abraham called the place 'The Lord will provide'. (not has provided)
Abraham knew God's faithfulness. 2,000 years later Jesus 'provided'.
He clearly saw the day of Jesus Christ, and rejoiced! Jn 856
God's Faithfulness [Contents]
Most of the rest of the OT is about how Almighty God fulfilled his covenant
with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants.
God confirms the covenant of descendants and land with Isaac. Gen 262-5
God confirms the covenant of descendants and land with Jacob. Gen 2813-15 3512
God confirms the covenant of descendants and land with Joseph. Gen 484
God confirms the Abramic covenant of land with Moses. Exd 64 Deut 18 610
God confirms the Abramic covenant of land with Joshua. Josh 12,3 1123
The new covenant does not cancel the eternal covenant with Abraham.
But it does supersede the conditional covenant with Moses (the Law)
Jer 31 Ezek 37 Jn 117 Math 517
Sin and exile punishment does not cancel eternal covenant with Abraham,
either before or after Christ's coming as Saviour.
Nothing can cancel it because it is eternal.
It is also unconditional - no ifs or unless.
God knew all that would happen over next 4,000 years from Abraham to today.
The history of the Jews has been very mixed; good and bad.
Consider the swings to and away from God in book of Judges.
Their history includes exiles - by Assyria in 722 BC, to Babylon in 586 BC
and when under Rome in AD 70 and 135.
The northern tribes of Israel had 20 kings - all evil.
Judah also had 20 kings - only 3 righteous, 12 evil and 5 started well.
But throughout all this history, and since, God has remained totally faithful.
He chose Israel and he will never ever divorce her.
Israel remains God's special treasure.
[Contents]
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deut 67-9
And the Lord has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honour high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised. Deut 2618,19
If Israel turns away from God and he hides his face from them for a season, it is only so that they realise their foolishness and return to him. 2Ch 309
Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name: "If this fixed order departs from before me, declares the Lord, then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before me forever." Thus says the Lord: "If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord." Jer 3135-37
"As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Ro 1129
Jesus was born a Jew in Bethlehem, the city of David!
And he died 'King of the Jews' in Jerusalem as our Redeemer.
Calvary is absolutely fantastic; but it is not the end of the story. Heb 928
Today Almighty God is despised; so is Israel.
God will not leave his creation in this sorry state.
One day both will be honoured.
The name of God, the God of Israel is at stake. Jer 339 Ezek 3622
God’s great master plan reaches its climax when Jesus Christ returns.
The Jewish nation of Israel is restored (see list of promises at the end)
Jesus returns to Jerusalem to be King of his righteous Kingdom of God.
And this is where Replacement Theology loses the plot.
Replacement Theology Loses the Plot
[Contents]
Replacement Theology is not about anti-Semitic hatred of anything Jewish,
but about denying that God has any end-time plan for the Jews.
They think that having rejected Christ, he has rejected them - for ever.
In the world that would be a very common and reasonable argument.
But God is not like the world. If he makes an everlasting covenant he keeps it.
And he always will keep it. Indeed he cannot break it.
For many it may be simply that they either do not know God’s Word,
or they do not believe - it for various reasons (or excuses!).
Most of the world will continue to hate Israel and see nothing but the very biassed
media, the UN and the EU all condemning Israel with lies at every opportunity.
Those with eyes to see will observe that Almighty God remains faithful.
- He cannot be anything else!
He is seen to be fulfilling his covenanted end-time plan for Israel.
We will continue to investigate God's faithfulness - step by step.
Today some UK Christians lack assurance of their relationship with God.
Michael Flowers, i/c Newcastle A&E (1980's) - Youth, longed for 'Loyalty'.
Princess Diana - 'Face anything if I know he loves me.'
Others question why God allowed xxxxx to happen,
and find it difficult to enter the Most Holy Place with confidence. Heb 1019
Why? Because there is some doubt about God's faithfulness.
Does he always keep his word? The answer is yes! Always yes!
Let us learn to be confident that God’s Word is always true and reliable.
Be assured that the blood of Christ is 100% effective.
It is indeed the new and living way he has opened to all believers.
The veil was torn in two. God was saying ‘now you can come to me’.
Believing in Christ Jesus makes a man clean and holy and confident.
- but hopefully also humble and grateful, not presumptuous or proud.
Jesus intercedes on our behalf as our Great High Priest. Heb 725 924
Almighty God therefore welcomes us into his presence.
Of course we don't deserve it. There is nothing I can do. It is all by grace.
Never deny what Almighty God achieved on the Cross.
God is faithful and his redeeming work is complete, and no sin is too great.
This is what he has promised Israel, his chosen people. Zech 131 Heb 88-12
He always does what he has promised. Is 4611b Num 2319
And he always will.
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.
Meanwhile wicked leaders will continue their efforts to destroy Israel;
but Almighty God, the Sovereign Lord, has other plans -
their full salvation! Ro 1125,26,29
Paul, the Jewish apostle, knew this abiding truth wrote:
I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Ro 92
Although he was God’s apostle to the Gentiles, he never gave up on the Jews.
Theirs is (not was) the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ. Ro 94,5
After showing how the Jews had stumbled,
he tells us of salvation by faith, not by trying to keep the law.
But concerning Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands
to a disobedient and obstinate people." Ro 1021
I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! Ro 111
Again I ask: Did they stumble so to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Ro 1111
Then he clearly warns us Gentiles:
Do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. ...
After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! Ro 1117-24
Does Paul give us any revelation concerning God’s plan for the Jews? Yes.
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved. ... For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Ro 1125,26,29
Does the salvation of Israel seem so remote a possibility?
Do we suggest that their persecution by all the world is only what they deserve?
What did Almighty God do in 597BC when they were surrounded by Babylon?
Although he was about to destroy Jerusalem, he told Jeremiah to buy a field!
Read why in Jer 323-16 They would return to the promised land.
Jeremiah knew Nothing is too hard for the Sovereign Lord.
The British are now a mixture of Celts, Vikings, Romans, Saxons, and Normans.
and many others today - all assimilated into one people.
Not so with the Jews; for 2,000 years they were scattered all over the world,
yet they have remained a distinct people
They are now back in their own God-given land
and speaking their ancient Hebrew language.. A modern miracle.
The first part of the miracle of the dry bones. Exek 371-14
Bishop Ryle saw this truth and wrote in 1890, before the exiled Jews started to return to their land, the Holy Land. And 60 years before Israel was once again recognised as a nation.
"The continued existence of the Jews as a distinct nation, is undeniably a great miracle. It is one of those evidences of the truth of the Bible which the infidel can never overthrow. Without a land, without a king, without a government, scattered and dispersed over the world for eighteen hundred years, the Jews are never absorbed among the people of the countries where they live, like Frenchmen, Englishmen, and Germans, but 'dwell alone'. Nothing can account for this but the finger of God. The Jewish nation stands before the world, a crushing answer to infidelity, and a living book of evidence that the Bible is true. But we ought not to regard the Jews only as witnesses of the truth of Scripture. We should see in them a continual pledge, that the Lord Jesus is coming again one day. Like the sacrament of the Lord's supper, they witness to the reality of the second advent, as well as of the first. Let us remember this. Let us see in every wandering Jew a proof that the Bible is true, and that Christ will one day return."
If Almighty God fails to keep his covenant with the descendants of Abraham,
what chance have we to maintain assurance of salvation?
Our salvation is based upon God’s Word being true.
So is their salvation and inheritance.
The day will come when they too will believe and trust in Christ crucified.
