Author Archives: garybowers

The Two Witnesses (Part III)

21 Saturday Jun 2014

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THE TWO WITNESSES (Part III)

Last week Elijah. This week Moses!

Once again, it’s important to grasp the astounding fact that Moses (and Elijah) accompanied Jesus on the mountaintop in person, with their actual earthly bodies given to them at birth. They did not yet inhabit the eternal bodies that all believers will someday be given at the Rapture’s resurrection of the dead (I Corinthians 15). If you like, please revisit the first five articles on the Eye of Prophecy blog site, pertaining to the What, Why, When, Who, and How of the Rapture.

How, then, was it possible for Moses to appear in bodily form with Jesus and Elijah if he had already died? We need not ask that question of Elijah because he was taken to heaven without dying, as last week’s article probed in some detail. To solve this perplexing puzzle, let’s begin with a few verses in the last chapter of Deuteronomy that record the death of Moses.

“So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. The Lord buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever” (Deuteronomy 34: 5-7).

Does anything in this passage strike you as just a bit unusual? If we were discussing these verses in person or by phone, I’d pause here and give you a few seconds to think about what was just read. But since most people continue reading whatever they’re reading, I’ll get right to the point; unless, you want to stop here and chew on the passage for a couple of minutes … then, by all means do so!

First, in all of Scripture or in the chronicles of mankind, where else are we told that God, himself, buried someone?! Quick, easy answer: Nowhere else. Secondly, not only did the Lord bury Moses, he also concealed the burial site. Why wouldn’t God have allowed Moses to be buried the traditional way in a conspicuous tomb where all of Israel could visit and venerate the burial site, much like Abraham, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, or Joseph’s graves?

Thirdly, the text strongly implies that Moses was still in good health. This inference is conveyed by the physical description of good eyesight and a (still) strong body. No reading glasses, no hearing aids, no disease, no crippling injuries, no excessive wear and tear on this rugged body of a great prophet who had wandered the Judean wilderness for some forty years … beginning at the age of eighty! When some folks tell you how old they are or how old a good friend is, they often will say, “She’s 80 years young.” And we get the picture, even if the person has wrinkles within wrinkles. Not so with Moses: when Scripture says he was as strong as ever, it means Moses was, in fact, 120 years young!

Not only that, the preceding verses of this passage tell us that Moses’ death had been planned by God for that very hour and in the exact place where God told Moses to go. If you recall the story, Moses and Joshua—and by implication the tribes of Israel—knew why Moses climbed the mountains of Moab … to see the Promised Land that he would never enter, but also to die.

Why such a mysterious passing? Why so secretive? What does it have to do with Moses reappearing over a thousand years later with Elijah and Jesus—though time in heaven is on a different measuring scale altogether … a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. (II Peter 3:8).

It’s good that you’re asking these questions! Because there are answers. And the key is found in one of most obscure, enigmatic passages in all of Scripture … one verse that has baffled even the most astute Bible scholars and students. The understanding of this passage only “came to me” (which is another way of saying that the Lord graciously disclosed it) during the enormous amount of study, research, preparation, and analysis during the writing of my book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved, 666?

Though I have seldom quoted from this book in the forty-seven articles written to date for the Eye of Prophecy blog site, I’d like to refer to some paragraphs from Out of the Abyss pertaining to the subject at hand. But first we’ll begin with the verse in question, one that presents a very brief but riveting scene involving two powerful angelic beings and a mighty prophet whose body was the topic of a high level earthly and/or heavenly debate. Incidentally, there’s nothing symbolic whatsoever about this passage. We see two real angels engaged in a real-life quarrel over the disposition of a real prophet’s dead body.

“But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, ‘The Lord rebuke you’ (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses body.)” (Jude, verse 9).

Excerpts from Out of the Abyss, Chapter 25: pages 243-246):

“Why on earth, or under the earth, or above the earth would Satan argue with the archangel Michael over Moses body? What was it Lucifer disputed?”

I then go on to answer this question.

“At this point in Biblical history, it had been the destiny of every person on earth to die, except Enoch. Man’s sin resulted in the curse of death … At the time of Moses, there had not yet been any physical evidence of bodily resurrection from the dead … the fact was then, and still is today: a person’s body stays in the grave and decays. Not until the Rapture of Christians and the subsequent Great White Throne Judgment of all unbelievers, will there be a permanent bodily resurrection from the grave….

“Why was Satan so bent out of shape over the body of Moses? The only rational, logical explanation is that Michael, on orders from God, had arrived to take the body of Moses directly to heaven. In fact, can you think of any other reason? This may also explain why no one knew where God had buried Moses. For that matter, how often does God directly bury someone himself, let alone conceal the burial site?

“Moses would be raised from the grave with his original body intact, and this didn’t set well with Satan. As we’ve seen, Satan can and does confront God, i.e. the story of Job and the temptation of Jesus. Arguing with the archangel Michael is no problem for Satan. It is entirely credible that Satan reminded Michael (and God) that the curse of sin was physical death and bodily decay. God had no right to make an exception to this rule, as it was God’s decree in the first place that Adam and Eve would surely die if they sinned.

“In no uncertain terms, Michael reminded Satan that God is in control; God has the final say in all things. If the Lord wanted to take Enoch from the earth directly to heaven and later Elijah, then the Lord would do just that. Same thing with Moses; the only difference is that Moses had died, but that’s a mere technicality with God.

“Remember, too, the Mount of Transfiguration … Since Christ had not yet died and arose from the grave, neither Elijah nor Moses would yet possess the resurrected new body given to all believers. The only explanation is that both prophets still inhabit their original bodies, albeit through some special divine preservation, not known to us this side of eternity. Actually, if a thousand years is a day in heaven, then no preservation is needed! Moses has been in heaven a little over three days; Elijah has been there approximately two and a half days.

“Thus, a strong case could be made that God, through the Archangel Michael, took Moses bodily from the grave. Whether God restored him to life before, during, or after his escort from the grave … well those of us going to heaven can ask Moses when we get there. Why else would only God know the exact burial-place of Moses in Moab?”

Moses & Elijah as the Two Tribulation Prophets

By now, I trust that God’s appointment of these great prophets to be the two witnesses of the Great Tribulation is self-evident. But to put the finishing touches on some of the most intriguing passages in the Bible (concerning the two lampstands, the two olive trees, the two heavenly beings, the two prophets, the two witnesses … all designations of Elijah and Moses), let’s briefly review the two heavenly beings who, “stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth (Zechariah 4) and the two prophets who “stand before the Lord of all the earth,” (Revelation 11) as introduced in Part I of this three-part series.

If Moses and Elijah are, indeed, the two heavenly beings and the two prophets that stand before the Lord of all the earth, then we might pose the question: Are there any other Biblical references to these two heroic prophets that would further validate and qualify them as the Two Witnesses during the Great Tribulation? I must say: I hadn’t thought of searching for additional documentation until writing this article, Part III of the series. I was and still am convinced that evidence presented thus far sufficiently stands alone as res ipsa loquitur (the thing speaks for itself). Mostly out of curiosity I reviewed more Scripture that records the remarkable lives of these two great men of God. What I found was nothing short of astonishing.

Moses: Most of us remember Moses and the burning bush. “When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ ‘Here I am!’ Moses replied. ‘Do not come any closer,’ the Lord warned. ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob…’” (Exodus 3: 4-6, italics for emphasis).

Where was Moses? What was he doing? Answer: he was standing on Mount Sinai in the very presence of the Lord. Only the Lord of all the earth could ignite a bush and keep it burning indefinitely. Moses was, therefore, standing before the Lord of the earth!

Another spectacular scene: “The Lord replied to Moses, ‘I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.’ Moses responded, ‘Then show me your glorious presence.’ The Lord replied, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you … But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.’ The Lord continued, ‘Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen’” (Exodus 33: 17-23, italics for emphasis).

What an awesome privilege for anyone, even for Moses, to STAND before the true and living God! In fact, especially for Moses, who had fled from Egypt for killing an Egyptian; and then had tended flocks of sheep and goats for forty years on the back side of the desert. From a humble Shepard to a mighty Prophet … just like that!

Elijah: “Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain’” (I Kings 18:1).

Accordingly, Elijah sought out Obadiah–an official in charge of Ahab’s palace–to arrange a meeting with the king; which later led to Elijah’s confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. Obadiah pleaded with Elijah to excuse him from this dangerous mission. If you’re curious as to the reason Obadiah was afraid, please read verses 7-14 of this first chapter.

Obadiah concludes his desperate appeal to dissuade Elijah with these words, “Sir, if I do that, Ahab will certainly kill me” (verse 14).

Now then, if I could pause this article and insert a video or even an audio of a drum roll, I’d certainly do so! Why? Because Elijah’s reply is yet another perfectly placed thread that would later be woven into the majestic tapestry of God’s prophetic sovereignty! Of the countless possibilities of what Elijah could have said or how he could have responded to Obadiah, here is what he said:

“…I swear by the Lord Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day” (I Kings 18:15, italics for emphasis). Amazing! This is much more than just a figure of speech. Elijah was telling Obadiah and all readers of the text exactly what the Lord revealed to Zechariah and later to John of Revelation: Elijah (like Moses) had the unimaginable privilege of standing before the Lord of all the earth. Literally!

Which gives us a whole new understanding of why the Lord initially answers Zechariah’s question with a question. Zechariah asked the Lord, “What are these two olive trees on each side of the lampstand, and what are the two olive branches….?” (Zechariah 4:11-12). To which the Lord replies, “Don’t you know?” Zechariah answers, “No, my Lord.” (Verse 13). Then the Lord answers Zechariah’s question: “They represent the two heavenly beings who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth” (Verse 14).

My first thought when I studied these verses in preparation for these articles was: The Lord’s question was much too hard, bordering on unfair. (It’s evident that this wasn’t a pass/fail test question from the Lord, or even that Zechariah was absolutely expected to know the answer). Nevertheless, the question was asked. How in the world could Zechariah know the answer to such a question? But he could have known! And probably did know … but not then and there off the top of his head, particularly in the context of this overwhelming scene in which the Lord is showing him these mysterious prophetic visions.

How/why could Zechariah have known? Because, as a prophet, I’m sure he was well versed in those Scriptures already written by Moses and those written about Elijah, enough to make a connection (with plenty of advance notice) between the symbolism of the two olive trees/lampstands and their actual correlation to Moses and Elijah’s standing before the Lord. Yet, no one, including the best of Bible scholars and including Zechariah, can come up with a Biblical answer to a tough question all the time at any given time … just like that!

Right then and there Zechariah didn’t put two and two together to realize that Moses and Elijah were these two olive trees … heavenly beings.

And once again for emphasis: what two men stood with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration?

Summary

Throughout Old Testament history, we often read about encounters between faithful true prophets of God and deceitful false prophets of Israel, pagan prophets of other gods, or kings—both Jewish and gentile. One example is another remarkable incident involving Elijah; which, to me, is just as impressive as his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. It’s found in the first chapter of II Kings. If you have time, please read it.

A brief summary will show that Israel’s King Ahaziah needlessly sacrificed one hundred of his soldiers on the altar of pride … they were incinerated by fire from heaven called down by Elijah. All of them would have been spared and Ahaziah could have survived injuries sustained in a fall, if the king had only humbled himself just a little and politely asked Elijah to prophecy whether the King would live or die. Instead, Ahaziah first sought the advice of a non-existent pagan god; then later tried to force Elijah (have him arrested) to speak to the king. Moral of the story: There is only one true and living God, who listens and responds to the humble, but resists the proud.

Why should the Great Tribulation be any different? The absolutely unique and providential last moments of Moses’ and Elijah’s time on this earth can be attributed to the fact that God had chosen them—in addition to their monumental deeds on the earth during their time of service—to represent the Lord in a titanic battle against Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet during the last days.

When evil rears its ugly head to the extent that the wicked perpetrators claim to be divine rulers; and when they perform signs and wonders to deceive those who follow them and those who don’t; and when the havoc they wreak and atrocities they inflict begin to spread exponentially; but most of all when they claim universal authority as a god or even as God, then enough is enough. God will intervene with miraculous power that will indisputably demonstrate who is God and who is not. There are numerous examples of this in Scripture, not the least of which are Moses vs. Pharaoh and Elijah vs. prophets of Baal.

In the context of all of the natural, supernatural, and otherwise apocalyptic Tribulation happenings, especially the seal, trumpet, and vial judgments, followed by the majestic return of Jesus Christ, I believe three of the most enormous events will be: (1) the amazing reappearance of the beast (Nero) from the underworld, with millions upon millions of those left behind giving him their complete allegiance, and eventually worship. (2) The authority given to the False Prophet to perform miracles (to deceive) on behalf of the Antichrist. (3) The 3 ½ years of colossal miracles and devastation administered by Moses and Elijah to rival and trump the accomplishments of the unholy trinity.

For a brief moment, God allows the Antichrist to finally defeat the Two Witnesses, over which the entire world gloats; even to the extent of giving gifts to each other to celebrate the death of, “…the two prophets who had tormented them” (Revelation 11:10). But this wild reveling will last all of three and a half days. After that period of time, “…God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets. ‘Come up here!’ And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched” (Revelation 11:11-12).

Try that on for size, Mr. Six Hundred and sixty-six! Duplicate that, O False Prophet! Top that, Satan!

What do you mean, you can’t! Run out of miracles, have you? Had enough? Ready to stand down? No? Then prepare yourselves unholy trinity for a crushing defeat in that great and terrible day of the Lord. In that day you will unwittingly fulfill the words of the prophet: “Say to the nations far and wide: Get ready for war! Call out your best warriors. Let all your fighting men advance for the attack … Come quickly, all you nations everywhere. Gather together in the valley. Let the nations be called to arms. Let them march to the valley of Jehoshaphat. There, I, the Lord will sit to pronounce judgment on them all” (Joel 3: 9-12).

Heed the word of the Lord’s prophet: “Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the Lord will soon arrive. The sun and the moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine. The Lord’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake….” (Joel 3: 14-16).

On that day, “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2: 10-11). Yes, ungodly, counterfeit trinity … that includes you!

Things to Ponder

Moses and Elijah will experience yet another divine transportation and entrance into heaven. This time it will mirror the Rapture that several years earlier had taken hundreds of millions from the earth. This time their prophetic mission on earth will be complete. This time they will finally possess the everlasting glorified spiritual bodies that they were promised, and so patiently waited for.

One day soon, I and, I hope, you and millions of others (the host of heaven) will praise and worship our wonderful Heavenly Father and his Messiah, our redeemer who will rule and reign from Jerusalem. And we will have all eternity to listen to the same mighty deeds and even more stories from Moses and Elijah and David and Isaiah and Jeremiah and Daniel and Ezekiel and Noah and Paul and John and…

The Two Witnesses (Part II)

14 Saturday Jun 2014

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THE TWO WITNESSES (Part II)

Other than the magnificent return of Jesus Christ to rescue the world from annihilation and to set up his kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace, one of the greatest showdowns ever witnessed by mankind will pit the Antichrist and his false prophet against two mighty prophets of God… Moses and Elijah. Just as the Antichrist beast of Revelation (Nero) and his statue will spellbound those left behind at the Rapture by his improbable return from the grave, as the world will see it (he actually reappears from the Abyss); so, too, will the Two Witnesses dumbfound billions with their incredibly mysterious return from the ancient past. Just as the False Prophet will amaze and intimidate the earth’s population with powerful signs and wonders; so, too, will Moses stun the world with miracles not seen since the Exodus or since Elijah soundly defeated the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.

