95 Theses Against Dispensationalism

[Brother Rick]

The “tribulation” in Matthew 24:

I. Jesus said, “Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
II. Immediately following this “tribulation” would be:

A. The sun be darkened
B. The moon shall not give her light
C. The stars shall fall from heaven
D. The powers of the heavens shall be shaken
E. The sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven, followed by:

1. All the tribes of the earth mourn
2. They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
3. He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.


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In answer to your “generation” question, there are several interpretations to that. I have a couple of ideas:

Matthew 24:32-34, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

“When ye shall see these things…” as above mentioned, “…know that it is near…” What is near?

The question is answered in the next two verses:

Matthew 24:36-37, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37) But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

What is near, when all these things happen, is the coming of the Son of Man. “This generation” is the generation that sees all these things. The idea is, that it will happen succinctly and rapidly, and when it starts the same generation will see it from beginning to end. It’s that, or it’s the generation that sees the fig tree (Israel) put for leaves.

If you disagree with me, then you’re going to have a hard time reconciling every one of those above points as to having already happened, all in 70 A.D. They can easily be reconciled as occurring during the Battle of Armageddon throughout Revelation.

Once you do manage to do that, please answer what in Matthew 24 specifically is “…the end of the world” in verse 3?

One more thought, if "this generation" was specific to the actual people to Jesus was speaking to, as in it was meant personal and not representative, then please spiritual this passage for me and explain how every single Jew alive at the crucifixion was also alive at your spiritual Second Coming of Christ:

Rev. 1:7, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

Edited December 3, 2010 by Rick Schworer

[Crushmaster]

Forgive me if this is an irrelevant comment, but wasn't Revelation written after 70 A.D.?
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

[Brother Rick]

Forgive me if this is an irrelevant comment, but wasn't Revelation written after 70 A.D.?
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

It's VERY relevant. Yes, it was written after 70 A.D. Preterists deny this, however - because they HAVE to. Most historians agree that it was written in 96 A.D. If you can prove it was after the sacking of Jerusalem, then all of the Preterist's arguments fall to pieces.

In this article it explains the reasoning for the dating of the book at 96 A.D. Irenaeus claims that Revelation was written in the reign of Domitian, which was in the 90s.

"Teitan too, (Teitan, the first syllable being written with the two Greek vowels e and i), among all the names which are found among us, is rather worthy of credit. For it has in itself the predicted number, and is composed of six letters, each syllable containing three letters; and [the word itself] is ancient, and removed from ordinary use;ÉAnd besides this, it is an ancient name, one worthy of credit, of royal dignity, and still further, a name belonging to a tyrant. Inasmuch, then, as this name "Titan" has so much to recommend it, there is a strong degree of probability, that from among the many [names suggested], we infer, that perchance he who is to come shall be called "Titan." We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively as to the name of Antichrist; for if it were necessary that his name should be distinctly revealed in this present time, it would have been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision. For that was seen no very long time since, but almost in our day, towards the end of Domitian's reign. 4. But he indicates the number of the name now, that when this man comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is: the name, however, is suppressed, because it is not worthy of being proclaimed by the Holy Spirit. For if it had been declared by Him, he (Antichrist) might perhaps continue for a long period." - Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 5, Chp. 30 Edited December 3, 2010 by Rick Schworer

[DennisD]

Taken from Way of Life Encyclopedia:


Different Interpretations of Revelation

POST-MILLENNIAL. According to this view, the church will overcome evil in the world by Gospel preaching and socio-political action. Civilization will gradually become better, ultimately resulting in the kingdom of God. This view ignores much Bible prophecy-for example, the apostasy of the professing church (2Ti. 3) and the violent defeat of Satan and wicked men at Christ's return (2Th 1-2; Re 19).

A-MILLENNIAL. According to this view, the events of Revelation are thought to be symbolic of things happening in the world today-the general struggle of good against evil. A-millennialism does not believe in a literal antichrist, or end-time Great Tribulation, or a literal 1,000 year earthly reign of Christ. The arguments against such allegorical interpretation of prophecy are given in the entries for Allegorical and Prophecy.

PRE-MILLENNIAL. This is the only view which accepts Bible prophecy as literal future events. The reasons for such a view are given in the entries on Allegorical and Prophecy. [see Allegorical, Prophecy.]

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ALLEGORICAL

A spiritualizing method of interpreting the prophetic portions of Scripture. In this methodology, the O.T. prophecies of a glorious earthly kingdom for the nation Israel are considered allegorical pictures of the existing church age. In other words, "Zion" is taken to mean the church instead of the city Jerusalem. The desert blossoming as a rose (Isa 35). is taken as a picture of the present fruitfulness of the gospel instead of a literal future condition on earth. The temple in Eze 40-48 is taken as a symbolical representation of the church rather than a literal future temple. By this manner of interpretation the events recorded in Revelation-the judgments upon the earth, the wars, the Two Witnesses, the sealing of the 144,000 Israelites, the binding of Satan, and the 1,000 year earthly rule-are viewed symbolically rather than as literal future events.

There are six major Bible reasons for rejecting this view:

1. Bible prophecies have always been fulfilled literally. Examples are the prophecies concerning the nations (such as Babylon and Tyre), the prophecies of Israel, and the prophecies of the first coming of Christ. All of these have been fulfilled literally in every detail, and it is reasonable to assume that unfulfilled prophecies will likewise be literally consummated.

2. Every major section of the Bible foretells in detail the same events. In this way God is emphasizing the literalness of these events. If a person studies O.T. prophecies, Jesus' prophecies, the Apostles' prophecies, and the prophecies described in Revelation, he will see a repetition of the same events. All give details of the same major scenes-the worldwide tribulation, a wicked world ruler, Christ's second coming in glory, destruction of rebels, restoration and national regeneration of Israel, the glorious earthly reign of Christ. [see chart on below.]

3. Jesus said these events are yet future. He pinpointed the general time of their fulfillment to be just prior to His coming in glory (Mt 24:15-29).

4. The prophecies are beginning to be fulfilled literally. The machinery for the one world government and religious organization described in Re 13 is being set up. The nation Israel is back in the land in preparation for the fulfillment of all the prophecies regarding Israel and Palestine. Earthquakes, wars, famine, and false teachings are increasing just as Jesus said they would (Mt 24:3-8). There is no good reason to doubt that Bible prophecy will be wholly fulfilled in the future.

5. Israel still exists as a nation just as prophecy foretold it would. The nation Israel is back in its land in preparation for the literal fulfillment of all the prophecies pertaining to it. This supports the belief that God has not permanently rejected the nation Israel, but has only temporarily set them aside until He is ready to fulfill His promises to them (Ro 11:25-29).

6. Practical necessity also demands the literal interpretation of prophecy. To interpret Bible prophecy allegorically destroys the absolute sense of God's Word. If prophecy does not mean exactly what it says, there is no way to discern exactly what it does mean. "Whether it is the interpretation of prophecy or non-prophecy, once literality is sacrificed, it is like starting down an incline. Momentum speedily gathers as one succumbs to the temptation to spiritualize one passage after another. ... Moreover, under the method of spiritualization, there is no way for an interpreter to test the validity of his conclusions, except to compare his works with that of a colleague. Instead of `a more sure word of prophecy' (2Pe 1:19), interpreters end up with an `unsure' word and chaos in the ranks" (Paul Lee Tan, The Interpretation of Prophecy, pp. 73,74). [For more on interpretation of prophecy see Prophecy.]

[see also Antichrist, Covenant, Day, Daniel, Dispensationalism, Gog, Great Tribulation, Judgment, Kingdom of God, Last Days, Poetical Books, Prophecy, Revelation, Times, Type.]