Let us anticipate the rejoicing of that great day of God’s faithfulness.
All the world will see the glory and power of God.
'First for the Jew, and then for the Gentile.' Ro 116 29,10
The Scriptures are Jewish. They have the same message to Jews and Gentiles.
God's choice of the Jews is no more amazing than his choice of us Gentiles.
No man can make himself acceptable to God.
Only he can both pay the price for my sin and also change my sinful nature.
God's Faithfulness is proven in the Judgement and Restoration of Israel
| Is 51-7 | c.f. | Is 621-5, 11,12 |
| Jer 258-12 | c.f. | Jer 233-6 307, 12, 17 |
| Ezek 341-6 | c.f. | Ezek 3411-16, 25-31 |
| Hos 111-7 | c.f. | Hos 118 35 1314 |
God's Covenant with Moses (the Law) was conditional. Exd 195,6
But no man has ever been able to keep all God's Commandments. Mk 1019-21
It thus needed a 'new' covenant. Gal 322-25 Heb 722810-13 and Math 517
A change that would enable the recipient to keep the law. Jer 3133
Jesus made an eternal and better covenant with all believers, Jews and Gentiles (not just Gentiles):
This is my blood of the covenant,
which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Math 2628 Heb 912-15 1320,21
In our studies of the Last Days,
God's faithfulness is one of the most important facts to remember:
Christianity is God fulfilling his covenant with Abraham and the Jews;
and thereby the new covenant that includes Gentile believers in Christ.
God renamed Jacob as Israel. Where, when, why?
Chosen and prophesied before birth. Gen 2521-28
Isaac loved 'Macho' Esau; Jacob was a 'Mummy's boy'. (see also 1Sam 166,7)
God loved Jacob and hated Esau! Gen 2529-34 Mal 12,3 Gen 3224-30
Israel = 'You have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.'
'I will not let you go unless you bless me' c.f. 'Esau despised his birthright.'
Jacob was exiled and never received Isaac's sheep;
but far more importantly, he did receive God's blessing and new-birth.
Nathanael = 'Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false'. Jn 147
Jesus said, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree."
What was this Jewish Israelite doing?
Seeking God and the forgiveness of his sin.
Nathaniel and Jacob were both true Israelites.
Both had sought God and were forgiven by loving the faithful Almighty God.
The Gospel in the Feasts of Israel [Contents]
Truth is not my opinion, not what I believe; but given by the reading of Scripture.
The Word of God reveals God’s truth, not me.
My task is solely to point to his writing;
for there the Holy Spirit reveals the heart of God.
Sacrifices for sin from the very beginning - Abel.
One of the careful steps of God's revelation for salvation.
God's covenant with Abraham was another step.
Unconditional and eternal
Fulfilment begun - Isaac born, God will provide the Lamb.
Covenant repeated with Isaac and Jacob (Israel). Is 493,5-7
400 years later another major step revealed
Moses (a 'special child') fulfills a prophetic promise. Gen 1512-16 1500BC
Law and the Land proves God's faithfulness.
Law is our schoolmaster to lead us to Christ. Gal 324 Why? Cannot keep it.
With the Law came the Feasts of Israel + Gospel therein. Lev 23 Deut 161-17
Passover, Unleavened Bread (and wine) Gen 1418 Exd 1212,13
Every aspect is Almighty God's initiative to deliver fallen man from sin. Exd 66-8
1. Freedom. From slavery of sin. Jn 831-36
2. Redemption. The Son of God pays the price we can never pay. Heb 97, 12, 22
3. Chosen. Almighty God has chosen. Amazing privilege. Ro 914-18
4. Land. Wicked men fiercely contest God right to gift his creation.
Weeks - Harvest, Pentecost Not the end, but the beginning!
Most important was NOT Pentecostal 'tongues',
but that 3,000 lost souls were saved. Act 18 241 Jn 1412 168
Christian distortion of truth is not uncommon.
Holy Spirit reveals truth with power to save the souls of men.
Trumpets, Yom Kippur and Tabernacles
Trumpets warn of need to repent for 10 days.
10th day is Yom Kippur (day of Atonement).
Who pays for my sin? Christ alone, on one day ~2,000 years ago.
"a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world".
Not all the blood of bulls and goats on Jewish altars slain,
Could give the guilty conscience peace, or wash away it's stain.
But Christ, the heavenly Lamb, takes all our sins away;
A sacrifice of nobler name, and richer blood than they. Isaac Watts
15th day - Tabernacles for a week. Almighty God delights to dwell with men!
This was always his purpose. Gen 38,21,23 Exd 258 Ezek 3726-28 Jn 114 1423
Note that Sabbath is to celebrate with God his amazing creation and his presence. Exd 208-11
8th Day - Simchath Torah (= Rejoicing over the law)
The Law, the Torah that leads us to Christ. Gal 324
Jews surround the Torah with 4 poles - and dance as at a Jewish wedding,
One day the Bride will be ready, free from sin and complete,
and is presented to the Bridegroom pure and holy - for ever.
A Rabbi, who was asked about the 8th day, said,
"God is like a King, who at the end of the feast said,
'stay with me but another day, I hate to see you go.'"
The feast ends, and Jews return home.
Many are disappointed - the Messiah has not yet come - perhaps next year!
Prophecies Concerning Last Days [Contents]
"The purpose of prophecy is not that we should know the future (esp. the when),
but rather that when the future takes place we should recognise it. Then we will
have confidence in the faithful, Almighty God and in the accuracy of his Word."
Obviously we must know what God says will happen in order to recognise it.
4 World Empires to be Replaced by the Kingdom of God. Dan 21-45 (604 BC) [Contents]
In Dan 2 God reveals and clarifies the several dreams of Nebuchadnezzar.
Statue of gold, silver, bronze and iron represent 4 great world empires
Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
Lesson 1 to Nebuchadnezzar - Babylon will soon fall. Only lasted 87 years (626 to 539).
Men are still trying to build Babel! (EU and 'New world order'.)
At the end, all trace of these four great world empires will be blown away,
when struck by the 'Little Rock', 'not cut by human hands'.
And the glorious kingdom of God, that cannot be destroyed, will be established.
The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. 245
God showed this heathen king 2,600 years of world history! Why?
Dan 3 Nebuchadnezzar builds God-defying all-gold statue.
Lesson - God wins - Sees 3 'rebels' unharmed in fiery furnace with God. 325
Dan 4 Proud Nebuchadnezzar becomes like an animal.
Lesson - The mighty king is humbled by God and writes his testimony. Dan 4
These 3 Lessons to show all men that Almighty God is gracious to save a Gentile Despot.
What are its characteristics of this new 'Kingdom of God'?
It is not made by human hands or power. It is entirely different.
The kingdom of God is currently within you. Lu 1720,21
One day it will be everywhere. And even better than Eden. Why?
Jesus is king - it is not a democracy.
We will be significantly and continuously aware of God's gift of salvation.
Only entered by being 'reborn'. Jn 35 Math 53,10 1Co 1550
Not a matter of talk but of power, and not outward appearance. 1Co 420 Mk 7
Repent, for the kingdom of God is near. Math 32 417 Lu 109 1120
Hard to enter. Math 1924 Math 713,14 But see also Math 621, 33 77 Ro 1013
God's kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy, + justice and truth. Ro 1417
The secrets of God's kingdom both revealed and experienced. Lu 810 Math 1311
(For full list of references click 'Kingdom of God')
The 'Last Days' are but a prelude to the glorious, eternal kingdom of God.
