PRAYER REQUEST:
I have a niece who just had a heart transplant at the age of 17. She is currently up in Seattle at the Children's Hospital on her 6th day with the new heart. My family is on the verge of losing their home due to the Sub Prime Interest Loan fiasco. Both my sisters and aging mother as well as my niece all live together as they have done their whole life. Both my sisters are working themselves to serious health problems trying to make the mortgage payments only to be getting in deeper each month. They cannot refinance because they are unable to stay current for 6 months to qualify for refinance. My sister, the mother of my niece with heart transplant spends all her time working and helping kids in their activities. They do so much for so many people only to be at the short end of the stick. I am worried that they will be kicked out of their home leaving my niece in a terrible situation being that she will need special care for quite some time to come. The stress that they are all facing is unlike anything I have ever encountered and their health depends on a miracle and fast. I ask that you will pray for them and that God will provide a solution......God Bless......Terry/PWNG
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Hope of the Ages -- Part 7
The Hope of the Ages -- Part 7 - by Mike Stallard - www.ankerberg.org/Articles/biblical-prophecy/BP0401W4.htm
This article is the seventh in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Previous articles have addressed the wonderful prospect of hope for the separate institutions of the nation Israel, the Church, and the Gentile nations. This article will focus on God's specific plan and deliverance for the created order itself.
It is clear that God's original creation plan included a beautiful earth with men and women reflecting God on earth as His image in several ways. Among those was mankind's exercise of dominion over the planet and its various creatures (Gen. 1:26-28). God directed this plan with more detail when Adam is given a place to live (Eden), a job to perform in tending the garden, a command to keep, and a companion to assist him (Gen. 2:15-25). It is also highly significant that God gave Adam responsibility to name the animals (Gen. 2:19).
However, God also gave Adam and Eve free will. It was possible for them to disobey God's commands. The temptation of Eve by the serpent and the ultimate fall of Adam into rebellion against God lead to judgments from God that mar the very created order that God had given to them (Gen. 3:14-19). Especially significant for our discussion is the curse that comes upon the world because of Adam's sin. The ground itself is cursed (3:17). This means a couple of things for humankind. First, new elements will exist in the created order, which are unpleasant. Specifically, thorns and thistles are mentioned. It is no surprise that three of the Gospels mention the crown of thorns that Jesus was forced to wear at His crucifixion. They represent His own identification with the curse brought about by Adam's transgression. His death on the cross was meant to provide the basis for eliminating that curse. Men and women can have His work on the cross applied to their own lives by simple faith, that is, trusting what He did on the cross to take away their own sin and guilt brought on by the curse. The second relevant application of the ground being cursed is the fact that hard work will now be required on Adam's part. The land will yield its plant food only with much difficulty.
Of course, the most terrible aspect of the curse brought into the created order by Adam's sin is the fact of death itself. The New Testament affirms that death entered into the entire cosmos by Adam's sin (Rom. 5:13). The entire creation "waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Rom. 8:19-21). Thus, the universe, not just planet earth, appears to have been made subject to the curse of death due to Adam's rebellion. Furthermore, this passage pictures the created order as longing for its own deliverance from this devastating predicament.
Therefore, it is not surprising to find that God's plan of the ages includes the hope and promise of the complete restoration of nature itself. This is expressed in several places in both Old and New Testaments. Representative of Old Testament teaching would be the prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Zechariah. All of these prophets speak of the ultimate and final restoration of the Messianic Davidic kingdom of Israel. However, they make clear that simultaneous with this restoration will be the renewal of the earth itself. The kingdom will be a time "when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills" (Amos 9:13 NIV; Cp. Joel 3:18; Is. 65). The desert and wilderness will blossom (Is. 35:1). The coming of the Messiah to deliver Jerusalem in the end times (Christ's Second Coming) brings with it topological and natural changes to the earth itself and there will be "no more curse" (Zech. 14:4-11). There is no reason not to take such expressions in a straightforward way as teaching the reversal of the natural implications of the curse described in Genesis.
Furthermore, in the prophets such future renewal is not limited to just plant life. Isaiah pictures the kingdom as a time when various creatures, previously antagonistic to each other, now peacefully coexist. He cites several combinations: wolf and lamb, leopard and goat, calf and lion with the yearling, cow and bear, lion and ox, infant and cobra (11:6-8). Surprisingly, a "little child will lead them" (11:6). Isaiah describes this renewed creation in the kingdom as a complete restoration of the harmony in nature that was lost in the Fall of man. Recall Adam's naming of the animals in Genesis two and Eve's lack of fear in talking to a serpent in Genesis three. It is also significant that the eating of meat, which was instituted after the Flood (Gen. 9:2-3), appears to be no longer necessary. Additionally, the fear of man that is placed in the world at that time is done away with in God's coming kingdom.
In the New Testament there are several lines of evidence that support the notion that God has a plan to renew the created order. This is shown through the healing ministry of Christ and the doctrine of the resurrection that highlights the removal of the curse. However, with respect to nature itself, Acts 3:21 speaks of the restoration of all things to be initiated at the Second Coming of Jesus. Romans 8:19 shows the created order longing for the revealing of the sons of God (at the Second Coming) for its own deliverance as shown above. Second Peter 3:10-13 speaks of the destruction of the created order by fire. It appears that this is a kind of fiery renovation with a new heaven and a new earth. This cataclysmic event occurs at the end of the millennium since Revelation 21 shows that the time of the new heaven and new earth follows the thousand years of chapter 20. Thus, God's renewal of the created order, which is initiated at the Second Coming, is finalized when God moves His abode (the heavenly Jerusalem) to earth to dwell with men forever. It is at this time that the final enemy-death-is once and for all done away fulfilling the greatest promise that God has ever made (Rev. 21:4). The description of the heavenly city in Revelation 21-22 shows that God's ultimate plan is to give to mankind more than Adam ever lost in the garden, including a brave new world beyond our wildest imaginations.
This article is the seventh in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Previous articles have addressed the wonderful prospect of hope for the separate institutions of the nation Israel, the Church, and the Gentile nations. This article will focus on God's specific plan and deliverance for the created order itself.
It is clear that God's original creation plan included a beautiful earth with men and women reflecting God on earth as His image in several ways. Among those was mankind's exercise of dominion over the planet and its various creatures (Gen. 1:26-28). God directed this plan with more detail when Adam is given a place to live (Eden), a job to perform in tending the garden, a command to keep, and a companion to assist him (Gen. 2:15-25). It is also highly significant that God gave Adam responsibility to name the animals (Gen. 2:19).
However, God also gave Adam and Eve free will. It was possible for them to disobey God's commands. The temptation of Eve by the serpent and the ultimate fall of Adam into rebellion against God lead to judgments from God that mar the very created order that God had given to them (Gen. 3:14-19). Especially significant for our discussion is the curse that comes upon the world because of Adam's sin. The ground itself is cursed (3:17). This means a couple of things for humankind. First, new elements will exist in the created order, which are unpleasant. Specifically, thorns and thistles are mentioned. It is no surprise that three of the Gospels mention the crown of thorns that Jesus was forced to wear at His crucifixion. They represent His own identification with the curse brought about by Adam's transgression. His death on the cross was meant to provide the basis for eliminating that curse. Men and women can have His work on the cross applied to their own lives by simple faith, that is, trusting what He did on the cross to take away their own sin and guilt brought on by the curse. The second relevant application of the ground being cursed is the fact that hard work will now be required on Adam's part. The land will yield its plant food only with much difficulty.
Of course, the most terrible aspect of the curse brought into the created order by Adam's sin is the fact of death itself. The New Testament affirms that death entered into the entire cosmos by Adam's sin (Rom. 5:13). The entire creation "waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God" (Rom. 8:19-21). Thus, the universe, not just planet earth, appears to have been made subject to the curse of death due to Adam's rebellion. Furthermore, this passage pictures the created order as longing for its own deliverance from this devastating predicament.
Therefore, it is not surprising to find that God's plan of the ages includes the hope and promise of the complete restoration of nature itself. This is expressed in several places in both Old and New Testaments. Representative of Old Testament teaching would be the prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Zechariah. All of these prophets speak of the ultimate and final restoration of the Messianic Davidic kingdom of Israel. However, they make clear that simultaneous with this restoration will be the renewal of the earth itself. The kingdom will be a time "when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills" (Amos 9:13 NIV; Cp. Joel 3:18; Is. 65). The desert and wilderness will blossom (Is. 35:1). The coming of the Messiah to deliver Jerusalem in the end times (Christ's Second Coming) brings with it topological and natural changes to the earth itself and there will be "no more curse" (Zech. 14:4-11). There is no reason not to take such expressions in a straightforward way as teaching the reversal of the natural implications of the curse described in Genesis.
Furthermore, in the prophets such future renewal is not limited to just plant life. Isaiah pictures the kingdom as a time when various creatures, previously antagonistic to each other, now peacefully coexist. He cites several combinations: wolf and lamb, leopard and goat, calf and lion with the yearling, cow and bear, lion and ox, infant and cobra (11:6-8). Surprisingly, a "little child will lead them" (11:6). Isaiah describes this renewed creation in the kingdom as a complete restoration of the harmony in nature that was lost in the Fall of man. Recall Adam's naming of the animals in Genesis two and Eve's lack of fear in talking to a serpent in Genesis three. It is also significant that the eating of meat, which was instituted after the Flood (Gen. 9:2-3), appears to be no longer necessary. Additionally, the fear of man that is placed in the world at that time is done away with in God's coming kingdom.
In the New Testament there are several lines of evidence that support the notion that God has a plan to renew the created order. This is shown through the healing ministry of Christ and the doctrine of the resurrection that highlights the removal of the curse. However, with respect to nature itself, Acts 3:21 speaks of the restoration of all things to be initiated at the Second Coming of Jesus. Romans 8:19 shows the created order longing for the revealing of the sons of God (at the Second Coming) for its own deliverance as shown above. Second Peter 3:10-13 speaks of the destruction of the created order by fire. It appears that this is a kind of fiery renovation with a new heaven and a new earth. This cataclysmic event occurs at the end of the millennium since Revelation 21 shows that the time of the new heaven and new earth follows the thousand years of chapter 20. Thus, God's renewal of the created order, which is initiated at the Second Coming, is finalized when God moves His abode (the heavenly Jerusalem) to earth to dwell with men forever. It is at this time that the final enemy-death-is once and for all done away fulfilling the greatest promise that God has ever made (Rev. 21:4). The description of the heavenly city in Revelation 21-22 shows that God's ultimate plan is to give to mankind more than Adam ever lost in the garden, including a brave new world beyond our wildest imaginations.
Hope of the Ages -- Part 6
The Hope of the Ages -- Part 6 - by Mike Stallard -
This article is the sixth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Previous articles have addressed the wonderful prospect of hope for the separate institutions of the nation Israel and the Church. This article will focus on the Gentile (non-Jewish) nations of the world. In particular, this is not simply a discussion of the future demonstration of the redemption of individuals within the nations, although an individual element does exist. It is more a discussion of God's national plans for certain nations as they take their place in the coming kingdom.
At the outset it is important to define the term nation or nations. In Hebrew the most frequent term in the plural is goyim (the people); in Greek it is ethnos. Based upon the conceptual idea in the Bible, these terms generally refer to the various people groups in the world. The context of each passage would determine the range of those groups intended and whether the emphasis should be on (1) political entities, (2) ethnic backgrounds, or (3) geographical territories (or perhaps a combination).
God's purpose in raising up nationalities within history begins to surface in the Table of Nations cited in Genesis chapter 10 (see also 1 Chronicles 1:5-23). In that chapter, the expansion of the human race after the Flood in various people groups is shown through the genealogies of the three sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The idea of distinctions among the nations is intensified in the next chapter of Genesis with the episode at the Tower of Babel. There, God confuses the language of the people so that the human race that had congregated at Babel was scattered throughout the whole earth with various spoken languages. Consequently, barriers were strengthened over time marking off the nations as separate ethnic groups.
However, God always had kind intentions toward the nations. Even though he chooses one nation from among all the nations in Genesis 12:1-3 by graciously raising up Abraham and his descendants, God's promise to Abraham included "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). It is also true that Israel is often viewed as a light to all of the other nations. For example, Jonah, the reluctant prophet of Israel, is sent to witness to the wicked Assyrians. In addition, the prophet Isaiah reminded the nation of Israel that its Messiah, the Servant, was to be a light to the other nations as well (Isa. 42:1-6; 49:6).
In Isaiah, the idea of a nation is mentioned seventy-six times. This prominent focus demonstrates more clearly than any of the other Old Testament books the future prospect and hope of the nations. For example, in Isaiah 2:1-4 the nations are pictured in the last days as streaming to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to learn the word of God from the Lord Himself. This kingdom picture shows that God will judge between nations and that war will be done away (v. 4). Isaiah chapter eleven gives a beautiful portrait of God's coming kingdom for which he gathers the children of Israel from the four quarters of the earth (see v. 11-16). However, it is also a time when the "nations will resort to the root of Jesse" (v. 10), that is, to the Messiah of Israel. The last chapter of Isaiah (66) teaches that there is coming a day when God will "gather all nations and tongues" to see His glory (v. 18). In all of these kinds of passages, the biblical writers do not seem to be eliminating ethnic and national distinctions as they discuss the future hope for the nations. This hope is specifically wrapped up in the same Person, the Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, the basis for the future hope of the nations is the same as it is for God's chosen people Israel.
The book of Daniel also aids our understanding of the future hope of the nations. In chapter two, the dream of Nebuchadnezzar shows the progression of the four world kingdoms that can be identified (with help throughout the book of Daniel) with Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The text is clear that God is in control of world history throughout the rise and fall of these empires. In the parallel passage in Daniel chapter seven, the Son of Man (Christ) begins to rule the national, political, earthly ethnic kingdom of God centered in Israel, but it is clearly stated that "all peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve him" (v. 14). That God does not view all political entities as done away with at that time can be known from the fact that such dominion shall be handed over to the saints to be continued (v. 27).
