Book On the 2nd Coming of Christ

Thank you D Con for this , I am really enjoying it...Reading 2nd Timothy 2:10 , I am chosen...This is something I am going to read over again , reading through this chapter actually made me stop and pray to give thanks to God , wonderful read and thank you once again brother...xox...

Chapter 14
Matthew 24
Outlined and Examined!

As we begin to examine the truths that will give us our answers, let us first examine a short outline of the 24th chapter of Matthew with a few comparative verses of Mark and Luke. I know and understand that there are prophetic fulfillments to come concerning Israel, but at the same time I believe that most people misapply the majority of this chapter unto Israel, which is a grave mistake. To begin with, we need to remember that Israel has been cut out of the natural olive tree and the Gentile churches have been grafted in while being wild by nature to the natural olive tree. This is the church age and even the 144,000 Jews that will be sealed in the book of Revelation are sealed because of the election of grace in Christ Jesus.

We need to also remember that the book of Galatians is written unto a Gentile church and teaches us that if we are of faith, then we are of the seed and stock of Abraham and are Jews inwardly.

So you pick, either as Jews inwardly because of belief or as a saved, scripturally immersed church member, the word of God has always been for those that would believe while exercising faith in the one and only true and living redeemer, which is Christ Jesus. Look to the outline below and remember that Jesus was teaching his disciples. The word disciple means to be “a learner of ones teaching” so we must conclude, based upon the facts, that Jesus was teaching his first New Testament church.

As we study this chapter, I suggest that you open your Bible and read the scriptures right along with this book.

In Matthew 24:1-3 we find the following events:

Vs 1) we see the disciples bragging and boasting about the temple that Herod had built for the Jews.

Vs 2) we see the prophecy of Jesus concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, which, by the way, took place in 70 A.D. under the Roman General Titus. This destruction was so complete that the Romans had to remove every stone of the temple to get the gold and silver that had melted into the cracks, thus fulfilling the prophecy which stated that there would not be left here one stone upon another.

Vs 3) we see the disciples come to Jesus and ask him the question of questions. When shall these things be and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?

As we begin to look to the next 31 verses, we need to determine the timing of the particular events of Matthew chapter 24. To begin with, I want to say that I personally believe that this chapter is specifically given unto the church and that the time frames outlined here are evident by context and the ability to logically and biblically apply the scriptures to specific groups and time frames. The context and a few statements by Jesus give us subtle clues to the timing of this chapter so, as we look forward, let us be honest with the facts and believe the Word of God.

In Matthew 24:4-7 Jesus gives us the following truths. Take note and open your eyes that ye may see.

Vs 4) Jesus warns his disciples about being deceived by men and, as a warning to his Church, we need to be on guard to the subtle lies that can lead astray when it comes to the coming of Christ and the end of the world.

Vs 5) Jesus tells his disciples that a sign of the destruction of the world and His coming would be the appearance of men who come in the name of Jesus claiming to be “anointed.” Throughout history there have been those claiming to be anointed and the beauty of this prophecy is that it can be applied to any time period between the ascension of Christ and the second coming of Christ. Just as impressive is the fact that this can also be applied unto the time frame that immediately precedes the coming of Christ.

Vs 6) here we see a few more signs that can be applied to any time frame between the two advents of Jesus, which are wars and rumors of wars that will come and go; however, we are not to be troubled because this will come to pass, but it is not time for the end. Again we can say that this can be applied to any period, but shall increase in severity as we draw closer to the end.

Vs 7) here we see Jesus stepping up the intensity of the thought and giving us 5 different “signs” that precede His coming and the destruction of the world.

nation rising against nation
kingdom against kingdom
very grievous famines in many different places
all sorts of disease in many different places
earthquakes in many different places

These five different signs can biblically apply to any time frame while being generic in application; but as we consider them here, I want us to ponder the thought of the next verse which gives us insight into the timing of these particular “signs” that Jesus gives unto us.

Vs 8) Jesus states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows

This statement gives us a huge clue as to the timing of these “signs.”

The word “sorrows” is only used twice in the New Testament and is found here in Matthew and also in the comparative scripture of Mark chapter 13. The word carries the idea of birth pains and, if we look at these scriptures with this aspect in mind, we then begin to see the clues. As a woman begins to have birth pains with regular increasing increments of pain and frequency is exactly what Jesus is expressing in verse 8 of this chapter.

All of these signs will happen and can happen at any time, but as history unfolds and as we get closer to the coming of Christ, these signs will increase in severity and occurrence. There will be more and more earthquakes, diseases and famines as we get closer to the end. There will be more unrest and war after war and we will see all sorts of excessive ethnic cleansings. With a regular increase of men claiming to be anointed and by watching the evening news, it is easy to see that history is playing out the above description of verses 5-8, just like a woman nearing the birth her baby. These events come quicker and quicker with an increase in severity showing us that the end is near.

As we start verse 9, let us be honest with what we find throughout the rest of the chapter. I believe verse 9 can also be applied to any time frame between the two advents of Christ: but as we consider the verse, I believe that Jesus again gives us a clue to the timing of this verse. Notice the following.

Chapter 14 continued

Chapter 14 continued

Vs 9) Jesus tells “his disciples” that they would be delivered up to be afflicted and killed for the sake of the name of Jesus because they would be hated of all nations. This word “nations” is the Greek word “ethnos” and carries the idea of “races” or “peoples”, so we must read it that way. They would be hated of all peoples, or tribes, or races.

Without a doubt, the disciples were delivered over and persecuted and killed for the cause of Christ: and as a matter of fact, throughout the ages many have given their lives for the cause of Christ, but this verse is indicative of the period that immediately precedes the coming of Jesus and the end of the world.

Vs 10-12) is given in the form of six particular signs which are indicative of what humanity will be like in the last days. In particular, we can see that many will follow the path of destruction.

Vs 10) teaches us three of the characteristics which last day man shall be consumed with.

A) Many shall be offended, which means to be “tripped up or caused to sin”
B) Many shall betray one another: and, if we consider just one aspect, like marriage, we can see how in this day many betray one another daily as evident by the divorce rate

Does this not sound like modern times? Sin abounds in man as daily betrayals go unchecked. All the while, hate groups and hate in general are on the rise.

Vs 11) gives further proof that mankind would rather believe lies than come to the truth. False prophets shall rise in the midst of humanity and will have the ability to deceive the masses, as many shall be deceived.

Vs 12) gives us the cause and the result by the mouth of Jesus himself. Jesus does not mince words. He stated it plainly and expected his disciples to “hear” it and believe it. Jesus states the simple truth of iniquity abounding with the tragic result of the loss of love and the ability to love by the masses. Sin brings forth death, lest we forget, and since sin will be abounding in the last days, mankind will loose the ability to love. Love is a spiritual gift and God will not bless sin with love. God punishes sin and the Bible plainly teaches that the love of God is the keeping of his commandments as found in I John 5:3 as well as Jesus saying that if you love him you will do what he says.

Vs 13) gives us the simple biblical truth that has been set forth from the beginning and that truth is that faithful endurance brings deliverance. The ones who will endure shall be preserved. We know that eternal salvation comes from true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, so Jesus cannot be talking about soul salvation. The context points to the ones which “are alive and remain.” It is evident by scripture that there will be some which are allowed of God to live unto the second coming of Christ. Go with me on this one and, as other scriptures unfold, you will see that the ones that Jesus is talking about are the faithful ones who are allowed to live unto the second coming of Jesus.

Vs 14) has been or is being fulfilled at this very moment. Paul was the one who was sent unto the Gentiles. He wanted to go east and was prevented from doing so by the Holy Spirit, so Paul went west towards Rome. The gospel migrated west and throughout the last 1,970 plus years, has passed from the east to the west through the U.S. and from the U.S., by missionaries, has been spread west into Russia, China and India, as well as the world via internet. Jesus said one sign that would have to be fulfilled is the gospel being preached unto the whole world for a witness and THEN THE END WOULD COME. It can be said that this has been fulfilled or, in the very minimum, is close to being fulfilled and shall be fulfilled when the angel of God flies through the midst of heaven proclaiming the everlasting gospel to all who dwell on earth.

Verses 15 through 20 can be applied only to the time frame that immediately precedes the coming of Christ and describes a period of time that is so graphic and destructive, that if it was not for God shortening the time frame, there would be no flesh left alive. This time frame is called the great tribulation and, lest we forget, this period of time is unequalled in intensity and destructive power. Again, as we consider these “signs”, we must not forget that the Word of God is for the children of God and, in this time frame, it is the churches of God that have the truth, not the Jews.

Vs 15) Jesus tells his disciples that they had better understand when they see the abomination of desolation stand in the holy place. This abomination of desolation as spoken of by Daniel is none other than the Anti-Christ. We know this to be true because Jesus tells his disciples that during this time frame shall be the period known as the great tribulation as found in verse 21. The three examples found in Daniel all give particular insight and detail into the Anti-Christ and when put together, constitute a good picture of this evil lost man that will be empowered by the devil himself. The three references are found in Daniel 9:27, 11:31 and 12:11.

Vs 16 thru 20) teach us about the flight of God’s people during this time frame and begins with the people of Judah being told to flee to the mountains in verse 16. This verse can be applied unto the people of God, as well as the Jews in Israel. Seeing how Jesus was instructing the disciples who made up his first church, we must conclude that it is to the church first. We must also note that it would have been impractical for Jesus to try and explain Christians in America or some other nation because the first century Christians would not know of the U.S.A. If you apply this to the first church, then the instruction to flee becomes universal in scope to the children of God. Christians in the world or the Jews in Israel, it does not matter, when the anti-Christ stands in the holy place then everybody better flee and hide because this period will be the most destructive period in human history to this point.