With the Scriptural documentation presented in last week’s article that focused on the astonishing correlation between what the two witnesses of Revelation 11 will do and what Elijah and Moses did during their prophetic service for God thousands of years ago, I believe we have established a near irrefutable premise THAT these two extraordinary prophets are, in fact, the two witnesses of Revelation. Now it’s time to provide evidence demonstrating WHY Moses and Elijah will be God’s choice as the two lampstands, the two olive trees; indeed, the two witnesses/prophets that will do supernatural battle with Satan’s dynamic, but totally depraved, duo. Let’s begin with:

ELIJAH:

It’s one of the most fascinating and well-known events of Scripture, one that is taught in Sunday school classes all over the world … at least it used to be taught! To what do you think I’m referring—pertaining to, of course, Elijah, and more specifically his final days on earth? My guess is that some readers already guessed it. But, if not, then here we go:

“Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground! When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.’ And Elisha replied, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.’ ‘You have asked a difficult thing,’ Elijah replied. ‘If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t’” (II Kings 2:7-10).

*Note: The text clearly tells us that Elijah already knew what was about to take place. And the preceding verses inform us that Elisha and dozens of other Jewish prophets also knew that Elijah was to be taken (although they didn’t know when or how it would happen or where Elijah would be taken or what would happen after that) by the Lord.

Sure enough. Right then and there it happened!

“As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven” (II Kings 2:11).

All of God’s miracles are awesome, but a handful are off the charts. Elijah’s extraordinary exit from this earth may just be one of those top ten. Now that we’ve been reminded of this real life beam me up spectacle (for the very young readers … refer to Star Trek), there are some relevant questions to ask and answer and observations to be made:

A Better Understanding of Elijah’s Departure from the Earth

The first question and answer will be presented by quoting an excerpt from by book, Out of the Abyss. “To what destination was Elijah transported? Correct: to heaven … Moreover a flaming chariot carried him. Obviously this was a heavenly chariot and heavenly team of horses capable of transferring Elijah to heaven … Talk about a joy ride! Beats any roller coaster, race car, speed boat, supersonic jet, or spaceship known to man. As is said, ‘What a way to go!’”

It may surprise you to know that many Christians, even those who read the Bible on a regular basis, have difficulty answering—off the top of their head—the question of Elijah’s ultimate destination, including me many years ago; even though it should be fairly obvious. They’re very familiar with the story of how he was taken, but aren’t sure exactly where Elijah ended up in/with the chariot of fire. If you know where he was taken, then say it aloud right now. If you don’t, then read the passage again, or simply refer to the quote from Out of the Abyss in the preceding paragraph.

Yes, Elijah was taken to heaven. Before you say, “duh,” think about the implication of someone, anyone transported to heaven in that fashion—or any manner in which there are dozens of witnesses. If you do, the first thing that might come to mind is that such an event is unusual … to say the least. More like, “are you kidding me!”

Next question: Was Elijah alive or dead when he was whisked away to heaven? Okay, I realize that’s not only an easy question; it borders on being mundanely simple. But I ask it to emphasize what’s taking place here: the fact that the prophet Elijah was transported to heaven in his earthly body! Not only is the event itself a mind-boggling miracle, so is the very idea of someone leaving this earth without experiencing death. And, we’re not talking about a space flight to the moon!

Although it’s obvious that Elijah was removed from the earth alive, physically intact, I’m underscoring how often something like this doesn’t happen. In fact, it’s never occurred before or since, except for one time. Do you remember who else was taken (also to heaven) without dying? Correct: Enoch … see Genesis Chapter 5 and Hebrews Chapter 11.

Concerning Enoch, some Bible scholars and students believe he will be the other Revelation 11 witness/prophet alongside Elijah, for the very fact just covered … they both were taken from the earth without dying. Time/space does not permit in this article, except to say the following about Enoch, compared to Moses and Elijah as the two appropriate choices.

– Unlike Moses and Elijah who were prophets (as are the two witnesses), Scripture does not indicate that Enoch was a prophet, in the context of how prophets are defined and described in Scripture.

– Moses and Elijah were the two men who attended and spoke with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, not Enoch. This is tremendously significant, as I believe (and will demonstrate later in this article) the very fact that it was Moses and Elijah with Christ on the mountaintop further validates them as the two Revelation witnesses.

– Enoch is the one exact, exclusive prototype of born-again believers who will be taken in the rapture, prior to God’s second judgment of the earth during the Great Tribulation. Enoch was taken from the earth prior to the first monumental judgment of God … the Great Flood.

– And, of course, as explained in last week’s article, the God empowered miracles that Moses and Elijah performed while on the earth are identical to the magnificent exploits of the two witnesses for 3 ½ years during the Tribulation.

Back to Elijah. Let’s examine an astounding phenomenon that I alluded to earlier: The fact that Elijah (and Moses) appeared in bodily form with Christ … as the disciples Peter, James, and John watched in utter amazement. I can assure you both from the text and the context of this remarkable event, that Moses and Elijah were NOT spirits. None of the gospel accounts indicate in any way, shape, or form that Moses and Elijah appeared as spirits. In fact, how could Elijah be merely a spirit if he left the earth in his physical body? And later on we’ll see how that applies also to Moses, even though he died!

Plus, departed spirits of human beings cannot, therefore, do not reappear on the earth. This is God’s chosen way of things pertaining to the multiple dimensions he’s created, as well as his template for the human race following Adam and Eve’s disobedience which resulted in both spiritual death and physical death (separation of soul/spirit from the body). But God didn’t leave man is such an eternal mess, that we’ve made for ourselves. Through believing and receiving his Son, Messiah Jesus, all those who die will one day be reunited body and spirit, into a whole new glorified spiritual body (I Corinthians 15). For now, however, we humans are confined to the dimension of space and time as they exist on this earth. Angels (and demons who are fallen angels) have access between physical earthly dimensions and heavenly/spiritual zones.

Spirits and Ghosts

Nowhere in Scripture do we find evidence of anyone returning to earth as a spirit … a ghost. It just doesn’t happen. Sorry, Casper; no matter how friendly of a fictitious ghost you were, there will never be any “real” ghosts on this planet … not the kind that is someone’s disembodied apparition. Those kind of things must be relegated to science fiction and/or Hollywood, such as the movie Ghost, with Patrick Swayze, Whoopi Goldberg, and Demi Moore.

That also applies to Samuel, as King Saul observed the departed/dead prophet as a man with a body, not as some eerie phantom. Samuel’s physical appearance is even described by the witch of Endor to Samuel. You might want to glance I Samuel 28: 11-14, to see first-hand how stunned the witch of Endor was at the actual physical reappearance of Samuel; which, in and of itself, is a rare exception allowed by God, concerning reappearance of someone who has died. Plus, the Lord didn’t (permanently) raise Samuel from the dead at that time.

The witch was accustomed to seeing spirits; however, these spirits were not actually human beings. They were demons. When the witch saw Samuel, she described him to Saul as a god. She simply didn’t know how else to explain what was happening. I’ve often wondered if this witch gave up witchcraft after experiencing the real thing … meaning an actual person and his body (temporarily) returning from the dead, rather than demonic spirits imitating someone who had died.

In that regard, I do believe that demon spirits (fallen angels) can and have occasionally taken the form of a person, whose family/friends wanted to communicate with, via occult séances and the like. But, it is not the person they’re seeing … it’s a demonic impersonation. A good example is the story of the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, both of whom had died. Even though the rich man presented a perfectly logical reason to return to the earth (to warn his brothers about hell), he was not allowed to do so in any form—physical, spiritual, or otherwise.

When those who believe in Christ (including those who believed in the promise of his coming before he came to earth as the chosen Messiah) die, their spirits immediately go to heaven; awaiting the Rapture resurrection of the dead and a glorified body equipped to live in Heaven for all eternity. Sadly, for those who refuse to accept Christ as their personal Savior, their spirits go to Hades (hell), also awaiting resurrection at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20) and then everlasting banishment to the Lake of Fire. But departed spirits of believers or unbelievers do not remain on or roam the earth or return to the earth. That simply cannot be found in Scripture.

So, if anyone tells you they’ve actually seen a ghost, please don’t tell them not to worry, or be afraid. They have every reason to be concerned. Because if they truly did see an apparition, you can bet it was a demon trying to or actually taking the (rough) form of someone who has died. Satan and his demons have this kind of limited power … for now.

The Resurrection of the Dead

To further understand the shocking implication of the bodily appearance of Elijah and Moses with Christ, we need to remember that the glorious transfiguration of Jesus took place before he arose from the dead after his cruel death on the cross. Scripture is crystal clear that Jesus would be and actually was the very first to arise from the dead, with the new, eternal resurrection body that would last forever. I italicized the last portion of this statement to emphasize that there were a handful of others who were raised from the dead by Elijah, Elisha, Peter, Paul, and of course, Jesus. But those raised from the dead (at the time) did, in fact, die again. In other words, they were raised with their earthly bodies and then died again with those same bodies. Not until the sacrificial death of Christ would anyone be raised from the dead with everlasting bodies like our Lord possesses in heaven right now as we speak.

Mostly, this will take place at the Rapture; however, the gospel of Matthew indicates that some arose from their graves in Jerusalem immediately after Christ died on the cross. Once Christ died, the resurrection was a given … as declared by the Scriptures and as purposed by God from the beginning of time. That doesn’t make the resurrection any less spectacular and supernatural. It’s just that when Christ (who is God) said he would be tortured, crucified, buried, but rise the third day … that’s exactly what he meant and that’s precisely what would and did happen!

Thus, there’s no way that Elijah or Moses could have been spirits or have appeared in their eternal resurrected bodies on the Mount of Transfiguration, as Christ hadn’t yet died and arisen from the grave. In fact, both Moses and Elijah are still awaiting (as are all believers in Christ, both dead and alive) their new, everlasting “spiritual bodies.” Please see I Corinthians Chapter 15 for Paul’s amazing explanation of the different types of bodies throughout God’s creation.

Which totally qualifies Elijah and Moses as two heavenly beings who stand before the Lord of all the earth, as recorded by Zechariah and then by John in Revelation. The reason this appellation of heavenly beings is utilized is because the two olive trees (as symbolically portrayed by Zechariah and John in Revelation) have resided in heaven, but in their original earthly bodies!

They are heavenly beings because they currently dwell in heaven, but are (human) beings still in possession of their original body. And the reason the equally unusual designation of the Lord of all the earth is employed, relates to the power that Christ has over death and life on the earth; to the extent that he can make supernatural exceptions to the normal cycle of life and death, and provide a special place in heaven where Elijah and Moses exist in their earthly body until their appointed time to return during the Great Tribulation.

Thus, Christ is Lord of the earth when it came to taking Elijah from the earth without dying, and, as we soon shall see, reviving Moses after Moses died! Yes, you read that right. In next week’s article we’ll discover just how that happened by examining two other mysterious Biblical passages to support the choice of Moses, as one of the Two Witnesses, alongside Elijah.

Things to Ponder

“But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless … And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died” (I Corinthians 15: 12-20).

“On the way they were asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! … Now go and tell his disciples….’” (Mark 16: 3-7).

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

The Two Witnesses (Part I)

07 Saturday Jun 2014

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THE TWO WITNESSES (Part I)

Of the dozens of remarkable prophetic visions experienced by John, author of the book of Revelation, one of the most fascinating is found in the first fourteen verses of Chapter 11. Most Bible commentators simply refer to this passage under the heading of, The Two Witnesses. In the previous Eye of Prophecy articles entitled, The False Prophet (Parts I and II), we introduced these two witnesses who are also referred to as prophets; and we identified them as Moses and Elijah, who will take on the False Prophet and his boss, the Antichrist.

Moses and Elijah are the most popular and logical choices; but are they, indeed, the two witnesses? What is the nature and extent of Biblical evidence to support these selections over other Old Testament prophets or over two modern-day men whom God might choose? And, what is the practical significance of identifying these two prophets as Moses and Elijah? In other words, what difference will it make who they are? Let’s see if we can answer those questions, thereby, elevating your interest and excitement for the return of our Lord to an even higher level!

Although Revelation Chapter 11 is, by far, the most well-known passage—to some the only source—that announces the incredible arrival and accomplishments of these two men, there is another mysterious Biblical scene that first introduces these mighty prophets of God. Hundreds of years earlier, the prophet Zechariah presents a startling portrait of these two men, by referring to them as “two olive trees,” and then explaining that the two trees, “…represent the two heavenly beings who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth.” Let’s read Zechariah’s intriguing description:

“Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke me, as though I had been asleep. ‘What do you see now?’ he asked. I answered, ‘I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl of oil on top of it … And I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl.’ Then I asked the angel, ‘What are these, my lord? What do they mean?’” (Zechariah 4: 1-4).

Note: The angel, who is the Lord (pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, because Zechariah addresses him as Lord), doesn’t actually answer Zechariah’s specific question; instead the Lord talks about Zerubbabel and the Temple. So once again Zechariah inquires:

“Then I asked the angel, ‘What are these two olive trees on each side of the lampstand, and what are the two olive branches that pour out golden oil through two gold tubes?’ ‘Don’t you know?’ he asked. ‘No, my lord,’ I replied. Then he said to me, ‘They represent the two heavenly beings who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth’” (Zechariah 4: 11-14).

Why or how can we match these two olive trees with the two witnesses of Revelation 11? And why did the angel designate these two men as heavenly beings? And not just heavenly beings, but “the two heavenly beings.”

Comparing Zechariah 4 with Revelation 11

Now let’s read a portion of Revelation 11 to verify that the two witnesses or prophets are, in fact, one and the same as the two heavenly beings described in Zechariah. “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1260 days. These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth” (Revelation 11: 3-4).

First, the terminology of olive trees and lampstands in Revelation precisely fits the descriptive language used by Zechariah. Secondly, the angel in Revelation is telling John that these two men, are “the two olive trees and the two lampstands…” with a reliable contextual and grammatical deduction that the men are the two olive trees, meaning the two men (heavenly beings) alluded to by Zechariah, in one of the many end-times prophecies recorded by Zechariah. The is a definite article that refers to something or someone already identified, presuming to exist, and separated from any and all other similar objects or people. To support what I’m saying, let’s refer to Webster’s Dictionary for one of several definitions and uses of “the.”

“Used as a function word to indicate that a following noun or noun equivalent is definite or has been previously specified by context or by circumstance … to indicate that a noun is a unique or a particular member of its class.” (Italics for emphasis).

Secondly, if the two prophets of Revelation had not already been referenced in Scripture, then John would have said: “These two prophets are two olive trees and two lampstands…” And, he probably would not have even used the modifier two; because if these prophets of Revelation were being introduced for the first time, it would be misleading to utilize the definite article or the adjective two. But John doesn’t say that; rather he states, “The two olive trees and the two lampstands.” Do you see the difference?

Thirdly, both passages declare that these two men (called heavenly beings, witnesses, prophets) “stand before the Lord of all the earth.” Prior to Revelation 11, where else in Scripture do we find a reference to anyone standing before the Lord of all the earth? Nowhere else in Scripture do we find two men or beings or anyone else standing before the Lord of all the earth, except in Zechariah Chapter 4. The significance of this: It further narrows down and links the two passages one with the other, to the point that it would be extremely difficult not to make a connection. In fact, it would be a huge oversight … tantamount to literary neglect if no correlation was made.