MAJOR PROPHETIC EVENTS FORETOLD IN ALL PARTS OF THE BIBLE

Event: O.T.: Jesus: Apostles: Revelation

Antichrist: O.T. Da 9-12: Jesus: Mal 4:6: Apostles: 2Th 2:1-12: Revelation: Re 13

Great Tribulation: O.T. Isa 2; 13; 24; 34: Jesus: Mal 4:6: Apostles: 1Th 5:1-3: Revelation: Re 6-18

Glorious Return: O.T. Zep 3:20; Isa 24:23: Jesus: Mal 4:6: Apostles: 2Th 1:6-10: Revelation: Re 19:11-16

Conversion of Israel: O.T. Jer 31-33; Zep 3:20: Jesus: Mal 4:6,6: Apostles: Ro 11:25-27: Revelation: Re 7

Destruction of Rebels: O.T. Zep 3:20: Jesus: Lu 19:27: Apostles: Jude 1:14-15: Revelation: Re 19:17-21

Glorious Kingdom: O.T. Ps 89; 72; Isa 35: Jesus: Mal 4:6: Apostles: Ro 11:25-27; 2Ti 4:1: Revelation: Re 20

[DennisD]

PROPHECY

The Greek word for prophecy means "to tell before." Bible prophecy refers not merely to the foretelling of future events, but to divine revelation in general, God showing man that which he cannot find out for himself. The "more sure word of prophecy" refers to the entire New Testament revelation, not merely to the descriptions of the future (2Pe 1:19-21).

The Power of Prophecy as Christian Evidence

"[Fulfilled prophecy] is equivalent to any miracle, and is of itself evidently miraculous. The foreknowledge of the actions of free and intelligent agents, is one of the most incomprehensible attributes of the Deity, and is exclusively a divine perfection. ... No clearer testimony or greater assurance of the truth can be given, and if men do not believe Moses and the prophets, neither would they be persuaded though one arose from the dead. ... The voice of Omnipotence alone could call the dead from the tomb-the voice of Omniscience alone could tell all that lay hid in dark futurity, which to man is as impenetrable as the mansions of the dead-and both are alike the voice of God.

"Of the antiquity of the Scriptures there is the amplest proof. The books of the O.T. were ... received by the Jews as of divine authority; and as such they were published and preserved. They were proved to be ancient 1,800 years ago (Josephus, Apion). Instead of being secluded from observation, they were translated into Greek above 250 years before the Christian era; and they were read in the synagogues every Sabbath-day. ... They have ever been sacredly kept unaltered, in a more remarkable degree, and with more scrupulous care, than any other compositions whatever. ... No stronger evidence of their antiquity could be alleged, than what is indisputably true; and if it were to be questioned, every other truth of ancient history must first be set aside. That the prediction was prior to the event, many facts in the present state of the world abundantly testify; and many prophecies remain even yet to be fulfilled. But independently of external testimony, the prophecies themselves bear intrinsic marks of their antiquity, and of their truth.

"They are, in general, so interwoven with the history of the Jews-so casually introduced in their application to the surrounding nations-so frequently concealed in their purport, even from the honoured but unconscious organs of their communication, and preserving throughout so entire a consistency-so different in the modes of their narration, and each part preserving its own particular character-so delivered without form or system-so shadowed under types and symbols-so complete when compared and combined-so apparently unconnected when disjoined, and revealed in such a variety of modes and expressions, that the very manner of their conveyance forbids the idea of artifice; or if they were false, nothing could be more impossible to have been conceived by man. And they must either be a number of incoherent and detached pretensions to inspiration, that can bear no scrutiny, and that have no reference to futurity but what deceivers might have devised; or else, as the only alternative, they give such a comprehensive, yet minute representation of future events-so various, yet so distinct-so distant, yet so true-that none but he who knoweth all things could have revealed them to man, and none but those who have hardened their hearts and closed their eyes can forbear from feeling and from perceiving them to be credentials of the truth, clear as light from Heaven.

"Religion deserves a candid examination, and it demands nothing more. The fulfillment of prophecy forms part of the evidence of Christianity. . [The prophets] spoke of a deliverer of the human race-they described the desolation of cities and of nations, whose greatness was then unshaken, and whose splendor has ever since been unrivaled-and their predictions were of such a character, that time would infallibly refute or realize them.

"The history of the life and character of Christianity's Founder, as it was written at the time, and acknowledged as authentic by those who believed on him, is so completely without a parallel, that it has often attracted the admiration, and excited the astonishment of infidels-and one of them even ... acknowledges that the fiction of such a character is more inconceivable than the reality. He possessed no temporal power; he inculcated every virtue; his life was spotless and perfect as his doctrine; he was put to death as a criminal. His religion was rapidly propagated; his followers were persecuted, but their cause prevailed. ...

"The Christian `religion' has been extended over a great part of the world, and it is still enlarging its boundary; and the Jews, though it originated among them, yet continue to reject it. In regard to the political changes or revolutions of states, since the prophecies concerning them were delivered-Jerusalem was destroyed and laid waste by the Romans. The land of Palestine, and the surrounding countries, became thinly inhabited, and, in comparison of their former fertility, almost converted into deserts. The Jews have been scattered among the nations, and remain to this day a dispersed and yet a distinct people. [israel has been reinstated as a nation in her own land, the dry bones living again yet remaining spiritually dead]. Egypt, one of the first and most powerful of nations, has long ceased to be a kingdom. Nineveh is no more. Babylon is now a ruin. The Persian Empire succeeded to the Babylonian. The Grecian Empire succeeded to the Persian, and the Roman to the Grecian. The old Roman empire [separated into eastern and western divisions] further divided into several kingdoms. Rome itself became the seat of a government of a different nature from any other than ever existed in the world. The doctrine of the gospel was transformed into a system of spiritual tyranny and of temporal power. The authority of the pope was held supreme in Europe for many ages. The Saracens obtained a sudden and mighty power; overran a great part of Asia and of Europe; and many parts of Christendom suffered much from their incursions. The Arabs maintain their warlike character, and retain possession of their own land. The Africans are a humble race, and are still treated as slaves. The colonies have been spread from Europe to Asia, and are enlarging there. The Turkish empire attained to great power; it continued to rise for the space of several centuries, but it paused in its progress, has since decayed ...

"These form some of the most prominent and remarkable facts of the history of the world from the ages of the prophecies to the present time; and if, to each and all of them, from the first to the last, an index is to be found in the prophecies, we may warrantably conclude that they could only have been revealed by the Ruler among the nations, and that they afford more than human testimony of the truth of Christianity." (Alexander Keith, Christian Evidences: Fulfilled Bible Prophecy, p. 8).

How are Bible Prophecies Different from Other Prophecies?

(1) Bible prophecies are detailed rather than ambiguous and general. Names are given (Isa 45:1-3). Locations are given (Mic 5:2). Minute details are given (Ps 22; Isa 53; Lu 19:41-44). Dates are given (Da 9:24-27; Jer 25:11-12). Exact order of events is given (Da 7). (2) Bible prophecies have never failed. Bible prophecy stands in great contrast with the hazy, imperfect predictions of astrologers and of other non-inspired soothsayers. (3) Bible prophets agree perfectly in their prophecies. Compare Enoch's prophecy of Christ's second coming (Jude 1:14-15) with that made by Isaiah (Isa 13:3-5), Christ (Mt 24:30), Paul (2Th 1:7-9), and John (Re 19:11-21). Though separated by centuries, these prophecies agree perfectly. (4) Bible prophets lived holy lives in conformity with their message. Those familiar with astrologers and other pagan prophets know they do not live holy lives. (5) Bible prophets did not prophesy for money. In fact, they were often persecuted and impoverished because of their prophecies. Their motive was never for personal gain.