Jesus gives a list of other details, which we will list, that coincide with the flight of the people of God and the remnant of Jews that are left. The list is as follows.

those on the house had better flee without coming down to take anything
if in the field, forget the clothes and just go
it will be bad for those who are pregnant or those who have babies to feed
pray hard about the time of the flight because winter will be bad and the Sabbath day will have its own diversions

The reason that Jesus gives this scriptural advice is because he knows what time frame has arrived and it will be bad for humanity. He will go on to tell us about this time frame in verses 21 thru 22 and, make no mistake about it, it will be as he said and this period in history will be unrivaled.

Vs 22-21) this time frame shall be known as the great tribulation and it will be unrivaled in scope and destructive power. Since the beginning of time, and even to the end of time, there shall not be another period in human history that even gets close to this period of time that is allowed by God himself. The devil is known as the destroyer and when he rules in the kingdom of men by a man, it will be the most horrific period of human history. In verse 22, Jesus plainly teaches that if it were not for the fact that God should shorten the time frame of this period in human history, there would be no one left alive. Here is a big hint, as Jesus states, “but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

As proven by fact two in chapter 3, concerning the terms “saint” and “elect” and how these words are used by God, we have proven that the saints are the saved and the word elect is applied unto the saints while being indicative of our stance in Christ before God as “chosen.” In order for there to be some that are alive and remain unto the coming of Christ as talked about by Paul, God must shorten the time frame to preserve some flesh. If God were not to do this, then there would not be one man left standing alive on this planet.

The next set of verses that are given by Jesus have to deal with the coming of false prophets which shall have the ability to shew great signs and wonders to the extent that if it was spiritually possible the “wonder workers” would have the ability to fool even the very elect. Notice what Christ has to say about it.

Vs 23) teaches us to not believe anybody claiming to know the whereabouts of Jesus. I want you to think about this point as we move on. Why would Jesus warn his disciples to reject any who claim to know his whereabouts especially if his disciples have already been raptured? Do not forget that his disciples were prepared by John the Baptist, and this preparation had already included repentance and scriptural immersion. Jesus had then called these disciples out and began to teach them as the first true New Testament church. Jesus warns his first church to reject any who claim to know the whereabouts of Jesus.

Chapter 14 continued

Chapter 14 finished

Vs 24) tells us beforehand that there will be an emergence of false Christs and false prophets which shall be able to work all types of miracles and wonders while producing great signs. Again we are reminded that these wonder workers will almost have the ability to trick the children of God. I ask again as to why Jesus would warn his church about these miracle workers if they were to be raptured out before any of this takes place?

Vs 25) Jesus even tells them that he had told them before about these open and significant signs which would precede his coming and the destruction of the world. How many times does our God have to drill his truth through our thick headed skulls? The truth is there if we will just be honest and believe.

Vs 26) gives more insight into these deceivers who claim to be Christ and more insight into the workers of wonders. Do not believe any man, woman, child, angel or any other such liar. If any say he is here or there, such as in the desert or some secret chambers, they are lying thru their teeth. The God of heaven does not need to be introduced to humanity by another man. He comes as God, judge, jury and executioner of justice and in verse 27 tells us exactly how he will come. Notice the following.

Vs 27) states, “For as lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be.” Is there a man or woman, who have eyes in their head who would miss lightning cracking in the east and shining unto the west? The answer to that question is no. If you are outside and looking up and lightning sizzles across the sky, you can see it as plain as day: and to really get gritty, even in daylight you can see lightning as it shines from one end of heaven unto the other. Our God needs no man to announce his presence. Come on people, this is God and he is not going to slink in as a snake or a lizard. He is going to come in a very visible manner.

As a matter of fact, when he comes we see the bravest of men and the strongest war lords hiding in the rocks, dens and caves of the earth while praying to be hidden from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne. Just as lightning can be seen under the heaven, Jesus will be seen coming in the clouds with great glory and power. Where will you stand friend? Do you know the Jesus Christ of the Bible? There is only one way to heaven and that is through the only God and savior Jesus Christ.

Vs 28) gives us a little more insight into the coming of Christ. The carcass of a dead body is evident by the gathering of buzzards, eagles and other birds. The coming of Christ will be evident because of a plethora of visible signs that have been fulfilled. Jesus uses this statement in verse 28 to teach this principle.

Vs 29-31) states, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with the sound of a great trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” These scriptures give us the timing of the rapture/second coming of Jesus Christ and if the people of God would be honest with the facts that have been proven by the above “facts” chapters they would be amazed at what they could see from the word of God.

Jesus begins this testimony by teaching us that the events he is about to describe will follow the “great tribulation of those days.” This tribulation can be none other than the time frame that is described in verse 21. The time frame that is described as the great tribulation is noted as a period of time that would completely wipe out all of humanity if it were not for the fact that Jesus shortens the amount of time that is allowed to pass. He tells us that the first thing to take place is great astrological signs that include the sun going dark and the moon not giving any light, as an obvious side effect of the sun going dark. He also tells us that the stars shall fall from heaven and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken.

Jesus then tells us that the sign of his coming shall appear in heaven. Not only will the sign of his coming appear in heaven, but it will also be seen by ALL the tribes of the earth and ALL shall mourn because it is now too late. He will come with power and great glory. He is coming to gather, as well as to destroy, through and by the wrath of God almighty. I personally believe that everybody shall mourn because the evident truth of God that Jesus Christ is real and coming will begin to sink into the minds of all who have rejected, as well as the children of God, and the realization that our judgement has now come which will include appearing before the throne of the living God to be judged for what we have done and what we have said.

Jesus then tells us that at the sound of a great trumpet he shall gather together his elect from one end of heaven to the other. How can anybody read this and not believe that this is the rapture/second coming? Paul taught and believed that the rapture/resurrection would take place at the sound of a trumpet as recorded in 1st Corinthians 15:50-52. Lazarus was carried by an angel to Abraham’s bosom or paradise at his recorded death as found in Luke 16:22 which testifies to the believer’s special treatment after death. Besides this, we need to remember that we have already proven that the word elect is applied to the saved and is indicative of our stance in Christ as “chosen.” Based upon these facts, it would be ridiculous to deny that Matthew 24:31 is none other than the rapture and lest we forget, Jesus tells us that it will occur AFTER the tribulation of those days and after the sun, moon and stars are affected and shut down by the shaking of the heaven.

In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus tells us that when we see the sun, moon and stars shaken and put out to look up because our REDEMPTION draweth nigh. The only people who can claim redemption are those who have been born again from above because of a simple act of faith towards the Son of God and his saving power. We must conclude that the redeemed are the saved in any age whether Jew or Gentile.

In Mark 13:24-27, we see the same testimony as found in Matthew 24. Mark adds that the gathering of the elect shall also include the uttermost part of the earth, as well as the heaven, and if you add the whole earth and the whole heaven that is gathered from, we must again conclude that this is the rapture of the saints of God. Those in the graves shall come up and receive a new body. Those who are alive on the earth who are believers shall receive a new body, as well as those whom Christ brings with him who are in the heaven. One plus one plus one equals three. The saved in the earth, on the earth and in the heaven shall be gathered by the angels of God at the sound of the last great trumpet as found in the Word of God.

Be honest with what we find and believe that you might be set free from religion and the lies that have been taught for the last century or so about Christ coming any minute. I will also suggest that you open three Bibles and this book and look at the following chapters together as found in Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13. Read all three chapters and then do a comparative outline of each chapter while applying the above “facts” chapters.

I fully understand that Matthew 24 contains a blended context of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 A.D. and the end of the age for the record.....

No problem sister...a lot of work...was lost when CC changed over and I am having to cut, paste, adjust and edit all the same time to post in the blog section...a lot of years of study and about a year to write, edit etc. HAH let me know what you think..all feed back good.....

Chapter 15
The Answer of Timing!

God is a God of timing. We know that God is not subject to time nor indeed can be because of the underlying nature of God, which is self-existence and eternal. As we look to the Word of God, let us understand that while God is not subject to time he is without a doubt a God of timing. The world events that unfold on a grand scale unfold according to the time frame of God. The rise and fall of every world power and kingdom has been according to the hand of God and according to his time frame. The coming of Christ was according to the time frame of God. Lest we forget, everything under the sun will take place according to God and when God determines the time frame for any particular event to take place. Let us notice the following scriptures which teach that God is a God of timing.

As we look to the Word of God in this chapter, I want to say that this will be a short chapter. There are many verses that teach this principle and as we consider the few that I have picked out, I just ask you the reader to be honest with what we find and with the conclusions that are evident by the word of our God. I could fill about 50 pages with scripture and thoughts on this one truth, but I will spare and just give you a few examples.

Galatians 4:4-5 states, “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

The statement that is made about the “fullness of the time was come” clearly sets forth the truth that God is a God of timing. When it was time for God to send forth his Son, God sent him. Not before the time or after the time, but when it was time, Jesus came and worked his ministry and made the ultimate, holy and acceptable sacrifice of Himself for the sins of humanity that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. I want the reader to understand this is a church letter that has been written unto the Gentile church which was located in Gaul. Remember that we have just studied about looking up when a few big signs are fulfilled as our REDEMPTION draweth nigh as found in Luke 21.

I also want to remind the reader that God is consistent and does not change. He does things consistently without any type of swerving or without any bias. Fact three from a previous chapter four has taught us about our unchanging God. God has particular prophesies to fulfill and he will only fulfill them when it is time for him to fulfill them. Notice the following other scriptures that teach this underrated truth that often gets ignored and totally overlooked.