Revelation Chapter 11 uses the same symbolic analogy as does Zechariah by referring to the two witnesses/prophets as olive trees. However, Revelation also tells us that the prophets are “two lampstands.” Although Zechariah employs the symbolism of a lampstand, he doesn’t metaphorically call these two men lampstands. Does that create a problem with the otherwise clear premise that Zechariah and Revelation are referring to the same two people? No, I don’t believe it is an issue. Why? Because, as will be explained in just a short while, the use of the terms olive trees and lampstands are, in fact, symbolic … meaning they are allegorical representations of (in this case) real people. Those (two) real people are called: witnesses and prophets in Revelation and heavenly beings in Zechariah.

As most readers know: any time symbolism through metaphor or simile or hyperbole is used in literature or language, its fundamental purpose is to enhance or magnify the impact of the person, place, or thing … the subject of the sentence or passage. In other words, lampstand and olive trees help us to better grasp the character, function, and purpose of who they represent.

Some Bible commentators identify the two olive trees in Zechariah as Zerubbabel and Jeshua; however, there is a problem with this application. First, Jeshua isn’t even mentioned in the Zechariah Chapter 4 vision. Rather Jeshua is introduced in a completely different scene as found in Zechariah Chapter 3, with a different meaning and future application. One that involves none other than God’s, “servant, the Branch” who will, “remove the sins of this land (Israel) in a single day” (Zechariah 3: 8-9). The Branch is none other than Messiah (Jesus).

Next, Zechariah Chapter 4 references only Zerubbabel (not Jeshua), but it doesn’t say that Zerubbabel is an olive tree (one of the two olives trees). The Lord didn’t speak about Zerubbabel as a symbolic representation of the two heavenly beings; rather the Lord spoke to Zerubbabel. And the subject of this message specifically concerned the rebuilding of the second temple.

Lastly, neither Jeshua nor Zerubbabel were Old Testament prophets, as prophets are characterized and defined in the Bible.

Why is this mysterious term heavenly beings utilized? I say, mysterious, because nowhere else in the Bible do we find this term used, precisely as we find it in this passage from Zechariah.

What the two heavenly beings are not.

They are not angels. Again, nowhere in Scripture do we find angels actually described as or called heavenly beings. Certainly, they are special beings created by God and their primary residence is with God in heaven, but angels are angels; not some enigmatic “heavenly being” such as identified by the angel in this very unique circumstance recorded by Zechariah. And, angels are never referred to symbolically as lampstands or olive trees, which is the allegorical description found in both Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11. In Zechariah, we are then told that the olive trees/branches symbolically represent the two heavenly beings. In Revelation these two olive trees and lampstands (same descriptive analogy used in Zechariah) are, in fact, the two witnesses or prophets. Although they have various functions, such as ministering and protective spirits, angels are simply referred to as angels (God’s messengers) throughout Scripture.

Nor are these heavenly beings two of the four living beings or two of the twenty-four elders that John saw in his first vision after being summoned to heaven by Christ, who spoke to John and said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this” (Revelation 4:1). Instantly John saw a throne in heaven, and the one sitting on the throne, “…was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them” (Revelation 4:3-4). John continues with this spectacular vision: “…In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back” (Verse 6). After John presents more details as to the appearance of these four living beings, he tells us, “…Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come” (Verse 8).

There are twenty-four elders and four living beings, whereas there are two heavenly beings in Zechariah. There would be no reason whatsoever for two of the twenty-four elders or two of the four living beings to also be the two heavenly beings … the term used in Zechariah. Nor is there any designation of the living beings and elders representing lampstands or olive trees.

Incidentally, most Bible scholars (I concur) accurately explain the imagery of the lampstand as representing light, which is the truth of God’s majestic plan of salvation for mankind that produces light and life for everyone who places their trust in the crucified and resurrected Son of God. Moreover, the branches of the olive trees that produce oil represent (power and presence of) the Holy Spirit. Thus, these two heavenly beings (witnesses, prophets) will proclaim the truth of God and do so by the power of the Holy Spirit. The heavenly role/purpose of the four living beings and the twenty-four elders are varied as depicted in Revelation, but they are not prophets or heavenly beings who stand before the Lord of the earth, as such. Though they are obviously endowed with power and position, neither the four-living beings nor the twenty-four elders perform miracles as do the two witnesses/prophets who are referred to as heavenly beings in Zechariah.

Not only is the enigmatic description of these two men (by process of elimination and by default they must be men) unique but so is the fact that they stand before “the Lord of the earth.” Once again we see a title that is not used of God or Jesus much at all in Scripture. Often we read about the Lord of Hosts or as the NLT translates it, “The Lord of Heavens Armies,” but Zechariah says the two heavenly beings stand in the presence of the Lord of all the Earth. Why the distinction between the normal language that our Lord is the Lord of Heaven (which he certainly is) and the Lord of the Earth—which he also certainly is although he has given Satan temporary limited authority to rule over the earth, i.e. the world system of godless governments down through the ages.

More Comparative Evidence

Once again, many students of Scripture and Bible prophecy are convinced that the two witnesses of Revelation 11 are and will be Moses and Elijah. And, I heartily agree. By far the most common—and often the only—reason given is because of the supernatural similarity between the power given to and miracles performed by Moses in his time and Elijah in his time, and the two prophets of Revelation. Moreover, Old Testament prophets would sometimes prophesy in burlap clothing, which Revelation 11 tells us is worn by the two witnesses. A modern-day man would not wear burlap. And if he did, while preaching the truth of God, most would consider him as an imposter, trying to mimic Old Testament prophets. But if Moses and Elijah actually appeared (in burlap), well … a lot more people will listen and take heed!

Let’s read again about the colossal feats ascribed to these two witnesses: “These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die. They have the power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish” (Revelation 11: 4-6).

Let’s look at the extraordinary correlations between this passage and the accomplishments of Moses and Elijah. And in so doing, to remember the purpose behind these marvelous demonstrations of authority: to get the attention of those being afflicted, ultimately for their own good. With the end result of listening to God, acknowledging his sovereignty, and doing what must be done. Such as turning—from destructive, ungodly behavior as described in Revelation during the Great Tribulation, i.e. sorcery, thefts, sexual immorality, and murders—to the true and living God and His Messiah, Christ Jesus. (See Revelation 9:20-21).But also, to demonstrate the awesome power of the true and living God and His Messiah toward and against those who arrogantly defy their Creator by vainly making themselves equal with God—by creating their own morality and serving their own gods, which most often are themselves.

Moses:

–  Nearly all who have read or heard about the ten miraculous plagues that God inflicted on the Egyptians through Moses, know about the first one: turning the Nile River into blood. During a 3 ½ year display of dynamic and dramatic power, not just one river will be polluted by blood, but several/many, “rivers and oceans” will be contaminated by the two Revelation prophets.

–  Nine more plagues followed in the Exodus story, each more devastating than the former, until all the firstborn male children, including Pharaoh’s child, died in a single night. Revelation 11 tells us that these two prophets (most likely Moses in this case) will, “…strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.” Thus, instead of a few weeks of successive plagues during the softening of Pharaoh’s ever-hardening heart, Moses (and Elijah) will dispense plagues for 3 ½ years!

Elijah:

– Please refer to I Kings Chapter 18 for the astounding confrontation between Elijah and 850 so-called prophets hired by Ahab and Jezebel to lead the Hebrews away from God and toward false, non-existent gods such as Baal. Many know the story. But to condense this amazing incident for purpose of this article, suffice to say that the prophets of Baal could no more persuade Baal to consume the prepared sacrifice with fire than could Ahab or Jezebel themselves. When it was Elijah’s turn, he simply prayed a short prayer to the Lord, and God completely consumed the sacrifice; thus validating Elijah’s bold claim that the God of Israel was the only true and living God.

– Let’s read the shocking results: “Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, ‘The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God’” (I Kings 18: 38-39).

Another supernatural comparison between Moses/Elijah and the two prophets can be made: Pharaoh had the power, opportunity, and means to have Moses and Aaron put to death at any time during the sequence of plagues, but he didn’t. More like, he couldn’t! Why? Because God divinely protected Moses as his chosen prophet/witness to Pharaoh.

Likewise, with Elijah. At any point in time, Ahab could have ordered Elijah killed. In fact, both he and his wicked wife, Jezebel, had been vainly searching for Elijah to do just that—kill him. Instead, Ahab allowed Elijah not only to go through with this great test/demonstration as to who exactly was God and who was not; but Ahab also stood by while at least 400 prophets of Baal were slain by Elijah and the people who turned back to God.

Compare the sovereign protection of Moses and Elijah to the two witnesses. As indicated earlier, the two prophets of Revelation who are the same two heavenly beings of Zechariah, are indestructible until their God-given mission is accomplished.

Do you see what’s happening here? For all intents and purposes, these two mighty men of God will be untouchable by the False Prophet and the Antichrist, until their 3 ½ years of proclaiming God’s truth is finished. Then, and only then, will God allow the beast of Revelation (Nero) to kill them. But even that won’t be anything close to permanent, as confirmed by a spectacular event 3 ½ days later.

(That gives a whole new meaning to a Witness protection program! Sorry, I couldn’t resist the analogy).

“But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, ‘Come up here!’ And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched. At the same time there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city (Jerusalem). Seven thousand people died in that earthquake and everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven” (Revelation 11: 11-13).

So, too with Moses. He survived Pharaoh’s wrath and certain destruction (along with the Israelites who faithfully followed him and God) at the Red Sea … by God splitting the sea into dry land. He survived forty dangerous years in the harsh Judean wilderness, and forty days and nights without food on Mt. Sinai (twice, or was it three times?). He died directly at the hands of his loving God at the ripe old age of 120; yet the circumstances surrounding his death and burial are still a mystery to this day. (More on that in next week’s article).

So, too with Elijah. He not only was spared providentially from Jezebel’s decree of death for him, he was told by the Lord that 7,000 others in Israel also followed the Lord, who had, “…never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” (I Kings 19:18); to assure Elijah that he was not alone … nor the last true prophet in Israel at the time. Strange or ironic that 7,000 will die in the earthquake immediately after the two prophets are raised from the dead, 3 ½ days after they are murdered by Antichrist. Undoubtedly many, if not all, of these 7,000 who die had already taken the mark of the beast and/or had bowed to the statue of the beast. And it takes the prophets 3 ½ years to, “complete their testimony” (Rev. 11:7), approximately the same amount of time Elijah stopped the rain in Israel.

We have forty days that Elijah also fasted; then later God spoke to him on the very spot where Moses fasted and received the Ten Commandments, Mt. Sinai. Who else fasted for forty days and nights in the Judean wilderness several hundreds of years later? Too easy of a question: Messiah Yeshua. Another easy question: Who was it that met and spoke with Jesus on another mountaintop in Israel? Answer: None other than Moses and Elijah!

Things to Ponder

There’s more! But you’ll need to wait until next week’s article to discover extra amazing things about Elijah and Moses. Scriptural facts that will (1) further validate them as the two witnesses of Revelation. (2) Provide near irrefutable evidence that they alone are qualified to be the heavenly beings who witness and prophesy for the Lord during the Great Tribulation. In doing so, we’ll examine in more depth why they are referred to as heavenly beings and why they stand before the Lord of the earth.

Just a sampling: Elijah and Moses appeared with Christ in bodily form! They were not spirits. Keep that in mind as we continue this captivating back to the future journey. (Next week).

The False Prophet (Part II)

31 Saturday May 2014

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THE FALSE PROPHET (Part II)

To be sure, the scarlet beast of Revelation who would dare to be Anti-Christ will garner most of the Tribulation headlines. He will dazzle the world’s Post-Rapture population through his remarkable return to the earth from the Abyss; although the world will see this reappearance as a miraculous resurrection from the dead … not a release from the bottomless pit normally reserved for wicked, fallen angels. The world will worship Satan and the Antichrist, as though they had performed this miracle of recovery from a mortal wound; when, in fact, it was Christ who providentially struck down Nero, then revived him and banished him to the Abyss, to be freed at the appointed time.

But there is another prominent, malevolent figure who will accomplish as much or more than the Beast himself. In last week’s article we examined exactly what it is the second Beast, known as the False Prophet, will do, “on behalf of the first beast.” (Revelation 13). Of special interest, however, is that this man is not labeled as a false prophet until much later in the Great Tribulation. Let’s read what will happen in the last few days before the magnificent return of Christ.

“And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty … And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon” (Revelation 16: 13-16).

This final call that galvanizes even the enemies of Antichrist against the true Messiah occurs after the 6th (next to last) bowl judgment, which obviously is near the end of the Great Tribulation. Only then will the world, by and large, realize that this man is a false prophet—as well as the first beast a false messiah and Satan a false god. By then it will be too late. The vast majority of the world’s population will understand that they have been duped, when Jesus Christ begins to soundly defeat them in the greatest battle of all time. Great only in terms that the armies of the entire world will be aligned against Christ Jesus; not in the actual disposition of the battle … which borders on being anticlimactic.

“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshipped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies” (Revelation 19: 19-21).

When this false prophet initially arrives on the scene (early in the Tribulation), he is simply called, “another beast” who “exercised all the authority of the first beast.” (Revelation 13: 11-12). He is the False Prophet, but the world sees him as a true and powerful prophet (the image of a beast for both the Antichrist and the False Prophet is used to convey power, terror, and ability … to destroy). Not until their fate is irreversible—when billions have taken the mark of the beast, which is his name or his number 666, and their two magnificent leaders are unveiled for what and who they really are—will people lament their tragic but deliberate decision to follow the Antichrist and his (false) prophet.

Who or What is the (a) False Prophet?

First, a reminder that Scripture not only permits identification of the Antichrist, but actually encourages the unveiling of the “mystery of the beast with seven heads and ten horns….” (Revelation 17:8). In fact, during the first introduction of the beast (Antichrist), the angel challenges John and, therefore, all readers of Revelation with the following examination: “Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666” (Revelation 13:18).

Can we do the same with the False Prophet? Can we determine who he actually is/will be by name? No, we can’t, because Scripture doesn’t give us any clues as to his actual identity. However, we do know that he will be a modern contemporary man born through a natural birth (beast that arises from the earth); and he will rocket to fame when he dramatically asserts himself as a prophetic representative of and spokesman for the first beast … Antichrist.

Can we, at least, determine the origin or nationality of the False Prophet? The answer to that is, Yes … with a great deal of confidence, but with a disclaimer that it is not an absolute certainty. As always, we will let Scripture do this for us. Regarding the identity of Antichrist, Scripture and history eliminates virtually all speculation as to his identity and his origin … none other than Nero Caesar, the fifth Roman Emperor of the first century. (See my book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved, 666?) Concerning credentials of the false prophet, Scripture reduces suppositions and speculations, and enables us to narrow down the candidates.

The best and most (historically) accurate way to characterize and ascertain a false prophet, including The False Prophet, is to first define a true prophet. That’s why the Bible identifies some prophets as false; because they distort, modify, subtract from, add to, and otherwise falsify the truth. All real truth comes from God, because He IS Truth. By definition, a prophet is false if he declares or prophesies something on his own … not directly from God. Moreover, if the prophecy (meaning with a 100% standard of fulfillment) does not happen, that prophet is a false prophet, not sent by God. (See Deuteronomy Chapters 13 & 18).

