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Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted his voice and wept. (Genesis 29:11)
Important Notice
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2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. 4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. (The spread of lawlessness occurs quickly after the rapture of the church takes place, which leaves the world with only those who have not been born again. My note)
The video for this post, The Omega Code, shows how the world is affected by the presence of the Anti-Christ, and by those who support his takeover of the world after the rapture has taken place and the tribulation begins. Of course, it is important to remember that God is in charge of everything that happens during the tribulation. A key passage that tells of the sovereignty of God is Psalm 103:19, as follows.
Psalm 103:19 New Living Translation (NLT)
19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.
The video appears to be “slow going” until eleven minutes into the movie. At twelve minutes, things “really get going!” The events of the movie closely parallel biblical scripture of end-times scripture. We are aware pf the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). In the tribulation there are three characters that form an unholy trinity. They are (1) the dragon, the serpent, the devil, Satan; (2) the beast, the anti-Christ, the man of lawlessness, the man of sin, the man of destruction, a political leader; (3) the false prophet, a religious leader. In the movie, Stone Alexander is the Anti-Christ; the false prophet is a former Catholic priest, by the name of Dominic. The woman, who is in alliance with the false prophet and Anti-Christ, makes the following statement:”even Satan comes as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). The two witnesses of Rev 11:1-14 are murdered and are resurrected. Now! Here’s a question for you to ponder. Who is the woman of Revelation Chapter 12?
We will now consider scripture that relates to the Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl Judgments, as they are discussed in the Book of Revelation. The rapture of the church, the born again believers of Christ, has taken place prior to these events, and is documented in the following verses of scripture. It is important to notice that when Jesus returns “in the air,” He “does not” set foot on the earth. He catches up/snatches away, those living and deceased born-again saints. It is not until “the second coming of Christ” that Jesus will actually stand on the Mount of Olives, as he explained to the disciples in the Olivet discourse in Matthew, Chapters, 24:29-31; 25:31-34; “. Prophetic scriptures of Zechariah 14:1-3, 4-8, 9-16, and Revelation 19:11-20:4, also describe the second coming of Christ, where he will physically stand on the earth. The return of Jesus “to the earth” is said to be “after the tribulation,” in Mt 24:29-31. When the rapture occurs, the only people who will be left on earth will be those whom have not been born again. The tribulation begins with Revelation 6:1, and continues until the beginning of the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11), which ends with vs 15,” From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations.” This verse shows that it is a spiritual battle that defeats Satan and his forces.
John 14:2-3 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 New Living Translation (NLT)
50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. 51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
We will now discus the Seal Judgments of Revelation, Chapter 6. Comments were made on verses 1-4 in “God’s Plan For The Ages” # 12.
The supporting Comments come from the MacArthur Study Bible (Everybody should own a MacArthur Study Bible).
Revelation 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The First Seal—Rider on White Horse
1 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
The Second Seal—War
3 When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” 4 And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
The Third Seal—Famine
5 When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for adenarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”
6:5 black horse. Black signifies famine (cf. Lam. 5:8–10). Worldwide war will destroy the food supply which spawns global hunger. pair of scales. The common measuring device—two small trays hung from each end of a balance beam—indicates that the scarcity of food will lead to rationing and food lines.
6:6 quart of wheat. The approximate amount necessary to sustain one person for one day. denarius. One day’s normal wage. One day’s work will provide enough food for only one person. three quarts of barley. Usually fed to animals, this grain was low in nutrients and cheaper than wheat. A day’s wage provides enough for only a small family’s daily supply. oil and the wine. Although the point could be that these foods will not be affected by the famine, a more straightforward meaning is that bare staples—oil was used in the preparation of bread, and wine was considered necessary for cooking and purifying water—suddenly will become luxuries that have to be carefully protected.
The Fourth Seal—Death
7 When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” 8 I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.
6:8 pale horse. “Pale,” the Gr. word from which the Eng. word “chlorophyll” comes, describes the pale, ashen-green, pallor characteristic of the decomposition of a corpse. God grants this horseman the authority to bring death to 25 percent of the world’s population. Hades. See note on Luke 16:23. The place of the dead, which is identified as a common and fitting partner for death (20:13; see note on 1:18).
The Fifth Seal—Martyrs
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true,will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.
6:9 fifth seal. This seal describes the force of the saints’ prayers for God’s vengeance. Its events will begin in the first half and mark the mid-point and events following, in the 7 year period, which is called the Great Tribulation (2:22; 7:14; see notes on Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4). The second 3½ year period (11:2; 12:6; 13:5) features the Day of the Lord, in which God unleashes His judgment and wrath on the earth in intensifying waves (see note on 1 Thess. 5:2). under the altar.Probably a reference to the altar of incense, which pictured the saints’ prayers ascending to God (5:8; cf. Ex. 40:5). the souls of those who had been slain. Christians martyred for their faith (cf. 7:9, 13–15; 17:6; Matt. 24:9–14; see also Mark 13:9–13;Luke 21:12–19).
6:11 white robe. See note on 3:4. rest a little while longer.God will answer their prayer for vengeance, but in His time. until both the number … was completed. God has predetermined the number of the righteous whose death He will allow before moving to destroy the rebels.
The Sixth Seal—Terror
12 I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. 14 The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
6:12 sixth seal. The force described in this seal is overpowering fear (cf. Luke 21:26). While the first 5 seals will result from human activity God used to accomplish His purposes, at this point He begins direct intervention (cf. Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25). The previous 5 seals will be precursors to the full fury of the Day of the Lord which will begin with the sixth seal (v. 17). The events described in this seal unleash the seventh, which contains the trumpet judgments (chaps. 8, 9; 11:15ff.) and the bowl judgments (chap. 16). great earthquake. There have been many earthquakes prior to this (Matt. 24:7), but this will be more than an earthquake. All the earth’s faults will begin to fracture simultaneously, resulting in a cataclysmic, global earthquake.moon became like blood. Accompanying the earthquake will be numerous volcanic eruptions; and large amounts of ash and debris will be blown into the earth’s atmosphere, blackening the sun and giving the moon a blood-red hue (cf. Zech. 14:6, 7).
6:13 stars of heaven fell. The word “stars” can refer to any celestial body, large or small, and is not limited to normal English usage. The best explanation is a massive asteroid or meteor shower. late figs. Winter figs that grow without the protection of leaves and are easily blown from the tree.
6:14 sky receded as a scroll. The earth’s atmosphere will be somehow dramatically affected and the sky as we know it disappears (cf. Is. 34:4). every mountain and island was moved. Under the stress created by the global earthquake, great segments of the earth’s plates will begin to slip and shift, realigning whole continents.
6:16 wrath of the Lamb. Earth’s inhabitants will recognize for the first time the source of all their trouble (see note on 5:6). Incredibly, prior to this they will be living life as usual (Matt. 24:37–39).
6:17 great day. The sixth seal will commence what the prophets call “the Day of the Lord.” See Introduction to Joel: Historical and Theological Themes.
Consider the comment from Bible.org, Dr. John F. Walvoord, Deceased, after a brief bio.
John F. Walvoord, long-time president of Dallas Theological Seminary, was one of the most prominent evangelical scholars of his generation. He is considered perhaps the world’s foremost interpreter of biblical prophecy.
The book of Revelation discredits those who hold that God is so loving and kind that He will never judge people who have not received His Son. Though the modern mind is reluctant to accept the fact that God will judge the wicked, the Bible clearly teaches that He will. The Scriptures reveal a God of love as clearly as they reveal a God of wrath who will deal with those who spurn the grace proffered in the Lord Jesus Christ. The passage before us (Rev 6:17) is a solemn word that there is inevitable judgment ahead for those who will not receive Christ by faith.
Bible Study: Zechariah
Zechariah 3. Scofield Study Bible. Read vs 1-10, notes 3:1, 3:2, 3:10. Joshua is The High Priest; the Lord’s servant, the Branch. Joshua represents Israel. The Branch may represent the Messiah or Zerubbabel, the appointed Governor of Judah. Zerubbabel is known for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 3-4; 536-534 B.C.).