Why are the prophecies not even more explicit. It is true that Bible prophecy, especially to the eye of the unbeliever, may appear somewhat obscure. There is much symbolism in Bible prophecy which must be interpreted by a diligent comparison of Scripture with Scripture. The prophecies are not always given in a concise, logical order, but are scattered throughout the text of Scripture. Dr. Alexander Keith gave an interesting and helpful reply to this matter in the early 1800s. "And if the prophetical part of Scripture which refers to the rise and fall of kingdoms, had been more explicit than it is, it would have appeared to encroach on the free agency of man; it would have been a communication of the foreknowledge of events which men would have grossly abused and perverted to other purposes rather than to the establishment of the truth; and, instead of being a stronger evidence of Christianity, it would have been considered as the cause of the accomplishment of the events predicted ... and thus have afforded to the unbeliever a more reasonable objection against the evidence of prophecy than any that can be now alleged. ... whenever the knowledge of future events would have proved prejudicial to the peace and happiness of the world, they are couched in allegory, which their accomplishment alone can expound, and drawn with that degree of light and shade that the faithfulness of the picture may best be seen from the proper point of observation-the period of their completion. Prophecy must thus, in many instances, have that darkness which is impenetrable at first, as well as that light which shall be able to dispel every doubt at last: and, as it cannot be an evidence of Christianity until the event demonstrates its own truth, it may remain obscure till history becomes its interpreter, and not be perfectly obvious till the fulfillment of the whole series with which it is connected" (Ibid., pp. 7-8).

Why Every Christian Should Study Prophecy

(1) PROPHECY IS REVELATION (De 29:29; Am 3:7; Mt 13:10-12; Re 1:1; 22:6,10). According to these and many other passages, prophecy is said to reveal secrets, not hide them. Prophecy is light, not darkness. It is false teachers who have made prophecy seem to be so obscure. (2) PROPHECY IS A BLESSING (Re 1:3). (3) PROPHECY IS NECESSARY FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION (2Ti 3:16-17). We are told that ALL Scripture is given by God and is profitable and necessary for the building of the mature Christian. Is prophecy not a large part of Scripture? Indeed, prophecy is woven into the very warp and woof of the Word of God. The study of, understanding of, and obedience to prophecy is seen as essential for a strong Christian life. (4) PROPHECY IS DEPENDABLE (Isa 25:1; 2Pe 1:19-21). According to the Apostle Peter, in the first chapter of his second epistle, the written prophetic Word is more dependable than visions (v. 16), than voices (v. 17), than great spiritual mountaintop experiences (v. 18). (5) IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY TO STUDY PROPHECY (Lu 24:25-27). The Lord Jesus Christ firmly rebukes the disciples for not believing prophecy. At the judgment seat of Christ every Christian will be held accountable for whether or not he studied and believed the prophecies of the Bible. In light of this warning, we must reject the tendency by so many to treat prophecy lightly. Not only will the Christian be held accountable for his attitude toward prophecy, but the unbeliever will be, as well. In Lu 16:29-31, Abraham told the rich man in Hell that his lost brothers on earth would be accountable for whether or not they believed the prophets. (6) BIBLE PROPHECY HAS POWER TO SANCTIFY THE LIFE. It gives hope in a hopeless world (Ro 15:4). It gives joy (Joh 8:56). It gives comfort (1Th 4:18; Isa 40:1-2). It gives understanding in the midst of confusion (Da 9:1-2). It produces diligence and purity (Ro 13:11-14; 1Jo 3:1-3). It produces patience and endurance in the midst of trials (2Co 4:16-18). It stimulates Christian labor (1Co 15:51-58). It brings time and life into proper perspective with eternity (Ps 73:1-3,12-17; Isa 26:20; 29:17; 54:7-8). It stimulates Christians to abide in Christ (1Jo 2:28). (7) PROPHECY IS AN APOLOGETIC. Bible prophecy is intended to be an apologetic. Fulfilled prophecy proves the divine origin of the Bible to unbelievers and increases the faith of believers. Thus, prophecy must be studied, understood, and taught by Christians both to believers and to unbelievers. Also we must note that to be an effective evidence, prophecy must be fulfilled and interpreted literally. (8) PROPHECY IS A REALITY. To say the least, Christians have a part in the things promised in Bible prophecy. It is true that the O.T. prophecies are not fulfilled directly in the church age but it is also true that the Christian will enjoy the blessings spoken of in O.T. prophecy, including the millennial glory of Christ (Col 3:4; Re 2:26-27; 3:21) and the renewed creation (Ro 8:18-25). There are also hundreds of prophecies directly related to the Christian's future (Joh 14:1-3; 1Co 15; Col 3:1-4; 1Th 4; etc.).

The Interpretation of Prophecy

In contrast to the allegorical method of interpreting prophecy, "the literal method is a true and honest method. It is based on the assumption that the words of Scripture can be trusted. It assumes that since God intends His revelation to be understood, divine revelation must be written based on regular rules of human communication. To interpret literally means to explain the original sense of the speaker or writer according to the normal, customary, and proper usages of words and language. In order to determine the normal and customary usages of Bible language, it is necessary to consider the accepted rules of grammar and rhetoric, as well as the factual historical and cultural data of Bible times. It is proper for a word to have various meanings and senses. However, when a word is used in a given situation, it should normally possess but one intended sense or meaning. This is the regular law of linguistic exchange among sensible people. Music lovers seek to understand music composers, not by out-thinking and out-sensing the composers, but by following the latter's choice and use of precise musical notes. Students of Music Appreciation courses do not go about trying to listen for something which is not there, but attempt rather to know the intended meaning and mood of a given composer through his use of the notes. Otherwise what the composer is trying to say is ignored and what the interpreter wants to say becomes the important factor. Literal interpreters believe that Scriptural revelation is given to be understood by man. It believes the Bible to be revelation, not riddle.

WHAT ABOUT FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE? "The word literal is often taken to mean that which is nonfigurative. Interpreters often set the literal over against the figurative. This is a serious misapprehension of the method. Everyone agrees that great literatures properly use both figurative and nonfigurative languages. ... The presence of figures in Scripture, however, does not militate against literal interpretation. As George N.H. Peters explains: `When employing the word literal, we are to be comprehended as also fully acknowledging the figurative sense, the beautiful ornaments of language; we cordially accept all that is natural to language itself, its naked strength and its charming adornments, but object to additionally forcing on it a foreign element, and enclosing it in a garb that hides its just proportions.' Although the Scriptures contain figurative language, the interpreter must be careful not to identify as a figure that which is actual. This is true especially of prophecy. The statement `Pray for the peace of Jerusalem' (Ps 122:6) is a request concerning the earthly city of Jerusalem, not figurative of praying for the Christian church.

WHAT ABOUT APPLICATION AND DEVOTIONAL USE OF SCRIPTURE? "The literal method of interpretation is concerned with interpretation, not with application. Applications are fair to the Bible when they are based on that which has been literally interpreted. To base interpretations of the Bible on applications is erroneous and will end in chaos. ... The literal interpreter, by insisting on the literal sense of Scripture, does not imply that the Bible has no depth or latent riches. God's Word contains truths, principles, and applications which every interpreter must fathom. Some of these are latent, inward, and hidden; others are patent, outward, and obvious. ... The correlation of both the simple and the profound in God's Word is wonderful to behold. But this licenses neither a mystical approach nor a forced search for some superadded `spiritual' sense. There is nothing clandestine about Christianity. The proper approach to God's Word is the reverent one of accepting what it says and then making applications to life" (Paul Lee Tan, The Interpretation of Prophecy, p. 29-31).

[DennisD]

Amazing Prophecies of Christ's First Coming

One of the greatest evidences that Bible prophecy must be interpreted literally is the fact that prophecy which has been fulfilled has always been fulfilled exactly and literally. The prophecies of the first coming of Christ illustrate this:

1. HIS BIRTH WAS FORETOLD: The time (Da 9:25). The place (Mic 5:2). The miracle (Isa 7:14).

2. HIS LIFE WAS FORETOLD: Preaching (Isa 61:1). Healing (Isa 61:1). Rejection (Isa 53:2-3). Entering Jerusalem (Zec 9:9).

3. HIS DEATH WAS FORETOLD: His betrayal by a friend (Ps 41:9; Mt 26:14-36; 28:20). The perversion of justice (Isa 53:7-8; Mt 26:57-60; 27:11-14). The crucifixion (Ps 22:14-16; Joh 19:16-18). The words spoken on the cross (Ps 22:1; Mt 27:46). The mocking crowd (Ps 22:6-8; Mt 27:39,41-43). Some sitting and staring (Ps 22:17; Mt 27:36). Soldiers casting lots for His garments (Ps 22:18; Mt 27:35). Vicarious suffering (Isa 53:5-6; Heb 9:28). Bones not broken (Ps 22:17; Joh 19:31-33,36). Burial in a rich man's tomb (Isa 53:9; Mt 27:57-60).