Many know about the (true) prophets of God, such as Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Zechariah and Malachi. All prophets proclaimed the truth, most predicted the truth of future events, some did both, and others actually performed miracles, such as Elijah and Elisha. They came from all different backgrounds, and served in different times over hundreds of years. But they had one thing in common: Beginning with Moses, whether they prophesied to the Jews or to the Gentiles, they were all Jewish prophets. God would not choose a gentile, pagan prophet any more than he would select a gentile to be a king or priest in Israel. Likewise, with the prophesied Messiah … he must be a Jew from the tribe of Judah, from the lineage of King David.

That’s what the nation of Israel is all about: To disclose to the world the one and true living God, and to give to the world God’s truth through his Word, which becomes light, life, and salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. The final, ultimate light was Jesus of Nazareth, the very living Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, italics for emphasis).

During the last half of the Great Tribulation, I’m convinced that Moses and Elijah will be the two prophets (witnesses) boldly serving the Lord for 3 ½ years with mighty miracles and judgments to rival or exceed those of the False Prophet. Moreover, I believe these two great prophets will go face to face, toe to toe with the False Prophet in a titanic struggle over the allegiance and very souls of millions on the earth. Who will the people choose: Christ or Antichrist? Whose miracles will be believed—those of Moses and Elijah or the (counterfeit) miracles of the False Prophet?

Will they believe the lie that Nero arose from the dead on his own, with a resurrection power given to him by Satan; facilitated and proven by the miracle of the talking statue and fire brought down from heaven by the False Prophet? Or will they fall back in shock and awe, and respond with a righteous fear of Almighty God and turn to his Messiah, Jesus Christ, when confronted by God’s two commanding witnesses who will, “prophesy during those 1260 days” (Revelation 11:3).

Will they choose Christ over Antichrist when they see the awesome power displayed by Moses and Elijah? Will they even acknowledge that these two men from the ancient past have returned to the earth to testify and, “stand before the Lord of all the earth” (Revelation 11:4)? Will people watch in dismay, the death of anyone who dares oppose these two prophets who are granted divine power by means of, “…fire (that) flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies … they have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophecy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish” (Revelation 11: 5-6)? Or will they harbor fear of the False Prophet as the greater prophet?

(Scripture warns us that today is the day of salvation. It’s far better to choose Yeshua now while there is time. When you die it’s too late. If you are left behind at the Rapture—which could happen any hour of any day—it will be much too hard to choose. Many (most) will choose Antichrist and the False Prophet to avoid deprivation, hunger, and death. If you choose Christ then, you will be put to death for refusing to take the mark of the beast. You will not be able to remain neutral … if you don’t choose, then Antichrist and the False Prophet will choose for you).

What Do False Prophets Have in Common?

Time/space does not permit the dozens of references in the Old Testament that tell about prophets who claimed they were sent by or spoke for God or references in general about false prophets. Except—for purpose of this article—to state that these false prophets also had a common denominator: In addition to being FALSE, they were also Jewish. Or, if they might have been pagan Gentiles (such as some of the prophets of Baal in the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel), they still served and prophesied to/for Jewish kings, such as the wicked King Ahab and his equally wicked wife, Queen Jezebel; who was not Jewish, but, co-reigned because her husband was a Hebrew.

The evidence here is leading to what I believe is a Biblically and historically supported premise: The End-times Tribulation False Prophet will be a Jew.

Because I love the Jewish people, the land of Israel, and the holy city of Jerusalem, I am loath to say that a prominent Jewish politician, priest, or rabbi will most likely assert his popularity, prestige, position in embracing the reappearance of a late/great pagan Roman Emperor. But why not? We’re talking about more than just political expediency; we’re looking at the compelling incentive to acknowledge, esteem, serve, support, and even worship a man who has returned from the dead! Many Jews will be astounded but nevertheless deceived (indeed, people the world over) by the incredible return of Nero Caesar. Many more will be deceived by one of their own, a prominent Jew who will persuade both Jews and Gentiles that Nero is Nero arisen from the dead, not some imposter who thinks he’s clever enough to convince even the intellectuals that he should be worshipped as the Savior of mankind.

Which is why billions left behind (after the Rapture) will not flinch at all when Nero hurls one blasphemous insult after another at the true and living God and His Messiah, Jesus Christ. (See Revelation 13: 5-6). Nor will they blush with embarrassment at trying to cover up or explain away the technological special effects that would normally be necessary in order that a monumental statue to/of/for Nero could talk. They won’t have to find excuses because this statue will actually speak and will order the death of all who think otherwise, i.e. that the statue isn’t actually alive, or that Nero isn’t truly Nero, or that the False Prophet doesn’t really have power to inflict serious harm (and death) on those who resist these diabolical emissaries of Satan. (See Revelation 13: 13-15).

*Note: According to Jesus, there would be false messiahs and false prophets who would deceive many in the end-times (see Matthew Chapter 24). Likely, a few of these prophets will be Gentiles; however, I’m convinced the majority will be Jews, especially THE False Prophet. Let’s read the words of Jesus to support my premise: “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones” (Matthew 24:24, italics for emphasis—some translations read, elect).

The chosen ones identified by Christ are, beyond reasonable doubt, his chosen people, the Jews. For the following reasons: (1) the context of this passage refers primarily to Israel and the Jews, i.e. the sacrilegious object that desecrates the (rebuilt) Temple signaling the immediate need for, “…those in Judea must flee to the hills” (Verse 16). Also, “…pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Verse 20, italics for emphasis). (2) When the phrase chosen ones is used, it refers to God’s chosen people, the Jews. (3) As indicated throughout Scripture, it is the Jews who need/want signs and wonders to validate their belief, not the Gentiles. (4) To a Jew (or even to a Gentile Christian) a prophet isn’t really false unless that prophet is a Jew; because, by definition, a pagan prophet is not even a prophet. Of course there are so-called priests and prophets in other religions, but they represent man-made gods that don’t exist. Thus, the prophecies of those would-be prophets who don’t exist by definition are meaningless. Or, saying it another way: They may call themselves prophets, but because they are pagan, they are presumed to be incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial when it comes to prophesying; therefore, they are not genuine prophets and don’t even merit classification as false. (5) Whenever God warns about false prophets, whether in Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Jeremiah, or anywhere else in Scripture, he is referring to false prophets in/among the Jews. Many of them are identified by name throughout the Old Testament.

Certainly none of the observant/religious Jews in Israel or anywhere in the world, and definitely not very many secular Jews will acknowledge, let alone worship, so-called miracles performed by a Muslim or Christian (in name only as the true Christians will have been taken from the earth in the Rapture) or Hindu or Mormon, or any other religious figure, other than from or on behalf of Judaism. But they would gladly and quickly respond to one of their own, even if that “brother” is promoting a Roman Emperor! If their Jewish prophet can perform such miracles as described in Revelation 13, why shouldn’t/wouldn’t they believe in and surrender to a messiah that the False Prophet endorses?

The Woman and the False Prophet and the Beast

There’s more. As previously demonstrated, the woman (that great city of Rome represented now by the Vatican) will endorse the Antichrist beast. As a result, she will also reach out to the Jewish prophet who performs miracles in order to further convince and subjugate all doubters that Nero is for real. It will be an alliance never before seen on the earth and (thankfully) never will again. It’s quite likely that the Holy sites of Jerusalem will be shared by the Vatican and by orthodox Jewish groups. Through the political and religious alliance of the Antichrist, False Prophet, and the Woman (Rome), even Muslims will be coerced to cooperate; to the extent that a third Jewish temple will be erected on Temple Mount alongside of the Dome of the Rock … or perhaps even in place of it!

The current dialogue, negotiations, and intensified cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and Jewish officials is a precursor to these remarkable end-times events. Both Catholic and Jewish leaders will give their allegiance to the resurrected beast. So will leaders of Islam, but more reluctantly. And, of course: where leaders lead, followers follow.

However, Nero will overcome Muslim resistance by acknowledging Islam’s god, and even feign worship of Allah. (Refer to Antichrist’s worship of “the god of fortresses” in Daniel Chapter 11, as explained in my book, Out of the Abyss). In the godless period of the Great Tribulation, there will be little problem in reconciling or blending the beliefs of the False Prophet with the Antichrist with the Catholic woman on the beast. Eventually, all of these “religions” will be swept aside in favor of unadulterated worship of a man who has, “no respect … for any other god” (Daniel 11:37). A man, who will proclaim himself as both God and Messiah.

Though there will be national, international, racial, religious, and political liaisons never before seen, this doesn’t mean a one-world religion or one-world government will arise. There will still be many dissenters, especially the Kings of the East. A one-world government means exactly that: All nations of the earth will yield to and participate in a global alliance, which is simply not found in Scripture. A cross-section group of people from all races, languages, nations will blindly follow Antichrist and the False Prophet, just like they follow Jesus Christ, the true Messiah in today’s world; but not necessarily entire governments. Remember there are only ten kings who yield their kingdoms (nations) to Antichrist and his prophet as found in Revelation Chapter 17 … and three of those nations will be forced to surrender (see Daniel 7). On the other hand, Antichrist will have many enemies and dissidents. This is clearly presented in Daniel Chapter 11.

Not until the very last part of the Great Tribulation will the Kings of the East join with Antichrist and his ten-nation confederation, but only for the purpose of doing battle with Jesus Christ, with the Kingdom of God versus the kingdom of Satan at stake.

Summary

What then is the role of the False Prophet? What will he accomplish that no false prophet in Israel’s history or the history of the gentile nations has accomplished? As summarized in Revelation Chapter 13, this False Prophet will validate the identity of the beast (Nero) and help consolidate the (temporary) alliances between the Antichrist’s ten-nation confederation and the Vatican. Because he is Jewish, the False Prophet will persuade Israel to allow Nero to assume control over the outer court of the Gentiles in the rebuilt Temple (Revelation 11:2). This will lead to the cessation of Temple sacrifices half way through the Tribulation, followed by Nero’s desecration of the Holy of Holies near the end of the Tribulation.

Furthermore, the False Prophet will be permitted to perform miracles that no Old Testament false prophets could do, such as calling down fire from heaven. His miracles will further enhance and validate the original miracle that captivated and amazed the entire world … the resurrected return of an ancient Roman Emperor. Most Jews, particularly observant Jews, understand to varying degrees the difference between their true and false prophets as recorded in the Tanakh (the Old Testament). They remember that the 850 prophets of Baal were no match for God’s true prophet, Elijah.

Which is why the False Prophet will so successfully deceive and persuade millions of Jews (probably the same 2/3s of Jews who will be cut-off according to Zechariah 13:8), before the Antichrist breaks his treaty, turns on the Jews, and begins an all-out war against them. How sad … that so many will believe the False Prophet rather than Moses and Elijah.

But it won’t be a cakewalk for this unholy, ungodly coalition. In addition to oriental countries like China and Japan (Kings of the East), other nations such as Egypt, and the two witnesses who will pose a formidable opposition to the Antichrist and his prophet, there will be a continual succession of divine judgments never before experience by mankind. These seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments will disrupt and disprove and erode the power claims made by Nero and his false prophet, as well as the Roman Catholic Church—to the point that the beast and the false prophet will turn on and destroy their Catholic ally. Thereby, revealing their true agenda which has been Satan’s warped, unattainable goal from the beginning: To be like the Most High God by replacing the Kingdom of Heaven with Satan’s kingdom on earth ruled by Satan’s messiah and prophet.

Things to Ponder

You might want to read for yourself the amazing and utter destruction of the Woman (that great city) as explicitly depicted in Revelation Chapter 18. And the precursor of that destruction, vividly described by these graphic words: “The scarlet beast and his ten horns all hate the prostitute. They will strip her naked, eat her flesh, and burn her remains with fire. For God has put a plan into their minds, a plan that will carry out his purposes. They will agree to give their authority to the scarlet beast, and so the words of God will be fulfilled. And this woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world” (Revelation 17:16-18, italics for emphasis).

What is God’s purpose? His words that will be fulfilled?

“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: ‘The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever’” (Revelation 11:15).

“Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens: ‘It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ….’” (Revelation 12:10).

IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. AND THAT TIME IS VERY SHORT!

“Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!” (Hebrews 12:25).

The False Prophet (Part I)

24 Saturday May 2014

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THE FALSE PROPHET (Part I)

Last week’s article on the Vatican’s designs to take over the building that houses King’s David Tomb highlighted the growing influence of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church in Israel and in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Would Papal jurisdiction over a site sacred to both the Jews and Christians (the upper room) have any future bearing on the religious and geopolitical interaction between the beast of Revelation, the woman who sits on that beast, and the ruler of Daniel 9 (the beast) who orchestrates a seven-year treaty with Israel? Let’s take a look at some crucial prophetic passages in Scripture to answer this question. Along the way, we’ll discover a second end-times Tribulation beast; a figure who wields a great deal of authority and power

First, let’s once again establish the identity of the (first) beast of Revelation and of the woman who sits on the beast. If necessary, please refer to my book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved, 666? Also Eye of Prophecy articles entitled: Modern Day Antichrist; Antichrist … Is He Alive Today; Reappearance of the Beast (the most popular of the forty-three Eye of Prophecy articles posted to date, in terms of number of visits); The Number of the Beast; The Beast and His Name, posted 9-7-13 through 10-5-13, respectively. All past articles can be accessed through Eye of Prophecy archives.

These sources provide an abundance of Biblical and secular historical evidence to accurately identify and name the Antichrist. As astonishing and unfathomable as it may seem, the supporting facts will, I believe, conclusively demonstrate that the man of lawlessness of II Thessalonians, the king/ruler of Daniel 7 & 9, the king/beast of Revelation 13 & 17, and the Antichrist of I John is none other than the ancient Roman Emperor, Nero. The mystery of the beast is distinctly and emphatically revealed in Revelation 17:8. This beast that John saw, “was once alive but isn’t now” … meaning at the precise time in the first century when John observed the beast from the isle of Patmos. Furthermore, the beast who had already died before John saw him (the beast is a man) will reappear from the dead to the amazement of the entire world!

The mystery of the woman on the beast is also clearly disclosed in Revelation Chapter 17. Concerning the identity of this woman, please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles entitled: The Woman on the Beast (Parts I through VI), posted 10-12-13 through 11-16-13, respectively. Again, you’ll discover ample proof that the woman who is identified as, “the great city that rules over the kings of the world” (Revelation 17:18) is none other than Rome (Roman Empire) the great city of its time when Revelation was written.

During the rise, but particularly after the fall of the mighty Roman Empire, another city gradually, but inexorably assumed the mantle of “Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World” (Revelation 17:5). This city continued the dominance of the ancient Roman Empire, but in a different form and with diverse methods of influence and intrigue. That city is none other than The Vatican, headquarters of the Holy See, of the Roman Catholic Church … which still exerts tremendous authority and political power through religion, i.e. The Holy Roman Empire.

On the final stage of history, just how will these players interact with one another, thereby, acting out their roles that will—for all intents and purposes—complete God’s final plan to judge the world and usher in the Millennial reign of His Son, our Messiah Jesus? To answer that question, we must include the second beast of Revelation, a man who will tip the scales in favor of the beast’s (Antichrist) inescapable 42-month Great Tribulation dominance over the woman and over Israel.