The Psalmist in Psalm 119:126 states, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.”

Before the people had made the law void by a complete rejection and denial of the truth, God had blessed them and caused them to multiply in every way, but when the people rejected the Word of God and made the law of none effect, then it was time for God to move and do something about it. Again we see another scripture which teaches us that there is a timing element with our God. He only moves in judgement when his Word is ignored.

Zephaniah 1:12 starts out with the statement, “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees…”

Again we see another verse that testifies that there is a time frame in which God will do whatever needs to be done. Whether it is judgement, blessing or rapture, everything happens according to God’s time frame.

In Mark 1:15, we see the following statement by Jesus which says, “And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Jesus said that the time had been fulfilled and the kingdom of God is close at hand. In other words, the time had come and God at this time began to preach the kingdom and the fact that in order to enter into this kingdom you must believe the gospel. We need to understand that God is a God of timing and he will come when it is time for him to come.

You know that I could go on and on with scriptures that teach the truth of God being a God of timing. When Jesus on many occasions upset and infuriated the Sadducees or Pharisees, the Bible plainly states that they would try and take him, but could not because HIS TIME HAD NOT YET COME. It does not matter whether it is the crucifixion, the rapture or the end of the world as all will happen on the time frame that has been preset by God almighty. Even our very lives have been preset by God and every man, woman and child under the sun has a preset amount of time that has been given by God to you under the sun. Notice the following scriptures in Job.

Job 14:5 states, “Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass…”

See! Even the very number of a man’s months and days are predetermined by the God of timing. We must be honest and conclude that the rapture will come when it is time for it to come according to the time frame that has been set by God the Father. We can give example after example to prove our point that God is a God of timing and anybody with any ability at all to understand English can read for themselves that our God is a God of timing.

I am going off line now and will read the rest in the morning with my coffee...Good night Dcon , I will let you know how I am getting along as I read through , tomorrow God willing once I have read through it , then I can re-read and start looking with the scriptures you have added , I am looking forward to learning new things about the Word...xox...

Chapter 16
The Answer of Persecution
and War Against the Saints!
This chapter deals with the word persecution and who it applies unto. Many a modern day “Christian” will stand and argue that God would not allow the saved members of his churches to go through any type of persecution and I must say in a very adamant way that this is as far from the truth as Satan is from Jesus Christ. God has always allowed his children to go through very difficult times that he might grow his children to maturity. As we consider the persecution of God’s children, let us not forget the men and women who have gone before us by the hand of persecution and death. Notice the following examples of some who have been dealt the hand of persecution and death because of their stance for God and for his truth and then let us be consistent with what we find in the books of Daniel, Matthew, Mark and Luke as well as Revelation.

Look to the following examples of those who suffered as well as other scriptures that teach that the Lord’s churches shall suffer persecution as a sign of the times.

Matthew 5:10 teaches us that those who are “persecuted for righteousness sake” shall be blessed.
Matthew 5:12 teaches about the righteous prophets of old being persecuted.
John 15:20 teaches us that if they will persecute Jesus, then they will also persecute us as Disciples of Christ.
Acts 22:4 teaches us that Paul as Saul persecuted the Christian way unto death.
Mark 4:17 teaches us that persecution comes also because of the Word of God in our lives.
2nd Timothy 3:12 teaches us that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Not only do the above scriptures teach that the children of God shall suffer persecution, we must note that Jesus himself taught us that in the world we will as his disciples have “tribulation” and this can be found in John 16:33. Time here would forbid me to tell all of the stories of the Bible concerning those who suffered and died for the cause of Christ, but for the reader’s sake I will list a few in order to add to the underlying thought of this chapter. Notice the following examples.

Stephen stoned to death in Acts because of preaching a hard message to the Jewish leaders of the day.
Paul beheaded in Rome because of his testimony and stance for God.
Peter crucified upside down as testified of by our Lord in John 21:18-19.
James, the brother of John, killed with the sword in Acts.
Peter and others cast in prison and also beaten for the cause of Christ.
Job being allowed of God to suffer at the hands of Satan as found in the book of Job.
Tradition holds that Isaiah was sawn asunder because of his preaching.
Daniel cast into the Lion’s den because he continued to worship and pray toward Jerusalem.
Three young men who refused to bow to the image of gold were cast alive into the fiery furnace.
60 to 80 million Ana-Baptist, Waldenses, Albigenses, Paulicians and others by various names put to death during the dark ages because of their stance for Christ.

To say or imply that God would not allow us to go through tribulation is not only false, but it is also contrary to proven history as well as the scriptures. Even in modern times and in many nations we see persecution and tribulation leveled against the people of God. Now that we have proven this truth we will dig deeper in this chapter and see if we can find the answers that come to us from the Word of God that concern tribulation and persecution and how we can see it as a sign of the times that surround the second coming of Christ. To begin this quest, we will start in the book of Daniel. Notice the following truths.

Daniel 7:21-22 states, “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgement was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”

This horn that Daniel is talking about is obviously the Anti-Christ. This horn ultimately arises and subdues three of the ten kings which constitute the fourth kingdom that is upon the earth. This fourth kingdom is a manifestation of the fourth beast which is found in Daniel’s vision as given in Daniel chapter 7. To fully understand this matter, let us also consider the next 4 scriptures in Daniel and then we will examine them in detail. Notice the following scriptures.

Daniel 7:23-26 states, “Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon the earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgement shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.”

A few things we want to consider is the fact that this little horn arises in a world that has been subjugated by the fourth beast of Daniel’s vision and let us not forget that it is stated plainly that this fourth beast is the fourth kingdom that is upon the earth. We also see that this fourth kingdom upon the earth shall be diverse from all others. This is a big clue to the nature of this kingdom and to be quite frank, I sometimes wonder if this fourth kingdom is Democracy. This kingdom will eat up and devour the whole earth while treading it down and breaking it into pieces. From this world-eating empire will come a leader that is to be known as the little horn and believe me, when he comes it will be very, very difficult for those who profess Christ as their savior.

As we begin to look to the list of things that this little horn will do when he comes on the scene, let us be mindful of the facts as listed in the first part of the book. Fact 2 plainly teaches that the saints are the saved and the word elect is applied to a born again believer and is descriptive of our position in Christ as the “elect.” We must also remember fact 5 which has taught us that tribulation and persecution have been appointed unto the children of God but while having to endure tribulation and persecution, we are not appointed to wrath and are saved from wrath by Jesus Christ. Having understood these two facts, let us consider for a moment this little horn which will rise in the midst of a world-devouring empire. Look at the list below and see the truth.

Daniel 7:21 teaches us that the little horn will make war against the saints and he will prevail against us for a time. The time frame is determined by the scriptures. If you will notice verse 22 of the same chapter you will see that this “prevailing against us” will be allowed to begin sometime during this little horn’s reign and will endure until the Ancient of Days comes. The Ancient of Days can be none other than Jesus Christ himself. We will consider the latter part of verse 22 later, so hang on.

Daniel 7:25 Teaches us that this little horn will speak great words against the most high and think to change times and laws, but the main thought I want you to see is the fact that it is stated that he shall wear out the saints of the most High. All of these things shall be given into his hand for a time, a times and a dividing of time which equals three and one half years. A time equals one, times equals two and a dividing of time equals one half and if you add all of these up you get 3 and one half years.

Seeing how we are appointed to persecution and tribulation in the world and throughout every century, there have been and will be those who are persecuted for Christ and his truth. Why would we be any different? For three and a half years, the Bible teaches in Daniel 7:21-25, that a little horn is coming who will be allowed to wear out and make war against the saints of the most high and he shall be allowed to prevail against them during the time frame that has been allotted by God and will continue until the Ancient of Days is come, which is none other than Jesus Christ. Daniel also gives us even more clues as found in the 8th chapter so let us notice another profound statement in the book of Daniel.

Chapter 16 continued next post

Chapter 16 continued


Daniel 8:23-25 states, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to full, a king of fierce countenances, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.”

This king of fierce countenances comes from a part of Alexander the Great’s Empire which had been divided by his four generals upon his death. Where he comes from is not as important as what he is allowed to do. If you will notice that his power comes from a source other than himself and seeing how he is bent on destruction and will magnify himself in his heart, we can only assume that his power comes from Satan himself. These two acts are identical to what Lucifer had done when he was cast out of heaven. He magnified himself in his own heart and is now known in the Bible as the “destroyer”.

Notice what this extreme king does and note the facts.

He will cause craft to prosper. This word craft simply means “deception, fraud and treachery.” When the devil rules in the kingdoms of men it will be a time of unparalleled wickedness coupled with treachery, fraud and deception.

He will destroy wonderfully through peace and deception. Again, when we see the devil rule in the kingdom of men with unfettered authority, it will be a time of devastation and destruction.

He shall be allowed to prosper. God will allow him to prosper and practice, but his end will come. God will only allow wicked men and the devil so much time. He may succeed for a while, but it will not last long.

The last thing I want the reader to notice is the statement, “he shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.” This king, who I believe is also the little horn, shall be allowed by God Almighty to destroy the people of the holy one. Note the fact that we have already proven that the only Jewish people mentioned in the book of Revelation are the 144,000 who have been sealed and no hurt comes unto them.

These three sets of scripture in Daniel teach us that a little horn/king is coming who will be allowed to prosper. During his reign he will change laws and times while destroying through deception and a supposed peace. Sometime during this period he will turn his destructive ways against the saints of God and shall be allowed to wear out, destroy and prevail against them for a period of three and one half years. Again I refer you to already proven biblical facts which teach that we are appointed unto persecution and tribulation in this world. I must also say that this is not the only book that teaches about the war that is made against the people of God and as we shall see, many things are to be fulfilled before Jesus comes again.