The New Testament continues an interest in the non-Jewish people groups of the world. Gentiles are included in the genealogies of Matthew chapter one. The Persian Magi come to worship the Christ-child in Matthew chapter two. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, there is a highlighting of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's future plan. However, much of it anticipates the inclusion of the Gentiles into the anticipated Church (see Matthew 13 & 16) where no national or political boundaries and distinctions are emphasized (see also the book of Acts).
However, Matthew 24-25 suggests that the Second Coming of Christ brings with it a judgment upon the nations. Christ sits upon His throne and gathers the nations in order to separate them into the sheep and the goats (25:32). The sheep are the ones who have treated the "brethren" well while the goats have mistreated them (25:40). In the context of the Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25), the brethren appear to refer to the nation of Israel, the fellow Jews of Jesus. The judgment does not seem to be focused primarily on national aspects, but on individuals (see 25:35-46). However, this prophetic picture does not unravel any national, ethnic elements.
Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, underscores God's focus on the nations of the world. In chapter seven, there are tribulation saints (perhaps martyrs) who come from every nation, all tribes, peoples, and tongues (v. 9). At the end of the millennium, Satan deceives the nations one more time (20:7-10) showing that ethnic distinctions are not done away with in that time period. Finally, in the new Jerusalem of the eternal state, there is a tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations (22:2). While many of these promises are directed to individuals from within people groups and not the people groups themselves, they at least highlight the fact that God has not dismissed national identities. Coupled with the many passages that teach the administrative rewards of the coming kingdom (e.g., Dan. 7:14, Lk. 19:11ff), it is not hard to understand that God has designed a glorious future with political structures in place for the many peoples of the world as He rules from His seat of authority in Jerusalem.
This article is the sixth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Previous articles have addressed the wonderful prospect of hope for the separate institutions of the nation Israel and the Church. This article will focus on the Gentile (non-Jewish) nations of the world. In particular, this is not simply a discussion of the future demonstration of the redemption of individuals within the nations, although an individual element does exist. It is more a discussion of God's national plans for certain nations as they take their place in the coming kingdom.
At the outset it is important to define the term nation or nations. In Hebrew the most frequent term in the plural is goyim (the people); in Greek it is ethnos. Based upon the conceptual idea in the Bible, these terms generally refer to the various people groups in the world. The context of each passage would determine the range of those groups intended and whether the emphasis should be on (1) political entities, (2) ethnic backgrounds, or (3) geographical territories (or perhaps a combination).
God's purpose in raising up nationalities within history begins to surface in the Table of Nations cited in Genesis chapter 10 (see also 1 Chronicles 1:5-23). In that chapter, the expansion of the human race after the Flood in various people groups is shown through the genealogies of the three sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The idea of distinctions among the nations is intensified in the next chapter of Genesis with the episode at the Tower of Babel. There, God confuses the language of the people so that the human race that had congregated at Babel was scattered throughout the whole earth with various spoken languages. Consequently, barriers were strengthened over time marking off the nations as separate ethnic groups.
However, God always had kind intentions toward the nations. Even though he chooses one nation from among all the nations in Genesis 12:1-3 by graciously raising up Abraham and his descendants, God's promise to Abraham included "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). It is also true that Israel is often viewed as a light to all of the other nations. For example, Jonah, the reluctant prophet of Israel, is sent to witness to the wicked Assyrians. In addition, the prophet Isaiah reminded the nation of Israel that its Messiah, the Servant, was to be a light to the other nations as well (Isa. 42:1-6; 49:6).
In Isaiah, the idea of a nation is mentioned seventy-six times. This prominent focus demonstrates more clearly than any of the other Old Testament books the future prospect and hope of the nations. For example, in Isaiah 2:1-4 the nations are pictured in the last days as streaming to Mount Zion in Jerusalem to learn the word of God from the Lord Himself. This kingdom picture shows that God will judge between nations and that war will be done away (v. 4). Isaiah chapter eleven gives a beautiful portrait of God's coming kingdom for which he gathers the children of Israel from the four quarters of the earth (see v. 11-16). However, it is also a time when the "nations will resort to the root of Jesse" (v. 10), that is, to the Messiah of Israel. The last chapter of Isaiah (66) teaches that there is coming a day when God will "gather all nations and tongues" to see His glory (v. 18). In all of these kinds of passages, the biblical writers do not seem to be eliminating ethnic and national distinctions as they discuss the future hope for the nations. This hope is specifically wrapped up in the same Person, the Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, the basis for the future hope of the nations is the same as it is for God's chosen people Israel.
The book of Daniel also aids our understanding of the future hope of the nations. In chapter two, the dream of Nebuchadnezzar shows the progression of the four world kingdoms that can be identified (with help throughout the book of Daniel) with Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The text is clear that God is in control of world history throughout the rise and fall of these empires. In the parallel passage in Daniel chapter seven, the Son of Man (Christ) begins to rule the national, political, earthly ethnic kingdom of God centered in Israel, but it is clearly stated that "all peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve him" (v. 14). That God does not view all political entities as done away with at that time can be known from the fact that such dominion shall be handed over to the saints to be continued (v. 27).
The New Testament continues an interest in the non-Jewish people groups of the world. Gentiles are included in the genealogies of Matthew chapter one. The Persian Magi come to worship the Christ-child in Matthew chapter two. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, there is a highlighting of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's future plan. However, much of it anticipates the inclusion of the Gentiles into the anticipated Church (see Matthew 13 & 16) where no national or political boundaries and distinctions are emphasized (see also the book of Acts).
However, Matthew 24-25 suggests that the Second Coming of Christ brings with it a judgment upon the nations. Christ sits upon His throne and gathers the nations in order to separate them into the sheep and the goats (25:32). The sheep are the ones who have treated the "brethren" well while the goats have mistreated them (25:40). In the context of the Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25), the brethren appear to refer to the nation of Israel, the fellow Jews of Jesus. The judgment does not seem to be focused primarily on national aspects, but on individuals (see 25:35-46). However, this prophetic picture does not unravel any national, ethnic elements.
Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, underscores God's focus on the nations of the world. In chapter seven, there are tribulation saints (perhaps martyrs) who come from every nation, all tribes, peoples, and tongues (v. 9). At the end of the millennium, Satan deceives the nations one more time (20:7-10) showing that ethnic distinctions are not done away with in that time period. Finally, in the new Jerusalem of the eternal state, there is a tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations (22:2). While many of these promises are directed to individuals from within people groups and not the people groups themselves, they at least highlight the fact that God has not dismissed national identities. Coupled with the many passages that teach the administrative rewards of the coming kingdom (e.g., Dan. 7:14, Lk. 19:11ff), it is not hard to understand that God has designed a glorious future with political structures in place for the many peoples of the world as He rules from His seat of authority in Jerusalem.
Hope of the Ages -- Part 5
The Hope of the Ages -- Part 5 - by Mike Stallard - www.ankerberg.org/Articles/biblical-prophecy/BP1200W4.htm
This article is the fifth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will continue to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. In Part 3 it was noted that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. While the last two articles dealt with the promise of a land and a kingdom, this article will outline in brief the future spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel.
It is important that Bible students emphasize these spiritual dimensions of Israel's future as well as its national land and kingdom hopes. God's gracious provision for that nation includes individual elements for its citizens that deal with forgiveness, life, and enablement for obedience. Several passages from both the Old and New Testaments discuss and confirm these future promises for the nation.
One of the earliest occurrences of a promise of future spiritual deliverance of Israel is given in Deuteronomy 30:1-6. Moses had outlined divine blessings and curses that would come upon the Israelites based upon their obedience to the law given at Mount Sinai and in the Mosaic legislation (Deut. 28). The list of curses included the scattering of the Israelites throughout the nations of the world (Deut. 28:64-65). However, Moses predicted that after such judgment a returning of Israel to God and a resultant restoration to the land would take place for the chosen nation. It is in this context, that the significant statement in verse six is given: "Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live." The imagery of the words "circumcise your heart" implies that God would work in the individuals of the nation to produce in them a new, devoted heart that would be enabled to follow Him with the result of life or abundant blessing. This passage does not by itself reveal anything about the timing of this work of God, but as we look at other prophetic passages below, it is clear that this work is begun at the Second Coming of the Messiah Jesus.
One of the earliest of the prophets to speak to this issue was Joel (eighth century B. C.) whose words reflect the earlier notions of Deuteronomy. In Joel 3:1-2, God says He will "restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem" as well as judge the nations of the world for mistreating Israel. The historical context of this restoration is the "great and awesome day of the LORD" judgments (Joel 2:31-32). The key spiritual promise associated with this predicted restoration is the promise that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). Isaiah, another eighth century prophet, alludes to the spiritual dimensions of a coming kingdom for Israel in at least three passages. In 32:15-20, the prophet envisions a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon the nation with the result that justice and righteousness will spread though the land bringing peace and prosperity. In Isaiah 44:1-8, the prophet talks of the future kingdom as a time when God would bring both physical and spiritual blessing through his Spirit. The result is that all in the nation will know the Lord (v. 5). In Isaiah 59:19-21, the same truth is put forward but now is tied to the idea of a covenant between God and the nation. The nation will have the Spirit put upon it in conjunction with the words of God and the resulting obedience of the people. That the future kingdom is in view is verified by the promise in the passage that this covenant would last forever (v. 21).
More details are given in two other key prophetic books associated with the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah 31:31-34 points to a future day when God will make a "new" covenant with the nation of Israel which will supercede the old Mosaic covenant which was broken. This "new" covenant shall last forever (see v. 34). This new covenant will consist of several elements: (1) God will write His law within the hearts of the people; (2) God will be God in the life of Israel and Judah; (3) there will be personal knowledge of God; (4) there will be forgiveness and cleansing from sin. All in the nation will know and follow the LORD. In Ezekiel 36:26-38, the exilic prophet describes the same promises of God, but adds the specific fact that God will put His Spirit into every man for the purpose of empowerment for obedience (v. 27). In this way, Ezekiel reaffirms the earlier prophecies of Joel and Isaiah while the nation was languishing hopelessly in exile in Babylon. What is intriguing about Ezekiel's outline of these new covenant promises is that these future guarantees are embedded in a section discussing the regathering of Israel back to the land and the details of kingdom, including temple ceremonies, priesthood responsibilities, and land allotments (Ez. 37-48).
The New Testament also supports this future spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel. Acts 3:19-21 speaks of the "times of refreshing" and the "period of restoration" which are associated with the Second Coming of Jesus. Romans 11:25-27 promises that the nation of Israel will be saved when the time of the Gentile domination is complete. This salvation includes the removing of ungodliness from the nation and is called a "covenant" with the people under which they will receive forgiveness of sins. In addition, Hebrews 8:6-13 highlights the new covenant pledge by God cited in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The main point for the writer to the Hebrews appears to be the replacement of the old covenant (Mosaic Covenant) for the nation. Then in Hebrews 10:16-17, the putting of God's laws on the hearts of the people and the granting of forgiveness are emphasized.
Consequently, both the Old and New Testaments envision a time, correlated with the Second Coming of Christ and the start of His earthly kingdom, when the nation of Israel will received spiritual blessings of a new covenant which will grant them empowerment for obedience far beyond anything ever experienced before as the Spirit is poured out upon the nation. Along with this divine enablement comes forgiveness and the personal presence of God. Such provisions occur co-extensively with the land and kingdom promises cited in earlier articles. Indeed, the future prospect for the nation of Israel looks bright, but can only be brought to pass by the personal presence of the nation's Messiah, Jesus Christ.
This article is the fifth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will continue to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. In Part 3 it was noted that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. While the last two articles dealt with the promise of a land and a kingdom, this article will outline in brief the future spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel.
It is important that Bible students emphasize these spiritual dimensions of Israel's future as well as its national land and kingdom hopes. God's gracious provision for that nation includes individual elements for its citizens that deal with forgiveness, life, and enablement for obedience. Several passages from both the Old and New Testaments discuss and confirm these future promises for the nation.
One of the earliest occurrences of a promise of future spiritual deliverance of Israel is given in Deuteronomy 30:1-6. Moses had outlined divine blessings and curses that would come upon the Israelites based upon their obedience to the law given at Mount Sinai and in the Mosaic legislation (Deut. 28). The list of curses included the scattering of the Israelites throughout the nations of the world (Deut. 28:64-65). However, Moses predicted that after such judgment a returning of Israel to God and a resultant restoration to the land would take place for the chosen nation. It is in this context, that the significant statement in verse six is given: "Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live." The imagery of the words "circumcise your heart" implies that God would work in the individuals of the nation to produce in them a new, devoted heart that would be enabled to follow Him with the result of life or abundant blessing. This passage does not by itself reveal anything about the timing of this work of God, but as we look at other prophetic passages below, it is clear that this work is begun at the Second Coming of the Messiah Jesus.
One of the earliest of the prophets to speak to this issue was Joel (eighth century B. C.) whose words reflect the earlier notions of Deuteronomy. In Joel 3:1-2, God says He will "restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem" as well as judge the nations of the world for mistreating Israel. The historical context of this restoration is the "great and awesome day of the LORD" judgments (Joel 2:31-32). The key spiritual promise associated with this predicted restoration is the promise that God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28). Isaiah, another eighth century prophet, alludes to the spiritual dimensions of a coming kingdom for Israel in at least three passages. In 32:15-20, the prophet envisions a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon the nation with the result that justice and righteousness will spread though the land bringing peace and prosperity. In Isaiah 44:1-8, the prophet talks of the future kingdom as a time when God would bring both physical and spiritual blessing through his Spirit. The result is that all in the nation will know the Lord (v. 5). In Isaiah 59:19-21, the same truth is put forward but now is tied to the idea of a covenant between God and the nation. The nation will have the Spirit put upon it in conjunction with the words of God and the resulting obedience of the people. That the future kingdom is in view is verified by the promise in the passage that this covenant would last forever (v. 21).