Important Notice
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Can we agree that Valentine’s Day comes only once each year? Can we also agree that there is only “One Day Of Valentine” each year? Well! Correction is on the way !!! (I think that “lol” should be added, “lol.”) This past year, I decided that we should remember the love of Valentine’s Day more than once each year; and, that only one day for such love is terribly insufficient. At this time on our calendars we are a bit more than six months from the next “Calendar Day Of Valentine.” Therefore, I think that it would be a good thing for us to inaugurate an “off calendar” time to consider the love of Valentine’s Day. These Valentine posts will be published every other day for “The Seven Days Of Valentine.” I hope that you will enjoy the songs of love that will come your way. This first video is a real oldie, having music from 1955. It was made as part of a movie that has scenes of men taking their ladies to an intimate night spot. Fellows, be sure that you do something special for your ladies (only one lady per man, and not transgendered, etc. lol) during these “Seven Days Of Valentine;” let it be “about her.” Husbands, remember the words of Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”
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The era of the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties created the best music, “ever.” This video of Jerry Butler and Betty Everett was recorded live, most likely in the year 2000; they also recorded it together in 1964. This is a beautiful song, with a beautiful pair singing it. I understand that Betty passed shortly after this performance (Betty Everett, November 23, 1939 – August 19, 2001). Jerry Butler was born December 9, 1939. This particular song, along with Betty Everett and Jerry Butler, bring back tender memories of my early teen years. As I listened to the song, over and over, tears flowed very easily.
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The seal judgment of Revelation 6:1-2 has passed, having been poured out by “the Lamb, Jesus.” Every person, “man, woman, and child,” in the world is affected. The Anti-Christ breaks his false covenant of peace with Israel; the surrounding world is suffering from great lawlessness. The rapture of the church has previously take place, which leaves the earth with only the people whom had not been born again at the time of the rapture. (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Ephesians 4:13-18). Throughout the world, no one has the Spirit of God dwelling within them and convicting them of sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-11); lawlessness increases. Those whom are left behind have no understanding of the things of God (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14). All of the governments of the world are being led by people whom have no Godly influence guiding them. It will be like it was after the presidential and congressional elections in the USA in 2008. We had a President, Vice-President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary of State (now wanting to be President), leading our nation, but showing no evidence that they had the Spirit of God dwelling within them. Their actions showed that they had not been born again. In essence, the USA was being led by un-Godly men and women. After the rapture of the church takes place, all remaining people in the world will also be of the same spiritually depraved state, of not having God’s Spirit dwelling within them. Worldwide chaos will breakout, with or without the influence of the Anti-Christ, because un-Godly people will be dominating the world. In time, there will be “earth dwellers” ( Rev 3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 14; 17:8); those that were left behind; who will come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will become known as “tribulation saints; most of them will be martyred at the hands of the Anti-Christ” (Revelation 6:9-11). The Christians in the video of this post are “left behind” people who came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior “during the tribulation.” So, here is a choice that has to be made by everyone in the world prior to the time of the rapture. The choice is simple: “be born again, and be taken away by Jesus; or, be an earth dweller and suffer at the hands of the Anti-Christ and the other un-Godly people of the world.”
Consider the following order of events. Key on Daniel 9:27, as it relates to the Anti-Christ breaking his treaty with Israel.
Daniel 9:24-27 New Living Translation (NLT)
24 “A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. 25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.
26 “After this period of sixty-two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. 27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration,until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”
Comments (MacArthur Study Bible – Everyone should own a MacArthur Study Bible)
9:24–26 Seventy weeks…from…until. These are weeks of years, whereas weeks of days are described in a different way (10:2, 3). The time spans from the Persian Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem, ca. 445 B.C. (Neh. 2:1–8), to the Messiah’s kingdom. This panorama includes: 1) 7 weeks or 49 years, possibly closing Nehemiah’s career in the rebuilding of the “street and wall,” as well as the end of the ministry of Malachi and the close of the OT; 2) 62 weeks or 434 more years for a total of 483 years to the first advent of Messiah. This was fulfilled at the triumphal entry on 9 Nisan, A.D. 30 (see notes on Matt. 21:1–9). The Messiah will be “cut off,” (a common reference to death); and 3) the final 7 years or 70th week of the time of Antichrist (cf.v. 27). Roman people, from whom the Antichrist will come, will “destroy the city” of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70.
9:24. This highly complex and startlingly accurate prophecy answers Daniel’s prayer, not with reference to near history, but by giving the future of Israel in the final end of the age. God promises 2 sets of 3 accomplishments each. First, those related to sin are: 1) finish the transgression, i.e., restrain sin and Israel’s in particular in its long trend of apostasy, as in v. 11; 2)make an end of sins, i.e., to judge it with finality (cf. Heb. 9:26); and 3) make reconciliation for iniquity, signifies to furnish the actual basis of covering sin by full atonement, the blood of the crucified Messiah who is “cut off” (v. 26), which affects the first two realities (cf. the fountain, Zech. 13:1). Second, those accomplishments related to righteousness are: 1)bring in…righteousness, the eternal righteousness of Daniel’s people in their great change from centuries of apostasy; 2) seal up vision…, i.e., no more revelation is needed and God will bring these anticipations to completion by their fulfillment in Israel’s blessing as a nation; and 3) anoint the Most Holy,consecrate the Holy Place in a temple of the future that will be the center of worship in the millennial kingdom (cf. Ezek. 40–48). Clearly this must be understood to sweep to the end of Gentile power and the time of Antichrist right before Christ’s return. Summing up, the first 3 are fulfilled in principle at Christ’s first coming, in full at His return. The last 3 complete the plan at His Second Advent.
9:27 Then. This is clearly the end of the age, the Second Advent judgment, because the bringing in of righteousness did not occur 7 years after the death of the Messiah, nor did the destruction of Jerusalem fit the 7 year period (occurring 37 years later). This is the future 7 year period which ends with sin’s final judgment and Christ’s reign of righteousness; i.e., the return of Christ and the establishment of His rule. These 7 years constitute the 70th week of Daniel. he shall confirm. “He” is the last-mentioned prince (v. 26), leader of the Roman sphere (cf. chaps. 2 and 7), the Antichrist who comes in the latter days. The time is in the future tribulation period of “one week,” i.e., the final 7 years of v. 24. He confirms (lit., causes to prevail) a 7 year covenant, his own pact with Israel for what will turn out actually to be for a shorter time. The leader in this covenant is the “little horn” of 7:7, 8, 20, 21,24–26, and the evil leader of NT prophecy (Mark 13:14; 2 Thess. 2:3–10; Rev. 13:1–10). That he is in the future, even after Christ’s First Advent, is shown by 1) Matt. 24:15; 2) by the time references that match (7:25; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5); and 3) by the end here extending to the Second Advent, matching the duration elsewhere mentioned in Daniel (2:35, 45; 7:15ff.; 12:1–3) and Rev. 11:2; 12:14; 13:5. middle of the week. This is the halfway point of the 70th week of years, i.e., 7 years leading to Christ’s second coming. The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel (v. 27a), which has resumed its ancient sacrificial system. Three and a half years of tribulation remain, agreeing with the time in other Scriptures (7:25; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5, called “Great Tribulation,” cf. Matt. 24:21) as God’s wrath intensifies. abominations…one who makes desolate. The Antichrist will cause abomination against Jewish religion. This violation will desolate or ruin what Jews regard as sacred, namely their holy temple and the honoring of God’s presence there (cf. 1 Kin. 9:3; 2 Thess. 2:4). Jesus refers directly to this text in His Olivet discourse (Matt. 24:15). See note on 11:31. the consummation. God permits this tribulation under the Antichrist’s persecutions and ultimately triumphs, achieving judgment of the sin and sinners in Israel (12:7) and in the world (cf. Jer. 25:31). This includes the Antichrist (11:45; Rev. 19:20), and all who deserve judgment (9:24; Matt. 13:41–43).
Consider those who will be left behind, and who will be the objects of the Judgments of The Lamb.
(Commentary on Bible.org, Dr. John Walvoord, Deceased).
The Invitation from Heaven (Revelation 4:1)
4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The invitation to John to “come up hither” is so similar to that which the church anticipates at the rapture that many have connected the two expressions. It is clear from the context that this is not an explicit reference to the rapture of the church, as John was not actually translated; in fact he was still in his natural body on the island of Patmos. He was translated into scenes of heaven only temporarily. Though there is no authority for connecting the rapture with this expression, there does seem to be a typical representation of the order of events, namely, the church age first, then the rapture, then the church in heaven. Though the rapture is mentioned in letters to two of the churches (cf. 2:25; 3:11), the rapture as a doctrine is not a part of the prophetic foreview of the book of Revelation. This is in keeping with the fact that the book as a whole is not occupied primarily with God’s program for the church. Instead the primary objective is to portray the events leading up to and climaxing in the second coming of Christ and the prophetic kingdom and the eternal state which ultimately will follow.