It behoves all men to tremble in the presence of Almighty God. Ps 1142,7
Nebuchadnezzar honours the young Daniel, but he does not yet honour God.
Soon he builds an all-gold statue to challenge Almighty God's revelation to him. Dan 3
How can he or Babylon fall? Very easily, in a single night! Dan 4 and 5.
4 Beasts - Kingdoms as God Sees Them. Dan 7 (553 BC)
[Contents]
Daniel is given this vision aged ~70 and ~9 years after Nebuchadnezzar died.
The first was like a lion, ...
a second beast, which looked like a bear. ...
another beast, one that looked like a leopard. ...
a fourth beast -- terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron
teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was
left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns. 72-7
These 4 beasts are the same kingdoms as in the Statue dream over 50 years earlier.
Daniel is now shown God's view of these four world empires. (See NIV picture.)
The empires of men are so very different from the Kingdom of God.
Lion = Babylon. Strong, majestic, strutting king of all the animals.
Bear = Persia. Big, powerful, lumbering strength of numbers.
Leopard = Greece. Alexander conquered all M.E. to part of India in 10 years
>11,000 miles on foot! Victory by speed and brilliant tactics. (Aristotle)
4th beast no name = Rome that ruled all Europe, more terrifying that any animal.
Never defeated, power just dwindled through wickedness.
Caesar - Czar - Kaisar. (Has 'Rome' now become EU ?)
This 4th beast (and its descendant) is different, terrifying - 77b, 19, 23
It had 10 horns (kings) - a confederation that came from this kingdom 77b,
and will devour the whole earth. see also Rev1712-14
What did God see as the origin of these 4 beasts?
I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
Demonic origin and out of confusion, like the Beast in Rev 131
V. different to the heritage from Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome that men see.
Almighty God will one day blow it all away and leave no trace. (Dan 2)
Daniel is then shown what develops from the 4th destructive, most evil beast:
Another king will arise, different from the earlier ones - a little horn. 77,19,23
He will subdue 3 of the 10 kings. 78, 20, 24b
He is boastful and blasphemous. 78b,11, 25
He wages war against the saints, defeating them. 721, 25
He will try to change the set times and the law. 725b
Jewish feasts and Commandments. Also Christian traditions and laws:
Circumcision, Abortion, Sabbath, Marriage, Euthanasia, Creation, Israel ...
Antiochus Epiphanes only partly fulfilled this prophecy. (Dan 1131,32)
The 'Last Days' will be tough, very tough, for the saints; 718
4th beast and little horn is terrifying, it crushes and devours all. 77,19,23
but Almighty God will never forget his people. Is 431-3a Prov 1810
We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Heb 1228
Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Math 633
This is our Father's effective antidote to anxiety. Math 625
We are not yet able to identify the 10 kings/nations/areas,
nor the 3 defeated ones, nor more importantly the little horn!
(see also website '99 Reasons not to be Afraid'))
These end time events are all appointed by Almighty God.
And he will enable us to stand; even if martyred.
See the shining examples of the Reformation martyrs. e.g.
William Tyndale: "Lord, open the King of England's eyes." 6/10/1536
Latimer: "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man.
We shall this day light such a candle by God's grace in England
as I trust shall never be put out." 16/10/1555
Cranmer: "This hand hath offended." (until burned to a stump!)
"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 21/3/1556
Jim Elliot: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep,
to gain what he cannot lose." Hymn "We rest on thee". 28/10/1949
Let us never forget such men of faith who trusted their faithful God.
'Open Doors' report verified 1,200 Christian martyrs in 2012.
(Probably doubled in 2013 due events to Nigeria and Syria.)
There are many men and women and children martyred in every age;
whose names are unknown to us, but Almighty God knows and treasures them all.
The 'little horn' will only reign for 3½ years. 725b
Then a court will sit and his power removed for ever, 711b, 22, 26
and the everlasting kingdom will be given to the saints. 714, 18, 27
The dark days are only until the Ancient of Days came ...
Then ... his kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom.
So different from the empires of the world.
Jesus will be our righteous King.
No deceit, no tears, no pain; Only justice, peace, truth.
A day when all our good heart-longings and dreams are fulfilled by God.
A day that will never end! 'And they all lived happily ever after' !
Is 321-5,15-18 3317-24 351-10 etc
Vision of Ram, Goat and a Satanic Ruler Dan 8 (551 BC)
[Contents]
Gabriel said, "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end. The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power. In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future." 819-26
The text tells us the Ram is Persia and the Goat is Greece.
220 years after prophecy Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), tutored by Aristotle.
Greatest general ever, died aged 33 in Babylon.
He was succeeded by 4 Greek generals.
The main two became the Selucids in Assyria and Ptolemies in Egypt.
Greek, Antiochus Epiphanies, a Selucid, who had defeated Ptolemy VI of Egypt,
was met by Roman ambassador Laenas, who told him to withdraw.
The angry Antiochus took it out on Israel on the way home in 167 BC.
He built an altar to Zeus in the Temple and sacrificed pig for 1,150 days.
Macabees defeat him and rededicate Temple in 164 BC. (origin of Hanukkah)
We are told the vision is for 'the time of the end' and 'the distant future'. 819, 26
Told to seal up the vision, not to hide it, but to preserve it.
Alexander and Antiochus an earlier but only partial fulfilment.
The end time fulfilment will be a king similar to Antiochus - only far worse!
A master of intrigue with mighty power, but not by his own human power.
Same as the Satanic Beast of Rev 13.
He causes devastation and destroys holy people. 824
God tells us not to frighten us, but to learn to trust our faithful Saviour.
Under the Beast's government deceit prospers. 825
He is proud, blasphemous and Satanic.
His short (3 ½ year) reign will be a very hard time for all Jews, and Christians.
He will attack the Prince of princes in Jerusalem,
but he is destroyed by the King of Kings. 824,25 Rev 1919-21
(More detail later in Joel 31-15 Zech 121-9 141-5)
Both his power and his destruction are not by human power. 824,25
His power is Satanic, and his destruction is by Almighty God.
This prophecy reveals events 2,500 years in the future at the end of time!
In our day! Such is the greatness and grace of Almighty God
and his desire for all his people to know the truth about the last days.
He will never, ever leave us or forsake us.
Daniel was exhausted appalled at the vision. Why?
It was beyond understanding. 827
How could Almighty God allow such extreme wickedness to triumph?
How could he allow his people to suffer so greatly?
We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. Lu 2421
The victory God gives us is not for our temporary bodies,
but for our eternal soul and spirit. Jn 1125,26
What God has given birth to he will never allow to die.
Jn 315,16, 36a 524 647 1Jn 513 Jn 1027-29
Same end as Dan 2 and 7;
Almighty God destroys earth's empires and the satanic beast.
Almighty God establishes his eternal kingdom of righteousness, justice, truth
for all his beloved children.
Jesus thy blood and righteousness, my beauty are my glorious dress,
Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head.
God’s Answer to Daniel’s Prayer - Dan 9
[Contents]
539BC. 12 years after Dan 8
Daniel is now ~85, after 66 years in an evil Babylon (605 to 539)
Persia had just ended the grand Babylonian empire.
Each day for he had consistently prayed for Jerusalem 3 times/day (= 72,320).
His chief concern was for Jerusalem and for the Name of the Lord God.
On this day he confesses their sin and concludes his prayer:
"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake,
Lord, look with favour on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear;
open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do
not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great
mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do
not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." Dan 917-19
Almighty God again sends his Archangel Gabriel Dan 816 921 Lu 119,26
to Daniel with his answer to all the deepest longings of his heart.