More details are given in two other key prophetic books associated with the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah 31:31-34 points to a future day when God will make a "new" covenant with the nation of Israel which will supercede the old Mosaic covenant which was broken. This "new" covenant shall last forever (see v. 34). This new covenant will consist of several elements: (1) God will write His law within the hearts of the people; (2) God will be God in the life of Israel and Judah; (3) there will be personal knowledge of God; (4) there will be forgiveness and cleansing from sin. All in the nation will know and follow the LORD. In Ezekiel 36:26-38, the exilic prophet describes the same promises of God, but adds the specific fact that God will put His Spirit into every man for the purpose of empowerment for obedience (v. 27). In this way, Ezekiel reaffirms the earlier prophecies of Joel and Isaiah while the nation was languishing hopelessly in exile in Babylon. What is intriguing about Ezekiel's outline of these new covenant promises is that these future guarantees are embedded in a section discussing the regathering of Israel back to the land and the details of kingdom, including temple ceremonies, priesthood responsibilities, and land allotments (Ez. 37-48).
The New Testament also supports this future spiritual restoration of the nation of Israel. Acts 3:19-21 speaks of the "times of refreshing" and the "period of restoration" which are associated with the Second Coming of Jesus. Romans 11:25-27 promises that the nation of Israel will be saved when the time of the Gentile domination is complete. This salvation includes the removing of ungodliness from the nation and is called a "covenant" with the people under which they will receive forgiveness of sins. In addition, Hebrews 8:6-13 highlights the new covenant pledge by God cited in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The main point for the writer to the Hebrews appears to be the replacement of the old covenant (Mosaic Covenant) for the nation. Then in Hebrews 10:16-17, the putting of God's laws on the hearts of the people and the granting of forgiveness are emphasized.
Consequently, both the Old and New Testaments envision a time, correlated with the Second Coming of Christ and the start of His earthly kingdom, when the nation of Israel will received spiritual blessings of a new covenant which will grant them empowerment for obedience far beyond anything ever experienced before as the Spirit is poured out upon the nation. Along with this divine enablement comes forgiveness and the personal presence of God. Such provisions occur co-extensively with the land and kingdom promises cited in earlier articles. Indeed, the future prospect for the nation of Israel looks bright, but can only be brought to pass by the personal presence of the nation's Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Hope of the Ages -- Part 4
The Hope of the Ages, Part 4 - by Mike Stallard -
This article is the fourth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will continue to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. In Part 3 it was noted that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. While the last article dealt with the promise of land, this article will outline in brief the future kingdom hopes of the nation of Israel.
From the very first chapter of Genesis, man's right to rule over the earth is established (Gen. 1:26-28). However, the fall of Adam and Eve into sin brought an end to that rule (Gen. 3). The result is that Satan, the great enemy, is now the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), and god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4), thus usurping man's rightful role on the earth. However, God's plan throughout the ages includes the restoration of man to his rightful place as a ruler (e.g., Rev. 20:6). One strand of God's program to do this involves His dealings with the nation of Israel.
The development and blessings for the nation of Israel begun with the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12) are fleshed out in particular detail with respect to David, the son of Jesse. This young man, the defeater of Goliath, rises to the throne of the nation of Israel by divine choice (1 Sam. 16). God reveals some special promises to King David in what has come to be called the Davidic Covenant. The first details of this covenant plan of promise are spelled out in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. Here, not only the promise of a land or territory is involved, but the specific promises to a particular royal family are highlighted. Solomon, David's son, will have his throne established forever (v. 12-13). Notice that this does not mean that Solomon would live forever on the throne, but that the right of rulership through his own family line would be established forever. In other words, the throne of David would be passed down in the family through Solomon.
Furthermore, the unconditional nature of this promise is made clear. God assures David that Solomon's throne would not be taken away from him as it was with Saul prior to David. This is true even if Solomon commits iniquity (2 Sam. 7:14-15). This unconditional promise of God is reaffirmed in Psalm 89:19-37. David would have descendants as heirs for the Davidic throne forever (v. 28-29). If any of David's heirs do not follow God, they can bring the wrath of God upon themselves (v. 31-32) and perhaps forfeit their own right to reign on the throne. However, God is clear that the overall promise that a descendant would reign on David's throne would never be annulled when He says, "But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. My covenant I will not violate, nor will I alter the utterance of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me" (v. 33-36). This sentiment matches the summary statement of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:16 where God promises David, " your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever."
Confirmation of these kingdom hopes for the nation of Israel is given time and time again throughout the Old Testament. For example, in Isaiah 2:1-4 there is a picture of the coming kingdom with Israel and Jerusalem at the center. At the same time, the nations of the world come up to the holy city to be taught by the Lord. However, the most striking examples in the Old Testament which highlight the future kingdom hopes of the Jews (through David's line) are given in the midst of crisis at a time when the future possibility of its fulfillment seems remote.
First, the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death into the ten northern tribes and two southern tribes threatened to dilute or diminish the hopes of the nation concerning its grandiose future (I Kings 12). Only the two southern tribes followed the Davidic heir to the throne. How could the nation maintain an understanding of future kingdom hopes in the face of this regression? God's response can be found in Amos 9:11-15 (eighth century B.C.). Amos, preaching to the northern tribes, reminds them that God would restore the "fallen booth of David" (v. 11) and that it would be accompanied by a restoration of the people (v. 14) and a permanent dwelling in the land (v. 15). In essence, this is a promise from God that the divided kingdom is a temporary situation which will be rectified one day by God's own action to restore the complete kingdom to the nation.
The second crisis that can be considered is the Babylonian captivity (606-536 B.C.). When the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, took control of the nation, and took the vast majority of the nation's residents back to Babylon, the kingdom expectations of many of the Jews were no doubt dashed to pieces. Yet, it is in this context that God raises up both Ezekiel and Daniel to comfort the captives and to remind them that He has not forgotten His kingdom promises to the nation. Ezekiel 36 speaks of the spiritual restoration of the nation in its own land and the work of the Spirit in its midst. Ezekiel 37 with its vision of the dry bones predicts that Judah (southern tribes) and Israel (northern tribes) will both be reunited and given national life once again. David's name is invoked as God makes this promise of everlasting rule (37:24-28) which involves the whole world (v. 28). Ezekiel 40-48 joins this renewed kingdom or political rule to spiritual restoration within the boundaries of the land promises. In this way, the prophet provides a glimpse of the coming millennium.
Daniel views the same coming kingdom from the vantage point of the historical progressions of the major world empires (Daniel 2 & 7). The world kingdoms would come to an end at the time when God would raise the dead (see Dan. 11-12:2). God's kingdom would be established by the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14) and involve the whole world. This kingdom is a literal, earthly one in light of the fact that all of the other kingdoms mentioned in the context are also literal. It is also a time when men rule and reign as they take possession of the kingdom (Dan. 7:27). However, it is also a kingdom whose chronology is dependent upon God's dealings with Israel (Dan. 9:24-27). In this way, God comforts the exiled Jews by reaffirming His promise of future kingdom glory.
One could also go to the New Testament to see these truths explained. For example, while Jesus predicts the future destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the nation (Luke 21:20-24) which takes place in 70 A.D., He also confirms that the kingdom will one day be restored to Israel although his disciples will not know that time (Acts 1:6). Again, it is important to remember that there is no necessity for present-day modern Israel to work to bring these kingdom promises to pass by military conquest. The kingdom promises for the Jews will be fulfilled personally by the Messiah, Jesus Christ the son of David, when he returns a second time to set up His kingdom (Lk. 19:11-27; Dan. 7:13-14).
This article is the fourth in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will continue to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. In Part 3 it was noted that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. While the last article dealt with the promise of land, this article will outline in brief the future kingdom hopes of the nation of Israel.
From the very first chapter of Genesis, man's right to rule over the earth is established (Gen. 1:26-28). However, the fall of Adam and Eve into sin brought an end to that rule (Gen. 3). The result is that Satan, the great enemy, is now the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2), and god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4), thus usurping man's rightful role on the earth. However, God's plan throughout the ages includes the restoration of man to his rightful place as a ruler (e.g., Rev. 20:6). One strand of God's program to do this involves His dealings with the nation of Israel.
The development and blessings for the nation of Israel begun with the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12) are fleshed out in particular detail with respect to David, the son of Jesse. This young man, the defeater of Goliath, rises to the throne of the nation of Israel by divine choice (1 Sam. 16). God reveals some special promises to King David in what has come to be called the Davidic Covenant. The first details of this covenant plan of promise are spelled out in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. Here, not only the promise of a land or territory is involved, but the specific promises to a particular royal family are highlighted. Solomon, David's son, will have his throne established forever (v. 12-13). Notice that this does not mean that Solomon would live forever on the throne, but that the right of rulership through his own family line would be established forever. In other words, the throne of David would be passed down in the family through Solomon.
Furthermore, the unconditional nature of this promise is made clear. God assures David that Solomon's throne would not be taken away from him as it was with Saul prior to David. This is true even if Solomon commits iniquity (2 Sam. 7:14-15). This unconditional promise of God is reaffirmed in Psalm 89:19-37. David would have descendants as heirs for the Davidic throne forever (v. 28-29). If any of David's heirs do not follow God, they can bring the wrath of God upon themselves (v. 31-32) and perhaps forfeit their own right to reign on the throne. However, God is clear that the overall promise that a descendant would reign on David's throne would never be annulled when He says, "But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. My covenant I will not violate, nor will I alter the utterance of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me" (v. 33-36). This sentiment matches the summary statement of the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:16 where God promises David, " your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever."
Confirmation of these kingdom hopes for the nation of Israel is given time and time again throughout the Old Testament. For example, in Isaiah 2:1-4 there is a picture of the coming kingdom with Israel and Jerusalem at the center. At the same time, the nations of the world come up to the holy city to be taught by the Lord. However, the most striking examples in the Old Testament which highlight the future kingdom hopes of the Jews (through David's line) are given in the midst of crisis at a time when the future possibility of its fulfillment seems remote.
First, the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death into the ten northern tribes and two southern tribes threatened to dilute or diminish the hopes of the nation concerning its grandiose future (I Kings 12). Only the two southern tribes followed the Davidic heir to the throne. How could the nation maintain an understanding of future kingdom hopes in the face of this regression? God's response can be found in Amos 9:11-15 (eighth century B.C.). Amos, preaching to the northern tribes, reminds them that God would restore the "fallen booth of David" (v. 11) and that it would be accompanied by a restoration of the people (v. 14) and a permanent dwelling in the land (v. 15). In essence, this is a promise from God that the divided kingdom is a temporary situation which will be rectified one day by God's own action to restore the complete kingdom to the nation.
The second crisis that can be considered is the Babylonian captivity (606-536 B.C.). When the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, took control of the nation, and took the vast majority of the nation's residents back to Babylon, the kingdom expectations of many of the Jews were no doubt dashed to pieces. Yet, it is in this context that God raises up both Ezekiel and Daniel to comfort the captives and to remind them that He has not forgotten His kingdom promises to the nation. Ezekiel 36 speaks of the spiritual restoration of the nation in its own land and the work of the Spirit in its midst. Ezekiel 37 with its vision of the dry bones predicts that Judah (southern tribes) and Israel (northern tribes) will both be reunited and given national life once again. David's name is invoked as God makes this promise of everlasting rule (37:24-28) which involves the whole world (v. 28). Ezekiel 40-48 joins this renewed kingdom or political rule to spiritual restoration within the boundaries of the land promises. In this way, the prophet provides a glimpse of the coming millennium.
Daniel views the same coming kingdom from the vantage point of the historical progressions of the major world empires (Daniel 2 & 7). The world kingdoms would come to an end at the time when God would raise the dead (see Dan. 11-12:2). God's kingdom would be established by the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14) and involve the whole world. This kingdom is a literal, earthly one in light of the fact that all of the other kingdoms mentioned in the context are also literal. It is also a time when men rule and reign as they take possession of the kingdom (Dan. 7:27). However, it is also a kingdom whose chronology is dependent upon God's dealings with Israel (Dan. 9:24-27). In this way, God comforts the exiled Jews by reaffirming His promise of future kingdom glory.
One could also go to the New Testament to see these truths explained. For example, while Jesus predicts the future destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the nation (Luke 21:20-24) which takes place in 70 A.D., He also confirms that the kingdom will one day be restored to Israel although his disciples will not know that time (Acts 1:6). Again, it is important to remember that there is no necessity for present-day modern Israel to work to bring these kingdom promises to pass by military conquest. The kingdom promises for the Jews will be fulfilled personally by the Messiah, Jesus Christ the son of David, when he returns a second time to set up His kingdom (Lk. 19:11-27; Dan. 7:13-14).
Hope of the Ages -- Part 3
The Hope of the Ages -- Part 3 - by Mike Stallard -
This article is the third in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will begin to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. Earlier it was established that the nation of Israel and the institution of the Church are distinct institutions within God's overall plan of the ages. While some future hopes are shared between the two (personal presence of Messiah, rewards in the coming kingdom, etc.), it can easily be shown that the nation of Israel has a unique prospective hope characterized by national, ethnic, political, and geographical dimensions that do not pertain to the Church in any way.
One must first take note of the fact that prophetic hope for Israel is rooted in the unconditional covenant programs referred to as the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New covenants. In this article and future ones, we will not try to trace all of the details of each of these promised plans of God. However, enough will be highlighted to demonstrate the God-directed prophetic hope for the nation. After the review, it should be clear that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. The rest of this article will focus on the first element of future hope in God's prophetic plan for Israel. Future articles will deal with the other two.
Starting with the Abrahamic covenant, the nation Israel was given a future hope that was centered in a certain land, a specific piece of real estate, so to speak. In Genesis 12:1, the LORD told Abraham to leave his own home and go to a new land. That land would be the place where a great nation would develop (Gen. 12:2) and where Abraham would both receive a blessing from God and be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:2-3). In Genesis 12:7 (cp. 13:15), that land was not just for Abraham and his immediate family, but promised to his descendants as well. As the Pentateuch unfolds, it is clear that the developing nation of Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is in view. In other words, the future of this land is inextricably tied to the future of the nation of Israel.