From a practical standpoint, however, the rapture may be viewed as having already occurred in the scheme of God before the events of chapter 4 and following chapters of Revelation unfold. The word church, so prominent in chapters 2 and 3, does not occur again until 22:16, though the church is undoubtedly in view as the wife of the Lamb in Revelation 19:7. She is not a participant in the scenes of the tribulation which form the major content of the book of Revelation. The familiar phrase “what the Spirit saith unto the churches” found in 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22 is significantly absent in 13:9.
It seems that the church as the Body of Christ is out of the picture, and saints who come to know the Lord in this period are described as saved Israelites or saved Gentiles, never by terms which are characteristic of the church, the Body of Christ. Saints mentioned from this point on do not lose their racial background as is commonly done in referring to the church where Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. At the beginning of chapter 4, then, the church may be considered as in heaven and not related to events which will take place on the earth in preparation for Christ’s return in power and glory.
Consider the following discussion of the first two Seal Judgments, which will be poured out on the Earth by “the Lamb, Jesus.” Following the Seal Judgments there will be Trumpet Judgments and Bowl Judgments, all of which will be poured out on “all which dwell on the earth,” by Jesus, “the Lamb.” No one on earth will be exempt from these judgments, whether they are man, woman or child. (Please don’t be an earth dweller.)
Seal Judgments
Revelation 6:1-2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The First Seal, Rider on White Horse, The Anti-Christ, False Peace, Cold War
1 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Comments: MacArthur Study Bible
6:1 the seals. In chap. 5, Christ was the only One found worthy to open the little scroll—the title deed to the universe. As He breaks the 7 seals that secure the scroll, each seal unleashes a new demonstration of God’s judgment on the earth in the future tribulation period (see notes on 5:1; Matt. 24:3–9). These seal judgments include all the judgments to the end. The seventh seal contains the 7 trumpets; the seventh trumpet contains the 7 bowls.
6:2 white horse. The animal represents an unparalleled time of world peace—a false peace that is to be short-lived (see note on v. 4). This peace will be ushered in by a series of false messiahs, culminating with the Antichrist (Matt. 24:3–5). He who sat on it.The 4 horses and their riders do not represent specific individuals, but forces. Some, however, identify this rider with Antichrist. Although he will be the leading figure, John’s point is that the entire world will follow him, being obsessed with pursuing this false peace. bow. The bow is a symbol of war, but the absence of arrows implies that this victory is a bloodless one—a peace won by covenant and agreement, not by war (cf. Dan. 9:24–27). crown. This word refers to the kind of laurel wreath awarded winning athletes. It “was given to him.” Antichrist becomes king, elected by the world’s inhabitants regardless of the cost, and will conquer the entire earth in a bloodless coup.
The Second Seal Judgment shows the progression that takes place from a “false peace and cold war” to a “hot war.”
Revelation 6:3-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Second Seal—War, Hot War
3 When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” 4 And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.
Comments: MacArthur Study Bible
6:3, 4.The second seal brings war and a lack of peace (cf.Matt. 24:6, 7). The sword represents armed conflict. Perhaps the attacks on Israel mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39 and Daniel 11:40–44 are also in view.
Bible Study: Zechariah
Zechariah 2 Scofield Study Bible. Read Vs 1-2. The man with the measuring line in hand. Read note 2:1. Read Vs 3-13. Jerusalem In The Kingdom Age. Read notes 2:10; 2:12. Key vs 2:8.
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There Is None Like You
(Check out the sister – What a voice!)
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John 4:24 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Notice that Jesus is not saying that God is “a spirit.” Such a comment would make God “one of many spirits.” No! God “is” Spirit. God is “the only Spirit of Deity.” Consider the following note:
4:24 God is Spirit. This verse represents the classical statement on the nature of God as Spirit. The phrase means that God is invisible (Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27) as opposed to the physical or material nature of man (1:18; 3:6). The word order of this phrase puts an emphasis on “Spirit,” and the statement is essentially emphatic. Man could never comprehend the invisible God unless He revealed Himself, as He did in Scripture and the Incarnation. must worship. Jesus is not speaking of a desirable element in worship but that which is absolutely necessary. in spirit and truth. The word “spirit” does not refer to the Holy Spirit but to the human spirit. Jesus’ point here is that a person must worship not simply by external conformity to religious rituals and places (outwardly) but inwardly (“in spirit”) with the proper heart attitude. The reference to “truth” refers to worship of God consistent with the revealed Scripture and centered on the “Word made flesh” who ultimately revealed His Father (14:6). (This note is from the MacArthur Study Bible. Everyone should own a MacArthur Study Bible).
Consider this thought. Worshiping God in spirit and in truth. It’s not a place, a day, or a time; it’s “all of us for all of Him.”
Please let me direct you to some singers who truly worship God “in spirit and in truth.” “Women of Faith” sing in a way that is deeply worshipful. I trust that you will join-in, and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus of Nazareth.
Above All
(Worshipful)
My Heart – Your Home
(Deep Worship)
Wonderful Merciful Savior
(Worshipful!)
Shout To The Lord
(Español)
Worship, consider God’s Word.
Exodus 33:7-10 New American Standard Version (NASB)
The Tent outside the Camp
7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp. 8 And it came about, whenever Moses went out to the tent, that all the people would arise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he entered the tent. 9 Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the Lord would speak with Moses. 10 When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent.
2 Chronicles 7:1-3 New American Standard Version (RSV)
Solomon Dedicates the Temple
The Shekinah Glory
1 Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 The priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. 3 All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord, saying, “Truly He is good, truly His loving kindness is everlasting.”
7:1–3 fire came down. This also occurred when the tabernacle was dedicated (Lev. 9:23, 24). This was the genuine dedication, because only God can truly sanctify.(Note: MacArthur Study Bible)
Philippians 3:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Goal Of Life
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
3:10 I may know Him. See note on v. 8. Paul’s emphasis here is on gaining a deeper knowledge and intimacy with Christ. the power of His resurrection. Christ’s resurrection most graphically demonstrated the extent of His power. By raising Himself from the dead, Christ displayed His power over both the physical and spiritual worlds. fellowship of His sufferings. This refers to a partnership—a deep communion of suffering that every believer shares with Christ, who is able to comfort suffering Christians because He has already experienced the same suffering, and infinitely more (Heb. 2:18; 4:15; 12:2–4; cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:21–24). conformed to His death. As Christ died for the purpose of redeeming sinners, so Paul had that same purpose in a lesser sense; he lived and would willingly die to reach sinners with the gospel. His life and death, though not redemptive, were for the same purpose as his Lord’s.(Note: MacArthur Study Bible)
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Eschatology is the study of the teachings in the Bible concerning the end times and of the period of time dealing with the return of Christ and the events that follow. Those events are not in the order as shown: the Resurrection, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Binding of Satan, the Three witnesses, the Final Judgment, Armageddon, and The New Heavens and the New Earth. In one form or another most of the books of the Bible deal with end-times subjects.
My study of the end times goes back to the year of 1976. There have been many people who have helped me to understand this exciting part of God’s Holy Word. There have also been many credible source documents that I have studied, “over and over.” The following individuals (some alive, and some deceased) are recognized as being highly knowledgeable of matters that relate to the end times. Their study materials have helped me to prepare this series of posts on “God’s Plan For The Ages.” Their names are presented below in no special order of importance.
Drs. C.I. Scofield, Merrill Unger, Charles C. Ryrie, Henry Morris, J. Dwight Pentecost, David Jeremiah, John MacArthur, Frank Charles Thompson, Grant R. Jeffrey, John F. Walvoord, J. Vernon McGee, Charles Swindoll, John Phillips, Ed Hindson, Tim LaHaye, Ron Rhodes, David Reagan, Jimmy DeYoung, Renald Showers, John Ankerberg, Carl Broggi, and others.
The video that is shown in this post deals with the time of the tribulation. Many people, including those who say that they have a serious relationship with “the Christ,” “the Messiah,” have never seriously considered any of the teachings that relate to the end times. However, God’s Holy Word has great encouragement for His people, as it relates to a proper study of the end times. At the end of the video it is very “soul-stirring,” showing a young woman and a dying man coming to faith in Christ. Other tribulation saints, those that were “left behind,” (red and yellow, black and white – you know the song) and had accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the tribulation, are seen singing “Amazing Grace” in a way that will definitely “stir your soul.”
Consider the words of the following verse of Scripture:
Revelation 1:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Consider the following notes that come from the MacArthur Study Bible (everyone should own a MacArthur Study Bible)
1:3 Blessed. This is the only biblical book that comes with a blessing for the one who listens to it being read and explained and then responds in obedience. This is the first of 7 beatitudes in the book (v. 3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14). time is near. “Time” refers to epochs, eras, or seasons. The next great epoch of God’s redemptive history is imminent. But although Christ’s coming is the next event, it may be delayed so long that people begin to question whether He will ever come (cf. Matt. 24:36–39; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4).