What is interesting is the fact that the book of Revelation teaches the same thing. If you will, notice the following scripture as found in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 13:1-8 states, “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

As we begin to take note of what is here in these scriptures, I want to remind everybody that the vision of Daniel in Daniel chapter 7 pictures a little horn that rises up and subdues three of the ten kings that make up the fourth empire which is upon the earth, and I believe that this vision in Revelation is a future look at this fourth kingdom, which is a revived version of the Roman kingdom: which shall be upon the earth and begins with the rise of the little horn. This vision is a New Testament look at the description of Daniel’s vision concerning the little horn which is none other than the Anti-Christ. Now let us take note of what is here and stand in awe.

The first thing that we notice is that this beast will rise from the sea of humanity and sit at the head of a kingdom which is represented by seven heads and ten horns. This beast/little horn will have subdued three of the ten horns and will sit in his place of authority. I want to stress here that all of the Lord’s children need to pray for the coming of Christ because when this beast/little horn rules, it will be a time of horrific destruction and misery followed by the destructive power of the wrath of God.

John, under inspiration, compares this beast/government to a leopard, a bear and the lion. While all of these descriptions can lead the reader to all sorts of conclusions and parallelisms, I want us to consider the bigger fact which is where this beast gets his seat, power and authority. If you will notice, the text teaches that the power behind the throne of the beast/little horn is none other than the devil himself and is identified as such by the title given which is “dragon.” The dragon gives the beast his power, his seat, and his great authority. This bears out because, if you will remember, when the devil was trying to tempt the Lord Jesus, Satan said, “If you will bow down and worship me then I will give you these kingdoms”: and lest we forget, it is stated that it was in his power to do such. This is found in Matthew chapter 4.

We must be honest and say that this beast must be the foreseen Anti-Christ because of where the power lies and because of what this beast will do. Notice the following.

The second thing we notice is that this beast receives a killer wound to the head which does not kill him and it causes the whole world to worship the beast and the power behind the beast, which is the devil. The people of the earth are so wrapped up in this ruler and so mystified by him that they begin to wonder who is like him and who could possibly make war against him and succeed. As their devotion grows and as they see him work his wonders, they will be drawn farther into the web of deception which leads straight to hell.

As we look even a little deeper, we begin to see some of the works of this beast described by John. At the pinnacle of his power, we see that he is given a mouth to speak very great and blasphemous things. Just like his father the devil, he will speak perverse and deceptive words and phrases. He will blaspheme God and will speak evil of the name of God as well as curse and blaspheme the dwelling place of God and the ones who are dwelling in heaven at the time. Just as the little horn of Daniel is given a time, a times and a dividing of time, which is three and one half years, we see that this beast is also given forty and two months which is three and one half years. I believe whole heartedly that the little horn of Daniel 7, that the king of “fierce countenances” in Daniel the 8th chapter and the beast of Revelation 13 are one and the same. Put together, these scriptures give us a very descriptive picture of what is to come in the incarnation of evil which shall be known unto the servants of God as the Beast Anti-Christ.

Chapter 16 continued next post

Chapter 16 finished

Now notice the next truth in Revelation13:7 concerning war. “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues and nations.” Again we see evidence that the little horn/beast, empowered by Satan himself, is allowed to make war against the saints and to wear them out for three and one half years. He is given authority and dominion over all people, languages and nations. Again I must remind the reader that the saints are the saved. The power and authority of this man shall be so great that every man, woman and child that is on this earth who has not trusted into Jesus Christ as their savior shall at this time worship the beast. The only ones who will not are the ones whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

How many scriptures do we need to prove this truth by the answer of persecution and tribulation? Jesus told his disciples, which were saved, scripturally immersed believers, that the time was coming that they would be killed by men who thought that they were doing God service. Jesus also told us that if they would kill the master, then what would they do unto the servants?

The opening of the 5th seal in Revelation 6:9-11 gives us even more insight into the fact that the children of God are going to be murdered and put to death during the tribulation period. As we look to this set of scriptures, I want to remind the reader that the word of God is given unto those who are regenerated believers and the book of Revelation was written unto seven churches.

Revelation 6:9-11 states, “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”

As we digest this scripture, notice a few truths about these verses which will give us the facts that we might properly apply the word of God. The first thing that we notice is that the opening of the fifth seal gives John a vision of heaven and all the souls of a group of people who have been murdered and slain. There are several factual truths about this group which gives the ability to identify who they are and are as follows.

The first fact is that they were killed yet still alive as they cry unto God in heaven.
The second fact is that they were killed because they had the word of God and a testimony or witness which they held.
The third fact is that they are identified as “fellow servants” and brethren by the statement that is made about other individuals that must be killed in like manner.

I can add and I must say that one plus one plus one equals three. The above facts tell us that the ones who are standing before God crying unto God to avenge their deaths can be none other than the saved children of God who have been put to death. Look at the facts, they are in heaven and have been killed because of the word of God and a good witness. The only people who have a witness for God and the word of God are the children of God and lest we forget, only saved children of God go to heaven. The lost wake up in hell as shown in Luke the 16th chapter.

We also see that another group is yet to be murdered for a witness and the word of God. They are identified as brethren and fellow servants which is an exact statement that Paul used on numerous occasions all throughout his letters. Paul wrote unto several churches in his letters and always made mention of the fellow servants and his brethren, so we must conclude that this group of murdered people are saved children of God who have been put to death because of the word of God and a testimony.

Revelation chapter 20 speaks of those who are beheaded for the witness of Jesus, for the word of God, because they had refused to worship the beast or his image and because they would not take the mark of the beast. These are all qualities that can only be found in the saved children of God and lest we forget, the only Jewish people mentioned is the 144,000 which are sealed and past being hurt, much less having their heads cut off, so we must conclude that these people who are killed are indeed the saved children of God who have a witness and a testimony of Jesus. Just like Stephen when he went down preaching and praying for God to forgive them because they know not what they do, many men, women and children who are saved shall be put to death during the tribulation period because of the word of God, a witness for Jesus, a refusal to worship the beast or his image and a refusal to take the mark of the beast.

As we consider these facts, I again want to ask the reader a simple question concerning all of those who will be killed during the tribulation period as described in the books of the Bible. Seeing how fact 7 from above has taught us that there is only one resurrection of the saved, my question is when are all of the people who are killed during the time frame of Revelation resurrected seeing how they must be children of God because of why they are killed?

The simple truth is that the answer of tribulation and persecution points us toward the fact that the churches of God that are made up of the saved are headed toward a war that shall be made against us by the powers of evil and they shall be allowed to overcome and prevail against us for a period of time: but we need to remember that Satan may get a few battles here and there, but God always has and always will win the war.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Three major things occur at the coming of the Lord: The Gathering of His people: Resurrection, Rapture, destruction of the false messiah.

Here is the order of those three things:

1. The resurrection of the dead in Christ: the dead in Christ will rise first...
2. The Rapture: Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them...
3. The destruction of the false messiah [antichrist]: destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8



JPT

Chapter 17
The Answer of Astronomy!
As we consider the answers that come from the Word of God concerning astronomy let us first take note of the fact that the sun, moon and stars have been given by God in creation. Lest we forget, God Almighty has told us in his word that the sun, moon and stars are there to determine the times and seasons and, without a doubt, they are in essence set forth to be used as signs that surround particular events that have transpired in the Bible. Not only is the above true, but we have seen and continue to see examples of this all through scripture. So as we begin to lay out the evident truths concerning astronomy that apply in particular to the second coming of Christ, let us start this quest by considering a few of the many examples where astronomy is used by God’s people throughout the Bible.

Genesis 1:14 states, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years…”

You would have to be blind, willfully ignorant and rebellious to miss the fact that God gave the sun, moon and stars for the above four reasons. When we break it down, we have two that deal primarily with time in general. These two constitute the way humanity keeps time which is through days and years, but we will not concern ourselves with these at this time. The next breakdown is the use of astronomy to determine the seasons which I believe pertains unto the planting and harvesting of crops as well as a determination of particular festivals and feasts which were celebrated at individual times of the year. It is the last element of the breakdown of this verse tells us without a doubt that these lights in the heavens were given to the particular application of being “signs.”

God plainly stated that they were to be used for signs. As we consider this application of the heavenly lights, we can see plainly through scripture that the people of God used the sun, moon and stars as signs. Let us notice the following examples as found in the Word of our God. I will ask the reader to take his or her Bible and go read these examples because I will just simply give the verses and a very brief overview.

In Joshua 10:12-14, we see God causing the sun and moon to stand still, while the Nation of Israel, under Joshua’s leadership and with help from God, defeat the Amorites. The reader should understand that science can prove that there is about a 24 hour time frame missing and if you add this account with the account of Hezekiah in the book of Isaiah, you will have the period of time that is missing.

In Isaiah 38:1-9 we have the account of the King Hezekiah and his sickness. He prayed unto the Lord, the Lord heard his prayer and the “sign” of his recovery was the sun going back 10 degrees on the sun dial which took place and Hezekiah lived another 15 years. I will again remind the reader that science and astronomy can both prove that there is about a 24 hour time frame that is missing from the heavenly records and if you add the account of Joshua and this account of Hezekiah, you have about 24 hours.

In Matthew 2:1-2 we have the account of the “three wise men” who had seen the “star” of the one who was born King of the Jews. As we read this account we are reminded of the simple fact that God uses the stars, the sun and the moon as signs unto his people. Even the birth of the Son of God was announced by a “star.” Lest we forget this fact, these men were considered wise and they used a star as proof that the King of kings had been born. If you read verse three, you can note that Herod, who was a Roman, believed the report and even killed all children that were under two years old which gave weight unto the “star” report that had been given by the three wise men.