4. HIS RESURRECTION WAS FORETOLD (Ps 16:10; Lu 24:1-7). 5. HIS RETURN TO HEAVEN WAS FORETOLD (Ps 110:1; Mr 16:9,14-19).

A Prophetic Overview of the Future

The following is a listing of the major events prophesied for the future.

1. CHRISTIANS WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION (Ro 5:9; 1Th 1:10; 4:13-17; 5:4-9; Re 3:10). [see Rapture.]

2. THE TIME OF GREAT TRIBULATION WILL COME UPON THE EARTH (Mt 24:15; Da 12:1; Isa 13:6-13; 24:1-26:11). (1) The Antichrist will arise and control and deceive (Mt 24:15; Da 7-12; 2Th 2:7-13; Re 13). (2) The announcement of the soon-coming kingdom will be preached in all the world (Mt 24:14; Re 7). (3) There will be worldwide persecution of those who refuse to follow the Antichrist (Mt 24:9-10; Da 7:25; 8:24; 11:33-35; Re 13:7). (4) There will be terrible supernatural judgments (Re 7-18; Isa 24:1-26:11; Mt 24:21). (5) Great armies will march and fight (Eze 38-39; Da 11; Ps 2; Zec 14; Re 9:13-19; 16:12-16). (6) Fearful demonic forces will be unleashed (Re 9:1-11). [see Great Tribulation.]

3. THE NATION ISRAEL WILL TURN TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (Zec 12:10-14; Mt 23:37-39). [see Covenant.]

4. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WILL RETURN FROM HEAVEN (Mt 24:29-31; 2Th 1:9-11). (1) Antichrist will be destroyed (Re 19:19-21). (2) Satan will be bound (Re 20:1-3). (3) O.T. and Tribulation saints will be resurrected (Da 12:2; Re 20:4-6). (4) Israel will be regathered from throughout the world (Jer 30:3-11,18-24; 31; 32:37-44; 33:2-26). (5) Christ will set up His kingdom with Jerusalem as the headquarters (Mt 25:31-46; Zec 14; Isa 60). (6) The earth will become a paradise (Isa 35). [see Jesus Christ, Millennium.]

5. SATAN WILL BE LOOSED AND WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAD ONE FINAL, UNSUCCESSFUL REBELLION (Re 20:7-9).

6. THE UNSAVED WILL BE RESURRECTED TO A JUDGMENT OF CONDEMNATION (Re 20:11-15). [see Judgment, Resurrection.]

7. GOD'S PEOPLE WILL FOREVER ENJOY THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Re 21-22).

The Second Coming of Christ

1. THE PROPHECIES OF CHRIST'S COMING. Enoch (Jude 1:14-15). Isaiah (Isa 13:3-5). Zechariah (Zep 3:20). Jesus (Mt 25:31). The angels (Ac 1:10-11). The Apostles (2Th 1:7-10). Revelation (Re 19:11-21).

2. THE TIME OF CHRIST'S COMING. (1) No man knows the hour nor the day (Mt 24:36). Those who set dates for the return of Christ ignore the Word of God. (2) We are to be ready always (Mt 24:42). His Coming is imminent.

3. THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S COMING: (1) To complete the salvation of the saints (Heb 9:28), in the sense of fulfilling His promises pertaining to resurrection and glorification. (2) To be glorified in His saints (2Th 1:10). (3) To bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1Co 4:5). (4) To judge (2Ti 4:1). (5) To reign (Re 11:15). (6) To destroy death (1Co 15:25-26).

4. THE MANNER OF CHRIST'S COMING: (1) Bodily (Ac 1:9-11; Re 1:7). (2) In the clouds (Mt 24:30). (3) In great glory (Mt 16:27; 25:31; 24:30). (4) In flaming fire (2Th 1:8). (5) With the angels (Mt 16:27). (6) With His saints (1Th 3:13). (7) Suddenly (Mr 13:36). 5. THE EVENTS OF CHRIST'S COMING: (1) He will raise the dead saints (1Th 4:15-17). (2) He will destroy unbelievers and rebels (2Th 1:7-9). (3) He will bind Satan (Re 20:1-3). (4) He will establish His own government on earth (Mt 25:31). (5) He will judge the nations (Mt 25:32-41). (6) He will rule the world (Zec 14:9).

5. THE MOTIVATION OF CHRIST'S COMING: (1) It comforts us in our earthly trials (1Th 4:18). (2) It causes us to live obedient lives (1Jo 3:1-3; 1Th 5:4-7). (3) It causes us to separate from evil (Tit 2:13-14). (4) It causes us to avoid false teachers (1Jo 2:24-28). [see Times of Restitution.]

Prophecies Pertaining to the Church Age

Following is a survey of the N.T. regarding the course of this present age. If a Christian is to understand church history and the conditions among professing Christians today he must be familiar with N.T. prophecy. We have not been left in darkness. The Lord Jesus and the Apostles, through the Holy Spirit, have given us the outline of events from the time extending from that hour until the eternal ages begin their endless succession. Please note that here we are not considering the Bible's prophecies regarding Israel or the Gentile nations, but only those concerning the church, using that term in the sense of the visible, professing church (Christendom) and of the true churches of born again believers.

Increasing Apostasy

A survey of N.T. church prophecy makes it clear that conditions within the visible, professing churches-Christendom-will grow increasingly corrupt as time passes and the coming of Christ draws near (2Ti 3:13). God's people are warned that the N.T. pattern will be abandoned to a large extent by those who profess to be Christians. This, of course, is exactly what we can see in church history and the corrupting process is increasing today at a frightening pace.

There are many ways this is prophesied. It is woven into the very fabric of the N.T. As the N.T. progresses, there is an increasing emphasis upon apostasy. The first epistles deal to various degrees with the problem of false teaching, but when we come to 2 Timothy, then 2 Peter, 2 John and Jude, the writers are almost completely taken up with the theme of apostasy. Finally in Revelation we find the true churches taken away and the apostate "church" in full bloom, ruling for a brief period with the beast, the antichrist (Re 17).

Let us take a brief survey of some of the major passages containing church prophecy. Anyone familiar with the prophecies should not be surprised at the strange, apostate, compromising conditions we find today among Christians. The Holy Spirit of God has forewarned that this will be the case as the preparations are made for the creation of the harlot church of the tribulation period.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAST DAYS - 2 TIMOTHY 3-4:

1. Perilous (2Ti 3:1). This means times will be difficult, hard, fierce. The reason for the difficulty, as the rest of the chapter reveals, is the widespread apostasy. This makes life difficult for N.T. Christians.

2. Low moral and spiritual standards (2Ti 3:2-4). These conditions have always been true of the world in general. In Ge. 6, in the days of Noah before the flood, men were described in this way. The difference in 2Ti. 3 is that these are conditions among professing Christians, among those who "have a form of godliness" (2Ti 3:5)! Those familiar with the low moral and spiritual condition within apostate Christian groups such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the liberal Protestant denominations, understand that Paul's prophecy has been fulfilled. For example, it is very common now for the large Protestant denominations to sympathize even with homosexuality. For instance, in 1983 the United Church of Christ gave official approval to a report in which it was stated that sexual orientation is not a moral issue and that candidates for ordination should not be refused on the grounds of being homosexual. This official action took place at their biennial general synod and received an overwhelming vote of approval.

3. Form of Christianity without the power (2Ti 3:5). The word "form" could be translated "ritual," and this is an apt description of what much of Christianity has become-ritualistic, sacramental, without true spiritual power and life. There are large elaborate church buildings, grand ritualistic services, and much activity, but there is often no true supernatural power-no power for conviction of sin, no power for the new birth, no power for holy living, no power for miraculous answer to prayer, no power to rebuke the evil of sin and apostasy, no power to believe and obey the Word of God, no power to discern truth from error.