Let’s consider the Words of Jesus, as they relate to the events that will lead to the time of the tribulation. There are many other scriptures that relate to the tribulation, and will be discussed in future posts.
Matthew 24:3-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Signs of the End of the Age
3 While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
24:3 Mount of Olives. The hill directly opposite the temple, across the Kidron Valley to the E (see note on Luke 19:29). This spot affords the best panoramic view of Jerusalem. At the base of this mountain is Gethsemane (see note on 26:36). what will be the sign of Your coming. Luke 19:11 records that the disciples still “thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.” The destruction of the temple (v. 2) did not fit the eschatological scheme they envisioned, so they asked for clarification. Jesus addressed their questions in reverse order, describing the prophetic sign of His coming (actually a series of signs) in vv. 4–35 and then addressing their question about the timing of these events beginning in v. 36. When they asked about His coming (Gr., parousia; lit. “presence”), they did not envision a second coming in the far-off future. They were speaking of His coming in triumph as Messiah, an event which they no doubt anticipated would occur presently. Even if they were conscious of His approaching death, which He had plainly prophesied to them on repeated occasions (see note on 20:19), they could not have anticipated His ascension to heaven and the long intervening church age. However, when Jesus used the term parousia in His discourse, He used it in the technical sense as a reference to His second coming.
4 Then Jesus replied to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. 6 You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet.
24:6 but the end is not yet. False prophets, as well as wars and rumors of wars, characterize the whole of the present age, but will escalate toward the end (cf. 2 Tim. 3:13).
7 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these events are the beginning of birth pains.
24:8 sorrows. The word means “birth pangs.” Famines, earthquakes, and conflicts have always characterized life in a fallen world; but by calling these things “the beginning” of labor pains, He indicated that things will get notably and remarkably worse at the end of the era as these unique tribulations signal the soon arrival of Messiah to judge sinful humanity and set up His millennial kingdom. Cf. 1 Thes. 5:3; Rev. 6:1–17; 8:1—9:21;16:1–21; see note on v. 14.
Persecutions Predicted
9 “Then they will hand you over for persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.
24:9 deliver you up. See note on 10:17.
10:17 deliver you up. This is a technical word, in this context, used for handing over a prisoner for punishment. Persecution of believers has often been the official policy of governments. Such persecutions give opportunity for testifying to the truth of the gospel. Cf. John 16:1–4; 2 Tim. 4:16.
10 Then many will take offense, betray one another and hate one another.
24:10 many will be offended. Lit. “caused to stumble”—suggesting professing believers who fall away—and even turn against “one another” in shocking acts of spiritual treachery. Those who fall away in such a manner give evidence that they never were true believers at all (see note on v. 13).
11 Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.12 Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.
24:13 endures to the end…be saved. Cf. 10:22. The ones who persevere are the same ones who are saved—not the ones whose love grows cold (v. 12). This does not suggest that our perseverance secures our salvation. Scripture everywhere teaches precisely the opposite: God, as part of His saving work, secures our perseverance. True believers “are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation” (1 Pet. 1:5). The guarantee of our perseverance is built into the New Covenant promise. God says: “I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me” (Jer. 32:40). Those who do fall away from Christ give conclusive proof that they were never truly believers to begin with (1 John 2:19). To say that God secures our perseverance is not to say that we are passive in the process, however. He keeps us “through faith” (1 Pet. 1:5)—our faith. Scripture sometimes calls us to hold fast to our faith (Heb. 10:23; Rev. 3:11) or warns us against falling away (Heb. 10:26–29). Such admonitions do not negate the many promises that true believers will persevere (John 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:38, 39; 1 Cor. 1:8, 9; Phil. 1:6). Rather, the warnings and pleas are among the means God uses to secure our perseverance in the faith. Notice that the warnings and the promises often appear side by side. For example, when Jude urges believers, “keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21), he immediately points them to God, “who is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 24).
The Great Tribulation
21 For at that time there will be great tribulation, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again!
24:21 great tribulation. The words “has not been” and “nor ever shall be”—along with the description that follows—identify this as the yet-future time in which God’s wrath shall be poured out upon the earth (see note on Rev. 7:14). Jesus’ descriptions of the cataclysms that follow closely resemble the outpouring of divine wrath described in the bowl judgments of Rev. 16 and His subsequent appearing in Rev. 19 (see note on v. 30).
7:14 the great tribulation. See notes on 3:10; 6:1, 9, 12. These people didn’t go with the raptured church, since they were not yet saved. During the 7 year period they will be saved, martyred, and enter heaven. Though it is a time of unparalleled judgment, it is also a time of unparalleled grace in salvation (cf. Matt. 24:12–14). washed their robes. Cf. 19:8. Salvation’s cleansing is in view (see Titus 2:11–14). blood of the Lamb. This refers to the atoning sacrifice of Christ (cf. 1:5; 5:9; Rom. 3:24, 25; 5:9).
Please pay close attention to the words of the comment on 7:14: These people didn’t leave earth with the raptured church, since they were not yet saved; they had not been “born again.” This is the key to being saved from the time of the tribulation, “to be born again.” All people who have been born again will be removed from the earth at the time of the rapture of the church. (1 Thes 4:13-18). All people who have not been born again are known as “earth dwellers,” and will remain on earth during the time of the tribulation. The following verses in the book of Revelation addresses “the earth dwellers,” “those which dwell on the earth.” (3:10, 6:10, 8:13, 11:10, 13:8; 13:13-14, 17:8. It is also important to remember that God is in control of every event that takes place during the tribulation (Psalm 103;19; Jeremiah 18:1-6).
Bible Study: Zechariah
Zechariah 1:1-1:20. Scofield Study Bible. All notes. Call to Repentance. A Series of 8 Visions to Comfort Jerusalem.
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God’s Plan For The Ages – 10 – Matthew 24:8-12 – Persecutions Predicted
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Matthew 24:8-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 All these events are the beginning of birth pains.
Persecutions Predicted
9 “Then they will hand you over for persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.10 Then many will take offense, betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.12 Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.
The persecutions that are discussed are also known as “birth pains,” “birth pangs,” and sorrows, vs 8. Consider the commentary on verse 8 from the MacArthur Study Bible.
The word means “birth pangs.” Famines, earthquakes, and conflicts have always characterized life in a fallen world; but by calling these things “the beginning” of labor pains, He indicated that things will get notably and remarkably worse at the end of the era as these unique tribulations signal the soon arrival of Messiah to judge sinful humanity and set up His millennial kingdom. Cf. 1 Thes. 5:3; Rev. 6:1–17; 8:1—9:21;16:1–21;
When you examine the events of vs 9-12, they may appear to you as being “news items” of today.”
Those birth pangs may be occurring in our world today. They may present themselves immediately preceding the tribulation. They may happen prior to, or after, the catching up (rapture) of the church (born again believers/body of Christ), or they may occur after that event, when the body of Christ is “snatched away” and taken to Heaven with Christ, “from all corners of the world,” to not be present during the tribulation (Matthew 24:21). The rapture of the church is not the second coming of Christ, when our Lord will return from Heaven and stand on the Mount Of Olives in Jerusalem. During the tribulation Jesus will inflict a series of judgments on all “earth dwellers” (those who missed the rapture because they had not been born again). The purpose of the events of the tribulation will be to judge sin and to bring Israel to accept Jesus as Messiah (Daniel 9:24). The Anti-Christ will be under the control of God. God will not be just an observer; He will be in control of the seal judgments, the trumpet judgments, and the bowl judgments, which will come upon all of those that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10). No one who is present during the tribulation will be exempted from God’s judgment. Those whom have been born again, and have the Spirit of God dwelling within their Spirits, will not be among those “earth dwellers.” At the time of the rapture of the church, all of those whom have been born again will be removed from the earth. At that time, the only dwellers on earth will be those whom have not been born again; those whom do not have the Spirit of God dwelling within their spirits. Those “unborn again” earth dwellers, and only they, will be the objects of God’s judgments. Such people cling to the things that are not of God, and Heaven. We, whom are born again, are citizens of Heaven and therefore cling to Heavenly matters because of the influence that God’s Holy Spirit places within our spirits (John 16:7-11). Those, whom have not been born again, are minus the dwelling of the Holy Spirit within their spirits, have no understanding of spiritual things (1 Cor 1:18; 2:14), and have no Spiritual leading and influence in their lives. Such people, which have not been born again, (Gentile or Jew) will have the opportunity to accept Jesus as Messiah during the tribulation, and will most likely become martyrs of the Anti-Christ and become tribulation martyrs. To believe that all people in the world will go through any part of the tribulation, is to also believe that little children and little babies will also be the objects of the judgments of God. If anyone has any misunderstanding about the severity of the judgments of God, a quick look at those judgments should provide a much clearer understanding of God’s love vs his stern judgment. Check out the seal judgments (Rev 6:1-17); the trumpet judgments (Rev 8:2-9:21; 11:15-19); and the bowl judgments (Rev 15-16). Consider the Words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, as they relate to His protection and love for His people.
Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
The love of Christ for his people is very clear in Mt 11:28-30. But, did He “very conveniently” leave out of that conversation that His people would have to suffer, along with all those whom are not His people, the horrible conditions of the judgments of the tribulation? I think not! Consider, also, the love that Christ expressed for His Church, which is His Bride/His born again believers of the world that is expressed in Eph 5:25.
Ephesians 5:25 New King James Version (NKJV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Jesus is the “bridegroom of all bridegrooms.” He tells all of us that His love for us (the born again body of Christ/his bride) is such that he loved us so much that “He died for us.” Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit, courted us and “stole our hearts from the unbelieving world.” His Word told husbands to love “their wives.” But, are we to believe that Jesus is going to leave His bride in the world to face the persecution of the Anti-Christ and God’s directed seal, trumpet and bowl judgments? I think not!
During the tribulation, Jesus will not be present on earth; He will be judging the earth. Consider where His believers will be; we will be with Him, in Him. When we were born again, our spirits became inhabitants of the Spirit of Christ, and Christ became an inhabitant of our Spirits, as we read in the following verses.
John 10:30 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
30 The Father and I are one.” (note: God the Father and God the Son are literally “One”)
John 14:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves (note: God the Father and God the Son dwell within “The Other”)
John 14:16-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.17 He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. (note: the Spirit of God dwells literally “in our spirits.” He does not dwell within the spirits of the unborn again world)
John 14:20 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
20 In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. (note: we see the literal dwelling of the God-Head in us, and us in the God-Head ‘Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. (note: we are literally, “in Christ”)
Colossians 1:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (note: Christ is literally, “in us)
Future posts will discuss scriptures that describe the rapture of the church and the Judgment Seat Of Christ “for rewards for believers in Christ;” the tribulation, the Anti-Christ, and the judgments of God (seal, trumpet, bowl judgments); the martyred tribulation saints (those which came to Christ during the tribulation) and the two slain witnesses which are resurrected; the dragon/Satan, the Anti-Christ/the Beast, the false prophet/a religious leader; the woman of Revelation 12 and the 144,000 Jewish missionaries; the mark of the beast; the preparation for the Battle of Armageddon; the marriage of the lamb and the marriage supper; the second coming of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon (with the accompanying raptured saints and angels); the resurrection of the other saints of all times (Old Testament and tribulation saints); the 1,000 year reign of Christ and the binding of Satan; the loosing of Satan and the Battle of Gog and Magog; the resurrection of those which were not born again and the Great White Throne Judgment (for those not born again); the lake of fire (for Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and for those not born again); the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem; eternity for God’s born again people with God and the Lamb.
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The purpose of “Equipping The Saints” is to provide scriptural teachings to the body of Christ, so that it will be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission that was given to the Church (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.) In order to achieve such an effectiveness, it is necessary for believers in Christ to be properly grounded in an intimate relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, by the empowerment of God The Holy Spirit. God will lay a path before us that we should follow. He will equip us for the completion of that trip and ministry. There are some key scriptures that will help us to prepare for the ministry that God has ordained for our lives. The following scriptures are key to our being prepared for the fulfillment of God’s call on our lives, and they revolve around the keys of: Knowing (John 17:3), Abiding (John 15:4), Being (Mark 3:14), and Going (Matthew 28:19). Please consider the scriptures of those four points of intimacy and ministry.
John 17:3 (Knowing)
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
In this verse we see a text book definition of “eternal life,” which is an intimate relationship with God the Father, through God the Son. To “know” is to be intimate. The intimacy of this verse is parallel to that of Genesis 4:1, where it is written that Adam “knew” Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain. To know someone is to have the highest degree of intimacy with that person that is possible. For us to “know” God is to have the highest degree of intimacy with Him that is possible.
In respect to knowing God, we also should consider the words of Philippians 3:10.
Philippians 3:10
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
The aspect of knowing God, is something that involves the ups and downs of having that holy relationship. Whether times are good or times are bad, we must understand that our response must be to always love God. If we win, we’ll praise Him. If we lose, we’ll praise Him. Whatever the case may be, we will always praise our Lord and Savior Jesus.
In respect to knowing God, we should also know the compassion of Christ, and the compassionate Christ.
Knowing God is also to know about the compassion of Christ, as it relates to the less-fortunate:
Matthew 25:40
New King James Version (NKJV)
40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
In order for us to know Jesus, we should also know the compassionate Christ:
Matthew 9:36
New King James Version (NKJV)
36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
In order for us to know Jesus, we should also know how the compassionate Christ responded to the needs of the needy:
Matthew 15:32
New King James Version (NKJV)
Feeding the Four Thousand
32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”
John 15:4 (Abiding)
New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
The aspect of abiding in Christ is two-fold. First, we are to have no known sin that is unconfessed, and no interest in our life into which God is not brought into. It is for us to have no life in which God can not also share. Secondly, the believer in Christ, takes all of their burdens to God, and gets all wisdom, life, and strength from God. It is not an unceasing consciousness of the things of the world. But it is a relationship with God in which nothing is allowed in the life which separates the believer from God.
Mark 3:14 (Being)
New King James Version (NKJV)
14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
The disciples were not only appointed/chosen by Jesus, they were appointed to “be with Jesus.” That relationship of “being” with Jesus prepared the disciples to be better able to go out and preach the Gospel of Jesus.
Matthew 28:19 (Going)
New King James Version (NKJV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
The disciples of Jesus, who were soon to be apostles, were commissioned to “go,” teach,” “baptize,” and “teach” (vs 20), the things that they had been taught by Jesus (vs 18). The apostles died. Their commission has been passed onto others who were made disciples, who are to make disciples of others, and others, and others.
The highest point of our ministry is to lead people to a point where they will know, personally and intimately, the compassionate Christ, and when they come across a need in a person’s life, they will know the answer to the question:
“What would Jesus do?” (WWJD)
The following worship and praise video is one that can bless you beyond measure. May it also be used by God to draw you into a deeper and more intimate relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, Christ Jesus.
Feast Of Tabernacles, Jerusalem Arise, Paul Wilbur 57 minutes.
Philippians 3:10, “That I might know Him.”
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What is the alignment of nations that will come against Israel in the last days?
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DRAFT: God’s Plan For The Ages – 9 – Prophecy: Daniel: Introduction And Chapter 1
This post is centered around the first verse of Daniel Chapter 1. The purpose of this post is to discuss the dispersion of God’s chosen people from their homeland and their regathering. In both instances, God is the producer and director. Without the actions of God, none of these events would be possible. One of the key supporting actors will be shown to be King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The scriptures in future posts will be used to show how God will protect all born-again believers “from the tribulation,” and how He will protect 144,000 Jewish missionaries “through the tribulation.”
Introduction to Daniel (MacArthur Study Bible Note)
According to Hebrew custom, the title is drawn from the prophet who throughout the book received revelations from God. Daniel bridges the entire 70 years of the Babylonian captivity (ca. 605–536 B.C.; cf. 1:1 and 9:1–3). Nine of the 12 chapters relate revelation through dreams/visions. Daniel was God’s mouthpiece to the Gentile and Jewish world, declaring God’s current and future plans. What Revelation is to the NT prophetically and apocalyptically, Daniel is to the OT.
Daniel lived beyond the time described in Dan. 10:1 (ca. 536 B.C.). It seems most probable that he wrote the book shortly after this date but before ca. 530 B.C. Daniel 2:4b–7:28, which prophetically describes the course of Gentile world history, was originally and appropriately written in Aramaic, the contemporary language of international business. Ezekiel, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah were Daniel’s prophetic contemporaries
Daniel 1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Choice Young Men
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
Dispersion Of Israel (North): (722 B.C.) 1 Dispersion 2 Kings 17:1-6 (its sin, verse 7) 1 Chronicles 5:26
God’s Love For Israel (606 B.C.) Jeremiah 31:3; (519 B.C.) Zechariah 2:8
Zechariah 2:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, “After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.