As we can see, it is biblical to use the sun, the moon and the stars to determine particular events that have taken place as well as particular events in history that are yet to take place in the future. In order to “see” the following truths, we must begin with the fact that the rapture/second coming of Christ is called the day of the Lord as well as the day of Christ by Paul himself under inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. If you will notice, 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 obviously teaches about the rapture. Paul tells us in verse 13 that he does not want us to be ignorant about the ones who have died in Christ and in verse 14 tells us plainly that Jesus will bring the dead in Christ back with him.

Verses 15 through 17 gives us the order of the resurrection which is the dead in Christ shall rise first and then those who are alive and remain will be caught up in the air to ever be with the Lord. Paul, in verse 18, encourages us to comfort one another with this truth. Now, as we begin to look to chapter 5:1-4, we must admit that the context of these four verses is the rapture/second coming which has been set by Paul in the last 6 verses of chapter 4. We can also glean the fact that Paul calls the resurrection/rapture the day of the Lord in context. Note the following truth.

1st Thessalonians 5:1-4 states, “But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”

The context of these four verses is the rapture and Paul calls it the day of the Lord. Paul writes this church and tells them that he has no need to write to them about the events that surround the day of the Lord because they new “exactly” that the day of the Lord would come upon the world as a thief in the night; but they, the church which was at Thessalonica, was not in darkness that that day should overtake them as a thief.

The idea of a thief is as one who is not expected. The reason Christ is not expected is because the world is at peace, and because of this peace, the world has been lulled into a false sense of security. Peace and safety are two signs that a believer is to look for because when the world is saying peace and security, then sudden destruction is around the corner. As a clue to this time frame, the Bible plainly teaches a rewarding of the saints and prophets which takes place during the same time frame when God is pouring out his wrath in the form of destruction. These two events take place simultaneously and begin with the 7th trump in the book of Revelation which we will study later.

The rapture is also called the day of Christ. If you will notice, the following scriptures in 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-2 state, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”

What do we call the coming of Christ and us being gathered together unto him? I believe we call the coming of Christ and our gathering the second coming of Christ or the rapture. Paul writes this church and tells them to not be worried about the day of Christ and it being at hand. The statement about “being at hand,” gives insight into the nearness of the return of Jesus Christ. As well we need to remember that he told them in the first letter that they were not in darkness about the rapture which is called the day of Christ and the day of the Lord.

Just for your information, if you will read the next verse, he gives this church two more “signs” to look for when it comes to being in the light concerning the rapture which is called the day of Christ/Lord. He tells them that the day of Christ will not come until a mass falling away takes place and the man of sin is revealed, who is the anti-Christ. We will consider these things later in the book.

Now that we can see that the rapture is called the day of Christ and the day of the Lord, we can also see that astronomy will clearly show us that before Christ can come and rapture his saints, there are signs to be fulfilled in the sun, moon and the stars. I also want the reader to understand that it is not about God being powerful enough to come at this moment in time, but rather, it is about God not compromising his word and the simple fact that God is a God of timing. He will come when all that is written to be fulfilled is fulfilled. So, let us note the following scriptures concerning astronomy.

Isaiah 13:9-10 states, “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.”

Even though this is described in a chapter which has reference to the Babylonian destruction of Judah, we can know that it is prophetic of the future because even during the Babylonian destruction, the sun, moon and stars continued to shine. Isaiah writes under inspiration that the day of the Lord cometh and some of the signs of this day point to the fact that the stars, sun and moon shall not give their light. The moon will not shine because the sun is not shining and as we look deeper, we will see that the stars will not shine because they will fall from heaven.

Chapter 17 continued next post

Chapter 17 continued

I want to remind the reader that the day of Christ and the day of the Lord are one in the same day. As the one who raptures, it is the day of Christ and as the one who judges and punishes, it is the day of the Lord; and lest we forget, Jesus is both Lord and Christ. The fulfillment of this day is found at the 7th trump in Revelation which completely satisfies both aspects of the day of Christ and the day of the Lord. We will study this later in the book.


Let us look to another example from the Old Testament. The locust plague as recorded in the book of Joel gives us insight and some very interesting pictures of the future events that shall surround the coming of Jesus. The context in the second chapter of the book of Joel is set as the day of the Lord in verse one by Joel himself. Notice verse 10 if you will, and believe the Word of God.

Joel 2:10 states, “The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining…”

I know that this is descriptive of the locust plague, but let us not forget that the Old Testament is full of pictures, types and shadows of things to come in the New Testament. Joel tells us that the sun and moon shall be dark and the stars shall stop shining before the coming of the day of the Lord. The very nature of this verse and the ability of God to blend His word allow this verse to apply to both scenarios of the immediate context, which was the locust plague, and a future context of the day of the Lord.

A locust plague in its entirety will block the sun, moon and stars, which by its very nature allows God to inspire a man to write of the sun and moon being dark coupled with the stars going dark as well. Billions of locusts en route in mass quantity will blacken the ground as well as the sky and in doing so they give us a very important snap shot, if you will, of the future day of the Lord when God will cause the sun to go dark and the moon to not give her light. The stars will stop shining and then will be fulfilled the statement which Jesus made when he said in John 9:4, which I quote, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.”

If you will, turn your attention to Joel 2:28-31 which we call a dual prophesy. Verse 28-29 deals primarily with the event which took place on the day of Pentecost and has been fulfilled. You can read about the fulfillment of this prophesy in Acts chapter two and while you are reading this account, take note that even Peter preaches the truth of what I just stated. Now, if you will, notice verses 30 and 31 of Joel chapter 2.

Joel 2:30-31 states, “And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.”

It is obvious by the events listed in these two verses that these must be descriptive of the events that take place before the coming of the day of the Lord. The Lord plainly states that there will be wonders in the heavens. The word wonders in the Hebrew carries the idea of “signs and wonders.” Jesus will announce his coming by signs and wonders in the heavens. These signs, tokens and wonders that Jesus will use to announce his coming include the obvious darkening of the sun and stars while allowing the moon to appear as blood.

When the sun goes dark, the moon turns to blood red and the stars fall from heaven and quit shining, then let mankind take note, because around the corner is the destructive wrath of God in which he will make mankind more precious than fine gold because the majority of humanity has been destroyed from off the face of the earth. The first chapter of Zephaniah describes this period as God consuming all things from off the face of the earth, both man and beast. Just like God, by the stroke of his hand, removed and destroyed everything by the flood of Noah’s day, he will by fire, as recorded in the book of Peter, destroy all things which are not eternal in the day of the Lord, which is a day of wrath. Joel is not finished describing this day in these terms. He gives one more statement concerning the coming of the day of the Lord. Notice the following verses.

Joel 3:14-15 states, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.”

Joel tells us three times that BEFORE the day of the Lord come, the sun and moon will quit shining and the stars shall withdraw their shining. Jesus said that the time was coming that no man would be able to work because of the darkness. As we unfold these truths, I pray that the Lord God of heaven will open your eyes. Lest we forget, Joel was not the only one to teach us these truths and as we look deeper, let us fall on our face and pray to our God that he will forgive us of our sins and restore in us a spirit of worship and of witnessing because the end of all things is around the corner.

Now that we have seen four Old Testament witnesses to the truth that the sun and moon shall go dark and the stars shall withdraw their shining BEFORE the day of the Lord come, let us turn our attention to the New Testament and see what Jesus has to say about the sun, moon and stars. Notice what Jesus tells us about the time frame of these things happening.

Jesus in Matthew 24:29-30 states, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the Son of man in heaven: and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

The tribulation that Jesus identifies as taking place BEFORE these events is the great tribulation which the world has never seen before and is found in verse 21 of this chapter. This tribulation is a time period which is so graphic and destructive in force that Jesus even tells us that for the sake of the elect he would shorten this time frame so as to allow some flesh to remain. As a matter of fact, during this time frame there is a war and the results of war that will decimate over 1.5 billion people worldwide and a period of time where a multitude of God’s children are murdered because of the word of God and a testimony of Jesus which if added together come close to two billion people. We will consider this truth later.

Jesus said that after the tribulation of those days, the sun would be darkened and because of this darkening, the moon would not be giving any reflected light from the sun. The stars as well would “fall” from heaven and if the stars fall from heaven, they would not be giving their light. He goes on to tell us that the powers of the heavens would be shaken. Did you notice that both words are plural in usage? “…The powers of the heavens shall be shaken.”

The word “powers,” refers to the sun, moon and stars which is borne out by the fact that, in the beginning, God established the sun to “rule” the day and the moon to “rule” the night. God will shake the heavens and all that are in them to the extent that the sun is darkened and the moon will not shine and the stars will totter and fall from the heavens. Do you think that mankind will wake up, sit up and take notice? Jesus is also quoted by Mark concerning the truth of the sun, moon and stars. Mark 13:24-26 states, “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.”

Chapter 17 continued nest post

Chapter 17 finished

Again we see that after the great tribulation, great astrological events will immediately take place. Men want darkness and God is going to give it to them lock, stock and barrel. God is going to, by the opening of the first five seals, cause humanity to spiral down into the pit of despair and destruction. As we will see, this period of utter darkness follows on the heels of a worldwide destructive war followed by famine and disease that wipes out a quarter of the earth’s population. God is going to turn the lights out on humanity and glorify his coming.