What do you long for most? What was Daniel's longing?
Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish
transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting
righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 924
What a message, and directly from Almighty God!
The old man Daniel's dreams are more than answered.
God has a definite plan for your people.
A plan for the Holy City, Jerusalem.
A plan that would end all sin and forgive (atone for) all wickedness.
One that answers every problem and heartache of man.
A plan that would make the world altogether righteous; and not just temporarily.
What a world! Imagine it.
Daniel is again told to 'seal up the vision'; not to hide it, but to make it secure.
Gabriel's words had the seal of authority of the King of Kings.
No one could ever question it's truth or doubt it's accuracy.
What was the vision?
After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have
nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the
sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: war will continue until the end, and
desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one
'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes
desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. 926,27
Jesus Christ, the Anointed One came (after 7+62 'sevens' = 483 years)
and was cut off, crucified - according to the agreed plan of God.
The plan of God would fully atone for wickedness.
Jesus Christ has completed this part. It is finished. Jn 1930
The veil was torn in two. Lu 2345
But we don't yet witness 'everlasting righteousness'.
There is still much sin in this world - and even more to come!
But God has promised that the day will come when this world will be righteous.
What can we learn from this declaration by God to Daniel?
The 'Anointed One will be cut off'. Jesus was indeed crucified.
Apparently he achieved nothing. Lu 2421
But he redeemed a multitude, if full. Lu 2425-27 1Co 118-25
Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome - the 4th beast.
Between the 69 'sevens' and the last 'seven' there is a gap, some 2,000 years.
Time for the Gentiles to be included. Ro 1111,25(as also in Is 612 and Lu 414-30)
The end will come like a flood - suddenly (very few will be expecting it).
War will continue until the end, and desolations
whatever the UN or any man may proclaim or hope. (Greed and power) Jms 41,2) Mk 137
There will be a Covenant (peace treaty?) during the last 7 years; unkept.
In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering.
All public worship of Almighty God will be banned during last 3½ years.
An abomination will be set up that causes desolation.
(More than Golden Dome that declares in Arabic 'God has no Son.' see Koran)
God himself will bring about the 'decreed end' of the evil ruler. (also 726 825)
Read 2 Thes 21 - 35
The 'Beast', the man of lawlessness will have great power and deceive many.
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
Only when the seventy 'sevens' are complete will the kingdom of God come.
Then God's great promise to Daniel will be completely fulfilled.
At that moment Jesus will return as King. Rev 1911-21 Heb 928
Daniel was so concerned about the Name of the Lord and the Kingdom of God.
He had lived 66 years in an idolatrous and blasphemous land.
(just like the last days will be under the Beast)
He prayed like Jesus taught us:
Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come ... Math 610
And we now pray: Come, Lord Jesus - Come quickly! Rev 2220
When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found,
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Summary of Revelation to Daniel
[Contents]
What has the last 4 studies in Daniel revealed?
Dan 2 - Four great world empires in next 2,500 years.
Almighty God will blow them all away like chaff,
and at the end establish his own eternal, righteous kingdom.
Dan 7 and 8 - A most evil, satanic Master of Intrigue will rule the earth.
Under his end-time rule life will be extremely tough for Israel & the saints.
But Almighty God will intervene and destroy the 'Beast'.
Dan 9 - Outline of God's plan for complete atonement:
Anointed One 'cut off' (crucified) after 69 'sevens'.
Interval (2,000 years) - a time for the Gentiles to be saved.
Detail of life in last 'seven' years.
At the end the Messiah will 'bring in everlasting righteousness'.
So God reveals to Daniel the core of his plans for the last days.
Plans which hinge on his choice and covenant with Abraham and the Jews.
Earlier under the heading of 'God's Faithfulness' we read over 30 references
where Almighty God reminds and confirms his covenant with the Jews.
World blest through Jewish Jesus (1st and 2nd Coming) + Gift of Land;
Sadly most of the church think that God finished with the Jews; (esp. land)
and since AD33/70 the church has taken over the baton.
This idea warps true understanding of the last days.
and how warped it makes
The events of the last days will be centred on Israel and Jerusalem.
Next few studies seek to discern what God has revealed to other OT prophets.
Jeremiah
[Contents]
Let us go back a generation before Daniel - to Jeremiah (626 to 586 BC).
He reveals much other detail about God's plan for the end-times.
Some may surprise us; other detail confirms what we have already learned.
How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. 'In that day,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.' Jer 307-9
First when is 'that day'?
Jer 30-33 tells us of the day when the nation of Israel will be restored.
This was partly fulfilled in 538 BC when they returned from captivity in Babylon.
But the greater fulfilment will be a far distant time.
'That day' when the Lord will come and 'you will understand this'.
A day when he would come and redeem; and also a day even further distant,
when the Lord would return as King.
In 'That day' God does not pretend that all will be well in the Holy Land.
He reveals it will be a time of trouble for Jacob.
Is this 'trouble' just for Israel or does it include the Church?
Christians should not be selective in scripture;
claiming only the nice things and assume the bad is for Israel.
Like most OT prophecies, Jer 307 is primarily concerned with the house of Jacob.
But the last days will also be a time of trouble for the grafted-in church.
Jacob and all believers will be saved out of it (though not from it).
In the depth of trouble, Almighty God will intervene.
Israel will cry to the Lord their God. Ps 1251-3
Foreign nations that seek to domineer and to destroy Israel will fail.
Israel will repent and believe in Christ crucified for our sin. Act 238 Joel 212-27
They will look on me, the one they have pierced and mourn ... Zech 1210b
'Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.
There is no-one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.
... because your guilt is so great and your sins so many. ...
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord,
'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no-one cares. ...
So you will be my people, and I will be your God.' ...
In days to come you will understand this. Jer 3012-24
As always Almighty God reveals the truth about sin.
It is the most severe wound. It is incurable!
No man can resolve to be good, however determined.
Only God himself can enable a man to be 'born again'. Jn 31-21
In this prophecy is revealed another 'But'.
The Lord declares, "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds ..."
He himself will do the impossible; he will cure the incurable.
Never look upon others, or yourself, and doubt God's ability to heal and save.
The great Designer and Creator of all was willing to die for us.
It cost him - crucifixion. He thought that we were each worth it. (GK song)
How do you look upon Zion upon Israel? As an outcast?
See here the overwhelming compassion of the Lord God.
He cares for those for whom no one else cares for and have blindly rejected.
Jesus tells the story of a flock of sheep (100). Lu 153-7
One was missing; so he went to find it and carried it home.
In the last days many will be 'missing'
but God revealed to Jeremiah something about what he was going to do.
The impossible healing of the wounds of sin.
Jeremiah's day he saw no such 'healing'.
In days to come you will understand this;
so look to see God doing the impossible - sinful Israel being saved.
In the next chapter (in Jeremiah) we are shown how this will come about.
And it is just the same as in Zech 1210b
They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. Jer 319
They will weep, repent, and plead with God for forgiveness. Like in Act 237,38
As God revealed to the prophet Joel:
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Joel 232
This is the 'door' that is still open; to Jew and Gentile alike.
See how gracious God is. None of us ever deserve such treatment.
The streams of living water, both cleanses us and quenches our thirst.
And he guides and stops us from stumbling. also 1Co 1013
Why does He thus lead them? "Because I am Israel's Father."
Almighty God has become our Father! What a statement of truth. Jn 146,9,20,23
"The time is coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. ... I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the Lord. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jer 3131.34
Many Jews know the Law in their minds; but not yet in their hearts.