Jeremiah 31:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness.
Second Coming Of Messiah/Christ To Earth: Matthew 24:3, 29-31/(487 B.C.) Zechariah 14:1-17/(96 A.D.)
Battle Of Armageddon Muster: Revelation 16:12-16
Marriage Of The Lamb: Revelation 19:7-10
Second Coming Of Messiah/Christ To Earth At Battle Of Armageddon: 19:11-20:6
God’s Love For The Church
Ephesians 5:25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
The Catching Up/Rapture Of The Church In The Air: (54 A.D.)1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (notice, “the dead in Christ”)
The Judgment Seat Of Christ: rewards given to those caught up: (60 A.D.) 2 Corinthians 5:10
The Great White Throne Judgment; for unbelievers: Revelation 20:11-15 (notice “the dead”)
The Sheep And Goat Judgment (Judgment Of Gentiles For Treatment Of Jews During Tribulation (Matthew 25:31-46)
The nations that will come against Israel in the last days. The final wars unfold.
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Daniel 11 (See verses and MacArthur Study Bible notes).
Conflicts
11:1 first year. Ca. 539 B.C. (cf. 6:1 ff.; 9:1). I, stood up to… strengthen him. The messenger of 10:10ff. continues to speak of assisting Michael (even as Michael had strengthened him in the battle with demons in 10:21), confirming Darius in his purpose of kindness to Israel in decreeing their return.
11:2–45 As in 8:3–26, this prophecy sweeps all the way from the history of spiritual conflict in Israel (11:2–35) to the tribulation (vv. 36–42) when Michael aids in fully delivering Israel (12:1). The detail of this history is so minute and accurate, so confirmed by history, that unbelieving critics have, without evidence, insisted that it was actually written 400 years later than Daniel, after it had happened which would make the prophet a deceiver. The prophecy actually looks ahead from Daniel to the final Antichrist
11:2–35 This section unfolds the near fulfillment of the Persian kingdom and the reign of Greece through Antiochus Epiphanes.
11:2 three more kings…and the fourth. The 3 in the Persian sphere, after Cyrus (10:1), were Cambyses (ca. 530–522 B.C.), Psuedo-Smerdis (ca. 522 B.C.), and Darius I Hystaspes (ca. 522–486 B.C.). The fourth is Xerxes I, called Ahasuerus in Esther (486–465 B.C.). Kings after Xerxes are not included, probably because Xerxes’ failed military campaign against the Greeks (481–479 B.C.) sounded the beginning of the end for Persia, which finally fell ca. 331 B.C. to Alexander the Great.
11:3 a mighty king. Alexander the Great (cf.8.5)
11:4 After Alexander’s death (ca. 323 B.C.), 4 who were not of his posterity took sectors of his wide empire (see notes on 7:6;8:3–9). The king of the South (Egypt) and king of the North (Syria), receive emphasis in v. 5 and after. As time moved on, other leaders ruled, crossing and recrossing Palestine.
11:21 a vile person. In vv. 21–35, the most cruel king of the North was Seleucid, the Syrian persecutor of Israel named Antiochus IV Epiphanes (cf. 8:9–14, 23–25). He came to the throne when his brother Seleucus was murdered and a son of the dead king who might succeed him, Demetrius I Soter, was held hostage in Rome. In the vacuum, Antiochus seized power in Syria.
11:35 to refine them. Faced by persecution, some who remained true to God’s “understanding” (any true believers, 12:3) were to fall as martyrs. The gracious design of such suffering was to sanctify them. The persecution pattern continues until the final “end” that God appointed, at Christ’s second coming. Reference to this “end” prepares for a transition in v. 36 to final tribulation times when the Antichrist, whom Antiochus prefigures, will be in power. time of the end…appointed time. These two eschatological terms point to a forward leap across thousands of years of history from Antiochus to a future similar trial when the willful king (vv. 36–45) rules. The willful king is the “little horn,” the Antichrist (7:7, 8, 20, 21, 24–26), the persecutor of 9:27 (see note there).
11:36–45 This section is the far fulfillment of God’s prophetic plan. It summarizes details of Daniel’s 70th week which are found nowhere else in Scripture. Antiochus Epiphanes, a type of Antichrist, is the perfect transition point to the actual Antichrist.
11:36 Then. This word points to the future “time of the end” mentioned in v. 35. Verses 36–45 discuss the career of the final Antichrist in the last 7 years before Christ’s millennial kingdom. This willful king is the final Antichrist (see notes on 7:8, 11, 12,25; 9:27; cf. Rev. 13:4–7).
11:37 God of his fathers. The word for “God” is “Elohim,” a word that is plural, thus in this context probably refers to “gods.” Pagan Gentiles have had traditional gods passed down from their fathers, but this king has no regard for any of them. His only god is power (v. 38, “god of fortresses”). desire of women. This could mean that Antichrist will be a homosexual; but it surely means he has no normal desire for or, interest in, women, e.g., as one who is celibate.
11:38 god of fortresses. The term for fortress is used 5 other times in this chapter (vv. 7, 10, 19, 31, 39) and each time means “a strong place.” Power is to be his god, and he spends all his treasures to become powerful and to finance wars. With this power, he will attack every stronghold (v. 39).
11:40 king of…South…North. Here is the final N/S conflict. The S was Egypt in the earlier context. Here is the last great battle with the final army from the N retaliating against the attack of the final southern African power. Antichrist will not allow this without striking back and winning, defeating both as recorded in v. 41 ff. The willful king, Antichrist, withstands onslaughts from both, and prevails, entering Israel (“the Glorious Land”) and, perhaps, committing at that time the abomination of desolation (9:23; Matt. 24:15). With this victory, he will be established in power for a time.
11:44 news from…east and…north. Military bulletins alert the willful king, in his victories, of other sectors of the world deploying troops to the Palestinian theater (cf. Rev. 9:16; 16:12).
11:45 his end. To face the latest threats, the willful king sets up his command post between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea (and/or Sea of Galilee) and the holy mountain of Jerusalem, his troops filling the land (cf. Zech. 12:2, 3; 14:2, 3; Rev. 19:17–21). No one is able to help him against God, who, by the return of Christ, brings him to his end (cf. Rev. 19:20).
Daniel 12 (See verses and MacArthur Study Bible notes)
The Time Of The End
12:1 that time. This points back to 11:36–45, the time of the ascendancy of Antichrist during the final tribulation period. During that period, Michael the archangel (cf. Jude 9) of 10:13, 21 ministers with special attention to protecting Israel during that Gentile time (cf. Is. 26:20, 21; Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:21). “Your people” means Daniel’s Israelite people, who can have hope, even in the distress of an unprecedented kind set for the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21; cf. Rev. 12:12–17; 13:7). The book is the book of the saved (Mal. 3:16—4:3; Luke 10:20; Rev. 13:8; 17:8;20:12, 15; 21:27).
12:2 many…Some…Some. Two groups will arise from death constituting the “many” meaning all, as in John 5:29. Those of faith will rise to eternal life, the rest of the unsaved to eternal torment. The souls of OT saints are already with the Lord; at that time, they will receive glorified bodies (cf. Rev. 20:4–6).
12:3 wise. Those having true knowledge, by faith in God’s Word, not only leaders (as 11:33), but others (11:35; 12:10). To shine in glory is a privilege of all the saved (cf. the principle in 1 Thes. 2:12; 1 Pet. 5:10). Any who influence others for righteousness shine like stars in varying capacities of light as their reward (as in 1 Cor. 3:8). The faithfulness of the believer’s witness will determine one’s eternal capacity to reflect God’s glory.
12:4 the time of the end. Refers to the 70th week of tribulation (cf. 11:35, 40). run to and fro. This Heb. verb form always refers to the movement of a person searching for something. In the tribulation, people will search for answers to the devastation and discover increased knowledge through Daniel’s preserved book.
12:5 two others. Two angels.
12:7 a time, times, and half a time. This answers the question of v. 6. Adding these (one, two, and one-half) come to the final 3½ years of Daniel’s 70th week (9:27), the time of trouble when the “little horn,” or willful king, persecutes the saints (7:25; cf.11:36–39 and Rev. 12:14; the same span is described by other phrases in Rev. 11:2, 3; 13:5).
12:10 Many…purified. Salvation will come to many Jews during the Great Tribulation (cf. Zech. 13:8, 9, where the prophet speaks of one-third; Rom. 11:26; Rev. 11:13).The truly saved develop in godliness through trials. The unsaved pursue false values.