Antichrist Review

Before we take a look at the False Prophet, we need to again clarify some misconceptions about the first beast of Revelation who arises from the sea, which is the Antichrist. Modern scholars attribute much more credit to this beast that the Bible does … meaning the contemporary notion that the Antichrist will be an extraordinary political, economic, and military genius equipped with an unnatural, mystical ability to persuade billions with his oratory—far exceeding, for example, that of Adolph Hitler. This is a speculative presumption simply not found in Scripture; although this characterization of Antichrist at face value is logical, considering the world-wide impact he will have on the earth. In fact, I held to this view for many years, i.e. that the beast of Revelation would (naturally) be a modern-day man with super impressive skills.

What the Bible does say is this: “I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. They worshipped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshipped the beast. ‘Who is as great as the beast?’ they exclaimed. ‘Who is able to fight against him?’” (Revelation 13: 3-4).

What is the miracle that, “the whole world marveled at,” and for this reason, “gave allegiance to the beast”? What was the power given to the beast by the dragon (Satan)? The text is crystal clear as to exactly what that miracle is and is not. “This miracle” is the recovery from a fatal wound. Followed by a return from the abyss as is later reinforced by Revelation 17:8 that says, “…The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit … and the people who belong to this world … will be amazed at the reappearance of the beast who had died.” Contextually the passage in Revelation 13 is equally clear that the power given to the beast by Satan is the same thing that the world marveled at … the phenomenal ability of the beast to recover from his mortal wound.

But the fatal wound is not inflicted after the Antichrist (Nero) returns; since he will have already recovered from that mortal wound before he (re)appears. How do we know that beyond any doubt? Because of the fact that the beast (Antichrist) had already died before John even saw him in the vision. That, and several other reasons as documented in my book and articles, is why the Antichrist simply cannot be a modern-day ruler. And why Nero fits every passage in Scripture that deals with this depraved man.

There is absolutely no other reference point or subject matter in Chapter 13, or Chapter 17, that causes such amazement and worship of the beast other than his recovery and return from the dead. There is no indication, either stated or implied, that people, “from every tribe and people and language and nation” (Revelation 13:7) will follow the beast for any other reason than this resurrection miracle … as they will see and consider it to be. The authority and power given to him (by Satan, as allowed by God) over tribes and nations does not originate from any inherent or innate mega personality attributes possessed or expressed by the beast.

The world isn’t astonished at nor worships the Antichrist because of his superior statesmanship or magnetic speaking ability or charisma or any other attractive trait common to a few dynamic world leaders. That’s the most common misunderstanding of the Antichrist even by astute Bible prophecy scholars. Instead, the world will be utterly mesmerized by a man (well-known and remembered down through history) who reappears when the world needs and wants him the most … a time of complete chaos, confusion, and consternation over the disappearance of a whole lot of people from the earth. (Rapture)

Consequently, billions will yield their allegiance because of one thing and one thing only: They will see the reappearance of the beast as a supernatural return from the dead … a resurrection to equal or exceed that of Jesus Christ. Which is why Nero will be hailed as a messiah, or even The Messiah. “Who is as great as the beast,” or who could possibly, “fight against him.” Meaning how could anyone (if they didn’t believe it was actually Nero and/or chose to oppose him whether he was a resurrected Roman Emperor or not) possibly resist, or kill, or even consider assassinating a man who was invincible … by virtue of returning from the grave. How can you vanquish a man who had already died some 2000 years ago! Forget it. Give up, give in, and take his mark!

This won’t be some imperishable, everlasting Mummy from some silly Hollywood movie! This time it will be as real as the reality that hundreds of millions of people have vanished from the earth.

The False Prophet

Another reason that the Antichrist (Nero) will not be the superman depicted by many prophecy scholars: Without another beast to assist him, not nearly as many people will yield their full allegiance and devotion. Other than the spectacular return from the Abyss, it is not the first beast (Antichrist) who performs miracles and signs or commands that a statue be erected for him; or that everyone must receive his implanted name or number. Rather it is the second beast or the False Prophet who does these things.

Let’s read the description: “Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth … He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was permitted to give life to the statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die” (Revelation 13: 11-15).

It’s the False Prophet who demands that the first beast be worshipped and the text states again the reason: because of the fatal wound that had been healed. Further, that a statue must be erected and worshipped because the first beast who had been fatally wounded had come back to life.

How do we reconcile this with the Apostle Paul’s description of what the man of lawlessness will do? Listen to his words: “This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them” (II Thessalonians 2: 9-10, italics for emphasis). Notice that “this man” (who would later be called the beast of Revelation and the Antichrist) comes to do the work of Satan, “with” signs and miracles.

The passage doesn’t actually say that the Antichrist will be the one performing the signs and miracles; rather, that he will do the work of Satan with signs and miracles … meaning that the counterfeit miracles will come along side, be part of, accompany, or contribute to the power wielded by Antichrist. If this passage specifically stated that the man of lawlessness (Antichrist), himself, would perform miracles, then it would conflict with Revelation 13; which explicitly identifies who will handle the miraculous signs, why, and for whom.

As indicated, it’s the beast who arises from the earth (meaning through a natural birth, as opposed to the first beast literally ascending from the sea/Abyss, which is anything but natural) who performs these miracles, “on behalf of the first beast” (Verse 14). The ultimate power possessed and expressed by Antichrist will be directly and exclusively linked to his revival from the dead and return from a 2000-year old grave—actually from the Abyss which is not Hell or the grave, as is thoroughly explained and documented in my book, Out of the Abyss.

The False Prophet will enhance the power and authority of the Antichrist by demonstrations bordering on the supernatural to/for all those who oppose Nero and to those who simply doubt Nero’s actual identity. If people continue to resist worship of this evil man or his statue, they will be put to death. (Revelation 13:15).

The perceived oratorical skills attributed to the Antichrist are pretty much confined to arrogant boasting against and blasphemy of the true and living God and the one and only true Messiah, Jesus Christ. (See Daniel Chapter 7 & 11 and Revelation 13 for details). Otherwise, the Antichrist (Nero) will be mostly a behind-the-scenes dictator, much like he was as Emperor in the first century Roman Empire. The False Prophet and the statue erected by the False Prophet will do most of the talking for Mr. Six Hundred, Sixty-six. Yes, the statue speaks! And I seriously doubt it will do so merely by special effects. Unless you consider demons as special effects!

Of course, there’s one other huge accomplishment that will ingratiate Antichrist to many of those left behind after the Rapture: The Seven-Year Treaty (Daniel Chapter 9) with Israel, and the implied result of a rebuilt 3rd Jewish Temple. In fact, a treaty between Rome and Parthia arranged by Nero Caesar catapulted his popularity into the stratosphere, and endeared him not only to the common Roman citizen but also to the powerful Roman Senate. That treaty was probably his biggest accomplishment during his tenure as Emperor … his main claim to fame (at the time).

Interaction between Antichrist, the False Prophet, the Woman, and the Ten Kings

How then does the recent news of Israel’s potential release of King David’s Tomb to Vatican jurisdictional control in particular and the Roman Catholic Church’s influence in the Holy Land in general fit with the (temporary) alliance of the woman—the great city, which is the Holy Roman Empire’s contemporary replacement of the ancient Roman Empire—and the beast who returns from the Abyss? How might the dynamic duo of the two beasts of Revelation use the power and presence of the woman to accomplish their satanic objectives?

Conversely, how does the woman use the miraculous reappearance of the beast and the equally astounding statue that speaks for the beast, to gain even more prominence throughout the world, especially in Israel? Why does the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the ten kings who give their kingdoms to the beast turn on the woman and destroy her? And, in keeping with the main theme of next week’s article, who is, or from where does the False Prophet originate?

Don’t miss next week’s Part II article for more details!

Things to Ponder

(1) Do you find it pretty amazing that the Antichrist and his entourage will dare take on Christ, himself? But that’s exactly what he, the False Prophet, the Woman, the ten kings, and, of course Satan will do. The ten kings will agree to surrender themselves and their kingdoms to the Antichrist. “Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him” (Revelation 17:14).

That’s right folks. We, who have been redeemed, who will meet our Lord in the clouds at the Rapture, will return with the Lord when he victoriously defeats this unholy, ungodly, and seemingly indestructible force assembled by, “…the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty” (Revelation 16:13-14). Such a foolish thing for thus diabolical trinity to do … wouldn’t you agree? But then, that is the mystery of iniquity. Though Satan knows full well who will win, that won’t stop him from vainly trying to reach his ultimate goal of being like the Most High God. And, of all things, to use an Anti-Christ to accomplish this warped, but unattainable objective.

(2) I’d like to ask you to “wait and see for yourself” whether or not Nero is, in fact, the beast of Revelation and the Holy Roman Empire is the woman who uses and, in turn, is used by the beast. But I won’t do that; because if you would be watching those things unfold, you will have missed the Rapture. Believe me, you don’t want to be left behind. Please click on the Eye of Prophecy page entitled, God’s Plan of Salvation for detailed information on how not to miss the Rapture!

King David’s Tomb

17 Saturday May 2014

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The Vatican in Jerusalem!

News Flash! “Israeli Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says police have ‘stepped up’ patrols and surveillance across the country, and that thousands of police officers will be deployed during the pope’s visit to ensure it goes smoothly.” (Source: Israel Hayom, May 14, 2014). Rosenfeld’s statement was in direct response to the Roman Catholic official in charge of the Vatican’s properties in the Holy Land, who urged Israel to protect Christian holy sites including churches and monasteries in Jerusalem that had recently been vandalized. And to please do so before Pope Francis’ visit to Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank (Judea/Samaria) May 24-26.

The very fact that Pope Francis will travel to Israel is remarkable. I make that observation in the historical light of estranged relations between the Roman Catholic Church and Israel as represented by both its (secular) government and religious observant Jews that has existed off and on for decades … indeed, for hundreds of years. However, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis I have reached out to one another in an effort to reconcile differences. Whereas a papal visit to Israel is definitely newsworthy, it is also something to be expected in today’s ecumenical and politically correct world of strange bedfellows.

Totally unexpected and even more amazing than the Pope’s brief tour of Israel (including a visit to the Western Wall) is a recent report from reliable sources that Prime Minister Netanyahu is interested in transferring Jewish administrative control of the Tomb of King David to the Roman Catholic Church! Aren’t there enough Christian holy sites in Israel under the jurisdiction of either the Roman Catholic or Greek Orthodox clergy? The answer to that is a resounding yes, dozens of them … such as the (most well-known) Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Why then give a revered Jewish site to the Roman Catholic Church in general and specifically to the entity known as “Custody of the Holy Land.” What is this Holy Land Custodianship all about?

Custody of the Holy Land?

Straight from Wikipedia, we read: “The Custodian of the Holy Land … is an officer of the Franciscan order, appointed by the General Definitorium of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, with the approval of the Pope and the Holy See. The Custodian … is the head of all Franciscans in the Holy Land. On 15 May 2004 Pierbattista Pizzaballa was appointed Custodian of the Holy Land, succeeding Giovanni Battistelli, who held the office for six years. On Friday, June 28, 2013, Pope Francis confirmed that he (Pizzaballa) would continue as Custodian for at least a further three years.”

Wikipedia’s article continues: “Today, the jurisdiction of the Custodian covers Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt…. The Custody has about 300 friars and about 100 sisters in these countries. The Franciscans serve the principal Christian shrines, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and the Basilica of the Annunciation at Nazareth.”

Another excerpt: “The Franciscan order owns a great deal of property in the Holy Land, second only to the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem … The Custodian also cares for 74 shrines and sanctuaries throughout the Holy Land….” Because the entire history of the Holy Land Custodianship is far too long for this article, suffice to say that it began in 1217, and has gone through several changes (supervisory control and face-lift) over the years, including a Vatican papal liaison position called Grand Master of the Order. The most recent Grand Master, Archbishop Edwin Frederick O’Brien, was appointed by the previous Pope (Benedict XVI) in August, 2011.

According to the Wikipedia commentary, “The Order (of Grand Master) is a member of many international bodies and has observer status at others (such as the United Nations). The Grand Master is a papal viceroy who assists Vatican diplomacy with procedural support for making motions, proposing amendments and requiring votes in the sphere of international diplomacy.”

In other words, both the Grand Master and Custodian wield enormous religious, and diplomatic influence (some might even say power) as official representatives of the Pope and the Vatican. With the ultimate goal of maintaining a presence in and control of as many “holy sites” in Israel and surrounding countries as possible. And, from the recent breaking news, it’s apparent that they want to add at least one more: The Tomb of King David, the most famous king in Israel’s history. Furthermore, it’s no small coincidence that the pontiff belongs to the Franciscan order of the Roman Catholic Church! That’s why he took the title of Pope Francis.

King David’s Tomb … where is it?

Where was King David buried? The main reference found in I Kings reads: “Then David died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David” (I Kings 2:10). Other than the general area in Jerusalem known as The City of David, the exact position of King David’s tomb has never been unequivocally confirmed, at least not in modern times. However, archeologists are fairly certain that the tomb is located just outside what today is the Old City of Jerusalem.

Frankly, for most Jews and for many Christians, that’s close enough! Whether the current site is the actual location is important but not imperative; however, based upon a 12th century report by Benjamin of Tudela, the authentic tomb was discovered during renovation of a church on Mount Zion. Not until Israel’s War of Independence in 1948 did Mount Zion—just a short distance from the Western Wall and from Temple Mount—come under Israeli control; and not until the 1967 Six-Day War did the Temple Mount, site of the two Jewish Temples, revert back to Jewish jurisdiction.

It’s much like the burial-place of Jesus Christ, before he arose from the grave. The Roman Catholic Church and the Greek (and Russian) Orthodox Church identify the Church of the Holy Sepluchre as the burial site; whereas, evangelicals and most mainline Protestants believe the Garden Tomb is the real location. I’ve been to the Garden Tomb, and it certainly could have been where Jesus was placed after his death on the Cross. Not only is the tomb representative of descriptive 1st century Jewish graves, it is extremely close to Golgotha, where Christ was crucified. The Apostle John tells us that there were only two men who took Jesus down from the cross—Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus; therefore, these two men would have been able to carry the body of Jesus only so far. How far? Not very according to John: “The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before … and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there” (John 19:41-42).

Yet, either site is a valid historical location given their proximity to where the entire Passion of Christ took place. For that matter, any grave like that of Joseph of Arimathea’s where Christ was buried (hewn out of solid stone) would be a legitimate candidate for the burial site of Christ. Thus, both the Holy Sepluchre and the Garden Tomb would qualify. Personally, I opt for the Garden Tomb for several reasons, not the least of which was the extreme difficulty for Joseph and Nicodemus to carry Jesus much farther than the Garden Tomb. Could they have used a donkey and cart? Yes, but there’s no indication that they did. Plus, John said the tomb was, “close at hand.”

David’s tomb is situated on the ground floor of a three-story building, a former Byzantine church dating to the 4th century; and, as indicated, refurbished in the 12th century, then again in the 14th century. This church was constructed on/in/around a synagogue called Hagiya Zion built at the entrance of the structure considered historically to be David’s tomb. The tomb is now believed to be in a sarcophagus built by the Crusaders, although the contents of this sarcophagus have never been examined to confirm if there’s even a body inside. At one time or another Jews, Christians, and Muslims have exercised control over this edifice. Currently, the building is part of the Diaspora Yeshiva complex.