However, what specific land are we talking about? The earth is a large place. God could have chosen many regions. In His sovereignty He chose the land defined by the boundaries mentioned in Genesis 15:18-21: "To your descendants I have given this land from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite." The northern/northeastern and southern/southwestern boundaries of the land seem to be fairly clear. The Euphrates River in the modern day country of Iraq forms a kind of northern border. The river of Egypt, which provides a south/southwest border, has been understood to be either the Nile River or the Wadi el-Arish. The names of the various people groups that are mentioned lived mostly within the boundaries of what we today call Palestine. Others, such as the Hittites, lived outside of the boundaries of modern Palestine as well. Thus, Genesis 15:18-21 describes a general area with some known specific boundaries that has been promised to the descendants of Abraham.
Some Christians erroneously believe that the promise of the Genesis 15 passage has already been fulfilled and does not pertain to some future hope for Israel from our modern day vantage point. They would say that Israel did possess all of the land mentioned during the reigns of David (1 Chron. 18:3), Solomon (1 Kings 8:65; 2 Chron. 9:25-26) and in the days of Jeroboam (2 Kings 14:25). However, it is clear in these passages that either the boundaries did not include all of the territory, the nation of Israel had not assimilated all of the territories, or that the king's rule was only in the matter of tribute and not ownership of the land. Consequently, these passages could not be used to support the idea that a past fulfillment of Genesis 15:18-21 rules out any necessity for future fulfillment of its promise. Furthermore, the unconditional and everlasting nature of the Abrahamic Covenant ensures that this land is a "forever" possession of the nation of Israel (Gen. 17:8). So there must come a day when Israel will possess it permanently. The nation certainly does not do so today.
On the other hand, someone might ask: "If the land outlined in Genesis 15:18-21 is promised as an everlasting possession of Israel, then why has she not possessed it through the years? Is not God defeated in this promise? What kind of hope is that for Israel if they exist without possessing the promise?" The answer is clearly spelled out in God's overall plan. In Deuteronomy 28-32, God tells the nation that if it rebels against His ways, then it would suffer judgments of several sorts (Deut. 28) including the temporary forfeit of the land (Deut. 29:28). Therefore, an individual or a generation could lose it own enjoyment of the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant due to disobedience. Nonetheless the overall program of God with its ultimate "forever" promise could not be annulled for God has promised restoration of the nation to its promised land (Deut. 30:5ff). One is forced to conclude from this biblical information that God may send His nation Israel into exile any number of times, but in the end the land belongs to the nation and is at the center of its future hope. For it is there, in the promised land, that the other elements of Israel's future hope-the kingdom with its national and spiritual restoration-take place.
One final note must be made. It is important to realize in these volatile times of Mid-East unrest that the nation of Israel does not have to possess the land within the boundaries of Genesis 15:18-21 until the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to establish His kingdom. Therefore, there is no need for the modern state of Israel in the present day to expand its borders in order to fulfill this particular promise. In God's timing and with God's fair justice, all nations will receive their proper reward in due time.
This article is the third in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. Specifically, it will begin to address the future hope for the nation of Israel as outlined in prophecy. Earlier it was established that the nation of Israel and the institution of the Church are distinct institutions within God's overall plan of the ages. While some future hopes are shared between the two (personal presence of Messiah, rewards in the coming kingdom, etc.), it can easily be shown that the nation of Israel has a unique prospective hope characterized by national, ethnic, political, and geographical dimensions that do not pertain to the Church in any way.
One must first take note of the fact that prophetic hope for Israel is rooted in the unconditional covenant programs referred to as the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New covenants. In this article and future ones, we will not try to trace all of the details of each of these promised plans of God. However, enough will be highlighted to demonstrate the God-directed prophetic hope for the nation. After the review, it should be clear that Israel's future hope focuses on three elements: (1) a land, (2) a kingdom, and (3) spiritual as well as national restoration. The rest of this article will focus on the first element of future hope in God's prophetic plan for Israel. Future articles will deal with the other two.
Starting with the Abrahamic covenant, the nation Israel was given a future hope that was centered in a certain land, a specific piece of real estate, so to speak. In Genesis 12:1, the LORD told Abraham to leave his own home and go to a new land. That land would be the place where a great nation would develop (Gen. 12:2) and where Abraham would both receive a blessing from God and be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:2-3). In Genesis 12:7 (cp. 13:15), that land was not just for Abraham and his immediate family, but promised to his descendants as well. As the Pentateuch unfolds, it is clear that the developing nation of Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is in view. In other words, the future of this land is inextricably tied to the future of the nation of Israel.
However, what specific land are we talking about? The earth is a large place. God could have chosen many regions. In His sovereignty He chose the land defined by the boundaries mentioned in Genesis 15:18-21: "To your descendants I have given this land from the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite." The northern/northeastern and southern/southwestern boundaries of the land seem to be fairly clear. The Euphrates River in the modern day country of Iraq forms a kind of northern border. The river of Egypt, which provides a south/southwest border, has been understood to be either the Nile River or the Wadi el-Arish. The names of the various people groups that are mentioned lived mostly within the boundaries of what we today call Palestine. Others, such as the Hittites, lived outside of the boundaries of modern Palestine as well. Thus, Genesis 15:18-21 describes a general area with some known specific boundaries that has been promised to the descendants of Abraham.
Some Christians erroneously believe that the promise of the Genesis 15 passage has already been fulfilled and does not pertain to some future hope for Israel from our modern day vantage point. They would say that Israel did possess all of the land mentioned during the reigns of David (1 Chron. 18:3), Solomon (1 Kings 8:65; 2 Chron. 9:25-26) and in the days of Jeroboam (2 Kings 14:25). However, it is clear in these passages that either the boundaries did not include all of the territory, the nation of Israel had not assimilated all of the territories, or that the king's rule was only in the matter of tribute and not ownership of the land. Consequently, these passages could not be used to support the idea that a past fulfillment of Genesis 15:18-21 rules out any necessity for future fulfillment of its promise. Furthermore, the unconditional and everlasting nature of the Abrahamic Covenant ensures that this land is a "forever" possession of the nation of Israel (Gen. 17:8). So there must come a day when Israel will possess it permanently. The nation certainly does not do so today.
On the other hand, someone might ask: "If the land outlined in Genesis 15:18-21 is promised as an everlasting possession of Israel, then why has she not possessed it through the years? Is not God defeated in this promise? What kind of hope is that for Israel if they exist without possessing the promise?" The answer is clearly spelled out in God's overall plan. In Deuteronomy 28-32, God tells the nation that if it rebels against His ways, then it would suffer judgments of several sorts (Deut. 28) including the temporary forfeit of the land (Deut. 29:28). Therefore, an individual or a generation could lose it own enjoyment of the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant due to disobedience. Nonetheless the overall program of God with its ultimate "forever" promise could not be annulled for God has promised restoration of the nation to its promised land (Deut. 30:5ff). One is forced to conclude from this biblical information that God may send His nation Israel into exile any number of times, but in the end the land belongs to the nation and is at the center of its future hope. For it is there, in the promised land, that the other elements of Israel's future hope-the kingdom with its national and spiritual restoration-take place.
One final note must be made. It is important to realize in these volatile times of Mid-East unrest that the nation of Israel does not have to possess the land within the boundaries of Genesis 15:18-21 until the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to establish His kingdom. Therefore, there is no need for the modern state of Israel in the present day to expand its borders in order to fulfill this particular promise. In God's timing and with God's fair justice, all nations will receive their proper reward in due time.
Hope of the Ages -- Part 2
The Hope of the Ages -- Part 2 - by Dr. Mike Stallard -
This article is the second in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. In particular, it will expand upon the discussion begun in the last article concerning prophetic hope as it pertains to the Church. However, before we sketch out the hope of the Church, it is necessary to show the distinction between national Israel and the international body called the Church. In this way, it will be harder to make the mistake of confusing the prophetic hope for these two distinct institutions within God's overall masterful plan to bring history to its divine goal.
While Israel and the Church share some important things, such as the Messiah and a place of rulership in the coming kingdom, these are nonetheless two distinct institutions in God's overall plan. Notice the contrasts below:
. Israel is an ethnic nation; the Church is a non-ethnic body.
. Israel is political; the Church is non-political.
. The promises to Israel are tied to a specific piece of real estate centered in Jerusalem; the Church has no land promises.
. For Israel, there is the framework of the Jewish Law (Gentiles are included by surrender to the Law); for the Church, there is a framework for life apart from the Jewish Law (Gentiles included apart from the regulations of the Law).
. Another way to say it is that for Israel, life is based upon regulations during Old Testament days; for the Church, life is based upon the presence of the Spirit for divine enablement.
. The focus of Israel's position is the earth; the focus of the position of the Church is heaven.
. For Israel in the Old Testament, there is no baptism of the Spirit; for the Church in the New Testament, there is a baptism of the Spirit.
. Israel is composed of Jews and Jewish proselytes; the Church is composed of Jews and Gentiles.
. Israel is founded in the book of Genesis; the Church is established in Acts 2.
The distinction between the two comes from a clear understanding of what the Bible says about each. In the Old Testament, Israel is an ethnic, political, national entity that has been promised a particular piece of real estate centered around the city of Jerusalem (Gen. 15; Isaiah 2, 11; Dan. 2, 7, 9). The Church is a body of believers in Christ that is international in scope and non-ethnic, non-political, and heavenly-centered in orientation (Eph. 1-3, Gal. 3:28).
It is quite easy to show that the Church is something brand new even without referring to the Ephesians passages which are quite strong by themselves on the matter (especially Eph. 2:11-3:10). The Church is a new institution, which began on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It is not a continuation of, or replacement for, Israel in any sense. To demonstrate that the Church began on the day of Pentecost involves the following line of reasoning:
1. Both the baptism of the Spirit and the start of the Church are viewed as a future event in the Gospels (Matt. 3:11; 16:18; Acts 1:5). The last passage (Acts 1:5) notes that the baptism of the Spirit will occur in a few days from that time.
2. The Holy Spirit comes in power in Acts 2. Its seems likely that this event fulfills the Acts 1:5 prediction. However, neither the baptism of the Spirit or the Church are explicitly named in Acts 2.
3. Peter's rehearsing of the events surrounding the preaching of the gospel to Cornelius looks back to the day of Pentecost as the beginning of the baptism of the Spirit (Acts 11:15-16).
4. The Apostle Paul teaches that the body of Christ is formed by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). In this way, the placing of individuals into the body of Christ by the Spirit is part of the definition of the baptism of the Spirit.
5. The body of Christ is referred to as the ecclesia or Church by Paul in Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18. In this way, the baptism of the Spirit can be clearly associated with the Church. Thus, when Spirit baptism begins, the Church begins. Then, according to # 3 above, Pentecost is the start of the Church.
Thus, the Church is a brand new institution, which God births into existence on the Day of Pentecost as described in Acts chapter two.
We can now look at the unique elements of prophetic hope, which are associated with this extraordinary international body of Christ. Two essential areas of hope can be discussed with respect to the future expectations of the Church. The first is the rapture of the Church. This refers to the catching up of Church Age believers in the air to meet the Lord prior to the seven-year tribulation period. The word rapture comes from the Latin word meaning to catch up. This idea is revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. When we say that Church Age believers are the ones raptured, it is clear that both Christian believers who have died during the Church Age as well as those alive when the Lord comes to rapture them will be included in this astounding event.
The rapture of the Church is referred to in the New Testament as the blessed hope (Tit. 2:13). Why is it an event of great hope for the Church? First, it is a time when Christians will be forever united with the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:1-3; I Thess. 4:17). Second, it brings comfort to those who suffer at the present time (I Thess. 4:18; cp. John 14:1). Third, it is a deliverance from the time of God's wrath which is to be poured out on the earth during the tribulation period (I Thess. 5:9; Rev. 3:10). Finally, it is the first phase of a two-phase Second Coming of Christ, which programmatically ushers in the kingdom of God on earth (see below).
The last point above transitions to the second essential area of hope with respect to the future expectations of the Church. This second area is the actual Second Coming of Christ to earth. In this event at the end of the seven-year tribulation period, Christ will return to earth with the Church saints who had been raptured earlier. In part one of this series, we had noted both Paul's teaching in 2 Thessalonians and Peter's teaching in 1 Peter which steered the suffering Christian to the Second Coming as a source of hope in the midst of overwhelming persecution. Here we want to be more specific about the nature of that hope. Notice that in 2 Thessalonians 1:7, this hope is described in terms of relief (rest) that is given to believers at the Second Coming. Of course, there will be immediate relief for tribulation saints who have come to Christ during the time of the awful Day of the Lord judgments during the seven years. However, all believers, including Church Age saints will experience this sense of rest as well even though they did not participate in the tribulation period. This is highlighted in the passage by the idea of vindication which seems to take place at the Second Coming. When Christ comes, He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thess. 1:10) when it is publicly known once and for all who will be the ones who will enter the kingdom. On this basis of future hope, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to allow Christ to be glorified in them during the present time (2 Thess. 1:11-12).
The Second Coming of Christ is also a time when Christians will receive rewards and rule with Christ. The delay parable of Luke 19:11-27 expresses the notion that while Christ is away, His servants (Christians) should make the most of what He has given them (expressed as the giving of minas or money). When He returns, he will reward each one based upon how well he did in using the minas during the absence of his Master. The rewards are expressed in terms of ruling. The one who did well with ten minas will rule over ten cities (Lk. 19:17). The one who did well with five minas will rule over five cities (Lk. 19:19), etc. This reward given in terms of administrative status in the coming kingdom shows the concrete, earthly nature of the kingdom as well as of the rewards themselves. Thus, it is in harmony with the same teaching about the role of believers in the kingdom in Daniel 7:22, 27 and Revelation 20:4-6. In this way the Church looks forward to the Second Coming as the time when it shares with Christ in sovereignty over the world. Indeed, all of the above discussions strongly show that the Church's best days are yet to come. In this fact all believers in the present age can place their confidence and hope. Thus we pray with John the Apostle, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).