12:11 the daily sacrifice. This reference is to the end of daily temple sacrifice, previously allowed under a covenant which the Antichrist formed with Israel, which he later causes to cease in the middle of the final 7 years (9:27). Then, favorable relations give way to persecution. Even his abomination that desecrates the temple (as 9:27; Matt. 24:1; Mark. 13:14; 2 Thes 2:3, 4) is accompanied with persecution. one thousand two hundred and ninety days. From the intrusion of the abomination, there follow 1,290 days, including 1,260 which make up the last 3½ years of the final 7 years (see note on v. 7), then 30 days more, possibly to allow for the judgment of the living subsequent to Christ’s return (cf. Matt. 24:29–31; 25:31–46), before millennial kingdom blessings begin.
12:12 Blessed. This is in the kingdom (2:35, 45; 7:13, 14, 27) that gives blessedness after the subjugation to Gentile empires in chaps. 2, 7, 8. one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. Forty-five more days, even beyond the 1,290 days, allows for transition between Israel’s time of being shattered (v. 7) and God’s setting up of His kingdom (cf. 7:13, 14, 27)
12:13 go. Daniel’s own career would soon involve death. will arise. In resurrection (cf. 12:2; John 5:28, 29). at the end of the days. The kingdom will ensue after the prophesied days of 9:24–27; 12:11, 12.
A more detailed explanation of “the end” will be provided in the study of the book of Revelation.
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Shalom Jerusalem – Paul Wilbur
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Zechariah 2:8 New English Translation (NET Bible)
“For the Lord who rules over all says to me that for his own glory he has sent me to the nations that plundered you—for anyone who touches you touches the pupil of his eye.”
Baruch Haba B’Shem Adonai – Paul Wilbur
Praise Adonai – Paul Wilbur
Yeshua Ha Mashciach – Paul Wilbur
Let God Arise – Paul Wilbur
Days Of Elijah – Paul Wilbur
In Your Presence – Paul Wilbur
Sing Hallelujah- Paul Wilbuur
Let The Weight Of Your Glory Fall – Paul Wilbur
For Your Name Is Holy – Paul Wilbur
Israel, God’s Chosen People
Deuteronomy 7:6 New King James Version (NKJV)
6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Deuteronomy 7:6 Names of God Bible (NOG)
6 You are a holy people, who belong to Yahweh your Elohim. Yahweh your Elohim chose you to be his own special possession out of all the nations on earth.
Psalm 46:10 Names of God Bible (NOG)
10 Let go of your concerns!
Then you will know that I am Elohim.
I rule the nations.
I rule the earth.
Ezekiel 36:24-28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Israel to Be Renewed
24 For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28 You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.
Zechariah 8:7-8, 20-23 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Coming Peace and Prosperity of Zion
7 Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; 8 and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.’
20 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘It will yet be that peoples will come, even the inhabitants of many cities. 21 The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will also go.” 22 So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.’ 23 Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’”
Zechariah 14:1-17 New International Version (NIV)
The Lord Comes and Reigns
1 A day of the Lord is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions will be plundered and divided up within your very walls.
2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. 4 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. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.
6 On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cold, frosty darkness. 7 It will be a unique day—a day known only to the Lord—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light.
8 On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter.
9 The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.
10 The whole land, from Geba to Rimmon, south of Jerusalem, will become like the Arabah. But Jerusalem will be raised up high from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses, and will remain in its place. 11 It will be inhabited; never again will it be destroyed. Jerusalem will be secure.
12 This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. 13 On that day people will be stricken by the Lord with great panic. They will seize each other by the hand and attack one another. 14 Judah too will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and silver and clothing. 15 A similar plague will strike the horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps.
16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain.
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Daniel 2 (Read verses and MacArthur Study Bible Notes. Everybody should own a MacArthur Study Bible.)
Ten Toes – Revived Roman Empire – The Kingdom to come before Messiah
2:36–45 we will tell the interpretation. Five empires in succession would rule over Israel, Machere pictured by parts of a statue (body). In Dan. 7, the same empires are represented by 4 great beasts. These empires are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the later revived Rome (cf. Introduction: Background and Setting), each one differentiated from the previous as indicated by the declining quality of the metal. A stone picturing Christ (Luke 20:18) at His second coming (as the Son of Man also does in Dan. 7:13, 14) will destroy the fourth empire in its final phase with catastrophic suddenness (2:34, 35, 44, 45). Christ’s total shattering of Gentile power will result in the establishment of His millennial kingdom, the ultimate empire, and then continuing on eternally (2:44; 7:27).
2:39 inferior. This probably means “lower” (lit. “earthward”) on the image of a man as Daniel guides Nebuchadnezzar’s thoughts downward on the body from his own empire (the head) to the one that would succeed it. Medo-Persia, though lacking the glory of Babylon (silver as compared to gold), was not inferior in strength to Babylon when its day of power came; it actually conquered Babylon (7:5). Also in the case of Greece, bronze is less glorious (valuable) than silver, but stronger. rule over all the earth. Alexander the Great became the ruler of the world, including Israel, from Europe to Egypt to India.
2:40 strong as iron. This metal fittingly represents the Roman Empire which would be characterized by the description predicted. It did have armies in iron armor known as the Iron Legions of Rome, and it had strength and invincibility.
2:41 toes. Ten toes represent the same kings as the 10 horns in 7:24. They will rule in the final time of the Gentile empire, which Christ destroys in violent abruptness at His second coming.
2:41–43 clay and…iron. The iron in the 10 toes (kings) represents the Roman Empire in its revived form, prior to the second coming of Christ, as having iron-like strength for conquest (cf. Rev. 13:4, 5). But the clay mixed in depicts that the union (federation) of kings and nations would have fatal flaws of human weakness, so that it is inherently vulnerable.
2:44 stand forever. God’s kingdom ruled by Messiah is the final rule, never to be replaced. It has a millennial phase and an eternal future, but it is the same king who rules both.
2:45 stone…mountain. The stone is Messiah (cf. Ps. 118:22,23; Is. 28:16; Rom. 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:6; esp. Luke 20:18). The mountain pictures God’s all-transcending government that looms over weak earthly powers (4:17, 25; Ps. 47:8; 103:19; 145:13;Rev. 17:9). Messiah is “cut out” of this sovereign realm by God, which accords with the Son of Man coming (7:13, 14); “without hands” denotes that the Messiah comes from God and is not of human origin or power (cf. the same idea in 8:25). The virgin birth and the resurrection, as well as the second coming, could be encompassed in this reference to supernatural origin.
Daniel 7 (Read Verses and Mac Arthur Study Bible Notes)
Ten Horns – Old Roman Empire – Revived Roman Empire
Little Horn – Anti-Christ – Man Of Lawlessness – Satan’s Blasphemous Leader
7:1 first year. This represented a flashback to 553 B.C., 14 years before the feast of 5:1–3. Chapters 7, 8 occur after chap. 4, but before chap. 5. The dream of Dan. 7 moves far beyond Daniel’s day to the coming of Israel’s king to end all Gentile kingdoms and to establish His eternal kingdom (7:13, 14, 27; cf.2:35, 45).
7:3 four…beasts. These beasts represent the same empires as the individual parts of the image in chap. 2. Christ the King, the Son of Man from heaven (vv. 13, 14), corresponds to the Stone in 2:35, 45.
7:7 fourth beast. No such animal exists; rather this is a unique beast pointing to the Roman Empire, already represented by iron in 2:40, devastating in conquest. Roman dominion fell apart in A.D. 476, yet it lived on in a divided status (Europe), but will be revived and return to great unified strength near Christ’s second coming. Then it will be comprised of the 10 parts under kings (vv. 7, 24), as well as an 11th king, the Antichrist (vv. 8, 24; 2 Thes. 2:3–10; Rev. 13:1–10).
7:11, 12 the beast was slain. Reference is to the fourth beast (i.e., the Roman sphere), headed up by the “little horn” or Antichrist (vv. 7, 24). He will be destroyed at Christ’s second coming (cf. Rev. 19:20; 20:10); cf. the smashing by the Stone,Dan. 2:35, 45.
7:12 rest of the beasts. These are the 3 earlier beasts (empires of chaps. 2, 7). Each successively lost its chief dominance when it was conquered in history. Yet each was amalgamated into the empire that gained ascendancy, and survived in its descendants. As the second advent draws near, all 3 empires in their descendants will be a part of the Roman phase in its final form (Rev. 13:2). Survival will not be possible for the final and revived phase of the fourth empire after Christ’s second coming, for catastrophic devastation (cf. 2:35) will utterly destroy it, and Christ’s kingdom will replace it.