Amazingly, all three major religions currently maintain occupancy in this ancient building: Jews on the 1st floor where the actual tomb rests; Christians on the 2nd floor because this is the reported site of the Upper Room Last Supper, and Muslims on the 3rd floor that includes a minaret from which Muslims are summoned to prayer.

Once again, the ultimate importance and strategic significance of David’s tomb doesn’t necessarily hinge on its exact whereabouts. Rather, it is the identification—symbolically or factually or both—of the most likely historical site that Jews (and Christians if they choose) can visit, worship and pray to the same God that David worshipped, and otherwise reminisce about the glory days of Israel’s past … with equal attention and hope for Israel’s future. For Christians who really care about their past and future, David was the ancestor of Messiah Jesus, who was born from the Tribe of Judah.

More Details of the Reported Transfer

According to reliable sources, Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef advised a Member of the Knesset that Benjamin Netanyahu and/or his staff officially requested permission to reassign administration of King David’s Tomb and even all of Mount Zion to the Roman Catholic Church. Also, in preceding weeks there had been constant rumors of negotiations between the Israeli government and the Vatican regarding such an agreement. Apparently, a journalist who writes for/about the Vatican said the deal was almost complete.

It’s no secret that the Vatican wants to assume administrative control over more “holy” sites in Israel; however, these sites are historically Christian. To want control over a sacred Jewish site is unprecedented; even more so if Israel’s Prime Minister is agreeable to such a move!

Information just a couple of days ago from Israeli News sources, Arutz Sheva and Jewish Press, indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu has denied rumors that Israel would bestow David’s tomb to the Vatican. To the contrary, however, Rabbi Yaakov Sevila, an activist for King David’s Tomb, told Arutz Sheva there is, in fact, a deal in the works. This arrangement might also include giving Temple Mount to the Muslims … meaning complete control Unthinkable!

It is not a well-kept secret that the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, months ago proposed the idea of some type of international control—especially by the Vatican but also Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey—over certain religious sites in Jerusalem. This scheme has been kept on a back burner pending better progress in pre-negotiations for a two-state solution and territorial exchanges by the Israelis and Palestinians, but mostly concessions from Israel.

Pope Francis’ visit will be substantially different from the previous visit of Pope Paul VI in 1964, as the pontiff in 1964 did not meet with Israeli leaders, nor was there any dispute or controversy over Mount Zion or King David’s Tomb at that time. Subsequently, neither Pope John Paul II in 2002 nor Pope Benedict XVI pilgrimage to Israel in 2009 involved any special interest in and certainly not discussion of the Last Supper Room—2nd floor of the building that also contains the royal gravesite. This pending visit is dissimilar mostly because Pope Francis is a member of the Franciscan bloc of the Catholic Church; and his scheduled celebration of Mass at the site of David’s Tomb (even though presumably it’s the Upper Room where Mass will be held) could challenge or at least question Israeli sovereignty over the site—in the eyes of observant Jews and Knesset Members, whether a MK is conservative or not.

As reported in the Jewish Press, “As a result, Vatican sources have said they would like Israel to cede control of the site, a request to which some Reform groups have said would be a meaningful ‘gesture’ towards peace and reconciliation with the Church.”

But to illustrate just how volatile such a concession would resonate with (especially) orthodox Jews, here is a quote reported in Arutz Sheva from MK Tzipa Hotovely (Likud party, which is Benjamin Netanyahu’s own party): “It is inconceivable that this place will be transferred to foreign hands, so that the Torahs and the Star of David will be swallowed in a sea of crosses. Transferring the rights to the gravesite of David to Christian hands would be similar to Moshe Dayan’s decision to entrust the keys to the Temple Mount to the Jordanian Waqf.” Rabbi Simcha HaCohen Kook declared that such a transfer would be a, “national disgrace.”

Israel’s and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Interaction with Christianity

Personally, I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is a consummate statesman, leader, and champion for Israel when it comes to the right of Israel to exist as a nation and the Jews to live in peace as a people in the Promised Land given to them by God, himself. He fully understands the ominous threat Iran poses; hence, his constant warning to his people and to the whole world that Israel cannot condone a nuclear armed Iran. He knows full well what Israel must do to survive external threats like Iran and Russia, but also internal threats from terrorists groups like Hamas. Accordingly, he never compromises on issues of national security and rarely on religious matters that affect the long-standing history, tradition, and integrity of the (Jewish) people of The Book (Bible). If Netanyahu stays in character, he (theoretically) would not agree to abandon King David’s Tomb to the Roman Catholic Church or to any other group, religious or political.

Thus, I would disagree with him if he is, in fact, actively promoting or even silently endorsing the idea of relinquishing the historical site of the Tomb to the Vatican. Yet, it remains to be seen whether or not Prime Minister Netanyahu is the driving force behind what still seems to be more of a rumor than fact.

If, however, the Prime Minister has approved or will approve this transferral, what might be his motive? Although any specific reason at this point would be speculation, it’s safe to generalize by referring to Netanyahu’s stated desire to build a bridge of reconciliation between the Jews and Christians. He also grasps, at least in principle, the difference between Protestant Christians (primarily represented by evangelicals) and the Roman Catholic Church. He has acknowledged and frequently expressed his appreciation for the enormous support extended by evangelical Christians all over the world, especially in the United States, such as Christians United for Israel (CUFI).

As far as I know, Benjamin is not a Messianic Jew, which is defined basically as a Jew who believes in Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah and Savior. Thus, he would not quote from the New Testament other than for historical reasons. However, he studies the Old Testament on a regular basis, and he recognizes the umbilical cord connection between Judaism and its offspring … meaning New Testament born-again believers in Christ. He astutely comprehends the reason behind the genuine Christian love for Israel—because evangelicals acknowledge their debt to the Jews for bringing God’s written word and the Messiah to the Gentiles. As expressed in the Old Testament, the Jews were to be a light to/for the Gentiles.

As Christians, we believe this light is consummately expressed in and by the Jewish Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, who is the living Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, NASB). Jesus himself said that, “…salvation comes through the Jews” (John 4:22). Then he also told that same Samaritan woman, “I AM the Messiah” (John 4:26). And to make sure that there was no misunderstanding as to who Jesus was, is, and always will be, he said to all who would listen: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

The Roman Catholic Church, however, is a whole different matter, due to the long-standing rivalry and animosity between the Holy See and the Jews, as tragically exemplified by the Crusades, the Inquisition, the relative silence of the Catholic Church during the Holocaust, and other more isolated, but frequent persecution of the Jews by the Catholic Church throughout the ages. To our shame, certain Protestant groups also have persecuted the Jews periodically, but nothing on the scale of the Holy See.

It’s equally clear that Pope Francis wants to extend an olive branch to Israel and the Jewish people; while at the same time expanding the influence and presence of the Roman Catholic Church in Israel itself. What better way than transference of the complex that houses King David’s Tomb back to on-site, hands-on Catholic (specifically the Franciscan order of the Holy See) control? Which I’m convinced is the main reason that Pope Francis has planned to conduct Mass in the building that includes David’s tomb.

Why Hand Over Mt Zion and King David’s Tomb to the Vatican? Possible Benefits….

Whether Benjamin Netanyahu is behind this transfer conspiracy or not, I’m fairly certain he has contemplated potential benefits if Israel (and it’s a mighty big if) does yield administration of David’s tomb to the Catholic Church. For example, there could be an exponential increase of Catholic support of Israel … diplomatically, politically, and perhaps even economically; not only from the Vatican hierarchy, but conceivably by hundreds of millions of Catholics all over the world. And a corresponding proportional decrease in Anti-Semitism from within the Catholic Church and from without the Church due to the influence wielded by the Vatican in/through the governments of many nations that have large populations of Catholics. Diminished Anti-Semitism can translate into fewer incidents of Boycott, Divestment, Sanction (BDS) against Israel and a much more accurate and balanced view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; to counter a prevalent world view that erroneously blames Israel for nearly all the Palestinian angst—sometimes to the extent of falsely accusing Israel of being or becoming an apartheid country.

Even the US Secretary of State, John Kerry brazenly predicted that Israel would deteriorate into an apartheid nation if the Jews couldn’t reach an agreement with the Palestinians for a two-state solution, or at least continue the peace talks. Not long afterward the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank reached a tentative agreement with Hamas of the Gaza Strip to reconcile their differences and unite as one representative of the Palestinians Arabs. That act alone negates all prior peace talks and virtually eliminates any possibility of negotiations for the present. Even the United States concedes that point, as we still classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

It’s even possible that the insidious, anti-Biblical, non-Christian view of Replacement Theology held by several mainstream Protestant denominations such as the Presbyterian and Episcopalian churches (and to a lesser but nevertheless treacherous extent by the Roman Catholic Church) could be weakened by what many would consider a peace-offering from Israel, even though the offering is essentially in reverse. Meaning it should be the Catholic Church that offers something of equal or greater value considering their historic mistreatment of the Jews. But then, the Catholic hierarchy and I suppose many governments all over the world believe that the Pope’s willingness to travel to Israel and meet personally with Benjamin Netanyahu is, in and of itself, a peace-offering. Such a generous gesture should merit Roman Catholic control of King David’s Tomb!

Things to Ponder

Would Israel’s concession to the Vatican be more of an unfortunate misguided compromise than a mutually beneficial conciliation? Yes, it probably would. But whether short-term and/or longer-term advantages or not, I believe that the eventual repercussions will become all too apparent. It will be the politically correct calm before the storm of the ungodly ecumenical, anti-Christ spirit of intolerance that will blindly bind unlikely bedfellows together as they stand with the beast or under the statute of the beast and worship him or his statue. And anyone who refuses to worship, “must die.” (See Revelation 13).

I’m referring to the Big Picture as found in the Biblical prophetic context of the scarlet beast, the woman on the beast, Babylon (Rome), the False Prophet, the seven-year treaty with Israel, the desecration of the rebuilt Temple and other end-times peripheral events—some of which are rapidly unfolding before our very eyes. Although the current dispute over and potential disposition of King David’s Tomb is not specifically mentioned in Scripture, it nevertheless is an inclusive depiction and development of the players involved in the days just before and after the Rapture and the Great Tribulation to follow.

Check out next week’s Eye of Prophecy article and we’ll discuss in more detail these players and events.

 

The Second Exodus

10 Saturday May 2014

Posted by in Prophecy in General

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A SECOND EXODUS

You ain’t seen nothing yet! Don’t you just love those colloquial sayings? As long as they’re not overused and become too familiar, we all use them to punctuate a point or illustrate and intensify an idea we’re trying to share with someone. Sometimes you can even use words that aren’t really words (like ain’t). Oh come on now, I know ain’t is officially in the dictionary, but who among us considers it to be a valid contraction of am not, or whatever. Haven’t most of us who are moms or dads corrected our children when they say, ain’t. And then turn right around and mutter under our breath or whisper to our spouse, “That just ain’t right.” Point is that a catchy phrase often gets our attention, such as: “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” Even without ain’t that’s a popular adage! Right now, the problem with ain’t is that my spelling and grammar check has underlined it every time, and I don’t like red marks while I write. However there are seven red lines in this paragraph, which is my favorite number!

Since the underlying theme of this blog site is Biblical prophecy, I best get on with the topic at hand. Which is: You ain’t seen nothing yet. I’m talking about a modern-day marvel predicted nearly 2,600 years ago by God through a Jewish prophet that billions of people all over the world have probably heard of … Jeremiah. You remember: the prophet made famous by the rock group Three Dog Night singing, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog … was a good friend of mine.” I am not quoting that to be irreverent, only to emphasis how well-known Jeremiah is. By the way, Jeremiah in Hebrew is: Yirmeyahu. That’s another red line to eliminate in this document, but it’s worth it!

The way I see it, all Bible prophecies fall into the category of amazing; if for no other reason than they were fulfilled just as prophesied. But there are some like the subject of this article that zoom right past amazing to astounding, incredible, or mind-boggling. After you read it, pick your own superlative description. Here is the prophecy:

“In that day,” says the Lord, “when people are taking an oath, they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who rescued the people of Israel from the land of Egypt.’ Instead, they will say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the people of Israel back to their own land from the land of the north and from all the countries to which he had exiled them.’ Then they will live in their own land” (Jeremiah 23:7-8).

What is this prediction all about, and why is it so unparalleled? How is it that such a monumental event like the Exodus from Egypt could be relegated to, “You ain’t seen nothing yet?” In a nutshell, it announces far in advance that there will be a Second Exodus for the Jewish people. (Incidentally, this was the second time that Jeremiah made this prediction … the first being found in Chapter 16). It is one thing to utter such a bold prediction once (if it isn’t fulfilled, then once is too many), but to state it twice is prophetical suicide if it doesn’t come to pass. But it did happen … and it is still happening right before our eyes in the 21st century.

What makes it even more spectacular is the fact that; although the northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered by Assyria, the southern kingdom of Judah was still a vibrant, thriving, prosperous, and powerful nation. For the southern kingdom Jews to be told that their return to the Promised Land would surpass in magnitude the miraculous Exodus was unthinkable, because nothing would ever rival their deliverance from Egypt. But also because they couldn’t or wouldn’t wrap their minds around the possibility that Judah and the Holy City of Jerusalem would ever be conquered in the first place. By that time Jeremiah had warned—and continued to warn—his people that Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed and the people taken captive by the mighty Babylonian Empire, unless they turned back to God.

Thus, it’s one thing to foretell such an incomparable return to Israel (by saying it will be even more memorable than the first Exodus); but it’s quite another phenomenon to prophesy about this Second Exodus before Judah had even been destroyed and the people exiled to Babylon. Moreover, Jeremiah was proclaiming that ALL of Israel would return, including the ten northern tribes that had already been scattered to the four winds. We’ll see that shortly when we read verses five and six of Jeremiah Chapter 23.

The Exodus from Egypt

Who hasn’t heard of The Exodus? Of Moses, the burning bush, Israelites, Pharaoh, the awesome parting of the Sea, and the finger of God blazing His commandments on solid stone. That isn’t just imagery from Cecil B. Demille’s film classic, The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston. Where do you think Demille got the idea? Several times throughout the Old Testament, Israel and the gentile nations are reminded of one of the greatest (some say the greatest) event of all time—the Exodus from Egypt. For hundreds of years afterward, Israel’s judges, prophets, kings, priests, scribes and many of the common people frequently reminded each other and themselves what mighty blessings and miracles the Lord God had performed before, during, and after the Exodus, including entrance into the Promised Land of Israel.

That’s what the majority of their annual festivals are about. There are many Old Testament references to the miracles of the plagues that rescued the Hebrews from abject slavery, and repeated reminders of such things as, “For he divided the sea and led them through, making the water stand up like walls! In the daytime he led them by a cloud, and all night by a pillar of fire. He split open the rocks in the wilderness to give them water, as from a gushing spring. He made streams pour from the rock, making the waters flow down like a river!” (Psalms 78:13-16).