Almighty God promises that a time will come
when he will make a new covenant with Israel.
As we have already seen, this new covenant supercedes God's Covenant
with Moses, the Law, which no man can keep.
God's covenant with Abraham is unconditional and eternal.
This new covenant is written in the blood of Jesus, not on tablets of stone.
It is written upon the new born heart that knows what Jesus has done, and why.
Hearts that know the forgiveness of God, the atonement of Christ.
Note that here the scripture emphasises the covenant is with the house of Israel.
Let us wonder at the grace of God that he also includes us Gentiles.
In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's
line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be
saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called:
The Lord Our Righteousness. Jer 3315,16
In those days and at that time refers to the day when Jesus returns,
when he rescues the Jews and reigns for 1000 years in Jerusalem.
The time when saved Israel no longer has any enemies.
What a day it will be: love, righteousness, truth, purity and justice will prevail.
No lies, no pretense, no war, no pain, no compromising or greed.
Ezekiel
[Contents]
Daniel was exiled to Babylon with his 3 friends and others in 605 BC
Ezekiel taken to Babylon in 597 and 4 years later began prophesying there.
Jerusalem destroyed 586 = proof of God's presence, not absence.
"... declares the Sovereign Lord" x 210 times in 1273 verses. (in + after disaster)
For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. Ezek 3624-28
God reveals that the Jews will again return to their own land. (not Gentiles)
Not just in 538 BC when Cyrus sent them home, but today after Roman exile
The promised return in Ezek 36 is from nations and countries (plural).
Today we see the faithful God fulfilling his covenant to the Jews.
The gathering began in 1890's. Israel became a nation again in 1948.
Today ~50% of Jews live in the land God gave them (though not all of it).
Their very existence is currently contested by many, even in the Church.
But it is foolish for any people to contest with Almighty God.
We await their promised cleansing and God's gift of a new heart and new spirit.
Note how land and heart cleansing go together at the end - same as in Jer 30-33.
See how often in scripture God's gift of land, real-estate, features. x36 by God.
Christians commonly ignore the sign of the Jewish return to the land of promise,
because they do not know what God's eternal covenant with Abraham says.
Jewish land is a very practical sign of God's faithfulness, thus contested.
For Bible believers it is an unchallengeable sign; like his Creation.
Though today many others try to substitute the evil theory of evolution.
They also ridicule the judgement of the Flood in Noah's day. 2Pe 33-7
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'" So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live'." So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet--a vast army. Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. Ezek 374-11a
This prophecy indicates that the redemption of Israel is in two parts: (as Gen27)
1. The dry bones return to the land.
2. After coming together, the bones need the breath of life.
Today we are witnessing the first part; the second mostly awaits God's timing.
Though there are >50,000 Messianic Jews in Israel today - only ~1% so far!
God makes it clear that these bones are the people of Israel.
He also graciously gives Gentiles a new heart and he breathes new life into us;
But both these prophecies are primarily to the Jewish descendants of Abraham.
It is God's eternal covenant to God's chosen people.
And Almighty God is about to fulfill the second part of this prophecy.
Some people are blinded to this great prophetic event of the last days.
and disparagingly refer to God's chosen people as "ethnic Israel".
Ezekiel continues:
They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.'?" Ezek 3711b-14
Today we see Jews in the land God covenanted to them 4,000 years ago!
The day will shortly come when we will see the mighty hand of the Lord God.
The people of Israel saved by Almighty God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
Saved from sin and from their evil world-wide enemies.
And knowing that it is the Lord God who has both settled and saved them.
Ezekiel then reveals what will happen in more detail:
'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land , on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offences, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children's children will live there for ever, ... I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them for ever. My dwelling-place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them for ever.' Ezek 3721-28
He tells us what God will do to the people he has gathered from all nations.
And the Gentiles will know that Almighty God has made them a holy nation.
'Great David's greater Son' will be King over his kingdom. (hymn + Lu 132)
God's dwelling place will not be in any Temple,
but in the hearts of his chosen, beloved people, for ever.
They will delight to keep all the laws of God
and they will bless the world as never before. Gen 123b
At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honour the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. In those days the house of Judah will join the house of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your forefathers. Jer 317,18
And at last we Gentiles will also gather there to honour the Name of the Lord.
Our softened hearts will rejoice with them - no longer proud or stubborn.
All this tells us about God's glorious plans for the future -
'in that day', at that time'.
Plans about the Millennium that we had probably never realised before.
Life under the care of the Good Shepherd will be so very different.
For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. ... I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. ... I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Ezek 3411-16
I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezek 3425-31
Zechariah - a little known prophet who reveals much about the last days.
[Contents]
Daniel and Ezekiel were exiles in Babylon,
Jeremiah preached and witnessed the three exiles to Babylon - 605, 597 and 586
Extreme hardship often highlights desire for eternal Kingdom of God.
But Zechariah had returned with the Jews from Babylon in 538BC,
18 years later they were beginning to prosper, rebuilding was going on apace.
Though rebuilding the Temple had started and stopped - foreign threats.
Zechariah began to prophesy:
Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty ... turn from your evil ways ... 12,4
Then they repented ... 16b
These 3 words are a rare treasure.
They resumed building the Temple, and completed it 4 years later in 516 BC,
exactly 70 years after it had been destroyed - as Jeremiah (2910-14) prophesied.
They did seek the Lord, and he gave Zechariah 8 visions in a single night!
This is part of the 3rd vision:
"Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you," declares the Lord. "Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem." Zech 210-12
Such is the grace of God, sandwiched between 'Daughter of Zion' and 'Judah'
is the beautiful promise of the inclusion of 'many nations'.
Almighty God is telling the Jews that they will not be alone in 'that day'.
Gentile believers will come humbly before the God of Abraham,
and we will honour the nation God chose 3,000 years ago.
How many nations honour Israel today?
Only Micronesia consistently supports Israel at the UN.
Part of Marshall Islands, Pop. = 110,000 (< ½ size of Plymouth)
One day (in 'that day') many nations will do so.
What did Almighty God say to the Jews?
The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land
and will again choose Jerusalem.
Judea is currently called 'The West Bank'
or now more commonly 'Occupied Territory'.
'In that day' all Judea and all Jerusalem will undisputably belong to the Jews,
and they will live there with Almighty God.
Some years after the 8 visions, Zechariah prophesies again:
"I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her." This is what the Lord says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain." This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there." This is what the Lord Almighty says: "It may seem marvellous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvellous to me? ... I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God." Zech 81-8 (also Zeph 314-20)
What sort of city or country do you long for? What would be its characteristics?
Truth, beauty, righteousness and justice, honesty, loyalty and unrestricted worship.
Almighty God, who knows all history and all the future, tells us what it will be.
Jerusalem and the land will be filled with truth and holiness, peace and joy.
'In that day' Jews will be seen as righteous, and their God as faithful.
Feast on this vision. Dan 924 Jer 30-33 Ezek 34,36,37, Zech 8
The Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people.
They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
How attractive and beautiful they will be! Zech 916,17a
But how will all this come about?
What does Zechariah reveal about God's plan for the Last Days?
Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning.
The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet; ...
and the Lord Almighty will shield them. Zech 914,15a
See how all God's Word is so consistent, it all flows together.
Remember Dan 7 and 8, the 'little horn', 'the master of intrigue', the Beast,
the source of 'Jacob's trouble', all his deceit and destruction - and his end!