Remember that the tribulation period is so destructive that if God had not shortened the time frame, there would be no flesh preserved. It is after this horrific period of human history that God will cause the sun to go dark and the moon to turn to blood while the stars cascade and fall from heaven because God himself is shaking all of creation by his own power.

Now imagine this: humanity has just been through the lowest period of human history. Close to two billion people have been killed or have died as the result of war, famine and disease and all of the sudden, God shakes the universe; the sun and moon go dark while humanity watches the stars fall from heaven. The stage is set and the lights come on as God, himself, comes in the clouds in his unparalleled glory and great power. No wonder humanity hides in the dens, rocks and caves and prays to be hidden from the face of him that sits upon the throne. This is exactly how the angels described it to the Disciples of Christ concerning the coming of Jesus. As he was taken up in the clouds so would be his coming. This is found in Matthew 26:64 and Acts 1:9-11.

The book of Luke and his account gives us an even deeper look to the events that surround these signs of the coming of Jesus Christ. I will again remind the reader to be honest with these scriptures and the truths that are represented.

Notice what Luke has to say and then we will look to the book of Revelation to see even more truths about when these astrological events will take place.

Luke 21:25-28 states, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

I want to remind the reader, as we consider this set of verses, that the angels told the disciples of Jesus that as they had seen him go in a cloud, they would likewise see him come back in a cloud. The first century Christian disciples constituted the first true New Testament church. The angels told these first century Christian church members that they had seen him go in a cloud and they would see him come back in a cloud. The perpetuity of the Lord’s New Testament churches makes this statement both true and universal in truth and application. Now notice the verses in Luke.

We have already considered about 6 or 7 examples which point out these “signs” in the sun, moon and stars. Again, I remind the reader that the world has already experienced a world war, famine and disease which kills a quarter of the earth’s population followed by God shaking the heavens, shutting down the sun and moon and the stars are dejected from heaven by them being allowed to fall by God. Because of these catastrophic events we can see clearly why there would be distress of nations coupled with perplexity. The sea and the waves are roaring because God is shaking everything including the powers of the heavens. No wonder men’s hearts are failing them because they can see what is happening and what is coming; and his name is Jesus Christ and he is God incarnate in flesh.

We can see one more truth which teaches us the simple fact that it is after all of these horrific events when we will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and glory. Wake up and smell the roses and believe the Word of our God concerning his own coming. Now as we turn our attention to the last book of the Bible, we will be given further truths as to when these astrological signs take place. Lest we forget, these signs announce the coming of our God. Notice the following truths in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 6:12-14 states, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”

These three verses give us the time frame of the events that we have already considered in the books of Isaiah, Joel, Matthew, Mark and Luke. I want to remind the reader that the signs that we have considered that concern the sun, moon and stars all take place after the great tribulation period as described by Matthew and Mark. The sixth seal is only opened after the first five have been opened. If you will look to the first five seals, you can see clearly that they are descriptive of a period of time that has never been seen by humanity. The list that follows is a brief description of the first five seals.


A) The opening of the first seal brings about a false peace by the rider of the white horse and this peace is evident because of the statement made at the opening of the second seal.
B) The second seal takes “peace” from the earth: this is a world war.
C) The third and fourth seal are the results of a world war which include famine, disease and death, causing the death of over 1.5 billion people.
D) The fifth seal shows the souls of them that had been slain because of the Word of God and a testimony of Jesus. The ones who are under the altar in heaven are crying unto God about their own murder and God tells them to rest while their brethren who are still on the earth go through their own persecution and death because of a witness for Jesus.
E) The sixth seal, which is descriptive of the signs we have seen about the sun, moon and stars, follows on the heels of this great period of time known as the great tribulation. I would have to say that even World War II, with all of its estimated 80,000,000 deaths, pales in comparison to a World War that will result in the death of over 1.5 billion people. Combine this with the sun and moon going dark while the stars fall from heaven and the death of God’s children at the hands of Satan-inspired persecutors and you have a time in mankind’s history which will be filled with distress, perplexity and many men dying from hearts that will fail.

Fact two that has been well established proves that the saints are the saved and the term “elect” has been applied unto the saints and is descriptive of our position in Christ before the Father as the “chosen.” We have already proven that the great tribulation will come and will be followed by the signs of the coming of the Son of man which shall include the sun and moon going dark followed by the stars falling from the heavens. I want the reader to pay special attention to the following answer that comes to us from the books of Matthew and Mark. Notice the following statements that have been made by Jesus and, lest we forget quickly, these statements are made in context and all of them follow the great tribulation period and the sun, moon and stars being shut down by God. Notice and believe.

Matthew 24:30-31 states, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the one end of heaven to the other.”

Jesus tells us that this shall come after the tribulation of those days and after the sun, moon and stars quit shining. The elect is a term that has been applied unto the saved and is descriptive of our stance in Christ as “chosen.”

Mark, in Mark 13:27, states it this way, “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

All of the elect in the uttermost parts of the earth and heaven are gathered by the angels of God at his appearing after the great tribulation and after the sun; moon and stars go black and fall from heaven. There is but one rapture of the saints of God as proven by fact 7 above and to say that Jesus gathers together the elect from the uttermost part of the earth and heaven can be none other than the rapture of the saints of God which includes those in Christ in heaven coming with him and the gathering of those who are in Christ both alive on the earth and the dead in the ground.

God has always required two or three witnesses to prove anything and we have just seen two big witnesses which point us to the conclusion that the rapture takes place sometime after the great tribulation and after the sun, moon and stars go dark and fall from heaven. As we will see there are yet many other truths that teach this same fact. By the time we get done with this book, you will see the truth of what I teach and write concerning the rapture; and to say that it can take place any minute is totally against and contrary to the Word of God. Let us be honest and truthful with the Word of God as we go forth to further truths concerning the rapture/second coming of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 18
The Answer of Darkness, the Last Day and Three Witnesses!

This chapter is brought to light in view of the facts that God has given unto us no less than three witnesses that proves beyond a doubt that the resurrection/rapture will take place at the last day, and if we look to the scriptures in an honest and direct way we will see another nail in the coffin to the teaching that Jesus can come at any minute. This chapter will not be as long as some due to the fact that we have already proven that the rapture/resurrection takes place at the last day, and that God himself has begun and marked off time in days. I would suggest that the reader go back and briefly review chapter 9 of this book in order to have a good understanding of this chapter.

We also need to remember that God has always used particular days to fulfill his will. Notice the main verses of chapter 9, and then study the rest of this chapter.

Genesis 1:1-5 states, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.”

John 6:44 states, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up the last day”; and John 6:54 states, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

If you will notice, Job 19:25 states, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

Also notice John 11:24 which states, “Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

God has marked off time in days. There is a day of one’s death that has been preset by God. There is a day of salvation and total redemption that shall come on a particular day, which is the day of Christ. There is a day of wrath which Peter labels the day of God, and lest we forget, there is also a particular day called the day of the Lord. We have seen and biblically proven that there is a particular day for everything when it comes to God working His will through humanity and through His Son.

Martha, Job and Jesus himself has testified that the resurrection and rapture shall take place at the last day, and to argue this would be mute and foolish because this truth has been proven by the Word of our God.

In order to prove the timing of the last day, we need to use common sense, logical conclusions and deductive reasoning. The bible has given us the truth that God has begun the history of time with the creation and division of light and darkness into a day. As we logically conclude this fact, we must agree on the truth and principle of what constitutes a “day.” A day consists of two periods of time that have been called and labeled “light” and “darkness.” If you will notice in Genesis 1:5, we see that “GOD CALLED THE LIGHT DAY”; so we must logically, deductively and truthfully say that in order for there to be any amount of time marked of as a “day”, there must be light.

We must also agree that the any time frame that has been marked off as a “day” must also include a period of “darkness”.

That has been labeled “night” by God himself. If you will again notice Genesis 1:5, you will see that God called the light day, God called the darkness night and “THE EVENING AND THE MORNING WERE THE FIRST DAY”; so we must logically, deductively and truthfully conclude that any period that shall be labeled or marked off as a “day” must include both light and “darkness” in order to be qualified by God as any particular day that shall occur under the sun. To say or imply any different is contrary to the Word of God.

I want the reader to pay special attention to the fact that the FIRST DAY BEGINS WITH THE EVENING and then the morning because, as we will see, the resurrection/rapture will take place after God switches the lights off. Jesus tells us plainly in Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13 that the sun shall go dark, the moon shall go dark and at times be blood red, and the stars shall fall from heaven. All of this takes place after the great tribulation period that God himself must shorten in order to preserve any flesh alive, and for the saved/elect God will shorten the time frame to allow the statement by Paul concerning those which are alive and remain to be true. Notice the following scriptures, and I want to point out that the reference to Revelation is the opening of the sixth seal which takes place BEFORE the seventh seal which begins the opening of the 7 trumpets.


Chapter 18 continued next post

Chapter 18 finished

Jesus, in Matthew 24:29-30, states, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the Son of man in heaven: and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Mark 13:24-26 states, “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.”

Luke 21:25-28 which states, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”

Revelation 6:12-14 states, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”

The sun going dark and the moon not giving her light as the stars fall from heaven sets the stage for the last day. Remember that the EVENING and the MORNING were the first day. The darkness and the morning of the heavens being split and the glory of God shining down will constitute the last day. We do not have to guess about when the last day is because the book of Revelation tells us plainly when the last day is, and what is the crowning event of the last day. Notice if you will, the following scripture.

Revelation 10:6-7 states, “And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.”

Let us get this straight. God kills the light at the sixth seal which will plunge the world into utter darkness. Don’t forget that Jesus has warned his church to work while we have the light because the time is coming when no man will be able to work because of the darkness. God, by plunging the world into darkness, shall set the stage for the coming of His Son Jesus. The evening and the morning shall constitute the day of Christ, the day of the Lord and the day of God concerning the LAST DAY.