7:13, 14 Son of Man. The Messiah (cf. 9:26), Christ is meant; He often designated Himself by this phrase (Matt. 16:26; 19:28;26:64). “The clouds of heaven” are seen again in Rev. 1:7. Here He is distinct from the Ancient of Days, or Eternal One, the Father, who will coronate Him for the kingdom (2:44). The picture of old age is not that of being feeble, rather it highlights eternality and divine wisdom to judge (cf. 7:9, 10).
7:13, 14 Son of Man. The Messiah (cf. 9:26), Christ is meant; He often designated Himself by this phrase (Matt. 16:26; 19:28;26:64). “The clouds of heaven” are seen again in Rev. 1:7. Here He is distinct from the Ancient of Days, or Eternal One, the Father, who will coronate Him for the kingdom (2:44). The picture of old age is not that of being feeble, rather it highlights eternality and divine wisdom to judge (cf. 7:9, 10).
7:18, 22, 27 saints. These who trusted God possess the kingdom headed up by the Son of Man, the Messiah, of vv. 13,14. All serve Him in vv. 14 and 27, the latter verse clarifying that the one served is actually God the Most High. Just as the 4 Gentile empires have individuals as kings (cf. 2:38; 7:8; 8:8), so the final kingdom has Christ as King.
7:18 the Most High. God is referred to in this book as above all gods (2:47; 3:29; 4:35), as He was for Melchizedek and Abraham (Gen. 14:19, 20, 22) as well as Naaman (2 Kin. 5:17).
7:19 fourth beast…different. This may refer to the empire’s far greater diversity than previous empires, and its breadth of conquest (v. 24). It branches out into two great divisions (cf. “legs,” 2:33, 40), then near the end into 10 horns (a confederacy of 10 nations), and even an 11th horn (Antichrist’s kingdom) lasting until Christ’s second coming.
7:25 time and times and half a time. This obviously refers to the 3½ years which are the last half of the 7 year period of Antichrist’s power (cf. 9:27), continuing on to Christ’s second coming as the Judgment Stone (2:35, 45) and glorious Son of Man (7:13, 14). Cf. Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5 for reference to this same period.
7:26 the court. God will have His court session to judge sinners and sin (vv. 9, 10). He will remove the Antichrist’s rule, and destroy him and his empire in eternal, conscious hell (Rev. 19:20;20:10).
7:27 the kingdom…given to…the saints. God’s kingdom in both earthly (Rev. 20:4) and heavenly phases (Rev. 21:27; 22:3,4, 14).
Daniel 9 (Read verses and MacArthur Study Bible notes)
Rapture Of The Church
Tribulation – Revelation 4:2-19:10 (Be sure to see a detailed discussion of the tribulation in the following post)
2nd Seal Judgment
Second Coming Of Christ
9:2 seventy years. Daniel’s study of “the books” (OT scrolls) focused on the years prophesied for the captivity by Jeremiah in Jer. 25:11, 12 and 29:10. Since the end of that span was near, he prayed for God’s next move on behalf of Israel. Cf. 2 Chr. 36:21, where it is indicated that the 70 years of exile were intended to restore the Sabbath rests that Israel had ignored for so many years (cf. Lev. 25:4, 5; 26:34–43).
9:11 the curse. This refers to the judgment that God brought, as promised, for Israel’s disobedience in the Land (Lev. 26:21–42; Deut. 28:15–68). This is in contrast to the blessings associated with faith and obedience (Lev. 26:3–20; Deut. 28:1–14). God had given the promise that even in a time of judgment, if Israel would confess their sin, He would bring blessing again (Lev. 26:40–42).
9:24–26 Seventy weeks…from…until. These are weeks of years, whereas weeks of days are described in a different way (10:2, 3). The time spans from the Persian Artaxerxes’ decree to rebuild Jerusalem, ca. 445 B.C. (Neh. 2:1–8), to the Messiah’s kingdom. This panorama includes: 1) 7 weeks or 49 years, possibly closing Nehemiah’s career in the rebuilding of the “street and wall,” as well as the end of the ministry of Malachi and the close of the OT; 2) 62 weeks or 434 more years for a total of 483 years to the first advent of Messiah. This was fulfilled at the triumphal entry on 9 Nisan, A.D. 30 (see notes on Matt. 21:1–9). The Messiah will be “cut off,” (a common reference to death); and 3) the final 7 years or 70th week of the time of Antichrist (cf.v. 27). Roman people, from whom the Antichrist will come, will “destroy the city” of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70.
NOTE: The following verse (24th) explains the reason for the tribulation, which leads to the Battle Of Armageddon. It is very important for God’s people to understand the reason for the tribulation, and why it does not apply to the born again people of God. All of this prophecy is God’s plan. God is not merely an onlooker. He is the designer and orchestrator of the greatest tribulation that the world has ever experienced, and will ever experience (Matt 24:21).
9:24. This highly complex and startlingly accurate prophecy answers Daniel’s prayer, not with reference to near history, but by giving the future of Israel in the final end of the age. God promises 2 sets of 3 accomplishments each. First, those related to sin are: 1) finish the transgression, i.e., restrain sin and Israel’s in particular in its long trend of apostasy, as in v. 11; 2)make an end of sins, i.e., to judge it with finality (cf. Heb. 9:26); and 3) make reconciliation for iniquity, signifies to furnish the actual basis of covering sin by full atonement, the blood of the crucified Messiah who is “cut off” (v. 26), which affects the first two realities (cf. the fountain, Zech. 13:1).
Second, those accomplishments related to righteousness are: 1)bring in…righteousness, the eternal righteousness of Daniel’s people in their great change from centuries of apostasy; 2) seal up vision…, i.e., no more revelation is needed and God will bring these anticipations to completion by their fulfillment in Israel’s blessing as a nation; and 3) anoint the Most Holy,consecrate the Holy Place in a temple of the future that will be the center of worship in the millennial kingdom (cf. Ezek. 40–48). Clearly this must be understood to sweep to the end of Gentile power and the time of Antichrist right before Christ’s return. Summing up, the first 3 are fulfilled in principle at Christ’s first coming, in full at His return. The last 3 complete the plan at His Second Advent.
NOTE: The events of the 70th week Of Daniel (the Tribulation) are explained in the next verse (27th).
9:27 Then. This is clearly the end of the age, the Second Advent judgment, because the bringing in of righteousness did not occur 7 years after the death of the Messiah, nor did the destruction of Jerusalem fit the 7 year period (occurring 37 years later). This is the future 7 year period which ends with sin’s final judgment and Christ’s reign of righteousness; i.e., the return of Christ and the establishment of His rule. These 7 years constitute the 70th week of Daniel. he shall confirm. “He” is the last-mentioned prince (v. 26), leader of the Roman sphere (cf. chaps. 2 and 7), the Antichrist who comes in the latter days. The time is in the future tribulation period of “one week,” i.e., the final 7 years of v. 24. He confirms (lit., causes to prevail) a 7 year covenant, his own pact with Israel for what will turn out actually to be for a shorter time. The leader in this covenant is the “little horn” of 7:7, 8, 20, 21,24–26, and the evil leader of NT prophecy (Mark 13:14; 2 Thes. 2:3–10; Rev. 13:1–10). That he is in the future, even after Christ’s First Advent, is shown by 1) Matt. 24:15; 2) by the time references that match (7:25; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5); and 3) by the end here extending to the Second Advent, matching the duration elsewhere mentioned in Daniel (2:35, 45; 7:15ff.; 12:1–3) and Rev. 11:2; 12:14; 13:5. middle of the week. This is the halfway point of the 70th week of years, i.e., 7 years leading to Christ’s second coming. The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel (v. 27a), which has resumed its ancient sacrificial system. Three and a half years of tribulation remain, agreeing with the time in other Scriptures (7:25; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5, called “Great Tribulation,” cf. Matt. 24:21) as God’s wrath intensifies. abominations…one who makes desolate. The Antichrist will cause abomination against Jewish religion. This violation will desolate or ruin what Jews regard as sacred, namely their holy temple and the honoring of God’s presence there (cf. 1 Kin. 9:3; 2 Thes. 2:4). Jesus refers directly to this text in His Olivet discourse (Matt. 24:15). See note on 11:31. the consummation. God permits this tribulation under the Antichrist’s persecutions and ultimately triumphs, achieving judgment of the sin and sinners in Israel (12:7) and in the world (cf. Jer. 25:31). This includes the Antichrist (11:45; Rev. 19:20), and all who deserve judgment (9:24; Matt. 13:41–43).
Chapters 11 and 12 will be discussed in the next post, and will include a deeper study of the tribulation.
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Eternity 