4. Deceit, subtlety, untrustworthiness, political, treachery (2Ti 3:3-4). Paul pictures the apostates "creeping" around and deceiving people; they are untrustworthy, fierce. This is definitely a characteristic of apostasy. Those who reject the witness and teachings of the Holy Spirit follow their own fallen hearts. Jeremiah tells us about this natural heart: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked..." (Jer 17:9). Apostate Christians cannot be trusted. They imitate the way of their father, the devil, who "through his subtilty beguiled Eve" (2Co 11:3). Of the apostate religious leaders of His day, Jesus said: "Ye are of the your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is the father of it" (Joh 8:44).

In light of these warnings we should not be surprised at the deceit and political maneuverings of leaders of such apostate groups as the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. Christians who are deceived by these evil men have only themselves to blame, because God has revealed to us the heart condition of apostates. This is not judging; it is believing the Bible! The treacherous way true Christians have always been treated by the leaders of apostasy is fulfillment of this prophecy. An example is the countless multitudes of godly N.T. believers who have been murdered by the RCC throughout church history.

5. Increasing in knowledge, but not in truth; much education, but not subjected to divine revelation (2Ti 3:7). There is an impressive amount of learning and education going on among apostate Christians. Schools of higher theology are producing men with grand titles and degrees, who are producing books by the truck-load on every sort of theological theory; but this "higher" learning never results in the simple truth of the Word of God. Rationalistic theologians move from one new idea to another because they have no anchor to the truth. They have rejected the plain teaching of the Bible; therefore they have no absolute standard for judgment. The humblest born-again Christian who believes the Bible knows more truth than all the learned apostate doctors of theology who have rejected the testimony of God's Book. In fulfillment of this prophecy, some groups, such as the Roman Catholic Church, have been conducting theological schools for hundreds and hundreds of years, but have yet to arrive at the simple truth of the Apostles!

6. Resisting the truth (2Ti 3:8). Apostate Christians are broadminded and accept almost anything and anyone-except simple, apostolic Bible truth and preachers! They want the N.T. Christian to ignore their apostasy, but they certainly do not ignore the simple Bible faith of the N.T. Christian. They mock and slander and reproach and resist that faith.

7. Refusal to obey N.T. teaching (2Ti 3:8). Apostates are reprobate concerning the teachings of the Apostles. The N.T. doctrines of inspiration, salvation, judgment, sin, man, the world, the future, etc. are largely (or wholly) rejected.

WHAT GOD EXPECTS FROM HIS PEOPLE IN THE TIMES OF APOSTASY.

1. Separation from those who are apostate (2Ti 3:5). Separation from apostasy is the only effective solution to the problem of error. Heresy is likened to a leaven which permeates everything it touches, thus the only protection is complete separation. Separation is despised in the ecumenical climate of these last days, but it is God's prescription against the disease of false teaching. [see Separation.]

2. Follow Paul's teaching and example (and that of the other apostles) (2Ti 3:10-11). Christians in every century are to follow the apostolic pattern. Compare 1Ti 6:13-14,20.

3. Understand that troubles will come to those who set their hearts to obey the Bible in apostate times (2Ti 3:12).

4. Abide in sound doctrine (2Ti 3:14). In apostate times the pressure to relax one's doctrinal position is intense. Many professing Christians are entirely apostate from the truth, but many others, while themselves believers of the Bible, compromise many things for the sake of popularity, peace, and convenience. Through failing to rebuke apostasy and to contend earnestly for the faith, they avoid the troubles and labels which follow such actions. Timothy, though, is exhorted to stand firm in the teachings of the Lord's Apostles and to endure the resulting hardships.

5. Remain confident in the Bible (2Ti 3:15-17). Here we see (1) the nature of the Bible-It is a holy book. "Holy" means "set apart," referring to the truth that the Bible is unlike any other book. It is God's Book. (2) The origin of the Bible-It is from God! (3) The perfection of the Bible-It is from God in its entirety, and it is all profitable and important for the believer. The entire Book is given by inspiration of God. The Greek word translated "inspiration" can also be translated "God-breathed." The Bible, though written by men, came from God. It was breathed out from God through holy, chosen, prepared men. Compare 2Pe 1:21. (5) The purpose and power of the Bible-It produces salvation (2Ti 3:15) and good Christian living (2Ti 3:17). The word "perfect" in verse 17 does not refer to sinless perfection, but to completeness, maturity. [see Perfect.]

6. Preach the Bible (2Ti 4:1-4). "Preach" means to proclaim, herald, announce. (1) This is a solemn charge from God. Every preacher will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and answer for how he preached God's Word. Those who compromise some teachings, or refuse to rebuke sin and error (this is an inescapable part of the ministry of preaching), or misinterpret the Bible, or preach without patience and spirituality, or decide to enter into dialogue rather than to proclaim the truth, will be dealt with by God. (2) This is to be done at all times, convenient or inconvenient. (3) This involves negative as well as positive preaching. The first two aspects of preaching referred to in 2Ti. 4 are negative-reprove and rebuke! "Reprove" means to convince of sin or error. "Rebuke" means to warn, to censor. "Exhort" means to call alongside, to encourage, to appeal. It is as to say, "Come, join me in obeying the Truth!" (4) This is to be done in the proper manner and attitude-"with all longsuffering and doctrine." (5) This is to be done even if people do not want to hear the preaching (v. 3-4).

7. Do not forget evangelism (2Ti 4:5). In the midst of fighting against false doctrine and apostasy and while teaching the Word of God to Christians, it is possible to get away from the urgent business of witnessing to the lost, of preaching the Gospel of the cross of Christ to every nation and individual. Timothy was reminded to do the work of an evangelist. While not every Christian is called to be an evangelist, every Christian is to do the work of an evangelist, which is to preach the Gospel to the lost. [see Evangelist, Great Tribulation.]

8. Be concerned about every detail of life, doctrine, and ministry-"watch thou in all things" (2Ti 4:5). Christians must watch every area of their lives. Nothing is unimportant. No teaching of the Bible (2Ti 3:16); no thought in one's mind (2Co 10:5); no sinful thing (1Th 5:22); no conversation or word (Col 4:5-6); no minute of the day (Eph 5:16); no decision (Pr 3:5-6).

9. Completely fulfill your God-given ministry-"make full proof of thy ministry" (2Ti 4:5). Even if every other professing Christian and preacher compromises with the apostasy of the times, look to yourself and be certain that you fulfill your God-given ministry according to the instruction of the N.T. It is Christ to whom we must answer, not man. Stand fast!

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAST DAYS - MATTHEW 13:

The Background. (1) Jesus came and presented Himself to Israel as the promised Messiah and King (Mt 1-10). We know that Jesus did not come to establish the Messianic kingdom; He came to die for man's sin; but He did show Himself as the Messiah. His rejection was necessary for the fulfillment of prophecy (Isa 53:3). (2) He was publicly rejected by Israel's leaders and representatives (Mt 11-12. See especially Mt 12:22-28). (3) Christ then offered Himself to anyone who would come-Jew or Gentile. It was not until chapter 11:28-30 that Christ made this offer. (4) Having turned to the Gentiles, Christ now reveals the "mystery" period of the kingdom (Mt 13:11). This mystery refers to the course of the age during the time of His absence from this earth and His temporary rejection by Israel. This period was not foretold in O.T. prophecy, and this is why it is called a mystery. Compare Mt 23:34-39; Ho 3:4-5; Ro 11:25-26. The O.T. prophecies of the kingdom revealed that Christ would suffer (Isa 53) and would reign (Isa 9:6-7). Nothing is mentioned, though, in O.T. prophecy about a period in between these two great events in which God would temporarily set aside the nation Israel and build a church composed both of Jews and Gentiles.

1. The Sower (Mt 13:1-23). The Gospel begins to be preached worldwide and falls upon every kind of soil-people and nations.