The sixth seal turns the lights out, and then comes the seventh seal which starts the seven trumpets that are to come. God tells us plainly that time, human rule and man’s freedom under the sun ends right before the 7th trump as the announcement is made in heaven that TIME SHOULD BE NO MORE. Imagine the following thought.

God shuts the light out, and then pours out the 7th seal, the seven thunders and 6 trumpets. This time will constitute our period of “darkness” that shall make up the evening aspect of our last day. This will be the darkest period of human history that shall grip the whole of humanity as well as creation. All of a sudden, the heavens split wide open with the sign of the coming of the Son of Man, and the glory of Jesus as a morning sun shall split the sky and begin the time frame that is known as the day of Christ and the day of the Lord and the day of God.

This period of darkness and “light” will constitute the last day. Jesus said, “I am the first and the LAST” as well as, “I am the beginning and the END.” Everything begins with God and ends with God. Your life begins with God giving you life, and your life ends with God as your knees crack to bow, be judged and confess to the glory of God. DO NOT REJECT THE WORD OF GOD. Jesus, as well as Job and Martha, said that the resurrection would take place at the LAST DAY. The LAST DAY IS STATED right before the 7th trump of the book of Revelation. It is as plain as the morning sun as it cracks the eastern sky. It is totally contrary to the Word of God for any man, woman or religion to teach that Jesus can come at any minute because to do so denies all of the facts that this book sets in order, but more importantly it rejects the eternal truths of the Word of God.

The truths of God teach that before Jesus will come, there are 7 seals, 7 thunders and 7 trumpets that must be opened, thundered and blown. We will wait to give our closing arguments until the last chapter. I humbly ask all who read this book to be submissive to the Word of God, and please do not allow pride to stand in the way of knowing the truth.

Chapter 19
The Answer from the Last Trump!

As we look for the truth concerning the trump of God, which leads to the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the changing of those who are alive and remain, let us always be true to the source of all things, the Holy word of God Almighty which has been given through His Son Jesus Christ. In order to grasp this truth we must first turn our attention to the resurrection and rapture of the saints of God as found in the book of 1st Corinthians. Notice the following truths.

1st Corinthians 15:51-57 states, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the LAST TRUMP; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immorality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immorality, and then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul wrote this church letter to the church which was at Corinth. It was a Gentile church, and we must notice the facts that Paul gives here that tell us exactly when the rapture takes place. The “LAST TRUMP” is when Paul teaches the rapture takes place. The bible can say that no man can know the date or time and be absolutely true, but at the same time we can know that it takes place at the last trump without knowing the date of that last trump.

Paul, in verse 51, calls the rapture a mystery and begins to tell us about it. He plainly states that not all of the children of God shall have to sleep, i.e. die. Even though we will not all die, we must understand that we will all be changed because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. We must all receive a body that has been changed in order for us to stand in the presence of our God; a body that has been animated by spirit, and not by blood. So, all believers that are dead in Christ shall be resurrected from the dead and changed while all those who are alive and remain unto the coming of Jesus will be changed immediately into a glorified state. The quickness of this event when it comes will be as fast as it takes to blink your eyes. When the God of heaven works, it is instantaneous and without error.

Paul, in verse 52, tells us that this instant event will take place “AT THE LAST TRUMP.” Take it or leave it: the rapture takes place at the last trump that is found in the Bible, and when you start adding up all the facts, you will see that the 7th trump of the book of Revelation fulfills all scriptural requirements to be considered the true and right answer when it comes to the rapture/second coming of Jesus. Paul tells us that when the last trump shall sound, the dead will be raised and the ones left alive shall be changed. This event can be none other than the rapture, and notice the fact that Paul uses the word “ALL” when he describes the dead and the alive in Christ which puts a nail in the coffin of all those who teach a split rapture.

Paul, in verses 54-57, then describes the inner workings of the rapture and what it entails. We will be transformed from a corrupt mortal into an incorruptible immortal. Wow! Can you even begin to imagine what it will be like? No more pain, tears, sickness or death ever again. Paul asks a few questions about death and the grave and wants to know where their sting and victory are. The answer is the fact that the rapture/resurrection is the victory and it is found in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. He said that no man will come unto the Father except they come by Him. In view of this victory, Paul tells us all to be unmovable in our stance for Christ and to be steadfast while abounding in the work of God because our labor shall not be in vain.

The next set of scriptures that we need to consider come from the book of Thessalonians. Paul, in this letter to another Gentile church, gives us an even deeper look into the event that is known as the second coming/rapture. As we look to the Word, I again implore you, the reader, to be honest with the Word of God and the truths that are set forth therein.

1st Thessalonians 4:13-17 states, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

What words of comfort and hope that Paul imparts to this church, as well as all of those who will trust into the saving faith of Jesus Christ. Paul begins this testimony by telling all to not be ignorant of those who have died in Christ. He then tells us that if we believe that Jesus died and stood again to not sorrow like the people who have no hope, because the fact remains that the ones who are dead in Christ will be brought back with our God when He comes. Paul then gives the order of the resurrection/rapture, and even adds a few details that give us more insight into this event in history which is called a victory and a mystery.

In verse 15, Paul begins by telling us that what he is teaching is based upon the word of the Lord, and the simple truth is that we which are alive and remain shall not “go before” those who have died in Christ. God is a God of order, and there is an order to the resurrection/rapture. Everything in its place and order is the way our God works, and as we look to the remainder of the verses in this text, you need to be submissive to the Word of God and the truths that are presented therein. Notice the following.

In verse 16, we see that the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout, and we see that the shout is the voice of the arch angel. The arch angel is not named and is irrelevant in light of the glorious God of heaven descending to the earth. I personally believe that it is probably Michael, but to know for sure really does not matter. It is our God that we should be concerned with and I am quite positive that the eyes of all will be upon the great God and Savior Jesus Christ as he descends to earth to claim his children and execute his wrath upon those who have rejected the love of the truth.

Not only does it involve a shout, but also we see another nail in the coffin that sets forth the rapture taking place at the trump of God. I want the reader to pay special attention to the fact that the rapture is announced with a shout and the trump of God, which Paul calls the last trump. If you will put this account together with the account in 1st Corinthians, you will find that the resurrection/rapture is called a mystery and is announced with a shout which leads to victory. As we look to a type of the resurrection/rapture which is pictured with a shout and a victory, we will find that that Old Testament paints a vivid picture of this event with the defeat of Jericho by the people of God under the hand of Joshua. Did you know that the name Joshua means “savior” in Hebrew?

The rest of verse 16 and verse 17 teaches us that the order of the resurrection/rapture goes as follows: The dead first and those who are alive in Christ last. Paul said that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. He then tells us that we will forever from that day forward be with our God for all eternal ages. So shall we ever be with the Lord. Can you even begin to imagine the bliss of dwelling in our “mansion” that Christ has prepared for us so that where he is there we may be also? No wonder Paul tells us to comfort one another with these powerful words of hope and love.

Chapter 20
The Answer from a Mystery!

As we look to the word of God to get the answer from a mystery, let us again be willing to submit ourselves to the all sufficient rule of faith and practice which is the Bible. It may be an oxymoron in modern thinking to believe that a person can get a small piece of the puzzle concerning the rapture from a mystery, but in reality you can; and as we look to the following scriptures that teach us another truth in our quest to uncover the timing of the resurrection/rapture, let us be honest and believe the Word of God. To begin with, we must go to the beginning to see who may know the mysteries of God.

Matthew 13:10-11 states, “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto THEM in parables? He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto YOU to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to THEM it is not given.”

The disciples of Jesus had been prepared and baptized by John the Baptist. This group of believers had been called out by Jesus and organized by Jesus into the first New Testament church. This first church of saved baptized disciples wanted to know why Jesus spoke in parables unto the people which were listening to Jesus as he taught by the sea. The answer that Jesus gives is contrary to the way most churches try to practice Christianity. Notice what the Lord had to say about the matter of why he spoke in hidden truth.

He plainly states in a nutshell that the Word of God is for his disciples and not for the average hearer. He states that it is not given unto them to know the mysteries of the kingdom; and as we consider this truth, we know this to be true based upon chapter 7 that the Word of God is for the saved, and the only message that anyone will ever understand is the truth that God reveals through His Spirit unto those to whom he reveals it. It is not given unto every man, woman or child to understand the Word of God, and we must understand that the first mystery on the list is eternal salvation.

Luke 8:10 states, “And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God; but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.”

Wow! Can you imagine that? Jesus states that in seeing they might not see and in hearing they might not understand. I always thought that the word of God was for everybody until I started studying. The Word of God is for the believer, and we need to keep that in mind when we are trying to witness to those who are lost. It does not do any good to try and convince a lost man about the Word of God except for the message of salvation, because he cannot know it or understand it because it is spiritually discerned. As we move forward in this chapter, the first notch in the old belt is the fact that the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are given unto the saved, baptized disciples of Jesus Christ.

As we consider the next truth in this chapter, we need to turn to the letter that Paul wrote unto the church which was located at Ephesus. The context of the verse that we will consider is the suit of armor that a child of God is to put on in order to stand any particular day in the which evil will come upon them. The last piece that we are to add to the complete set of armor is prayer. Paul tells this church to pray always with all prayer and supplication in spirit while watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints as found in chapter 6:18. Notice the next verse.