From the very first Passover, Jews throughout the ages—even during their Babylonian exile and then during the Diaspora—right up to the present time have celebrated their deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

Yet, several hundred years after Moses, Jeremiah audaciously announces that one day something would take place to actually eclipse the Exodus in importance and impact. Once again it would entail Exile {to a foreign nation(s)}; Deliverance (from oppression by those nations); and Entrance (to Israel, the land promised to them by the true and living God). But this time it would be permanent … indeed, it would be everlasting.

The Jews of the Old Testament would often preface an oath–whether very serious such as in a court of law or more causal like when talking to a good friend or a city council–by saying, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will….” (do this or that). Or they might say, “May the Lord strike me, and even kill me, if I don’t….” (do this or that). According to Jeremiah, they apparently would add, “…who rescued the people of Israel from the land of Egypt,” to the oath/promise that began with, “As surely as the Lord lives….”

But, Jeremiah goes on to say: “In that day,” the Jews will change the saying to reflect another monumental milestone in Israel’s glorious, but troubled history. They will say, “As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the people of Israel back to their own land from the land of the north and from all the countries to which he had exiled them.” In other words: As great as the first Exodus was and as much as it meant to the Jews, there would be a Second Exodus that would far exceed the first one, both in quality (scale and duration) and quantity (of people).

Which Day (Time) is “That Day”?

What day or period of time is Jeremiah referring to in this passage? We need to accurately read the historical clock, to clarify and confirm the exact era when this Second Exodus takes place. Is it when the Jews returned from their Babylonian captivity or a (much) later period of time? How can we know for sure in that day is taking place in this generation? Several Old Testament prophecies encompass both the near future (of that time) and the distant future—meaning the last days or end times. Others pertain exclusively to the near future of that time, such as the Assyrians conquering the ten northern tribes of Israel. But most apply directly and exclusively to the very last days. Furthermore, these end times prophecies often begin with the phrase, “In that day,” or references, “The Day of the Lord,” or something similar.

Admittedly, some prophecies are more difficult to evaluate … whether or not they apply to events that take place a few years, decades, or even a few centuries later (such as Greece and Alexander the Great representing the third beast of Daniel Chapter 7 which conquered Persia some three hundred years after the prediction); as opposed to those that take place thousands of years later or have not yet occurred. But the majority of prophecies are not all that hard to understand, including those pertaining to the last days. The basic rule of thumb is this: If you can’t find anything in Biblical or secular history that a specific prophetic event has occurred (particularly before the 20th century because that’s when Israel once again became a nation), then the prophecy will apply to the end times, which we are living in right now.

In our Jeremiah Chapter 23 passage, it’s actually quite easy to place the fulfillment beyond the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. Why is that? One word answer: Context. In the two verses that precede our just quoted passage of Jeremiah 23:7-8, we read, “For the time is coming says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a king who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: The LORD Is Our Righteousness. In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety” (Jeremiah 23:5-6). Obviously, none of the specifics of this prophecy occurred during or within even hundreds of years after (some of) the Babylonian exiles returned to Israel.

The last sentence affirms that both Judah and Israel (both kingdoms comprising all twelve tribes of Israel) will be part of this final, magnificent restoration of land and people. One day soon, the so-called ten lost tribes of Israel will no longer be lost; they will be found by our Lord, the God of Israel! Moreover, the formerly divided northern and southern kingdoms will be reunited as one, as other Biblical passages tell us.

Amazing! For Jews and Gentiles who have embraced Messiah Jesus, we know him to be the righteous descendent of King David. This son of David is Yahweh Tzidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) who was born of a virgin, lived, taught, healed, performed miracles, died, was buried, and rose again the third day … a historically recorded fact. He is from the Tribe of Judah, and his very birth separated time itself (BC to AD). We passionately await his triumphant and glorious return as the King of all kings who, “…rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land…”

There are several significant features of this “King who rules with wisdom,” but none more so that his designated name to match who he is, what he has done and what he will do. There is no getting around it … meaning the fact that this King is both a man (descendant of David) and God. Which is not what most Jews believe. Rather, they believe the Messiah will be merely a man … a great man, but not divine. But what does the passage say? It gives this man the name that God, himself, gave to Moses to identify who God really is. He is YHWH (Yahweh) or “I AM,” translated and designated throughout Scripture as THE LORD (capital letters). Moreover, to the Jews and all mankind, he is and will be “The LORD Our Righteousness.”

Scripture declares, “No one is righteous—not even one” (Romans 3:10). The apostle Paul, a former Jewish Orthodox Rabbi who was wonderfully transformed by Messiah, made this statement. But Paul is quoting King David from Psalm 14. Only the divine Son of God (God the Son) qualifies as being our righteousness. His righteousness is freely and unconditionally given to us when we believe and receive Him and what he did on the Cross. We must have his righteousness, because we have none of our own. And, Scripture tells us we need this righteousness (right standing with God) in order to be and live forever in His presence.

Many Jews, especially the observant, anxiously await what they believe is the first appearance of Messiah. Gentile and Messianic Christians (Jews) await Messiah’s second coming. Either way, when Messiah (re)appears, “In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.” And this glorious appearance will be heralded by a magnificent, miraculous Exodus of Jews from the four corners of the earth. This began a few decades ago, continues to this very day, and will continue through and a short time after Christ returns to the earth at the end of the Great Tribulation also known as the Time of Jacob’s trouble.

Oh how the Jews have returned to Israel! With statistics that are staggering, in numbers that exceed the first Exodus, from countries all over the world (only from Egypt did the first Exodus take place), which affirm the remarkable accuracy of Jeremiah’s prediction and many other Old Testament passages. But mostly from the, “land of the north.”

Some Fascinating Figures

Based on Exodus 12:37, Bible scholars estimate there were between 1.5 million and 2 million Hebrews who victoriously marched out of Egypt on that fateful day in Jewish antiquity. Just recently, the population of Israel reached 8,132,000. Of those numbers, 6,110,600 are Jews with most of the remaining population consisting of Arabs, who are Israeli citizens. This does not include Arab settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip composed of another 2 million Arabs or so. By comparison, the population of the State of New Jersey is 8,899,399, and the land mass of New Jersey also approximates Israel in size.

Beginning with the first Aliyah in 1881 (return of the Diaspora Jewish exiles to Palestine) to and a few months following declaration of statehood for Israel in May, 1948, there were about 800,000 Jews in Israel. Most of the Post World War II Jewish immigrants to Israel were survivors of the holocaust, emigrating from Europe. But they also came from the United States, from South America, from Yemen, Iraq and Iran (because they were expelled from those three countries), from North Africa, but not too many from the Soviet Union. That is: not until 1990 and onward until 2006. After the Soviet Union collapsed and Russia’s President Mikhail Gorbachev allowed Jews to leave Russia, the Jews emigrated from Russia in numbers never seen before.

In 1990, around 228,400 Jews left Russia, of which 183,400 made Aliyah to Israel, an astounding 80%. By 2006, nearly one million Russian Jews had immigrated to the land of their forefathers. Although these numbers have slowed in the past 7-8 years, there were still 7,520 Jews who left Russia and made Israel their home in 2013.

At one time over 5 million Jews lived in Russia. Some two million of this number were murdered during the Holocaust. Today there are only 440,000 Jews left in Russia and another 300,000 in the Ukraine, a former Soviet Union country. And Ukraine very well could be once again under the Federation of Russia in the not so distant future, but that’s another recent development!

Since 1948, some three million Jews have made Aliyah to Israel from 130 countries, with 20% of Israel’s Jewish population today Russian immigrants or children of those immigrants, an astonishing 1.2 million Jews. How’s that for putting a giant exclamation point on Jeremiah’s prophecy! Not only does it predict a massive return of exiled Jews from all over the world, it specifically identifies, “the land of the north,” which is none other than today’s Russia which was the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries. This same land to the north is also identified in the Gag/Magog prophecy of Ezekiel 38 & 39. Moscow is due north of Jerusalem. Just look at them on a global map. There is no other nation of any size or historical consequence which fits this description other than Russia.

That’s way more than reason enough for a modern-day Jew to knowingly or unwittingly think or quote Jeremiah and exclaim, I am here in the land God promised to my ancestors, “As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the people of Israel back to their own land from the land of the north…” Whether any given Jew actually quotes or paraphrases this verse or not, the fact remains that this wonderful prediction has unfolded before our very eyes. We are part of the Omega (last) generation.

First Hand Experience

I have seen this for myself during a 2006 trip to Israel that I made with one of my sisters. We traveled through part of Israel in a rental car—I was there primarily to do research on my first book, a novel called, O Israel … the end is the beginning for those left behind. On Shabbat (Sabbath) we attended a fairly small church in Rishon Letzion, Israel, south of Tel Aviv. The name of this congregation of Jewish believers in Messiah Jesus is Grace & Truth Congregation. I would estimate the number in attendance on that Saturday was 125 or so. It was a small building and we were packed to the point of keeping elbows close to one’s side so as not to invade the space of the person sitting next to you!

The Pastor’s message in Hebrew was simultaneously translated into English for those of us on one side of the sanctuary and in Russian for those on another side! I’m sure that eventually most of the Russian speaking believers would learn Hebrew, but what a sight to behold at the time. We also alternated singing in English, Hebrew, and Russian. One old Christian song, “I Need Thee Every Hour,” brought tears to my eyes. Of course, you had to be there to fully appreciate what I’m saying; but to see such a small congregation of believers accommodating three languages at one time (something you might not even see in a large church) was simply splendid.

It made Jeremiah’s prophecy all the more relevant; in fact, it jumped off the pages of Scripture. Up to that point, I had never heard the Russian language anywhere except on television or perhaps a movie. And I didn’t need to go to Russia to hear the language. The Bible was effectively saying: Jeremiah 23 is being fulfilled right now. Go to Israel and see for yourself!

I’m telling you folks: The God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob IS GOD. There is none like him … never has been, never will be. He is the one and only true and living God. No other so-called god of any other man-made religion can even come close to making a handful of predictions come true, let alone hundreds of prophesies (like Jeremiah 23) found in the Bible.

After 2000 years of exiled separation from the land of Israel and from each other, with nearly half of their number ruthlessly murdered by Hitler’s Third Reich; the fact that millions of Jews have returned to Israel and millions more born there is unprecedented. Until the transportation and communication technological advances of the 20th century, this dream of Aliyah (on anything approaching its current scale) would have been impossible. The logistics, not the least of which were dozens of different languages spoken by Jews, would have been insurmountable. Not only did millions of Jews return to a reborn nation, they came back to their ancient, all but dead, reborn Hebrew language.

And guess what? No spectacular plagues, no seas or oceans being parted, no rivers gushing from solid rock, no burning bushes or mountains covered by fire and dense clouds and smoke (Mt Sinai), no clothing and sandals that lasted for 40 years in a harsh desert wilderness, no crumbling of walls by merely walking around them and then shouting … no state of the art miracles as such.

But Israel is a miracle, nevertheless. Something never before seen and never to be seen again in the annals of human history. A country and people and language reborn from the floods of dispersion and the fires of Nazi death camps. In fact, the former Israeli Chief Rabbi Abraham Kook (1865-1935) somewhat prophetically surmised that it would be more of a miracle for God to use natural methods and events to restore Israel and return the Jews to Israel than to supernaturally alter the laws of nature which he did in the first Exodus, i.e. the ten plagues and splitting of the sea.

And, yes, movies have been made about the Second Exodus, such as Cast a Giant Shadow, with Kirk Douglas. And, Exodus, with Paul Newman. Exodus is based on a gripping novel of the same name, written by Jewish author Leon Uris.

Summary

This past week, Israel celebrated its 66th anniversary as a nation. For all practical purposes they once again celebrated their Second Exodus, greater in number and surpassing even the miracle of splitting the sea. For you see, it was accomplished through and a result of the greatest tragedy of all time, the Holocaust. Only God could possibly make something so good come out of something so horrible. Just like when he saved Jacob and his family (and also Egypt at the time) from certain death by famine through a series of supernaturally orchestrated natural events beginning when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery.

Things to Ponder

Why don’t we take a moment to remember these things and rejoice with the Jews because they finally have a nation of their own, which was their land from the beginning? The only way that their solemn dream and promise, “Never again,” (meaning something like the Holocaust must never, ever happen again) could be accomplished was through a land of their own … that is Israel, the land given to them by God. We know the time is very, very short, because we are witnesses to the Second Exodus.

“Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home” (Isaiah 60:4).

“…You will know at last that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel” (Isaiah 60:16).

*Acknowledgment: In part, some of the subject of this article, Second Exodus and the phrase, You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, was inspired from a March 24, 2013 article by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, entitled: Passover Miracles? You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet! Posted online through unitedwithisrael.org.

English words to Hatikvah:

As long as in the heart, within; A Jewish soul still years. And onward towards the ends of the east, An eye still gazes toward Zion.

Our hope is not yet lost, The hope of two thousand years; To be a free people in our land, The Land of Zion and Yerushalayim.

 

 

 

 

 

A Third Jewish Temple (Part II)

03 Saturday May 2014

Posted by in Prophecy in General

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Will There Be a Third Temple … If So, When & How

In light of recent intense media attention on Israel, Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount, people the world over have wondered if a third Jewish Temple will actually be rebuilt. My response: Absolutely! Guaranteed. By whom? By God, himself. Let’s read the words of the Jewish prophet Ezekiel who records a stunning revelation given to him by God. This vision was so comprehensive and so precise that even the date was disclosed by Ezekiel—April 28th, 573 BC … 2,587 years ago this past Monday!

“On April 28, during the twenty-fifth year of our captivity—fourteen years after the fall of Jerusalem—the Lord took hold of me. In a vision from God he took me to the land of Israel and set me down on a very high mountain. From there I could see toward the south what appeared to be a city. As he brought me nearer, I saw a man whose face shone like bronze standing beside a gateway entrance. He was holding in his hand a linen measuring cord and a measuring rod. He said to me, ‘Son of man, watch and listen. Pay close attention to everything I show you. You have been brought here so I can show you many things. Then you will return to the people of Israel and tell them everything you have seen.’ I could see a wall completely surrounding the Temple area….” (Ezekiel 40: 1-5).

This man had to be either an angel or one of the appearances of the pre-Incarnate Messiah. Some Bible scholars (I agree) believe the man to be Jesus Christ, as he calls Ezekiel the “Son of man” which was the term that God chose when speaking to or about Ezekiel throughout the book; as well as the description that Jesus used of himself as recorded in the gospels, albeit, with a divine reference. Following this remarkable introduction to the passage, chapters 40 through 48 provide a meticulous, but nevertheless magnificent, description of a rebuilt Temple.

You might reply with a legitimately good question: “Isn’t this the Jewish Temple that was rebuilt just a generation later, completed in 515 BC? The one that Herod improved while ruling over the Jews just before and a few years after Jesus was born?”

The answer is an unequivocal … even, I believe, an irrefutable, NO!

You might be thinking: such a dogmatic declaration. Is there evidence to support this statement?

Yes, there is an abundance of evidence. First, the precise measurements of Ezekiel’s Temple including the outer and interior walls were much larger than the rebuilt temple of Ezra and Nehemiah’s time, and even of Herod’s time. Secondly, there is (will be), “…a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side” (Ezekiel 47:1). Later in the article, we’ll cover this in more detail. In Ezekiel’s Temple we find that the Shekinah glory of God has returned, meaning his very presence. See all of Ezekiel Chapter 43, but I will reference just one verse: “The Lord said to me, ‘Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place where I will rest my feet. I will live here forever among the people of Israel…” (Verse 7).