2. The Tares (Mt 13:24-30). Satan puts false Christians and false teachers among the true churches and Christians.

3. The Mustard Seed (Mt 13:31-32). The church experiences abnormal growth and becomes the home of evil things. A seed intended to produce a vegetable plant becomes a tree. The birds are revealed as evil in verse four. They are demons and professing Christians and teachers controlled by demons. Compare 1Ti 4:1 and 2Co 11:13-15. This is exactly what has happened in Christianity. The simple church that Christ established has become the largest religion in the world. It is mostly apostate and full of demonic teachings and activities.

4. The Hidden Leaven (Mt 13:33). Christendom will gradually increase in error until it is entirely apostate. "Till the whole was leavened." The final apostate "church" is pictured in Re. 17 as the Great Harlot. That which professes to be the pure and faithful bride of Christ is actually a prostitute with the world and the devil.

5. Immediately after the parable of The Hidden Leaven, Christ describes His return to earth and the destruction of the apostate religious system (Mt 13:36-43). [see also Parable.]

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAST DAYS - REVELATION 2-3:

The threefold application of the messages.

(1) To instruct the particular churches to which they are addressed. (2) To instruct all churches. The instruction given to the seven churches of Asia in the first century applies to every church of every century (Re 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). (3) To give a foreview of church history. By the divinely inspired order of the letters to the seven churches we see the same pattern of increasing apostasy which is revealed in other ways in the N.T.

The seven churches viewed prophetically.

Ephesus (Re 2:1-7). The apostolic church leaving its first love. The early churches as a whole gradually began to abandon their wholehearted zeal for Christ and His Word; they gradually ceased living by faith in God and chose to settle down more comfortably in the world rather than walk as pilgrims in a strange land.

Smyrna (Re 2:8-11). Persecution. For approximately 300 years the churches were persecuted by the Roman government.

Pergamos (Re 2:12-17). The rise of powerful rulers in the churches. "Nicolaitan" means "to conquer the people" and refers to the rise of the unbiblical hierarchical concept of church government. This was the period of church history for the few hundred years following the death of the Apostles-the period in which the apostate Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches gradually came into existence.

Thyatira (Re 2:18-29). Involvement in satanic things (see v. 24). The churches as a whole began mixing with the heathen, even receiving into membership those who were not regenerate, allowing them to bring into the churches many of their pagan practices and thinkings. The Catholic doctrines of mass, purgatory, papacy, Mary as the mother of God, the priesthood, holy water, elaborate and consecrated buildings, and ritualistic services all had their origin in heathen religions.

Sardis (Re 3:1-6). A partial, insufficient reformation. This church had a name that it was alive, but Jesus said it was actually dead (v. 1). Their works were not perfect before Him (v. 2). They were told to remember the first works, referring to the N.T. pattern given by the Apostles (v. 3). All of these things are characteristic of the churches which arose out of the Protestant Reformation in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. They left the Catholic Church and rejected some of the false beliefs and practices of Romanism, but they did not return to a pure apostolic pattern.

Philadelphia (Re 3:7-13). The churches which keep God's Word (v. 8) and escape the great tribulation (v. 10). This pictures the remnant of true apostolic churches which remain true to God until the translation just preceding the worldwide tribulation.

Laodicea (Re 3:14-22). The unregenerate church (v. 17). Jesus is standing outside inviting individuals to come to Him. This, therefore, is a picture of the apostate churches of the last hours of the church age. Compare 2Co 6:14-18 and Re 18:4.

The prophetic picture presented in the seven churches is one of increasing apostasy from the N.T. pattern as the church age progresses. This, of course, is exactly what we see in church history, and the apostasy is increasing continually before our very eyes today.

Summary. (1) The church will not be conquered by the world and will not die. (2) The church will not conquer the world or bring in the kingdom of God. (3) The church as an institution becomes corrupted by the world through lack of separation and fidelity to the Bible.

Total Apostasy (Revelation 17)

In Re. 17 and 18 we see the final form of the professing "church" just prior to Christ's return in power and glory. This is after the translation of true Christians from the earth. Notice the characteristics of the harlot church and remember that though the final, totally apostate church will not appear until the antichrist comes on the scene (the harlot is pictured as riding upon the beast, the antichrist government), the conditions of apostasy have been growing throughout the centuries and can be seen on every hand today. Preparations are being made throughout Christendom for the formation of this end-time harlot church.

This explains the movement among even those who profess to be evangelical, Bible-believing Christians to abandon fidelity to the Word of God and to move closer to those who are already apostate. This explains the movement of Protestant churches back toward union with Catholicism. Herein lies the mystery of why the doctrine of separation is so despised and slandered in our day. Fidelity to the Scriptures and separation from apostasy are stumbling blocks to the formation of the harlot church.

HOW REVELATION 17 PICTURES THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The Roman Catholic Church fits perfectly the description of the harlot church of Re. 17, but the Catholic Church alone as it presently exists does not fulfill this prophecy. Catholicism foreviews the prophecy, but does not yet fulfill it. Romanism does, though, give a perfect picture to us of this future harlot church. Romanism has ridden through church history upon the back of kings, is clothed in gorgeous robes and decked in expensive attire, is full of abominations, is drunken with the blood of the martyrs it has slaughtered throughout its bloody history, and sits upon the seven mountains of Rome. The inhabitants of the world are indeed drunk with the wine of her fornication. Countless multitudes of deceived people from practically every nation of the world blindly follow the Catholic errors and glory in the apostate Roman rituals.

1. Spiritual harlotry (Re 17:1). This harlot church, though claiming to be the bride of Christ, is unfaithful to Christ and His Word, having prostituted itself with the world and the demonic powers behind the world system. "No one who will take the trouble to read Eze. 16 and 23 can fail to understand God's plain language. In these two chapters of Ezekiel alone, whoredom is mentioned over twenty times, as describing the sin before God of those who turn His worship into shameless fellowship with demons and commerce with the world" (William R. Newell, The Book of the Revelation).

2. Worldwide power (Re 17:1). "... the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." "Ecumenical" means universal, worldwide, and the present-day movement of Christian unity, represented by groups such as the World Council of Churches is the foreview of this worldwide apostate "church." The WCC itself is indeed worldwide, being composed of more than 300 denominations representing some 500 million people in 100 nations. This large body of apostate Christendom has already become one in spirit with the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches, and has recognized the "spirituality" in non-Christian religions. There is already a harlot "church" sitting upon many waters.

3. United with secular government (Re 17:2). "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication..." This failure to maintain N.T. separation between the churches and the secular government has always been a hallmark of the Roman Catholic Church, the state churches of Europe, and now the World Council of Churches and other ecumenical bodies. Apostasy does not hesitate to unite with godless men in government to accomplish its purposes. The Apostles and early Christians did not unite in any way with the Roman government, but remained entirely separate and faithfully carried out the commission Christ had given them. Apostate Christians care nothing for Christ's Great Commission, but have humanistic, socialistic, worldly goals; therefore, they have no reason not to unite with secular government in these goals.

4. Causing men to be drunken with her fornications (Re 17:2). "... and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." Apostate religion allows men to continue in their sinful pleasures while having a form of religion to soothe their guilty consciences. The attraction of apostate Christianity to the people of the world, in spite of the fact that apostate Christendom has constantly discredited itself, is amazing to behold. This is illustrated by the world's love of the pope of Rome. The pope has a definite supernatural attraction to unregenerate men. Even the secular, humanistic press gives the Roman pope great acclaim, something not accorded any other religious leader. Of the pope's journey to South America in 1980, Time magazine said: "The Polish-born pontiff proved a spell- binding presence, drawing crowds of a million or more on at least six occasions." Following the first visit ever made by a pope to America, Time magazine gushed: "A gentle shepherd with a will of steel, John Paul II thrilled the U.S. with a glorious pilgrimage that won hearts-and challenged the nation. ... After only a year in office, the Pontiff is emerging as the kind of incandescent leader that the world so hungers for-one who can make people feel that they have been lifted above the drabness of their lives and show them that they are capable of better emotions, and better deeds than they may have thought." Several people have been trampled to death in the great crowds which flock to see the pope during his world travels. In 1980, nine people were trampled to death and dozens were hospitalized in Africa, while three were trampled to death and 30 injured in El Salvador. These duped millions are indeed drunken with the wine of the fornications of the harlot "church."