This article is the second in a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. In particular, it will expand upon the discussion begun in the last article concerning prophetic hope as it pertains to the Church. However, before we sketch out the hope of the Church, it is necessary to show the distinction between national Israel and the international body called the Church. In this way, it will be harder to make the mistake of confusing the prophetic hope for these two distinct institutions within God's overall masterful plan to bring history to its divine goal.
While Israel and the Church share some important things, such as the Messiah and a place of rulership in the coming kingdom, these are nonetheless two distinct institutions in God's overall plan. Notice the contrasts below:
. Israel is an ethnic nation; the Church is a non-ethnic body.
. Israel is political; the Church is non-political.
. The promises to Israel are tied to a specific piece of real estate centered in Jerusalem; the Church has no land promises.
. For Israel, there is the framework of the Jewish Law (Gentiles are included by surrender to the Law); for the Church, there is a framework for life apart from the Jewish Law (Gentiles included apart from the regulations of the Law).
. Another way to say it is that for Israel, life is based upon regulations during Old Testament days; for the Church, life is based upon the presence of the Spirit for divine enablement.
. The focus of Israel's position is the earth; the focus of the position of the Church is heaven.
. For Israel in the Old Testament, there is no baptism of the Spirit; for the Church in the New Testament, there is a baptism of the Spirit.
. Israel is composed of Jews and Jewish proselytes; the Church is composed of Jews and Gentiles.
. Israel is founded in the book of Genesis; the Church is established in Acts 2.
The distinction between the two comes from a clear understanding of what the Bible says about each. In the Old Testament, Israel is an ethnic, political, national entity that has been promised a particular piece of real estate centered around the city of Jerusalem (Gen. 15; Isaiah 2, 11; Dan. 2, 7, 9). The Church is a body of believers in Christ that is international in scope and non-ethnic, non-political, and heavenly-centered in orientation (Eph. 1-3, Gal. 3:28).
It is quite easy to show that the Church is something brand new even without referring to the Ephesians passages which are quite strong by themselves on the matter (especially Eph. 2:11-3:10). The Church is a new institution, which began on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It is not a continuation of, or replacement for, Israel in any sense. To demonstrate that the Church began on the day of Pentecost involves the following line of reasoning:
1. Both the baptism of the Spirit and the start of the Church are viewed as a future event in the Gospels (Matt. 3:11; 16:18; Acts 1:5). The last passage (Acts 1:5) notes that the baptism of the Spirit will occur in a few days from that time.
2. The Holy Spirit comes in power in Acts 2. Its seems likely that this event fulfills the Acts 1:5 prediction. However, neither the baptism of the Spirit or the Church are explicitly named in Acts 2.
3. Peter's rehearsing of the events surrounding the preaching of the gospel to Cornelius looks back to the day of Pentecost as the beginning of the baptism of the Spirit (Acts 11:15-16).
4. The Apostle Paul teaches that the body of Christ is formed by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). In this way, the placing of individuals into the body of Christ by the Spirit is part of the definition of the baptism of the Spirit.
5. The body of Christ is referred to as the ecclesia or Church by Paul in Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18. In this way, the baptism of the Spirit can be clearly associated with the Church. Thus, when Spirit baptism begins, the Church begins. Then, according to # 3 above, Pentecost is the start of the Church.
Thus, the Church is a brand new institution, which God births into existence on the Day of Pentecost as described in Acts chapter two.
We can now look at the unique elements of prophetic hope, which are associated with this extraordinary international body of Christ. Two essential areas of hope can be discussed with respect to the future expectations of the Church. The first is the rapture of the Church. This refers to the catching up of Church Age believers in the air to meet the Lord prior to the seven-year tribulation period. The word rapture comes from the Latin word meaning to catch up. This idea is revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. When we say that Church Age believers are the ones raptured, it is clear that both Christian believers who have died during the Church Age as well as those alive when the Lord comes to rapture them will be included in this astounding event.
The rapture of the Church is referred to in the New Testament as the blessed hope (Tit. 2:13). Why is it an event of great hope for the Church? First, it is a time when Christians will be forever united with the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:1-3; I Thess. 4:17). Second, it brings comfort to those who suffer at the present time (I Thess. 4:18; cp. John 14:1). Third, it is a deliverance from the time of God's wrath which is to be poured out on the earth during the tribulation period (I Thess. 5:9; Rev. 3:10). Finally, it is the first phase of a two-phase Second Coming of Christ, which programmatically ushers in the kingdom of God on earth (see below).
The last point above transitions to the second essential area of hope with respect to the future expectations of the Church. This second area is the actual Second Coming of Christ to earth. In this event at the end of the seven-year tribulation period, Christ will return to earth with the Church saints who had been raptured earlier. In part one of this series, we had noted both Paul's teaching in 2 Thessalonians and Peter's teaching in 1 Peter which steered the suffering Christian to the Second Coming as a source of hope in the midst of overwhelming persecution. Here we want to be more specific about the nature of that hope. Notice that in 2 Thessalonians 1:7, this hope is described in terms of relief (rest) that is given to believers at the Second Coming. Of course, there will be immediate relief for tribulation saints who have come to Christ during the time of the awful Day of the Lord judgments during the seven years. However, all believers, including Church Age saints will experience this sense of rest as well even though they did not participate in the tribulation period. This is highlighted in the passage by the idea of vindication which seems to take place at the Second Coming. When Christ comes, He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thess. 1:10) when it is publicly known once and for all who will be the ones who will enter the kingdom. On this basis of future hope, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to allow Christ to be glorified in them during the present time (2 Thess. 1:11-12).
The Second Coming of Christ is also a time when Christians will receive rewards and rule with Christ. The delay parable of Luke 19:11-27 expresses the notion that while Christ is away, His servants (Christians) should make the most of what He has given them (expressed as the giving of minas or money). When He returns, he will reward each one based upon how well he did in using the minas during the absence of his Master. The rewards are expressed in terms of ruling. The one who did well with ten minas will rule over ten cities (Lk. 19:17). The one who did well with five minas will rule over five cities (Lk. 19:19), etc. This reward given in terms of administrative status in the coming kingdom shows the concrete, earthly nature of the kingdom as well as of the rewards themselves. Thus, it is in harmony with the same teaching about the role of believers in the kingdom in Daniel 7:22, 27 and Revelation 20:4-6. In this way the Church looks forward to the Second Coming as the time when it shares with Christ in sovereignty over the world. Indeed, all of the above discussions strongly show that the Church's best days are yet to come. In this fact all believers in the present age can place their confidence and hope. Thus we pray with John the Apostle, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).
Hope of the Ages -- Part 1
The Hope of the Ages -- Part 1 - by Mike Stallard -
This article begins a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. The Bible has been and always will be a book of hope. Its hope is centered in its key figure, the Lord Jesus Christ, and what He has accomplished for us in His death on Calvary's Cross for the sins of the world. Beyond this, the promise of Jesus, "I will come again" (John 14:3) has given hope to millions of hurting people in this present evil age that their best days are yet to come.
First of all, the panorama of biblical history gives great hope to the reader by showing the wonder of God's multi-faceted plan of creation and redemption. As it does this, it reinforces the notion that the triune God has an interest in both unity and diversity. As God's plan heads to ultimate fulfillment in Him and to His glory, one can easily see that it does so with respect to several different, but related, strands of history. What is fascinating is that the initiation of each strand in the Bible (creation, the nations, Israel, and the Church) finds the start of its ultimate fulfillment in reverse order in history.
For example, the Bible obviously begins with God creating the universe (Gen. 1). However, the restoration of the created order, itself corrupted by sin, is the last strand of God's plan of accomplishment as he brings about the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21-22). The second element in God's multi-faceted plan is the development within history of the nations (Gen. 10). These nations figure somehow into God's coming kingdom, being judged or rewarded based primarily upon how they have treated the nation of Israel (Matt. 25). This judgment of the nations occurs after the Second Coming of Christ that is described in Matthew 24.
The third element in the many-sided historical blueprint of God is the raising up in history of the nation of Israel. This unique nation is not chosen due to its own goodness but because of God's sovereign choice in the world (Deut. 7:6-8, 9:4-6). The time of its appearance in history begins with the story of Abraham (Gen. 11:26ff). Its early development is revealed in the history of the patriarchs from Abraham down to the stirring of the Israelites under Moses (Exodus). However, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises given to Israel throughout the Old Testament including its national deliverance begins with the Second Coming of Christ (Lk. 19:12-27, cf. Dan. 7:13-14). At that time the Messianic Kingdom will begin headquartered in Jerusalem (Zech. 14).
The fourth element in God's plan of the ages is the founding of the Church in Acts 2. The Church as an institution is an entirely separate institution from the nation of Israel. God's wonderful design for the Church during the present age calls for the establishment of Jew and Gentile together in one international body of Christ. However, the Church is the first of the four mentioned elements to experience the beginning of its ultimate hope. This will be at the rapture of the Church when the Lord comes in the air for His own (I Thess. 4:13-18).
The above survey reminds us that the order of God's creative working is (1) the creation of the world, (2) the raising up in history of the nations, (3) the calling of the nation of Israel, and (4) the establishment of the Church. However, as the plan of God unfolds, the redemptive work of prophetic hope begins the end-time fulfillment in reverse order: (1) the rapture of the Church, (2) the conversion and restoration of the nation of Israel, (3) the judgment of the nations, and (4) the renewal of creation.
At the present time, we find ourselves in the Church Age awaiting the predicted blessed hope of the Church, the coming of Christ to rapture the Church (Titus 2:13). This event precedes the seven year Tribulation Period described in Revelation 6-19 and the subsequent kingdom established by Christ Himself at the Second Coming. The Rapture, as the first phase of the Second Coming, is the wonderful event of hope that should be anticipated by all believers in Christ. This was a starting point for both Peter and Paul. In I Peter, the great apostle focused on the issue of persecution and suffering by believers. To those who were enduring mistreatment (1:6-7), Peter offered the hope of the coming inheritance in Christ (1:4), which would be activated or "revealed in the last time" (1:5). Peter encouraged Christians to bear their trials "tested by fire" with the hope of reward and honor at the "revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:7). Peter is strong-minded and clear. His basic message to mistreated Christians was "Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:13). Hence, he could say "to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation" (4:13). The sharing of the sufferings of Christ means also the partaking of the "glory that is to be revealed" (5:1) and elders were expected to look to the Second Coming as their ultimate reward (5:4). Peter's final message appears to be a repeat of his opening exhortation to find encouragement in the midst of suffering based upon future hope in Christ: "And after you have suffered for a little, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (5:10).
Paul follows the same general outline in 2 Thessalonians. The occasion of the epistle is the persecution suffered by the Thessalonian Christians. Paul did not focus on any present inauguration of the Messianic kingdom to produce a sense of hope in the Thessalonians based on the present activity of a loving Church (as good as that would be). Instead, he pointed to the Second Coming of Christ as the great hope and motivation for their present situation: "For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed-for our testimony to you was believed" (1:6-10). Now this is not to say that Peter and Paul do not address other concerns even in these epistles. However, it is to show that, at least for Christians who were being oppressed for who they were, the presentation of hope is the Second Coming of Christ.
Future articles in this series will explore further this sense of hope for the Church and go beyond that into a discussion of the great hope that Christ's predicted Second Coming is for Israel, the nations, and creation.
This article begins a multi-part series outlining the Bible's message of prophetic hope as it pertains to the future of this age, the Church, the nation of Israel, the Gentile nations of the world, and the created universe. The Bible has been and always will be a book of hope. Its hope is centered in its key figure, the Lord Jesus Christ, and what He has accomplished for us in His death on Calvary's Cross for the sins of the world. Beyond this, the promise of Jesus, "I will come again" (John 14:3) has given hope to millions of hurting people in this present evil age that their best days are yet to come.
First of all, the panorama of biblical history gives great hope to the reader by showing the wonder of God's multi-faceted plan of creation and redemption. As it does this, it reinforces the notion that the triune God has an interest in both unity and diversity. As God's plan heads to ultimate fulfillment in Him and to His glory, one can easily see that it does so with respect to several different, but related, strands of history. What is fascinating is that the initiation of each strand in the Bible (creation, the nations, Israel, and the Church) finds the start of its ultimate fulfillment in reverse order in history.
For example, the Bible obviously begins with God creating the universe (Gen. 1). However, the restoration of the created order, itself corrupted by sin, is the last strand of God's plan of accomplishment as he brings about the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21-22). The second element in God's multi-faceted plan is the development within history of the nations (Gen. 10). These nations figure somehow into God's coming kingdom, being judged or rewarded based primarily upon how they have treated the nation of Israel (Matt. 25). This judgment of the nations occurs after the Second Coming of Christ that is described in Matthew 24.
The third element in the many-sided historical blueprint of God is the raising up in history of the nation of Israel. This unique nation is not chosen due to its own goodness but because of God's sovereign choice in the world (Deut. 7:6-8, 9:4-6). The time of its appearance in history begins with the story of Abraham (Gen. 11:26ff). Its early development is revealed in the history of the patriarchs from Abraham down to the stirring of the Israelites under Moses (Exodus). However, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises given to Israel throughout the Old Testament including its national deliverance begins with the Second Coming of Christ (Lk. 19:12-27, cf. Dan. 7:13-14). At that time the Messianic Kingdom will begin headquartered in Jerusalem (Zech. 14).
The fourth element in God's plan of the ages is the founding of the Church in Acts 2. The Church as an institution is an entirely separate institution from the nation of Israel. God's wonderful design for the Church during the present age calls for the establishment of Jew and Gentile together in one international body of Christ. However, the Church is the first of the four mentioned elements to experience the beginning of its ultimate hope. This will be at the rapture of the Church when the Lord comes in the air for His own (I Thess. 4:13-18).