Ephesians 6:19 states, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…”

Paul wanted the church at Ephesus to pray for him that he may preach boldly the mystery of the gospel. As we consider this statement, I want you to glean the fact that Paul calls the “gospel” a mystery. The truth of the matter is that the correct way to heaven through Jesus Christ is a mystery to the majority of the world. The Bible says that broad and wide is the way that leads to destruction and many there be that go in thereat, for straight and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there be that find it. The reason many go to their destruction and few find life is because the gospel is a mystery.

Let us move on and consider the fact that it is the true preachers and churches of the living God that hold the stewardship of the gospel of salvation. Notice the following truths.

1st Corinthians 4:1 states, “Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and the stewards of the mysteries of God.”

Stewardship comes with great responsibility, and Paul plainly states here that he and Sosthenes were also given stewardship of the mysteries of God. We must consider the fact that Paul was writing to another true Church of Jesus, and any man, woman or child that has been saved, scripturally immersed and in fellowship with a true New Testament church is bound by the great commission which leads us to “make disciples.” The only way to make disciples is to “witness” and “proclaim” the Word of God, therefore we must conclude that all true churches, as well as Paul, have been given the stewardship of the mysteries of the kingdom of God.

Let us look to the Corinthian letter to see the fact that Paul also calls the resurrection/rapture a mystery. Again, the reason that it has been a mystery is because it is hidden from the masses throughout all generations while having been revealed unto the few which “find” the straight and narrow way.

1st Corinthians 15:50-57 is an obvious reference to the resurrection/rapture. Paul talks of the dead in Christ being raised while those who are alive and remain shall be changed, so we will not even argue this moot point with any fool that wants to deny what this reference plainly teaches. Knowing that this is about the resurrection/rapture, notice what Paul calls it in verse 51.

1st Corinthians 15:51-52 states, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

Paul calls the rapture/resurrection a mystery, and as we move on to the conclusion of this chapter, I implore the reader to be honest and truthful with the Word of God and what it has to say.

Paul was led to this conclusion by the Spirit of God, and to try and explain it away or argue the fact that the resurrection/rapture is anything other than a mystery would contradict the way that the God of heaven sees it.

As we look to the next scripture, we will find that the mystery of salvation, resurrection and change has been revealed unto the saints of God. Look what Paul has to say to another church in the Colossian letter.

Colossians 1:26 states, “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints…”

This verse by Paul to the New Testament church at Colosse is plain and clear. It tells us that the mystery that has been hidden for a period of time that is described as “ages” and “generations” has now been revealed unto the saints of God. The saints of God are the saved, and we must conclude from this fact that God has opened the eyes of those who are being saved and has revealed this mystery unto us that we may “see.”

We have proven that the message of salvation which leads the believer to the resurrection/rapture is a mystery. Through the process of time, God, on his own time frame, has chosen to reveal the mystery of salvation/resurrection/rapture unto his churches which by the way are made up of saved scripturally immersed believers who are called saints.

The reader should take note that John under inspiration in the book of Revelation makes it known that at the 7th trump of God the mystery should be finished, fulfilled and revealed. This is found in Revelation 10:7.

Chapter 21
The Answer of All Nations Gathered!

This particular chapter gives the reader a little more insight into another “sign” that points to the fact that the second coming of Jesus Christ is very near indeed. I will again beg the reader to be honest with the Word of God and the eternal truths that are presented therein. To begin with, we need to go to the Old Testament to look at one verse which is in the midst of 7 verses that are describing the coming of Jesus with His saints to make war against the army which has been gathered against Jerusalem. Notice what the book of Zechariah has to say.

Zechariah 14:2 states, “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.”

The context of this statement is the coming of the day of the Lord, and it is evident that before this day comes the Lord himself will gather together ALL NATIONS against Jerusalem.

All is conclusive of all when used in context, and the context here testifies that every nation that is under the sun shall be gathered up and thrown against the holy city of Jerusalem. We must conclude that one of the following statements must be true when it comes to the United States and her role in end time events.

The United States will be one of the nations that make up the nations being gathered against Jerusalem to battle, or the United States will no longer exist as a viable nation.

One of the above is true and will bear out. I will tell you that God will judge and make war against the U.S. if this country aligns herself with the world against Jerusalem to do battle. So in the book of Zechariah we see a statement that states plainly that before the day of the Lord comes, God will gather all nations against Jerusalem to do battle. Let us notice what Jesus has to say about the nations that have been heaped up around Jerusalem to do battle.

Luke 21:20 states, “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.”

Who is Jesus teaching in this set of verses? The bible states plainly that he is teaching his disciples. I must again point out that the disciples Jesus is teaching make up the first New Testament church. They have been born of the spirit, they have given outward proof of their re-birth, they have been scripturally immersed by John the Baptist and have been called out, organized and are now being taught by the first pastor/teacher; and his name is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, I will build MY CHURCH and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Knowing this truth, look at who Jesus states would see Jerusalem compassed with armies. Jesus tells HIS DISCIPLES which includes the statement, “when YOU ALL shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies…” The old English word ye mean’s “you all.” Jesus told his first church that when they would see Jerusalem surrounded with armies that they were to understand and know that the desolation was near. The book of Zechariah tells us that this time frame will proceed the day of the Lord. Let us not forget that we have already proven by chapter 17 that the resurrection/rapture is referred to as the day of the Lord in 1st Thessalonians and is also called the day of Christ in 2nd Thessalonians.

I do understand that Jesus spoke of a dual prophesy that entailed the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and the end of the age. However, ALL NATIONS gathered against Jerusalem alleviates the prophesy of the Roman destruction in 70 A.D. because it did not contain ALL nations gathered against Jerusalem.

Based upon the facts above and the facts that this book has proven, we must conclude that another sign to look for is Jerusalem encompassed with armies which shall occur before the coming of the day of the Lord.

Chapter 22
The Answer of Inheritance and When!

This chapter will deal with the time frame that will set forth the facts concerning our inheritance and when we receive it. If you will follow the scriptures, you will see that the children of God that have been biblically born again shall receive their inheritance in Christ at the second coming of Jesus Christ, which is known as the resurrection/rapture. We will also see that the 7th trump of the book of Revelation meets and fulfills the context that is taught at the sounding of the 7th trump of God by the angel of God in heaven. To begin this chapter, we will look to the all sufficient rule of faith and practice which is the Word of God. Notice the following scriptures and the truths that are therein.

Ephesians 1:10-11 states, “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance…”

This verse properly studied reveals at least four to five deep truths of God, but as we consider this verse we will stick with just two for now. The first thing that we notice is the fact that when the “fullness of times” comes our Lord will “GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST.” This particular gathering shall include both those things which are in heaven and those things which are on the earth, i.e. the saved that have died in Christ and have been carried by the angels to be in the presence of Christ in heaven, as well as those who are “still alive in Christ and remain.”

This is an obvious reference to the resurrection/rapture, and to argue against this truth is fruitless. Christ gathering together everything in him both in heaven and on the earth is obviously the crowning event of the total redemption in Christ, which takes place at the resurrection/rapture.

The next truth we notice is that “In him we have obtained an inheritance.” As we consider this fact, we will look at a few other scriptures to determine the truth of a particular inheritance in Christ for all who believe in Him correctly. I will say that this inheritance is based upon Jesus himself, and I am completely convinced that this inheritance has been predetermined before the casting down of the world and is kept by faithful service. The flip side of the coin is those who loose their inheritance through riotous living. They are still redeemed but have squandered away the inheritance that they could have had. They are saved children of God, but they stand before God naked and ashamed because of an unfaithful life of sin and rebellion. There are many examples of this line of thought, as found in the bible, such as every man’s work being tried by fire in 1st Corinthians 3:12-15, the parable of the wise servant, the parable of the prodigal son and crowns that can be won by particular deeds, just to name a few.

Colossians 1:12 states, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”

This verse teaches that it is the Father which has made us worthy to be “sharers” in the inheritance that is found in Christ. We have been made worthy by the blood of Jesus being applied to our souls, and lest we forget, this can only be accomplished by biblical conversion.

1st Peter 1:3-4 states, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”

These two verses add extreme weight to the fact that those who are in Christ have an inheritance reserved for them in heaven. As we look to the next scripture, we will find that this inheritance is based upon the fact that we are “co-inheritors” in and with Christ. I also want the reader to understand that this eternal inheritance goes way beyond salvation. Notice the following scripture.

Romans 8:17 states, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be glorified together.”

A true child of God that has been “born again” correctly is an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. The scriptures teach that we have obtained an inheritance in Christ and through Christ which is reserved in heaven for us, and this inheritance shall not fade away. As we consider the above verses and the fact that we are joint-heirs with Christ, I want us to ask ourselves this simple question.

When do we as co-inheritors with Jesus Christ receive our inheritance?

Before we answer this vital question we need to be brutally honest with the fact that the bible teaches plainly that Jesus has the pre-eminence in all things which means that he is first in line for all things. Knowing that Jesus is first in all things and knowing that we are co-inheritors with Jesus we can correctly conclude that we will receive our inheritance as co-inheritors with Christ when Jesus himself receives his inheritance which includes the kingdom from his Father. This truth bears out when you consider some verses from Daniel and from Revelation. Notice the following scriptures.

Daniel 7:21-22 states, “I beheld, and the same horn made war against the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgement was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”

These verses are given within the context of describing the four kingdoms that would arise throughout history. From one of these will surface the little horn which shall be the anti-Christ. This same horn is allowed to make war against the saints of God and prevail against them. You can read down to verse 25 and see that this is allowed to take place for three and one half years. The book of Revelation also teaches about this forty-two month war which shall be made against the saved of God. Notice the following facts about the above scripture.

Chapter 22 continued next post