This attraction of the world toward apostate Christendom will continue to increase as the Great Tribulation draws nearer. Finally, the Antichrist's prophet will "cause the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed ... and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do..." (Re 13:11-15) "... God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2Th 3:11-12)

5. Rome will be the headquarters (Re 17:3,9). "The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth." John pictures the great harlot sitting upon seven mountains, which most fundamental preachers identify as the city of Rome. The movement we are witnessing among Protestant groups toward reconciliation with the Roman Church is the foreview of this. According to prophecy, Rome will again have supremacy in the final apostate church. "The woman is a city, and the city is Rome, the religious capital of the world. ... Rome was the city set on seven hills and was known as such to both pagan and Christian writers. ... Ovid said, `Rome looks around on the whole globe from her seven mountains, the seat of empire and abode of the gods.' ... She is religious Rome, which at that time will have inherited all the religions of the world. ... It will attain the goal of the present-day apostates of all the great systems of the world: Romanism, Protestantism, pagan religions, cults and isms" (J. Vernon McGee, Revelation).

This uniting of all denominations and religions with Rome is occurring before our very eyes today. A statement made in recent years by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Anglican and Episcopalian churches, shows how far the ecumenical movement has gone toward reconciliation with Rome. "We should like to see the churches of England, Scotland, the United States and any other countries, bound together in one body. If the pope would like to come in as chairman, we should all welcome him" (Why Were Our Reformers Burned?). Chairman of the board, indeed! The pope will RULE! And not only are apostate Christian denominations returning to Rome, but so are pagan religions. At the last two general assemblies of the World Council of Churches some of the main speakers were non-Christians. There were Hindus, Buddhists, Jewish rabbis, Muslims, Sikhs, native American Indians, and Australian aborigines. Pagan altars were erected and fire offerings made to various pagan gods. 6. Names of blasphemy (Re 17:3). Apostate Christianity is indeed full of blasphemy. There is the blasphemy of liberals, who deny the very Christ, God, and Bible they profess to follow-liberals such as Nels Ferre, who suggested that Christ might have been the son of a soldier. There is the blasphemy of Unitarianism, which denies the very Godhead and the deity of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ. There is the blasphemy of popery, which takes unto itself names which belong solely to the holy Trinity, names such as Holy Father, His Holiness, Pontiff, Vicar of Christ. There is the blasphemy of syncretistic ecumenism which says God and truth are in pagan religions. Indeed, the harlot church is full of the names of blasphemy.

7. Arrayed in purple and scarlet color (Re 17:4). The Apostles and Christians of the early churches were humble Bible-believers who lived simple lives and did not follow the pattern of the world's leaders and religions. The harlot church loves impressive cathedrals, flowing robes, gorgeous ritualism, expensive ecclesiastical clothing and trappings.

8. Exceedingly wealthy (Re 17:4). "... decked with gold and precious stones and pearls..." The wealth of the Catholic Church alone is vast. When this is added to the wealth of the apostate Protestant denominations, the sum is staggering. The harlot church is spiritually bankrupt, but amazingly full of material wealth. A book by Martin Larson and Stanley Lowell entitled Praise the Lord for Tax Exemption estimated the 1971 statistics for church assets in America at $133.3 billion. That included stocks, bonds, investment, real estate, and commercial business property. Today's values would be much higher.

9. A bloodless cup (Re 17:4). "... having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication." Instead of the cup of the precious blood of Christ, the harlot church has a cup of abominations and filthiness of fornication. In light of this prophecy, it is a fearful fact that the WCC, the United Bible Societies, the National Council of Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, and other ecumenical bodies are sponsoring the perverted Good News Bible, which almost entirely leaves out the blood of Christ. Though the word "blood" in reference to the cross of Christ has been omitted, this version has been approved by all branches of apostate Christendom. It was one of the first Bible translations to be approved by both Catholics and Protestants. Here also we see the Roman Catholic "bloodless" sacrifice-the Mass, and their refusal to allow the people to partake of the cup of the Mass, which signifies the Lord's blood. Many modern Protestant hymnals have removed all reference to the blood of Christ. In the place of the cup of Christ's blood, the harlot church has set up idols-abominations-and has offered its people the spiritually adulterous union with this present wicked, demonically-controlled world system. [see Cup.]

10. The final manifestation of the ancient apostasy-Mystery Babylon (Re 17:5). This connects the final apostate harlot church with the false religion established at Babel in the early history of man (Ge 10:8-10; 11:1-9). In other words, it is the final product of Satan's corruption of true religion through the ages.

11. Persecution of true believers (Re 17:6). "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus..." Both the RCC and certain of the Protestant denominations have been guilty of murdering and persecuting true N.T. Christians. The RCC has murdered millions. No one has ever been able to count the total number. In the Netherlands alone following the Reformation, multitudes were tormented and destroyed. Consider these excerpts from a record of those persecutions dating from the 1520s:

The history of the Low Countries from this time is so full of martyrdoms, that it is like a gradual extermination of the population. ... The fires were now kindled all over the country, and edict following edict, with increasing severity, kept them burning. It was death to read a page of the scriptures; death to discuss any article of the faith; death to have in one's possession any of the writings of Luther, Zwingle, or OEcolampadius; death to express a doubt respecting the efficacy of the sacraments, or the authority of the pope. In the year 1536, that good and faithful servant of the Lord, William Tyndale, was strangled and burnt at Vilvordi, near Brussels, for translating the New Testament into English, and printing it in 1535. ... About four hundred churches were thus plundered and defaced in a few days. ... The troops were ordered to be distributed over the distracted country, that the persecuting edicts might be enforced. The Protestants were reduced to great straits; many were put to death, and many fled the country ... In the year 1567 the cruel duke of Alva was sent into the Netherlands with an army of fifteen thousand Spaniards and Italians; and the Inquisition was to put forth all its energies. . The wooden churches were pulled down, and, in some places the beams were formed into a great gallows on which to hang the minister and his flock. [These atrocities against Bible believers were] to be witnessed almost daily in the country for nearly forty years. ... In the year 1567 `the council of blood,' as it was called, held its first sitting. ... Blood now flowed in torrents. ... A new edict was issued, affixing a heavy penalty upon all waggoners, carriers, and ship-masters, who should aid in the emigration of `heretics.' They had resolved that none should escape. ... Upon the 19th of February 1568 a sentence of the Holy Office condemned all the inhabitants of the Netherlands to death as heretics. ... A proclamation of the king, dated ten days later, confirmed this decree of the inquisition, and ordered it to be carried into instant execution, without regard to age, sex, condition. This is probably the most concise death-warrant that was ever framed. Three millions of people-men, woman, and children, were sentenced to the scaffold in three lines. Under this universal condemnation the reader will see the real spirit of popery, and what all had to expect who did not yield an absolute, though blind submission, to all her idolatries, and superstitions (Miller's Church History, pp. 1002-1008).

Similar atrocities were being committed against Bible believers across much of Europe. The persecution of N.T. Christians has been the legacy not only of Rome, but of certain Protestant denominations as well. The Protestant Church of England has imprisoned and martyred hundreds of faithful saints of God during its illustrious history. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress during the 12 years he languished in Bedford prison because of his refusal to accept a license from the state church. Bunyan committed the "awful" crime of preaching the Gospel without the permission of ecclesiastical authorities. Did he not have authority from that One who has all power in heaven and in earth (Mt 28:18-20; Mr 16:15)? Indeed he did, but the old Harlot has usurped Christ's authority unto itself. It is recorded that there were never less than 60 other "dissenters" with Bunyan in that one jail, and there were many other jails in England in those sad days. These are only tiny examples of the persecution which has raged against N.T. Christians by those who have imbibed the spirit of the Harlot. Unprecedented persecution will be unleashed against those who hold to the Word of God after the final form of the harlot church appears, supported by the satanic power of Antichrist's government.