The above survey reminds us that the order of God's creative working is (1) the creation of the world, (2) the raising up in history of the nations, (3) the calling of the nation of Israel, and (4) the establishment of the Church. However, as the plan of God unfolds, the redemptive work of prophetic hope begins the end-time fulfillment in reverse order: (1) the rapture of the Church, (2) the conversion and restoration of the nation of Israel, (3) the judgment of the nations, and (4) the renewal of creation.
At the present time, we find ourselves in the Church Age awaiting the predicted blessed hope of the Church, the coming of Christ to rapture the Church (Titus 2:13). This event precedes the seven year Tribulation Period described in Revelation 6-19 and the subsequent kingdom established by Christ Himself at the Second Coming. The Rapture, as the first phase of the Second Coming, is the wonderful event of hope that should be anticipated by all believers in Christ. This was a starting point for both Peter and Paul. In I Peter, the great apostle focused on the issue of persecution and suffering by believers. To those who were enduring mistreatment (1:6-7), Peter offered the hope of the coming inheritance in Christ (1:4), which would be activated or "revealed in the last time" (1:5). Peter encouraged Christians to bear their trials "tested by fire" with the hope of reward and honor at the "revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:7). Peter is strong-minded and clear. His basic message to mistreated Christians was "Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:13). Hence, he could say "to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation" (4:13). The sharing of the sufferings of Christ means also the partaking of the "glory that is to be revealed" (5:1) and elders were expected to look to the Second Coming as their ultimate reward (5:4). Peter's final message appears to be a repeat of his opening exhortation to find encouragement in the midst of suffering based upon future hope in Christ: "And after you have suffered for a little, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (5:10).
Paul follows the same general outline in 2 Thessalonians. The occasion of the epistle is the persecution suffered by the Thessalonian Christians. Paul did not focus on any present inauguration of the Messianic kingdom to produce a sense of hope in the Thessalonians based on the present activity of a loving Church (as good as that would be). Instead, he pointed to the Second Coming of Christ as the great hope and motivation for their present situation: "For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed-for our testimony to you was believed" (1:6-10). Now this is not to say that Peter and Paul do not address other concerns even in these epistles. However, it is to show that, at least for Christians who were being oppressed for who they were, the presentation of hope is the Second Coming of Christ.
Future articles in this series will explore further this sense of hope for the Church and go beyond that into a discussion of the great hope that Christ's predicted Second Coming is for Israel, the nations, and creation.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
JESUS IS COMING SOON !!!!
JESUS IS COMING SOON !!!
He said He would return. This time to judge all the nations. On that day, "every knee will bow" and "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"! (Phillipians 2:9-10) In order to escape His wrath on that day (or when you die, whichever comes first) you must accept His offer of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10) God proved His love and held nothing back when He sent His Son Jesus to take our penalty of death, reconciling all men back to Him. (John 3:16-17)
When God created us, He gave us free will, so we can accept His gift and gain eternal life and riches untold! It is my prayer that this web site will reach the world with His love, and help people to understand that God loves them so incredibly much! (Psalm 103:11) When we start to get a grasp of how great His love is for us, we can't help but respond with love toward Him, and love toward our fellow man.
If Jesus is coming back soon, why has it been so long? After all, The first century church believed they were in the last days. (They were, and so are we) Peter reminds us that God is not in a hurry because of His great mercy. 2 Peter 3:8b-9 says, "...that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
The Bible is clear. No matter when Jesus comes back, we are to be Ready! Matthew 24:44 says, "For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." How can we be ready? By developing our relationship with an all knowing and all loving God! God held nothing back and proved His love for us by sacrificing His only Son, Jesus. As a result of accepting God's eternal gift of love, we become children of God and co-heirs to His kingdom with Jesus! As sons and daughters of God, we can have a personal relationship with the true and living God! Imagine. God as best friend and loving Father! It boggles the mind and makes the heart soar with joy!!!
God Loves You! He has an awesome plan for your life. For you to realize that plan in full, you must get born again by faith in Jesus Christ! Then, develop your close, personal relationship with your loving Heavenly Father. Spend time with Him in prayer, and in His Word. You just might discover that getting ready for the Lord's return is much more important than the timing of His return!
The Signs of His Coming
by Michael G. Mickey
One of the biggest mysteries in the Bible concerns the timing of Jesus Christ's return to earth. Although the Bible tells us no one knows the hour nor the day when the Lord will return, the Bible is filled with many indicators or conditions we can use to assess how close we may be to the season of His return.
As you are about to read, many of the conditions spoken of in Bible prophecy which seem to indicate Jesus Christ's return is coming in the not-too-distant future are clearly visible in the world today, reminding us that He could come, to Rapture His Church at least, at any moment! After the Rapture takes place, the horrific seven-year Tribulation Period will occur, an overview of which is included in my Post-Rapture Survival Guide.
The signs are as follows:
The Gospel will be preached in all the world before the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth occurs at Armageddon, although exhaustive efforts are presently underway to accomplish this:
Matthew 24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
There will be a mixture of believers and false believers within the Church body:
Matthew 13:24-30: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
There will be scoffers:
The Bible tells us one of the key signs of the end times will be people doubting the return of Christ will ever happen.
2nd Peter 3:3-4: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Humanity will be able to cross the globe rapidly and science will be advancing:
Daniel 12:4: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Perilous times will come for mankind:
2nd Timothy 3:1: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Mankind will deny God once flooded the earth:
2nd Peter 3:5-6: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
The earth will be swimming in a sea of violence:
As it was in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26), so it shall be at the end. How was the earth in Noah's time?
Look no further than Genesis 6:11: The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
There will be warfare all over the globe:
Mark 13:8: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
Mankind will have the capability to destroy all life on the planet:
Unique to our generation, this prophecy could not have been fulfilled prior to the invention of weapons of mass destruction such as the nuclear bomb. Matthew 24: 22: And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Deadly diseases will be rampant:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Famines will be common:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Earthquakes will be occurring globally:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
There will be violent weather:
Luke 21:25- 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;
Children will be disobedient and rebellious:
2nd Timothy 3:2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Christians and Jews will be hated for their faith in and connection with Christ:
Luke 21:17: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Mankind will be in a state of moral decay:
2nd Timothy 3:2-5: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Religious cults will flourish:
2nd Peter 2:1: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
There will be progress made toward a global government:
The European Union, the revived Roman Empire, is alive today and moving steadily toward the fulfillment of this prophecy as seen in Daniel 7: 23: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces." The Antichrist who will lead this world government (after the rapture of the Christian Church takes place) will be a leader from the European Union as seen in Daniel 9:26. He will be of the people who destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary in AD 70, the Romans.
The world will be desperately seeking peace:
1st Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Global means of communication will exist:
We know this because the book of Revelation teaches us the entire world will see several events. This is unique to our generation as only recently in mankind's history have these technologies been present.
Revelation 11:9: And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
In the last days, fallen angels will mingle with mankind:
I know this one is going to be controversial, but there is a scriptural basis for this, as seen in Luke 17:26: And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
A careful examination of what was going on in Noah's day seems to suggest fallen angels were somehow mingling with mankind.
Genesis 6:4: There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
If so, one of God's motives in destroying mankind at the flood may have been Satan and his fallen angels, in an attempt to save themselves from His judgment, were trying to taint the bloodline that would lead to the birth of Christ.
We find Noah was spared from destruction for three reasons as seen in Genesis 6:9. They are as follows:
1) Noah was a just man.
2) Noah was perfect in his generations (note this reference to his bloodline being pure).
3) Noah walked with God.
There is potentially more to the numerous UFO sightings and alien abduction stories in the news today than we have ever imagined!
Israel will exist as a nation in the latter days:
Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 to see this prophecy, which was fulfilled in 1948.
Israel's birth as a nation will have happened in one day:
Fulfilled on May 14, 1948 as seen in Isaiah 66:8: "Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?"
Israel will be in possession of Jerusalem (has been since 1967):
This happened as a result of the Six-Day War in 1967. The capture of Jerusalem was critical from a prophetic standpoint as the Antichrist will someday enter a rebuilt Holy Temple that will be standing in Jerusalem at the midpoint of the Tribulation Period where he will declare himself to be God. This event, referred to by most as the abomination of desolation, is documented in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15.
Israel will be surrounded on every side by enemies:
Psalms 83:4: They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
The possession of Jerusalem will be the source of international conflict:
Is this happening today or what? It's a HUGE sign to us! Zechariah 12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Christians will be lukewarm in their faith:
In Christ's address to the seven churches, He says in Revelation 3:15: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Many will claim to be Christ:
Matthew 24:5: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
False Christs and false prophets will be very effective in the art of deception:
Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
There will be signs in the heavens:
Luke 21:25: 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;
Sexual immorality will abound:
Jude 1:18: How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Idolatry will be common:
Revelation 9:20: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Many Christians and church doctrines will depart from the faith:
1st Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Mankind's state of rebellion will be so great, the coming of Christ will catch them completely off-guard:
Luke 21:35: For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Homosexuality will be flaunted:
Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
This is also spoken of in Luke 17:28- 30: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."
Although homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God, all sin is! I bring up this point because many Christians treat homosexuality as if it is the most unforgivable sin of all. Jesus Christ forgives all sins and we, His followers, should be reaching out to these people with love in our hearts that they might be saved! Homosexuality is not an unpardonable sin any more than any other sin is!
Many will rejoice in their unrighteousness:
2nd Thessalonians 2: 12: "That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
These people, according to 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, will be subject to believing the lie the Antichrist will present to the world in the aftermath of the Rapture of the Church, leading many of them to eternal damnation. God will allow them to be deceived, it seems, as a reward for their bold defiance of Him. What a frightening thought!
Many will begin to understand Bible prophecy and will start warning the world the return of Jesus Christ is near:
Acts 2:17-18: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Aliyah will be taking place:
What is Aliyah? Aliyah is the Hebrew word used to describe the physical return of the Jewish people, the children of Israel, to their ancient Promised Land, Zion, from abroad.
In Scripture, God promised He would bring the Jews (descendants of Abraham) back to their Promised Land from all the nations of the world where He had scattered them! It is happening even as you read these words.
Ezekiel 36:24: For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
39. There will be signs Earth's environment is in trouble:
Romans 8:21-23: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
40. Technology will exist capable of tracking the world's population and their finances:
Revelation 13:16-17: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
41. The capability will exist for an army of 200 million soldiers to be formed:
In Revelation 9:16, John sees a specific number of soldiers/"horsemen" preparing for or entering into war: And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
Estimates of the total human population of Earth during Christ's day typically vary between 100 to 400 million people. In 2004, the CIA determined China has an estimated 208,143,352 in its population alone fit for military service. As of 2006, that number has risen to 281,240,272 men fit for military service.
42. Drug use will be rampant:
Revelation 9:21: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
The original Greek for the word 'sorceries' is pharmakeia {far-mak-i'-ah}. It means the use or the administering of drugs OR sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.
43. Evil men, seducers and deceivers will get worse and worse. (2nd Timothy 3:13)
One doesn't have to think too hard to realize this prophecy is being dramatically fulfilled in our times. Upon reading this, close your eyes for a moment and think of how many people you know (or have heard of from reputable sources) who seem to be evil to the core! Similarly, think of how many people you know who have fallen victim to frauds and scams perpetrated by seducers (deceivers/imposters). The world today seems full of both with no letup in sight. And evil men? Do I even need to state the obvious where this is concerned? They're everywhere!
44. There will be wars and rumours of war.
Matthew 24:6: And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
It seems that for every international conflict that exists at a given moment in our present time, there is potential for another to manifest itself as well. It's as though our world is about to blow apart at the seams!
45. When we begin to collectively see the signs listed above, Christ's return is near!
Luke 21:28: And when these things BEGIN to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Have you seen any of these signs in the world today?
He said He would return. This time to judge all the nations. On that day, "every knee will bow" and "every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"! (Phillipians 2:9-10) In order to escape His wrath on that day (or when you die, whichever comes first) you must accept His offer of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-10) God proved His love and held nothing back when He sent His Son Jesus to take our penalty of death, reconciling all men back to Him. (John 3:16-17)
When God created us, He gave us free will, so we can accept His gift and gain eternal life and riches untold! It is my prayer that this web site will reach the world with His love, and help people to understand that God loves them so incredibly much! (Psalm 103:11) When we start to get a grasp of how great His love is for us, we can't help but respond with love toward Him, and love toward our fellow man.
If Jesus is coming back soon, why has it been so long? After all, The first century church believed they were in the last days. (They were, and so are we) Peter reminds us that God is not in a hurry because of His great mercy. 2 Peter 3:8b-9 says, "...that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
The Bible is clear. No matter when Jesus comes back, we are to be Ready! Matthew 24:44 says, "For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." How can we be ready? By developing our relationship with an all knowing and all loving God! God held nothing back and proved His love for us by sacrificing His only Son, Jesus. As a result of accepting God's eternal gift of love, we become children of God and co-heirs to His kingdom with Jesus! As sons and daughters of God, we can have a personal relationship with the true and living God! Imagine. God as best friend and loving Father! It boggles the mind and makes the heart soar with joy!!!
God Loves You! He has an awesome plan for your life. For you to realize that plan in full, you must get born again by faith in Jesus Christ! Then, develop your close, personal relationship with your loving Heavenly Father. Spend time with Him in prayer, and in His Word. You just might discover that getting ready for the Lord's return is much more important than the timing of His return!
The Signs of His Coming
by Michael G. Mickey
One of the biggest mysteries in the Bible concerns the timing of Jesus Christ's return to earth. Although the Bible tells us no one knows the hour nor the day when the Lord will return, the Bible is filled with many indicators or conditions we can use to assess how close we may be to the season of His return.
As you are about to read, many of the conditions spoken of in Bible prophecy which seem to indicate Jesus Christ's return is coming in the not-too-distant future are clearly visible in the world today, reminding us that He could come, to Rapture His Church at least, at any moment! After the Rapture takes place, the horrific seven-year Tribulation Period will occur, an overview of which is included in my Post-Rapture Survival Guide.