The word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, declares: "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness," declares the Lord. "I will keep a watchful eye over the house of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts, 'The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God.' Zech 121-5
How will the people of Jerusalem be strong 'in that day'?
I think 'that day' will not be 24 hours,
but might be better phrased 'at that time' or 'in those days'.
Will Israel be saved immediately before, during or directly after Jesus returns?
Probably before (scripture not specific). But they will be saved!
And 'the Lord Almighty will be their God'.
At the end, 'little Israel' seems alone against the rest of the world. Jer 3017
Almighty God assures us that Israel is not alone! (See also Oleg 1992)
I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great. ... "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more." Zech 1210 - 132
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron sceptre." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and lord of lords. And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small." Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshipped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. Rev 1911-21
I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or night-time--a day known to the Lord. When evening comes, there will be light. On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. Zech 142-9
Israel
When you were a child I loved you,
Tho' you turned your face from me,
Held my arms out while you stumbled,
Longed to teach you to walk free;
Watched in anguish while the nations
One by one declared you'd die
Without trace, not understanding
You're the apple of my eye.
Still I sent you as I'd promised
My Messiah, Holy Lamb,
O my heartache then, and sorrow
When you didn't see my plan.
Now I wait my bride to cherish,
These are days for other men
To find grace and my salvation,
Days to be fulfilled, and then,
Then with shouts of 'Grace' and 'Glory',
My Corner-stone now recognised,
I shall pluck you from the burning
And declare you justified.
Then the fountain which I opened
Still shall plead your cause to me;
And my child, beloved Israel
Bring me joy - Eternally.
Paula Worth
In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land. Joel 31,2
The evil world is successfully dividing, separating Judea from Israel.
But Almighty God is not pleased! Soon he will act as promised.
Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. Beat your ploughshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, "I am strong!" ... For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her. Joel 39-17
See the consistency of Scripture; old and new Testament.
The story and the promise of God concerning Israel remains the same.
For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days. Hosea 34,5
"I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the Lord your God. Amos 915
The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your Saviour comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him'." They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted. Is 6211,12
Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?" The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed." I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?" He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. Dan 125-10
The righteous will remember that
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. Prov 1810
"The word of God is true and the people of God are safe."
Jesus Teaching About Last Days
[Contents]
So far studied the consistent faithfulness of Almighty God to the Jews
recorded mostly in Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah.
In it we've also seen the promise of the Anointed One,
the Saviour and Redeemer. Dan 924,26 Jer 3012,17
More detail in : 4 Passover cups, Yom Kippur, Gen 614 Ps 21 Is 53
Now we turn our focus upon what Jesus taught his Jewish disciples.
The Lamb of God, the Messiah, who had to come, to suffer and die for us.
There was so much to tell them and so little time to do it. Lu 2425
He had told his disciples about this on at least 11 occasions:
Math 1621 1712 2123-44 262 Mk 912 Lu 914 1831-34 Jn 229 314 651 1015 1224 1233
Without the cross there would be no hope for us in the trauma of Last days.
Jesus had just told the disciples that Herod's massive new Temple additions
would soon be totally destroyed!
This prompted the next question - and many more!
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately.
"Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your
coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one
deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and
will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that
you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be
famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth
pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you
will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away
from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will
appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love
of most will grow cold, But he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this
gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all
nations, and then the end will come. ...
For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world
until now--and never to be equalled again. If those days had not been cut short,
no-one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do
not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great
signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have
told you ahead of time. ... For as lightning that comes from the east is visible
even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ... Immediately after
the distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give
its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations
of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the
sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet
call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds. Math 243-15, 21-31
See also Mk 131-31 Lu 215-19 in website chronological Gospels Combined
Jesus does not paint a rosy picture of the immediate future, or of the Last Days.
There are surprises, so much that is totally unexpected in both OT and NT
So much depends on what men want to see and hear - both then and now.
Also depends on what men fear and thus don't want to see or hear.
Let us always take heed to Scripture rather than the thoughts of man.
1. Deception, Deception, Deception Math 244,11,24 [Contents]
Three warnings about being careful not to be deceived.
Jesus says many, not just a few, will be deceived at the end.
Remember Master of intrigue ... who will cause deceit to prosper. Dan 823-25
It all began with the Serpent who deceived Eve. Gen 313 He still tries.
How can we all be so easily deceived today?
Education - syllabus our government enforces upon schools/parents.
Pride. Success. Control.
Congregations believe all they are told, without question or caution.
Personal arrogance. All are greedy for gain ... all practice deceit. Jer 613
The pride of your heart has deceived you. Obad 13 Mal 113 Gen 2534
False Christs, false prophets, false miracle workers, false messages.
They were a problem 2000 years ago, and still are. 2Co 1113
Paul in Ephesus. Act 2028-31 Rev 22
Beware of strong charismatic characters, able to convince others.
Beware of supernatural events and miracles! Rev 1314 1920 Math 164
Beware of leaders who alter their message according to the audience.
It's often not so much what they say, but what they leave out.
Do they expound scripture or their own ideas?
False teachers discard Abramic Covenant and post Calvary Jews and Judea;
Almighty God has not forgotten his covenant with Israel; people and land.
Remember 30 quotes in section on God's Faithfulness
Truth mixed with seductive error - what people want to hear. 2Tim 43
Much talk of revival in last days. 'Joel's army'; but see Biblical context.
Army is Babylon come to destroy Jerusalem.
'New Wine' teaches a triumphant church will welcome Christ's return.
Dan 7,8 reveals a very different scenario.
False logic. (Butchers and blue aprons.)
eg John Arnot, Toronto; "God does extraordinary things,
so extraordinary things are of God."
Swayed by emotion rather than truth of God's Word.
Big meetings not wrong, but they do need special care.
Popularity induced compromise.
eg ArchB Welby refuses to say that homosexuality in sinful.
He endorses civil partnerships. Also Jesuit; blind to RC errors.
Righteousness and holiness have a price tag, a health warning!
Respect all religions; just different ways to God.
Either pain and persecution or the love of an easy life.
How can we avoid being deceived?
Heed these warnings of Jesus - he knows full well the hearts of all men.
Read all scripture carefully, consistently and humbly. Act 1711
Nathaniel - a rare character; one in whom there was no deceit. Jn 147
C.S.Lewis - 'Screwtape Letters'
J.C.Ryle - 'Warnings to the Churches'
2. Wars, famine, earthquakes Math 246,7 [Contents]
What causes war? Thirst for power or promotion of ideology. Jms 41,2
The world currently spends £ 1,200 Billion/year on arms (2013).
Imagine what could be achieved if this were spent on peaceful purposes!
Why 'rumours' of wr? Communication breakdown or small local wars.
2 major wars Rev 63,4 + Zech 121-9 141-6 Rev 1919-21 Also Rev 207-10
Famines caused by climatic variations, population expansion,
unequal distribution, sheer greed, meat cf veg protein,
also the abuse of land and resources (over-fishing and de-forestation).
It often comes in the wake of destructive war.
Earthquake frequency is only slowly increasing (http://earthquake.usgs.gov)
and Hurricanes no change. (www.nhc.noaa.gov)
Each of these latter two will be more frequent and bigger than normal.
Increase will not be due to greenhouse gas emissions,
but due to gross human wickedness and rejecting Almighty God.
They will cause far greater distress than ever before experienced. Math 2431
3. Persecution [Contents]
The saints, and especially Israel, will be hated and persecuted worldwide,
not just by Muslims, Communists or Hindus.