We have seen, then, where the church is headed. The prophecies of the N.T. are divided into revelations pertaining to the future of the true churches, and revelations pertaining to the apostate churches. A glorious future awaits the true saints of God, and we who are born again through repentance and faith in the blood of Jesus Christ should be busy serving Christ, while constantly expecting the coming of Christ to take us unto Himself. We will forever be with Him in His eternal kingdom.

The future of the false churches is a different matter altogether. The apostasy which began even during the days of the Apostles will increase until the formation of the great world harlot religion of Re. 17. This false church will rule with the Antichrist and his government for a short season and then will be judged, and all false, unregenerate "Christians" will suffer the eternal torment of the lost.

If any of our readers are not truly born again by the Spirit of God, we urge you, please repent of your sin and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. Do not trust some baptism or church ritual. Do not trust any service you might be doing in the church or in some Christian organization. Do not trust the fact that you might have been born into a "Christian" home. Jesus plainly said, "Except ye be born again, ye shall not see the kingdom of God." And the Apostle Paul said, "For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph 2:8-9). Turn to the resurrected Christ and be saved before it is eternally too late.

And may we who are already saved be found serving Christ in an acceptable way, that is, according to the teachings and example of the N.T. May we be like the wise people at Thessalonica, who "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." (1Th 1:9-10) Praise His name!

[Brother Rick]

Let me get a bag of popcorn, Dennis just gave us all some good reading! :)

Edited December 3, 2010 by Rick Schworer

[DennisD]

Let me get a bag of popcorn, Dennis just gave us all some good reading!

Mmm, I like blast-o-butter popcorn.

[Covenanter]

It's VERY relevant. Yes, it was written after 70 A.D. Preterists deny this, however - because they HAVE to. Most historians agree that it was written in 96 A.D. If you can prove it was after the sacking of Jerusalem, then all of the Preterist's arguments fall to pieces.

In this article it explains the reasoning for the dating of the book at 96 A.D. Irenaeus claims that Revelation was written in the reign of Domitian, which was in the 90s.

"Teitan too, (Teitan, the first syllable being written with the two Greek vowels e and i), among all the names which are found among us, is rather worthy of credit. For it has in itself the predicted number, and is composed of six letters, each syllable containing three letters; and [the word itself] is ancient, and removed from ordinary use;ÉAnd besides this, it is an ancient name, one worthy of credit, of royal dignity, and still further, a name belonging to a tyrant. Inasmuch, then, as this name "Titan" has so much to recommend it, there is a strong degree of probability, that from among the many [names suggested], we infer, that perchance he who is to come shall be called "Titan." We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively as to the name of Antichrist; for if it were necessary that his name should be distinctly revealed in this present time, it would have been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision. For that was seen no very long time since, but almost in our day, towards the end of Domitian's reign. 4. But he indicates the number of the name now, that when this man comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is: the name, however, is suppressed, because it is not worthy of being proclaimed by the Holy Spirit. For if it had been declared by Him, he (Antichrist) might perhaps continue for a long period." - Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 5, Chp. 30

Please reply specifically to my post #55. Irenaeus was not an inspired writer. That passage is only known in Latin translation where "that" could mean John or his vision. The internal Scripture evidence is for an early date (while the temple & Jerusalem were standing (Rev. 11) and for an early fulfilment. (Rev. 1) What the ECFs write 100 or more years later has no authority.

[Invicta]

The “tribulation” in Matthew 24:

I. Jesus said, “Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
II. Immediately following this “tribulation” would be:

A. The sun be darkened
B. The moon shall not give her light
C. The stars shall fall from heaven
D. The powers of the heavens shall be shaken
E. The sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven, followed by:

1. All the tribes of the earth mourn
2. They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
3. He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.


-----


In answer to your “generation” question, there are several interpretations to that. I have a couple of ideas:

Matthew 24:32-34, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

“When ye shall see these things…” as above mentioned, “…know that it is near…” What is near? The armies of the Romans. When the Believers saw the Roman armies surrounding Jerusalem, they knew the destruction was near. This abomination was to be seen not only in Jerusalem, but in all Judea. Matt 24:16 The Christians fled the city and country when they saw, this (The armies)


The question is answered in the next two verses:

Matthew 24:36-37, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (You have moved on now to the second question)
37) But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

What is near, when all these things happen, is the coming of the Son of Man. “This generation” is the generation that sees all these things. The idea is, that it will happen succinctly and rapidly, and when it starts the same generation will see it from beginning to end. It’s that, or it’s the generation that sees the fig tree (Israel) put for leaves. The fig tree is just an example of how they interpret things, just as the red sky, not what the interpret

If you disagree with me, then you’re going to have a hard time reconciling every one of those above points as to having already happened, all in 70 A.D. They can easily be reconciled as occurring during the Battle of Armageddon throughout Revelation.

Once you do manage to do that, please answer what in Matthew 24 specifically is “…the end of the world” in verse 3?

One more thought, if "this generation" was specific to the actual people to Jesus was speaking to, as in it was meant personal and not representative, then please spiritual this passage for me and explain how every single Jew alive at the crucifixion was also alive at your spiritual Second Coming of Christ: That is rather a foolish question. When the generation that died before they went into the promised land, they did not all die together, but over the 40 years, it was another way of saying " All thiese things will come upon this generation." Matt 23:36.

Rev. 1:7, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

Here is a question for you. Dan 8:8-12

The 4 horns from the ram are explained to be the four kings, or kingdoms which sprang from Alexander's kingom on his death. Now which one of the kingdoms had a king which waxed great toward the pleasant land (v9) and trampled the stars underfoot? (v10) and how did he do it, seeing the stars are so much greater than our sun?

[Invicta]

Most amils in the UK take a historicist interpretation - Revelation is fulfilled generally down the ages, with the Papacy as the antichrist/man of sin, allied with civil powers aka the beast. That is a view I held until a few years ago. It is a very practical interpretation, as it always relates to present experience of Christian warfare against Satan. Invicta holds that view - though he is premil.

I have been studying & discussing prophecy for 50 years, since university days, when we all saw the new state of Israel as the fulfilment of prophecy & the beginning of end times. My Pastors then taught the historical line.

Now, after continued study, I take the amil preterist line & see AD 70 as the occasion for the fulfilment of the Olivet, 2 Thes. 2 & Revelation prophecies. Hebrews gives warnings to Israel as the end of the 40 year generation approached.

Most Baptist a-mils that I know are only partly historicist. They believe that the book of revelation covers the entire church period 7 times. But only in a vague way and that the symbols do not have a definate meaning. But they are futurist in believing that the Antichrist is future. I once had a pastor who believed this, but he didn't understand it, only said that was what he believed, but coundn't defend it if you challenged him. Edited December 4, 2010 by Invicta

[Wilchbla]

Most amils in the UK take a historicist interpretation - Revelation is fulfilled generally down the ages, with the Papacy as the antichrist/man of sin, allied with civil powers aka the beast.

Yes, the UK takes this interpretation because they think the kingdom of heaven was passed to the British Crown. As one of your own national hymns states:

Jerusalem

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark Satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my spear: O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.



You can't let go of your amillenial postion because it has been bred into your history for hundreds of years. It's in your DNA.

[Crushmaster]

Yes, the UK takes this interpretation because they think the kingdom of heaven was passed to the British Crown. As one of your own national hymns states:

Jerusalem

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark Satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my spear: O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

You can't let go of your amillenial postion because it has been bred into your history for hundreds of years. It's in your DNA.

I'm not AM, but this is a pretty weak argument.
God bless,
Joel ><>.
2 Chronicles 7:14.

[Covenanter]

Let me get a bag of popcorn, Dennis just gave us all some good reading!

Anyone can c/p someone else's opinion - that is not a valid contribution to the discussion.

Such a "contribution" has no more substance than the bag of popcorn cited.

[DennisD]

Anyone can c/p someone else's opinion - that is not a valid contribution to the discussion.

Such a "contribution" has no more substance than the bag of popcorn cited.

Yes, good point. It's not valid to post links to other arguments or links to stories or links to opinion pieces. That makes a lot of sense. So, if I went onto another message board and posted a link to one of your posts...it's not valid. Right, makes a lot of sense.