The signs are as follows:
The Gospel will be preached in all the world before the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth occurs at Armageddon, although exhaustive efforts are presently underway to accomplish this:
Matthew 24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
There will be a mixture of believers and false believers within the Church body:
Matthew 13:24-30: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
There will be scoffers:
The Bible tells us one of the key signs of the end times will be people doubting the return of Christ will ever happen.
2nd Peter 3:3-4: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Humanity will be able to cross the globe rapidly and science will be advancing:
Daniel 12:4: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Perilous times will come for mankind:
2nd Timothy 3:1: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Mankind will deny God once flooded the earth:
2nd Peter 3:5-6: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
The earth will be swimming in a sea of violence:
As it was in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26), so it shall be at the end. How was the earth in Noah's time?
Look no further than Genesis 6:11: The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
There will be warfare all over the globe:
Mark 13:8: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
Mankind will have the capability to destroy all life on the planet:
Unique to our generation, this prophecy could not have been fulfilled prior to the invention of weapons of mass destruction such as the nuclear bomb. Matthew 24: 22: And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Deadly diseases will be rampant:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Famines will be common:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Earthquakes will be occurring globally:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
There will be violent weather:
Luke 21:25- 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;
Children will be disobedient and rebellious:
2nd Timothy 3:2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Christians and Jews will be hated for their faith in and connection with Christ:
Luke 21:17: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Mankind will be in a state of moral decay:
2nd Timothy 3:2-5: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Religious cults will flourish:
2nd Peter 2:1: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
There will be progress made toward a global government:
The European Union, the revived Roman Empire, is alive today and moving steadily toward the fulfillment of this prophecy as seen in Daniel 7: 23: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces." The Antichrist who will lead this world government (after the rapture of the Christian Church takes place) will be a leader from the European Union as seen in Daniel 9:26. He will be of the people who destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary in AD 70, the Romans.
The world will be desperately seeking peace:
1st Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Global means of communication will exist:
We know this because the book of Revelation teaches us the entire world will see several events. This is unique to our generation as only recently in mankind's history have these technologies been present.
Revelation 11:9: And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
In the last days, fallen angels will mingle with mankind:
I know this one is going to be controversial, but there is a scriptural basis for this, as seen in Luke 17:26: And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
A careful examination of what was going on in Noah's day seems to suggest fallen angels were somehow mingling with mankind.
Genesis 6:4: There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
If so, one of God's motives in destroying mankind at the flood may have been Satan and his fallen angels, in an attempt to save themselves from His judgment, were trying to taint the bloodline that would lead to the birth of Christ.
We find Noah was spared from destruction for three reasons as seen in Genesis 6:9. They are as follows:
1) Noah was a just man.
2) Noah was perfect in his generations (note this reference to his bloodline being pure).
3) Noah walked with God.
There is potentially more to the numerous UFO sightings and alien abduction stories in the news today than we have ever imagined!
Israel will exist as a nation in the latter days:
Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 to see this prophecy, which was fulfilled in 1948.
Israel's birth as a nation will have happened in one day:
Fulfilled on May 14, 1948 as seen in Isaiah 66:8: "Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?"
Israel will be in possession of Jerusalem (has been since 1967):
This happened as a result of the Six-Day War in 1967. The capture of Jerusalem was critical from a prophetic standpoint as the Antichrist will someday enter a rebuilt Holy Temple that will be standing in Jerusalem at the midpoint of the Tribulation Period where he will declare himself to be God. This event, referred to by most as the abomination of desolation, is documented in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15.
Israel will be surrounded on every side by enemies:
Psalms 83:4: They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
The possession of Jerusalem will be the source of international conflict:
Is this happening today or what? It's a HUGE sign to us! Zechariah 12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Christians will be lukewarm in their faith:
In Christ's address to the seven churches, He says in Revelation 3:15: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Many will claim to be Christ:
Matthew 24:5: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
False Christs and false prophets will be very effective in the art of deception:
Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
There will be signs in the heavens:
Luke 21:25: 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;
Sexual immorality will abound:
Jude 1:18: How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Idolatry will be common:
Revelation 9:20: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
Many Christians and church doctrines will depart from the faith:
1st Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Mankind's state of rebellion will be so great, the coming of Christ will catch them completely off-guard:
Luke 21:35: For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Homosexuality will be flaunted:
Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."
This is also spoken of in Luke 17:28- 30: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."
Although homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God, all sin is! I bring up this point because many Christians treat homosexuality as if it is the most unforgivable sin of all. Jesus Christ forgives all sins and we, His followers, should be reaching out to these people with love in our hearts that they might be saved! Homosexuality is not an unpardonable sin any more than any other sin is!
Many will rejoice in their unrighteousness:
2nd Thessalonians 2: 12: "That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
These people, according to 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, will be subject to believing the lie the Antichrist will present to the world in the aftermath of the Rapture of the Church, leading many of them to eternal damnation. God will allow them to be deceived, it seems, as a reward for their bold defiance of Him. What a frightening thought!
Many will begin to understand Bible prophecy and will start warning the world the return of Jesus Christ is near:
Acts 2:17-18: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Aliyah will be taking place:
What is Aliyah? Aliyah is the Hebrew word used to describe the physical return of the Jewish people, the children of Israel, to their ancient Promised Land, Zion, from abroad.
In Scripture, God promised He would bring the Jews (descendants of Abraham) back to their Promised Land from all the nations of the world where He had scattered them! It is happening even as you read these words.
Ezekiel 36:24: For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
39. There will be signs Earth's environment is in trouble:
Romans 8:21-23: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
40. Technology will exist capable of tracking the world's population and their finances:
Revelation 13:16-17: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
41. The capability will exist for an army of 200 million soldiers to be formed:
In Revelation 9:16, John sees a specific number of soldiers/"horsemen" preparing for or entering into war: And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
Estimates of the total human population of Earth during Christ's day typically vary between 100 to 400 million people. In 2004, the CIA determined China has an estimated 208,143,352 in its population alone fit for military service. As of 2006, that number has risen to 281,240,272 men fit for military service.
42. Drug use will be rampant:
Revelation 9:21: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
The original Greek for the word 'sorceries' is pharmakeia {far-mak-i'-ah}. It means the use or the administering of drugs OR sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.
43. Evil men, seducers and deceivers will get worse and worse. (2nd Timothy 3:13)
One doesn't have to think too hard to realize this prophecy is being dramatically fulfilled in our times. Upon reading this, close your eyes for a moment and think of how many people you know (or have heard of from reputable sources) who seem to be evil to the core! Similarly, think of how many people you know who have fallen victim to frauds and scams perpetrated by seducers (deceivers/imposters). The world today seems full of both with no letup in sight. And evil men? Do I even need to state the obvious where this is concerned? They're everywhere!
44. There will be wars and rumours of war.
Matthew 24:6: And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
It seems that for every international conflict that exists at a given moment in our present time, there is potential for another to manifest itself as well. It's as though our world is about to blow apart at the seams!
45. When we begin to collectively see the signs listed above, Christ's return is near!
Luke 21:28: And when these things BEGIN to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Have you seen any of these signs in the world today?
MY OTHER WEBSITES
PLEASE VISIT MY OTHER SITES AS IT IS HARD TO TRY AND KEEP UP HERE. I AM NO LONGER WORKING 12 HOUR DAYS AND SHOULD BEABLE TO POST MORE ARTICLES......TERRY/pwng
END TIMES ACORDING TO EZEKIEL
The End Times According To Ezekiel, - A Bible Study by Jack Kelley -
We've come to the conclusion of the Millennial portion of the Book of Ezekiel, and of the book itself. After devoting 7 chapters (40-46) to the Temple and its offerings, the Priests and the Prince, the final two chapters (47-48) discuss the land in general, and its distribution among the tribes during the Millennium. But as they do, we're given clues as to the Temple's location in the Land, so we'll begin our concluding installment there. For the purposes of clarification, we'll back up a bit in time to gain some perspective from several other books of the Bible.
The Coming Temple
There is no Temple in Israel today, but according to Prophecies in Daniel 9:27, Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4, a Temple will exist in Israel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. This is confirmed by Revelation 11:1 which describes John measuring a Temple during the first half of Daniel's 70th week, before the Great Tribulation begins. Its location is the "Holy City." Rev. 11 also introduces the 2 witnesses who preach in the "Great City" and are ultimately killed there, their bodies left lying in the street. The Great City is identified as the place where the Lord was crucified: Jerusalem. But is Jerusalem also the Holy City? We'll see. First, Zechariah explains the day of the Lord's return.
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south ... Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (Zechariah 14:4-5)
Zechariah was writing about the very day of the Lord's return. On one of my trips to Jerusalem I stood on the Mt. Of Olives in the place where tradition says He ascended from. As I looked due west toward the Mediterranean I was astonished to discover that if He returns to the same place from which He left, as suggested by Acts 1:11, this East-West valley will pass straight through the current Temple mount, destroying it and anything that may be standing upon it, and moving the northern part of the city up the south facing slope of a mountain that will be created at the same time. (Zechariah 14:10)
On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. (Zechariah 14:8-9)
On that same day a river will fill the valley creating a waterway from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea. Now let's go to Ezekiel 47.
The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was flowing from the south side.
He asked me, "Son of man, do you see this?" Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Sea. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi (On the Dead Sea's western shore) to En Eglaim (on the eastern shore) there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds-like the fish of the Great Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 6-12)
Like Zechariah, Ezekiel also described a river flowing from under the south side of the Temple and then eastward to the Dead Sea, where it makes the sea fresh, and Revelation 22:1-2 confirms this. Both Ezekiel and Revelation speak of trees that line the river bearing fruit each month for food and for healing, and both Zechariah and Revelation indicate that the River flows through the city. If, as it appears, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation are all describing the same river, then an interesting scenario begins to emerge.
This scenario requires a Temple to be present on the day the Lord returns, but since the current Temple mount will have been destroyed in the creation of the river valley mentioned above, this Temple must be somewhere else. Since the river originates under the Temple and flows south from its south side before heading east and west, the Temple must be north of the newly created river valley.
As we'll see, plotting the land grants for the 12 tribes given in Ezekiel 48 on a map of Israel places the Sacred District of the new Temple somewhat north of the current City of Jerusalem. This new location is in the ancient City of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for nearly 400 years after the Israelites first conquered the Land. This is the new Holy City and its name will be Jehovah Shammah according to Ezekiel 48:35. In English it means "the LORD is here" consistent with His promise to dwell among the Israelites forever. (Ezek 43:7)
The Shiloh location meets all the requirements for the Temple location mentioned in the above references. The current Temple Mount in Jerusalem would not.
Reviewing Ezekiel 44:6-9, we remember that this Temple will have been defiled in a way never seen in history, therefore at a time yet future to us. A foreigner un-circumsized in heart (neither Christian) and flesh (nor Jewish) will have been given charge of the sanctuary while offering sacrifices. According to the chronology of Ezekiel, this defilement will have taken place after both the 1948 re-gathering prophesied in 36-37 and the national wake-up call prophesied in 38-39 but before the Millennial Kingdom begins. The only event we know of that fits in that time frame is the Great Tribulation. Daniel 9:27 agrees with the timing placing the Temple's defilement in the Middle of the 70th week. Paul's prophecy of 2 Thes. 2:4 confirms the nature of the event, saying that the anti-Christ will set himself up in the Temple proclaiming himself to be God. In Matt. 24:15-21 Jesus said it will kick off the Great Tribulation.
Remember, the rabbis call Ezekiel's Temple the 3rd Temple. If the anti-Christ will come from a Moslem background that would prevent him from destroying or defiling the Islamic mosques and shrines on the current Temple Mount. After all it's also likely that Islam will be the one world religion during the end times and the Temple Mount contains its 3rd holiest place. Being the great peace maker, it makes sense that in his covenant with Israel he will come up with a location for the Temple that satisfies both religions, allowing them to co-exist for a time. What better location than the one right out of Israel's own scriptures?
This Temple will be defiled in the middle of the last 7 years, but will be the source of living water that begins flowing on the day the Lord returns (Zech 14:8). After it's made holy again, in what I believe will be the prophetic fulfillment of the Feast of Hanukkah, this same Temple will be used during the Millennium to memorialize the Lord's work at the cross. Its offerings and ceremonies will provide the necessary perspective for children born during the Kingdom Age to choose salvation just as you and I have had the perspective of the Lord's Supper in making our choice. Remember, He said, "Do this in memory of Me until I come." Acts 15:14-16 confirms that after the Lord has taken a people from among the gentiles for Himself (the church) He will return and re-build David's fallen Tabernacle (the Temple). This is the Millennial Temple so vividly described in Ezekiel 40-46 and it will be built in Shiloh.
The New Jerusalem
While we're at it, let's have Ezekiel solve the Jerusalem / New Jerusalem problem for us as well. For as long as I've been studying these things, there has been debate over the location of the New Jerusalem. Some wonder how the Lord could permit redeemed believers and non- believing natural humans to co-exist in the Millennium. Others wonder how a city with a foot print 1400 miles square and tall could be located in Israel when the whole country won't be big enough to accommodate it.
Carefully examining Rev 21 and 22, we notice that John never actually says that the city arrives on earth. We are only told he sees it coming down out of heaven, prepared as a bride. (Not that the city IS the bride, but that as with a bride on her wedding day, no effort has been spared to make it look its absolute best.)
I don't believe the city ever rests on the Earth's surface, but rather orbits in the proximity of Earth, like a satellite or perhaps another moon.
Also, by comparing the descriptions of New Jerusalem with Jehovah Shammah we see some similarities but enough differences to dispel any notion that John and Ezekiel could have been describing the same place. Consider the following:
New Jerusalem
New Jerusalem(All verses from Rev.)