See again the passages in Daniel 7 & 8. Also Math 510
4. Increase in wickedness [Contents]
As a result of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
UK education, parliament and the media are each intent upon eliminating all true Biblical Christianity.
They promote abortion, evolution, homosexuality, euthanasia, greed, sin.
God and all his Law are systematically side-lined and ridiculed.
Righteousness and justice will be increasingly rare. Is 57b Ps 128 cf Is 335 613 2Pe 313
5. Unequalled distress [Contents]
God will limit this for the sake of the elect ...
The saints and the ungodly will share this distress,
but Jesus will have great compassion for his people.
Some suggest that the saints will be raptured before the Tribulation;
this warning of Jesus must be strong evidence that such a hope is misplaced.
It also means that Jesus would have to return twice!
The end-time distress will lead false Christs to lure men with false escape routes.
Be warned, learn to reject their enticing, but false, promises.
His coming to us will be very, very obvious
All men will see him in a single moment, like lightning - and mourn, too late.
For most it will be a totally unexpected surprise.
All the world powers will be eclipsed and the 'heavenly bodies will be shaken'.
If there is any doubt, it is a false Christ.
Jesus Christ said he will return with power and great glory. (Also Act 111)
On his return his first task is to gather all the elect from all over the world;
such is his care and longing to relieve their suffering.
The elect will be eagerly expecting and waiting for him.
Though we cannot know the exact day or hour.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Math 2435
Jesus knew that in the last days scoffers will arise. 2Pe 3 Jude 118
He knew that men of faith would be rare so he gave us this sure promise.
His words will bring us great courage and strength in these awful days.
Let us treasure his words in our hearts, where they cannot be erased or forgotten.
The world-wide distress signals will be signs;
they will show that Kingdom of God is near. Lu 2131
They will also be an opportunity to share our scarce resources.
What will be the distress?
Pain, fear, disease, hunger, cold, bereavement ...
6. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Lu 2124 [Contents]
The Islamic Dome on the Rock and Al-Eksa mosque sit on the Temple Mount.
Built by Muslim Caliph in 691 it replaced the church of St Cyrus and St John.
Today it is administered by the Islamic Waqf;
Jews and Christians are not allowed to pray anywhere on the Temple Mount.
There will come a day when the Dome will be destroyed,
the blasphemy will end, and the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Round the outside of the Dome there is one of the 13 Koranic quotes:
Written in arabic it says, "God is one, he has no Son."
Jesus will certainly not allow this blasphemous lie to stand on the Temple Mount.
The world reign of evil Gentiles will cease for ever.
Jerusalem and the Jews will then be exalted, and all the ransomed will rejoice.
The Gentile nations don't see the Jews back in Israel as God's prophesied truth.
Sadly, most of the church is also blind to the faithfulness of God.
(Replacement theology)
The authority of Scripture is challenged and Almighty God seen as irrelevant!
7. The fig-tree lesson [Contents]
Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its
leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these
things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this
generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Math 2432-35
'This generation' cannot refer to the people Jesus was speaking to;
the desolation, the degree of distress, the gathering of the elect, the 'return',
have not yet happened.
'This generation' must thus refer to the generation when these events happen;
the generation alive during the final 7 years of 'Tribulation'. Rev 6-18
Jesus said these days would be shortened for the sake of the elect. 2422
The opening of the first 4 seals - the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse -
is imminent, but not yet being fulfilled.
These seals which bring a most evil world domination,
with war and disease that kills ¼ of men, will be plain to see.
But few will acknowledge that it is Jesus himself who opens the seals!!
8. Be ready [Contents]
Jesus then warns the disciples that no one knows when the end will be;
but they must always be ready, even if his return seems delayed.
This word of Jesus is given to ensure that we keep watch expectantly.
In Noah's time there came a day when it was too late!
How many are ready today?
How many are careless?
How many are heedless of God's warning?
How many view the Word of God with arrogance and disdain?
How many discard the Son of God as irrelevant?
One day the two words 'TOO LATE' will be posted on the door.
They will shatter all man's perceived wisdom.
Jesus said, "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night
the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house
be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at
an hour when you do not expect him." Math 2443,44
As with all parables, we should not try to wring out more than the plain objective.
Jesus does not return as a thief to take what does not belong to him.
He returns 'like' a thief only because he is unexpected;
not 'as' a thief intent on stealing.
This parable is solely about the importance of being ready.
So Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert ... 1Thes 56
9. Four Parables [Contents]
Jesus then continued with four parables,
each about what men do while Messiah's return is seemingly delayed:
1) Wise and Wicked Servants Math 2445-51
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of
the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will
be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell
you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that
servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,'
and he then begins to beat his fellow-servants and to eat and drink with
drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not
expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign
him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth. 2445-51
The faithful and wise servant is obedient and righteous.
He is ready and rewarded.
Let us earnestly consider our calling, our behaviour and trust in Christ.
May fear or laziness not put us off changing what needs to be changed.
The wicked servant is greedy, selfish and presumptuously disobedient.
His end is tragic and eternally painful.
Why are so many in this category?
Why do so many dismiss so easily God's gracious and clear warning?
2) Wise and Foolish Virgins 251-13
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out." "No," they replied, "there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves." But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. "Sir! Sir!" they said. "Open the door for us!" But he replied, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you." Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Math 251-13
Both groups were virgins (bridesmaids at the wedding)
and both groups went to sleep while waiting - like the apostles in Gethsemane.
The difference between the wise and foolish was the wise kept spare oil.
So this parable hangs on the question of what is the spare oil
that the wise had and the foolish so tragically lacked?
In the last days church-goers will be a mixed body;
some will believe, other's won't.
The oil of the wise is the gift of righteousness from Christ.
It is the new birth, the new heart transformed by Christ when they believe.
It is the root of God's word that flourishes in good soil.
It is the oil of grace and kindness, of light in a dark world.
For them prayer was a daily necessity.
The foolish had a religious profession,
but knew nothing of the life of Christ within.
They had no real revelation of God's truth; they were blind to his Word.
They knew the stories, but did not understand the meaning.
They enjoyed the company and the morality of Christians.
They were careless of the future and did not long for the Bridegroom.
Prayer was largely a formality.
At midnight the cry rang out ...
A time when, like death, we often least expect it.
The wise had confidence in Christ.
They were ready even though they had slept.
'Jesus thy blood and righteous my beauty are, my glorious dress.'
The foolish did not know any such righteousness.
They were unprepared to meet the Bridegroom.
They did not have the light of Christ in their hearts.
The wise could not share their oil.
Only Christ himself can give a man salvation and life.
Only Christ can give us his righteousness.
Men can preach, teach or witness;
but only the Spirit can convict, convince and reveal God's truth. Jn 168,13,15
The door was shut.
There will come a time when it is too late to buy oil.
How vital it is that we 'catch the wave' while it is still a day of opportunity.
Esau wept and planned to murder his brother when he saw what he had lost.
He despised his birthright. Gen 2534
He chose a bowl of soup instead of the gift of God. What folly!
He received his father's flocks etc, but not the blessing of God.
God's verdict was Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Mal 12,3
So many down the ages have followed the tragic way of Esau,
and the way of the five foolish virgins.
For those on heaven's side of the door, all sin, fear and darkness,
all sorrow, persecution and pain, and all temptation, is shut out.
They will be welcomed by their Saviour and Advocate himself.
They will never leave his glorious presence.
They will worship him freely and completely, without any restrictions.
Life will be all kindness, truth and love - for ever!
3) Talents 2514-30
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. Math 2514-18
The previous parable looked at what we believe while we wait.