Jehovah Shammah(All verses from Ezekiel)
12 gates named after Israel (21:12)
12 gates named after Israel (48:30)
12 foundations named after Apostles (21:14)
Foundation not described
1400 miles square and tall (21:16)
One mile square (48:30)
Coming Down from heaven (21:2)
Located in Israel on Earth (40:2)
No Temple ... God and the Lamb are its Temple (21:22)
Temple just north of the city (40:2)
No sin; nothing impure will ever enter (21:27)
Daily sin offerings in the Temple (45:13-15,17)
No more death (21:4)
Still death (44:25 also Isa 65:20)
No natural beings ... only the perfected (21:27)
Natural Beings (46:16)
With the differentiation of these two Holy Cities, the apparent conflict between Jewish and Christian eschatology is resolved. Israel was promised that one day GOD would come to Earth to dwell among them forever, while the Church is promised that Jesus will come to take us to heaven to live with Him there. Both promises come true.
Since Ezekiel specifically quoted the Lord's promise to dwell among the Israelites forever (43:7) and then described the new Holy City, while Jesus promised to return for the Church to take us to be with Him (John 14:1-3), they must have been talking about two different destinations. They were. Heaven is the New Jerusalem where we will dwell with the Lord forever, while the Holy City on Earth is Jehovah Shammah where God will dwell in the midst of His people Israel forever.
Israel's Boundaries
With that, we'll shift to the overall boundaries of the land as described in Ezek. 47:13-20. Plotting the ancient references as best as we can, we see that the Northern boundary will run east from the Mediterranean coast across from Cyprus, just north of the 35th parallel and about 100 miles north and west of present day Damascus. In the vicinity of Hamath on the Orontes River in Syria, it will intersect with the Eastern boundary which runs south passing just west of Damascus, east of the Sea of Galilee and then along the Jordan River through the Dead Sea to Zoar, which is just below its southern shores in the vicinity of the 31st parallel. From Zoar the Southern border goes south west toward Kadesh Barnea and then westerly in a curved route to the Wadi al Arish, or River of Egypt (not the Nile) near the 31st parallel again. Then it follows the river north west to meet the south eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's Western boundary is the eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
So the Millennial Kingdom will extend from about 100 miles north of Damascus to about 100 miles south of Jerusalem and from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River. It will include all of present day Lebanon, parts of Syria including the Golan Heights, and all of the West Bank and Gaza. This area closely resembles the original boundaries given in Numbers 34:1-12.
Tribal Allotments
The Land will be divided into 14 roughly equal portions by drawing parallel lines across the land running west to east. There will be seven portions north of the Sacred Portion and five south of it. The Sacred District with the Holy City, the Temple and allotments for the Levites and the Prince will occupy the remaining 2 portions.
North of the Sacred District, beginning with the northern most portion will be the tribes of Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah in that order. Continuing south of the Sacred District the five remaining tribal allotments will belong to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulon and Gad in that order.
On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD's house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. 21 Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD Almighty, and all who come to sacrifice will take some of the pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 14:20-21)
The land will be holy, the people will be holy, the city will be holy, the Temple will be holy, and the Lord will dwell with them there forever.
Here then is the sequence of end times events according to Ezekiel. Following a long period where the Land had lain desolate, the Jewish people would return in the latter days, as if from the dead. At first they wouldn't recognize God as the author of this but would claim the credit themselves for their resurrection. Israel's return to God will come after the battle of Ezekiel 38-39, and the Jewish people will re-establish their covenant (old not new) with Him. This will require a return to Levitical practices and so a Temple will be built. Following Ezekiel's instructions as interpreted by the anti-Christ, this Temple will be located north of Jerusalem in Shiloh. Some time between the Battle of Ezekiel 38-39 and the beginning of the Millennium, during the time of the Great Tribulation the Temple will be made desolate, but will be cleansed again upon the Lord's return. During the Kingdom Age on Earth this Temple will serve as the dwelling place of God fulfilling His promise to live among His people Israel forever. Amen.
VISIT MYSPACE AT: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MYCHRISTIANPLACECLICK ON PROFILE TO SEE PAGE.
We've come to the conclusion of the Millennial portion of the Book of Ezekiel, and of the book itself. After devoting 7 chapters (40-46) to the Temple and its offerings, the Priests and the Prince, the final two chapters (47-48) discuss the land in general, and its distribution among the tribes during the Millennium. But as they do, we're given clues as to the Temple's location in the Land, so we'll begin our concluding installment there. For the purposes of clarification, we'll back up a bit in time to gain some perspective from several other books of the Bible.
The Coming Temple
There is no Temple in Israel today, but according to Prophecies in Daniel 9:27, Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4, a Temple will exist in Israel at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. This is confirmed by Revelation 11:1 which describes John measuring a Temple during the first half of Daniel's 70th week, before the Great Tribulation begins. Its location is the "Holy City." Rev. 11 also introduces the 2 witnesses who preach in the "Great City" and are ultimately killed there, their bodies left lying in the street. The Great City is identified as the place where the Lord was crucified: Jerusalem. But is Jerusalem also the Holy City? We'll see. First, Zechariah explains the day of the Lord's return.
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south ... Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (Zechariah 14:4-5)
Zechariah was writing about the very day of the Lord's return. On one of my trips to Jerusalem I stood on the Mt. Of Olives in the place where tradition says He ascended from. As I looked due west toward the Mediterranean I was astonished to discover that if He returns to the same place from which He left, as suggested by Acts 1:11, this East-West valley will pass straight through the current Temple mount, destroying it and anything that may be standing upon it, and moving the northern part of the city up the south facing slope of a mountain that will be created at the same time. (Zechariah 14:10)
On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. (Zechariah 14:8-9)
On that same day a river will fill the valley creating a waterway from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea. Now let's go to Ezekiel 47.
The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was flowing from the south side.
He asked me, "Son of man, do you see this?" Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Sea. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi (On the Dead Sea's western shore) to En Eglaim (on the eastern shore) there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds-like the fish of the Great Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 6-12)
Like Zechariah, Ezekiel also described a river flowing from under the south side of the Temple and then eastward to the Dead Sea, where it makes the sea fresh, and Revelation 22:1-2 confirms this. Both Ezekiel and Revelation speak of trees that line the river bearing fruit each month for food and for healing, and both Zechariah and Revelation indicate that the River flows through the city. If, as it appears, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation are all describing the same river, then an interesting scenario begins to emerge.
This scenario requires a Temple to be present on the day the Lord returns, but since the current Temple mount will have been destroyed in the creation of the river valley mentioned above, this Temple must be somewhere else. Since the river originates under the Temple and flows south from its south side before heading east and west, the Temple must be north of the newly created river valley.
As we'll see, plotting the land grants for the 12 tribes given in Ezekiel 48 on a map of Israel places the Sacred District of the new Temple somewhat north of the current City of Jerusalem. This new location is in the ancient City of Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for nearly 400 years after the Israelites first conquered the Land. This is the new Holy City and its name will be Jehovah Shammah according to Ezekiel 48:35. In English it means "the LORD is here" consistent with His promise to dwell among the Israelites forever. (Ezek 43:7)
The Shiloh location meets all the requirements for the Temple location mentioned in the above references. The current Temple Mount in Jerusalem would not.
Reviewing Ezekiel 44:6-9, we remember that this Temple will have been defiled in a way never seen in history, therefore at a time yet future to us. A foreigner un-circumsized in heart (neither Christian) and flesh (nor Jewish) will have been given charge of the sanctuary while offering sacrifices. According to the chronology of Ezekiel, this defilement will have taken place after both the 1948 re-gathering prophesied in 36-37 and the national wake-up call prophesied in 38-39 but before the Millennial Kingdom begins. The only event we know of that fits in that time frame is the Great Tribulation. Daniel 9:27 agrees with the timing placing the Temple's defilement in the Middle of the 70th week. Paul's prophecy of 2 Thes. 2:4 confirms the nature of the event, saying that the anti-Christ will set himself up in the Temple proclaiming himself to be God. In Matt. 24:15-21 Jesus said it will kick off the Great Tribulation.
Remember, the rabbis call Ezekiel's Temple the 3rd Temple. If the anti-Christ will come from a Moslem background that would prevent him from destroying or defiling the Islamic mosques and shrines on the current Temple Mount. After all it's also likely that Islam will be the one world religion during the end times and the Temple Mount contains its 3rd holiest place. Being the great peace maker, it makes sense that in his covenant with Israel he will come up with a location for the Temple that satisfies both religions, allowing them to co-exist for a time. What better location than the one right out of Israel's own scriptures?
This Temple will be defiled in the middle of the last 7 years, but will be the source of living water that begins flowing on the day the Lord returns (Zech 14:8). After it's made holy again, in what I believe will be the prophetic fulfillment of the Feast of Hanukkah, this same Temple will be used during the Millennium to memorialize the Lord's work at the cross. Its offerings and ceremonies will provide the necessary perspective for children born during the Kingdom Age to choose salvation just as you and I have had the perspective of the Lord's Supper in making our choice. Remember, He said, "Do this in memory of Me until I come." Acts 15:14-16 confirms that after the Lord has taken a people from among the gentiles for Himself (the church) He will return and re-build David's fallen Tabernacle (the Temple). This is the Millennial Temple so vividly described in Ezekiel 40-46 and it will be built in Shiloh.
The New Jerusalem
While we're at it, let's have Ezekiel solve the Jerusalem / New Jerusalem problem for us as well. For as long as I've been studying these things, there has been debate over the location of the New Jerusalem. Some wonder how the Lord could permit redeemed believers and non- believing natural humans to co-exist in the Millennium. Others wonder how a city with a foot print 1400 miles square and tall could be located in Israel when the whole country won't be big enough to accommodate it.
Carefully examining Rev 21 and 22, we notice that John never actually says that the city arrives on earth. We are only told he sees it coming down out of heaven, prepared as a bride. (Not that the city IS the bride, but that as with a bride on her wedding day, no effort has been spared to make it look its absolute best.)
I don't believe the city ever rests on the Earth's surface, but rather orbits in the proximity of Earth, like a satellite or perhaps another moon.
Also, by comparing the descriptions of New Jerusalem with Jehovah Shammah we see some similarities but enough differences to dispel any notion that John and Ezekiel could have been describing the same place. Consider the following:
New Jerusalem
New Jerusalem(All verses from Rev.)
Jehovah Shammah(All verses from Ezekiel)
12 gates named after Israel (21:12)
12 gates named after Israel (48:30)
12 foundations named after Apostles (21:14)
Foundation not described
1400 miles square and tall (21:16)
One mile square (48:30)
Coming Down from heaven (21:2)
Located in Israel on Earth (40:2)
No Temple ... God and the Lamb are its Temple (21:22)
Temple just north of the city (40:2)
No sin; nothing impure will ever enter (21:27)
Daily sin offerings in the Temple (45:13-15,17)
No more death (21:4)
Still death (44:25 also Isa 65:20)
No natural beings ... only the perfected (21:27)
Natural Beings (46:16)
With the differentiation of these two Holy Cities, the apparent conflict between Jewish and Christian eschatology is resolved. Israel was promised that one day GOD would come to Earth to dwell among them forever, while the Church is promised that Jesus will come to take us to heaven to live with Him there. Both promises come true.
Since Ezekiel specifically quoted the Lord's promise to dwell among the Israelites forever (43:7) and then described the new Holy City, while Jesus promised to return for the Church to take us to be with Him (John 14:1-3), they must have been talking about two different destinations. They were. Heaven is the New Jerusalem where we will dwell with the Lord forever, while the Holy City on Earth is Jehovah Shammah where God will dwell in the midst of His people Israel forever.
Israel's Boundaries
With that, we'll shift to the overall boundaries of the land as described in Ezek. 47:13-20. Plotting the ancient references as best as we can, we see that the Northern boundary will run east from the Mediterranean coast across from Cyprus, just north of the 35th parallel and about 100 miles north and west of present day Damascus. In the vicinity of Hamath on the Orontes River in Syria, it will intersect with the Eastern boundary which runs south passing just west of Damascus, east of the Sea of Galilee and then along the Jordan River through the Dead Sea to Zoar, which is just below its southern shores in the vicinity of the 31st parallel. From Zoar the Southern border goes south west toward Kadesh Barnea and then westerly in a curved route to the Wadi al Arish, or River of Egypt (not the Nile) near the 31st parallel again. Then it follows the river north west to meet the south eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's Western boundary is the eastern coast of the Mediterranean.
So the Millennial Kingdom will extend from about 100 miles north of Damascus to about 100 miles south of Jerusalem and from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River. It will include all of present day Lebanon, parts of Syria including the Golan Heights, and all of the West Bank and Gaza. This area closely resembles the original boundaries given in Numbers 34:1-12.
Tribal Allotments
The Land will be divided into 14 roughly equal portions by drawing parallel lines across the land running west to east. There will be seven portions north of the Sacred Portion and five south of it. The Sacred District with the Holy City, the Temple and allotments for the Levites and the Prince will occupy the remaining 2 portions.
North of the Sacred District, beginning with the northern most portion will be the tribes of Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah in that order. Continuing south of the Sacred District the five remaining tribal allotments will belong to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulon and Gad in that order.
On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the LORD's house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar. 21 Every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD Almighty, and all who come to sacrifice will take some of the pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 14:20-21)
The land will be holy, the people will be holy, the city will be holy, the Temple will be holy, and the Lord will dwell with them there forever.
Here then is the sequence of end times events according to Ezekiel. Following a long period where the Land had lain desolate, the Jewish people would return in the latter days, as if from the dead. At first they wouldn't recognize God as the author of this but would claim the credit themselves for their resurrection. Israel's return to God will come after the battle of Ezekiel 38-39, and the Jewish people will re-establish their covenant (old not new) with Him. This will require a return to Levitical practices and so a Temple will be built. Following Ezekiel's instructions as interpreted by the anti-Christ, this Temple will be located north of Jerusalem in Shiloh. Some time between the Battle of Ezekiel 38-39 and the beginning of the Millennium, during the time of the Great Tribulation the Temple will be made desolate, but will be cleansed again upon the Lord's return. During the Kingdom Age on Earth this Temple will serve as the dwelling place of God fulfilling His promise to live among His people Israel forever. Amen.
VISIT MYSPACE AT: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MYCHRISTIANPLACECLICK ON PROFILE TO SEE PAGE.
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