This one looks more at what we do while we wait for the Saviour's return.
The talents here are not our various natural abilities or characteristics.
They are the truth revealed by the Spirit of God.
The big question is what do we do with this revealed truth?
Do we share it or bury it?
The story for the first two of the three servants prersents no problesms.
After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with
them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five.
"Master," he said, "you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five
more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been
faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and
share your master's happiness!" The man with the two talents also came.
"Master," he said, "you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two
more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been
faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and
share your master's happiness!" Math 2519-23
And at the end Jesus concludes:
For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Math 2529
Truth and yet more truth will be revealed to the seeking soul.
And with truth will be given a new growing righteous character.
One who is sensitive to sin and quick to repent
A man who learns and is given the ability to obey.
He trusts the Lord Almighty implicitly and walks humbly with him.
And his Master is happy!
But the third servant is a real problem.
Then the man who had received the one talent came."Master," he said, "I knew
that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering
where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your
talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you." His master replied, "You
wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather
where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on
deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back
with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten
talents. ... And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where
there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Math 2524-30
First he thought God was a hard man.
This reveals that he knew nothing of God's amazing grace and mercy.
He knew nothing about deserving punishment for sin, or receiving pardon.
He knew nothing of the incredible love of Christ dying in his place,
enduring the punishment he deserved.
He knew nothing about our Redeemer pleading for us as Advocate.
He saw only a harsh God who demanded that he keep all the law,
but that he did not enable him to do so however much he tried.
If our salvation depends upon our ability to keep God's commandments,
then we will inevitably think God is a harsh Judge.
The Pharisees and Scribes tried to keep the Law; and failed.
Consequently they rejected Jesus.
They could not bring themselves to admit their failure and seek mercy.
'God be merciful to me, a sinner' was never their prayer.
This man was afraid and buried his talent - the truth revealing Word of God.
He gave up on God and remained wicked.
So he received a wicked man's just sentence.
And the conclusion of Jesus was:
Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 2529
His future was darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The cost of not being ready,
and not receiving the gracious forgiveness of Christ is extreme.
Today we still live in the day of opportunity.
Do not be so foolish as to bury the truth of God's salvation, freely offered.
Do not join this wicked man, but be with the first two servants,
who received the truth of God with thankfulness
and added much more revelation as they walked in obedience and grace.
4) Sheep and Goats
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit
on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and
he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep
from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my
Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation
of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty
and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I
needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in
prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when
did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe
you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will
reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
of mine, you did for me."
Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into
the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you
gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a
stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe
me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me." They also will
answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing
clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?" He will reply, "I tell you the
truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for
me." Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal
life. Math 2531-46
This parable is about the Last Judgement.
Jesus told it so that we can be ready for this great day.
How can it be well for us when we have to stand before him?
Jesus is telling us that it matters what we do with our lives.
It is not what we achieve, our rank or wealth.
It is certainly not what car we drive or the size of house we live in.
In two words, what matters is unconscious compassion.
This is only possible if Jesus has given us a new heart.
But then we need to practice, to work out what God has worked in.
It is true that faith is revealed by good works.
Faith without works is dead. James 217
How much do I love my neighbour?
Do we ask who our neighbours are? (as in the story of the 'Good Samaritan')
They are not just our friends, but everyone we happen to meet along life's road.
We don't do good to others to try to gain a few 'Brownie points',
it is not to gain kudos or the respect of others, nor for popularity.
It is the unconscious love and compassion for others.
If we ever become conscious we are doing good,
we may think we actually deserve to be separated with the sheep!
That is why, when Jesus was talking about generosity, he said,
Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Math 63
I can never deserve to be a sheep; but I would like to be.
O God, make my heart like yours, totally devoid of all selfishness and greed,
willing, glad even, to share all that I have and am with anyone.
I'm not looking to be a renowned preacher - not any more -
but I do want to help others while I still can.
By your grace, to especially help those who are not naturally my friends.
Song - Lord, 'I just wanna be a sheep.'
Note that all earthly ranks and titles, all riches and poverty are discarded;
all men are judged by Jesus upon the evidence of their life.
This just judgement by Jesus is fixed and eternal; there is no 'appeal court'.
This is what Jesus says will happen at the end - so this is what will happen!
Be ready. Math 2442,44
Desire his coming. 2Tim 48
Be cautious. Math 244,11,24
Be committed. Math 2445,46 Rev 1211
Other 'Last Day' Prophecies in the NT
Concerning the Elect [Contents]
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1Pe 47
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. ... the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands for ever. And this is the word that was preached to you. 1Pe 123-25
Scripture and prayer are the key partners to avoid deception and for living
a holy life. Also the inverse; they enable effective prayer. Jms 516
God will never break his word. He cannot, he must remain faithful.
Such a contrast to the words of men - it is almost unbelievable!
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2Pe 37-10
At the end, when wickedness abounds, God does not want any to perish.
He waits patiently until the full number of Gentiles have come in.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Ro 59 also 1Thes 59
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 112
According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever. 1Thes 415-17
The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment. 2Pe 29
Christians will have to endure the Tribulation,
but Jesus bore the wrath of God for us.
Now he abides with us for ever, we will thus never have to suffer his wrath.
Understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Ro 1311,12 (also Is 2111,12)
Paul wrote this nearly 2,000 years ago; but it still remains true.
May our hearts always beat to the tune of 'Maranatha', 'Lord, Come Quickly.'
And hear God's repeated word, "Behold, I am coming soon!" Rev 2212,20
Worldwide Wickedness [Contents]
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Math 2436-39 Mk 1332-37
The degree of wickedness is seen in Gen 62, 5, 11. Sex, corruption, violence.
They knew nothing of God's impending judgement until it was too late.
They saw no need for his forgiveness for their sins - or their need of Christ.
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 1Tim 41-3
There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2Tim 31-5
In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 2Pe 33-6 (and Jude 118)
Such scoffers deny both Creation by God and judgement by God.
They substitute the broken theory of evolution and teach it as fact.
They reject the three historical judgements of God - Flood, Sodom
and the Cross (where judgement for our sin was poured out upon Jesus).
Thus they think they can safely ignore Almighty God.
Their withered conscience sees no need for the forgiveness of sin.
Every man does whatever he wants, anything that is good in his own eyes.
They call good evil, and evil good. Is 520
Deceit and falsehood prosper. Dan 823,25 2Thes 29-11
Homosexuality - a sign that God is removing his protection. Ro 1
Modesty and truth become as rare as diamonds.
The world will be just as it was in the days of Noah - only worse! Lu 1725-27
And Almighty God will again bring his just Judgement upon man.
Deception [Contents]
See section on Math 24.
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Pe 21
This is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. ... I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 1Jn 218-26
Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1Jn 41
Certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a licence for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. ... In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire. Jude 14-7
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him ... Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendour of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. 2Thes 21-12
Judgement [Contents]
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Ro 118
There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Ro 29,10
The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Math 1339-43
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. James 51
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marvelled at among all those who have believed. 2Thes 16-10
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Math 2531,32
Strength and Protection [Contents]
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Ro 835,37
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1Co 18,9
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 612,13
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Heb 915
Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb 928
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Jms 516
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1Pe 13-6
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Rev 1217
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Math 2444 2513
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1Pe 47
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 124,25
Prophecy in the Revelation of Jesus Christ
[Contents]
God's warnings and encouragement. See notes Revelation.
God will fulfill his master-plan completely and precisely on time.
"The Word of God is sure
and
the people of God are Safe."