None of these conditions (and more) were present while the 2nd Temple stood. But the most obvious factor to validate that a 3rd temple will be constructed: The 2nd temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans … it no longer exists. There’s nothing in Ezekiel that states or even suggests that the temple which is shown to him will be demolished; that is, as long as the present earth (and heavens) exist. And how long is that? The most common answer: for a thousand years after Christ returns to rule and reign on the earth … otherwise known as the Millennium. But I would expand that answer with what I believe is a Biblically supported premise: The rebuilt Temple will continue on the earth into Eternity. And what evidence is there to support that statement? Let’s begin with the book of Revelation.

Millennium, Infinity, and Beyond!

In the latter part of Revelation Chapter 19, we read about the final victory of Christ over the beast and kings of the world who dared to fight against the rider on the white horse, whose name was, “…Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war … and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses … On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19:11-16). The beast and false prophet are captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire. Then, “Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse…” (Verse 21).

By the time we get to Chapter 20 of Revelation, God has poured out his wrath on the earth through the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls. Listen to the magnificent response from the host of heaven (believers and angels) to the awesome judgments of God Almighty: “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. His judgments are true and just….” Revelation 19: 1-2). Then again in Verses 6-7: “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice and let us give honor to him.”

All wrongs will have been righted. All injustice will have been avenged with pure justice. All of God’s judgments will be true and just (appropriate, necessary, decisive, and justified).

Revelation Chapter 20 begins with the literal confinement of Satan in the Abyss for one thousand years. For those who believe the one thousand years is a symbolic expression of a long period of time, then why is one thousand years mentioned a total of six times? If you want to symbolize a period of time, there’s no need to specify the number (of years), and there’s certainly no need to repeat it six times. Besides, one thousand years IS a long time!

Satan is then released and immediately sets out once again to deceive the nations, gathering them together in one final attempt to destroy the kingdom of God on earth. Because of the omnipotent sovereignty of God and His Messiah, Jesus Christ, the ending here is just as anticlimactic as the capture of Antichrist and the False Prophet described in Chapter 19: “ And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:9-10).

This stunningly quick and conclusive victory over Satan and the rebellious inhabitants of earth is immediately followed by what Scripture refers to as the white throne judgment of all unbelievers, both dead (brought back to life) and living. They, too, are “thrown into the lake of fire” which is the “second death” (Revelation 20:14).

Suddenly, the scene switches from the final judgment of all who have rejected Christ and his Kingdom on earth to what many Bible scholars simply refer to as Eternity. In the very next chapter, John is given a vision of what will transpire at the beginning of a wonderful new era between God and mankind. Read with me this remarkable description:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21: 1-5).

The New Jerusalem (Temple or Not)?

Following this incredible announcement is a majestic depiction of the New Jerusalem; however, to keep pace with our topic of a rebuilt temple, we’ll skip to verse 22: “I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Also, of paramount importance: “And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:26-27).

Two things are clear in these verses: (1) there will be NO temple in the New Jerusalem. (2) The new earth will still be inhabited by people (why would God create a new earth if there were no human beings being born to populate it); but only believers will be permitted to dwell in the New Jerusalem. Yet, there’s another phenomena: Even though there will be a New Jerusalem, the Old (current) Jerusalem will remain on the new earth. I say this with a great deal of certainty because throughout the Old Testament, we see that this Holy City of God will last forever.

For example: “The Lord says, ‘Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you. Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they, too, will be my people. I will live among you … The land of Judah will be the Lord’s special possession in the holy land, and he will once again choose Jerusalem to be his own city’” (Zachariah 2: 10-12). Also, see Zechariah 8: 20-23, which includes, “The people of one city will say to the people of another, ‘Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us. Let’s worship the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I’m determined to go’” (Verse 21).

The New Jerusalem is described as a city, but when we read the details in Revelation Chapter 21 (including the huge dimensions … 1400 miles long, 1400 miles wide, and 1400 miles high!) we realize that it’s much more than just a city. It will be larger than any nation on the earth … factoring in the 1400 mile height of the city!

So what about the 3rd rebuilt Temple and/or Ezekiel’s Temple? Just as the earthly city of Jerusalem will remain forever, so will Ezekiel’s Temple. To support this conclusion, we read the following: “In the end, the enemies of Jerusalem who survive the plague will go up to Jerusalem each year to worship the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters. Any nation in the world that refuses to come to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, will have no rain” (Zechariah 14:16-17).

Then verse 21: “In fact, every cooking pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. All who come to worship will be free to use any of these pots to boil their sacrifices. And on that day there will no longer be traders in the Temple of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

The plague referenced in this verse refers to the final defeat of all nations who fought against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:12). When correlated with other passages of Scripture, we know this to be the final battle of Armageddon (for example, see Revelation 19:11-21). In fact, Zechariah 14:16 begins with, In the end, meaning the conclusion of the Great Tribulation. The annual Festival of Shelters or Booths (Sukkot in Hebrew) is the only festival in which God will require that all nations send representatives to attend. Why? Because the Festival of Booths is a remembrance of God’s provisions, protection, but most of all his presence among his people … going all the way back to Israel’s wanderings for forty years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land.

Then we’re told that the sacrificial system will be ongoing, right down to the use of holy pots/pans (dedicated or set aside for this special purpose) to cook the sacrifices. And the Temple will, in fact, exist; because traders (merchants) will no longer be allowed in the Temple.

Though it’s crystal clear in Scripture that the sacrifice of Messiah’s blood and life was once and for all time to replace the Levitical sacrificial system, that doesn’t mean that animal sacrifices will not be resumed. According to Daniel Chapter 9, sacrifices and offerings will be reinstated during the seven-year treaty (Tribulation) with Israel. It’s just that the reason or purpose for them will be changed and understood by all after the Tribulation. Everyone will plainly comprehend that animal sacrifices are not the means of/to salvation; instead they will be a means of remembrance for what Christ accomplished in the past.

Ezekiel not only describes the dimensions and qualities of the Temple in extraordinary detail, but he also expounds with equally fascinating features regarding requirements of the Levitical priests and of animal sacrifices. To repeat: animal sacrifice is no longer a means of atonement for sin. Only personal belief in and acceptance of the final sacrifice of Jesus Christ can take away our sin and its penalty. So, please don’t confuse my premise that both the Temple and Temple activities (such as animal sacrifice) will continue throughout the Millennium (and beyond) with the idea that people will be redeemed by such sacrifices. That was not true under the Law of Moses, and certainly not true in the New Covenant Age of Grace, which began with the death, burial, and resurrection of Messiah. I am not in any way contradicting the entire book of Hebrews or dozens of other Biblical passages that tell us salvation is possible only by total trust in the grace of God-given to us through the finished work of Christ on the Cross.

Desecration of the (Rebuilt) Temple

As many students of Biblical prophecy know, the temple will be defiled by a ruler (known as the beast or Antichrist of the New Testament) as graphically depicted in Daniel 9:26-27. The armies of that ruler (read Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved, 666, or Eye of Prophecy articles in the category of Antichrist for the identity of this man) destroyed the 2nd Temple in 70 AD, as predicted by Daniel in Verse 26. Upon the return of this ruler (from the Abyss), he will make a seven-year covenant with Israel, but then break the treaty after 3 ½ years by putting a halt to the (temple) sacrifices and offerings, only to erect a sacrilegious object that violates the Temple. Although Daniel 9 doesn’t specifically tell us that it will be the temple that is desecrated, Jesus, himself identifies the “…sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place” (Matthew 24:15). There’s only one Holy Place for the Jews—none other than the Holy of Holies found in the inner sanctuary of the Temple. So, any observant Jew reading Daniel 9:27 would fully comprehend that the only place that could actually be defiled would be the Holy Place of a rebuilt Temple.

Why rebuild the Temple? The umbrella answer: It is part of God’s sovereign plan for the Jews and for Israel. Accordingly, most Jews today (even many secular Jews) are passionate about two things: the coming of Messiah and reconstruction of the Temple. But more specifically, it will undoubtedly be the cornerstone, indeed, the only way for the ruler or beast or Antichrist to negotiate and implement a treaty-like agreement with Israel. In exchange for what? For a promise of peace between Muslim and Jews—the kind of peace that the United States and governments all over the world are trying to establish in the Middle East, as reported by journalists and commentators nearly every day.

When will this 3rd Temple be rebuilt? Answer: Immediately following the Rapture, then the reappearance of the beast of Revelation. Another source to confirm a rebuilt Temple is found in Revelation Chapter 11, when Revelation’s author John was told to, “…Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshippers. But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months” (Revelation 11:1-2). Why not measure the outer courtyard? Because that is the court (yard) reserved for the Gentiles, present in both the 1st and 2nd Temples. In the case of the 3rd Temple, Antichrist will take over the court of Gentiles and then the Inner Sanctuary itself.

What will happen to the 3rd Temple? As indicated, it will be desecrated by the Antichrist, but there are no prophecies in Scripture to indicate it will be destroyed; contrasted to the first two temples of which destruction was prophesied for both of them. After the glorious return of Messiah Jesus at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, I’m equally convinced this Temple (constructed soon after the Rapture) will be reconfigured to match precisely the dimensions and requirements stipulated in/for Ezekiel’s Temple. Or, it might completely replace the 3rd Temple; the Bible doesn’t specify one way or another.

But we can’t dismiss out-of-hand the fact that there will be a rebuilt 3rd Temple (with animal sacrifices and offerings) during the Tribulation. And there’s nothing in Scripture to indicate that the Temple (and offerings) won’t continue into the Millennium, and even after the Millennium. Conversely, there is solid evidence to show that Temple offerings/sacrifices will be on-going.

What about the communion service among believers as the means to remember our Lord’s death on the cross? I believe it will no longer be necessary once Jesus returns. “For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again” (I Corinthians 11:26, italics for emphasis). Once Christ returns, there’s no need for a continuing announcement or remembrance of his death, at least not through communion.

New Jerusalem … Old Jerusalem?

For the Jews, the rebuilt 3rd Temple in the historic holy city of Jerusalem will be their special place of worship and remembrance of Messiah’s redemption for them and for the whole world, right up to and through the time of the new heavens and earth. Indeed, there will be a New Jerusalem. But there also will be the Old Jerusalem, alive and well and flourishing on Planet Earth.

Despite the evidence already presented, if you have any doubt about both a New Jerusalem and the Old Jerusalem, then read with me from Isaiah:

“Look, I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy” (Isaiah 65: 17-18). Note: in this section of the chapter it’s important to grasp the incredible fact that the Lord will first create a new heaven and earth (which is exactly what Revelation 21 tells us), before we read what comes next. Also, the phrase create Jerusalem isn’t referring to creation of the New Jerusalem. Rather the word create in the context of the passage means to make or making Jerusalem a happy place (to live).

Then in the remainder of Isaiah Chapter 65, Isaiah paints a vivid picture of what life will be like on the new earth (not the New Jerusalem, but on the earth itself). Not the least of which is, “No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life. No longer will people be considered old at one hundred! Only the cursed will die that young! In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains” (Isaiah 65:20-22).

Do you see what Isaiah is saying? Unlike the New Jerusalem, which is the city built by God, full of mansions (rooms) prepared for believers by Christ himself (see John 14); a city with no need of the sun or moon, for the glory of the Lord illuminates it, the ancient city of Jerusalem in the land of Judah (Israel) will still be present on the new earth. And its inhabitants (mostly Jews) will “live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards.” Whereas, everything in the New Jerusalem will be totally built and provided by God, himself. Do you see the difference?

In the New Jerusalem, there will be, “…a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations” (Revelation 22: 1-2). And, as a reminder, there is no Temple in the New Jerusalem.

When describing the rebuilt temple, Ezekiel says: “In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side” (Ezekiel 47:1, italics for emphasis). Notice that the stream (or river) flows from beneath the Temple door; but the river in the New Jerusalem flows from the throne of God.

Then later in this chapter, Ezekiel describes the length and directional flow of this river. Of particular interest is what he saw on both sides of the river: “When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the river” (Ezekiel 47:7). Then later in this passage the man (pre-incarnate Christ) showing Ezekiel all of these things states: “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing” (Verse 12). Though there are similarities with the trees of the New Jerusalem (new crop each month and leaves for healing), there are some distinct differences.

In the New Jerusalem there are only two trees, one on each side of the river. And the river flowed down the center of the main street. In Ezekiel, there are (many) “fruit trees of all kinds (that) will grow…” *Note: The river trees of Ezekiel’s Temple will produce fruit for the people of the earth. The fruit of New Jerusalem’s trees will be for the saints who reside in that city. The leaves of all of the these trees will be for healing and medicine, with, I believe, the two trees of the New Jerusalem providing cures for ailments/diseases that even the Temple trees cannot cure! It’s much like the Levitical sacrifice of animals that covered sin, but could not remove it. Only Messiah’s sacrifice was the final cure for sin.

But the most compelling or convincing distinction of all (to demonstrate that these are different rivers and trees) is that the Temple river in Ezekiel flows to the Dead Sea and will make the Dead Sea waters fresh again, with an abundant supply of fish that, “…will fill the Dead Sea, just as they fill the Mediterranean” (Ezekiel 47:10). The Dead Sea will not be relocated to the New Jerusalem!

Chronological Summary

Rapture of the Church (Body of Christ). This could happen any day now!

Reappearance of the Beast (Antichrist) from the Abyss.

Seven-Year Treaty with Israel, to include reconstruction of the 3rd Temple and reconstitution of the Jewish Levitical Sacrificial System.

Forced cessation of offerings/sacrifices by Antichrist 3 ½ years into the treaty.

Beginning of the Great Tribulation (Times of Jacob’s Troubles) that will last for 3 ½ years.

Triumphant Return of Christ to end the Great Tribulation (Just before or just after will be the desecration of the Temple by Antichrist … see Daniel 12:11).

Complete conquest/victory by Messiah (and the host of heaven) over Antichrist and his enemies that join him. The beast and false prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Confinement of Satan for 1000 years in the Abyss.

Rule and reign of Christ on the earth from Jerusalem, along with all believers.

Release of Satan from the Abyss after 1000 years.

Final battle of all time (Gog/Magog) when God destroys by fire all the nations that come against Jerusalem, led by Satan himself.

Satan thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Great White Throne Judgment of all unbelievers, both dead and alive. They, too, will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

Creation of a new heaven and a new earth.

The New Jerusalem descends from heaven.

The advent of Eternity, where all born-again believers with resurrected, glorified bodies will inhabit the New Jerusalem.

Life will continue on the earth, with the Old City of Jerusalem the very center of all life, including worship/sacrifices in the new Temple.

Things to Ponder

Construction for Solomon’s Temple and the 2nd Temple both began on the 1st day of the Hebrew month Iyar. We are currently in the Hebrew calendar month of Iyar. I’m wondering if work will begin on the future 3rd Temple on this same date. Also, both the 1st and 2nd Temple were destroyed on the 9th day of Av (July-August Roman calendar). But the final temple won’t be destroyed. In fact, during the Millennium (and beyond), the traditional fasts and times of mourning will be no more. Thus, for example, Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) will become exclusively a day of celebration much like Passover and Tabernacles are now. (See Zechariah 8: 18-19).

Interesting?!

A Third Jewish Temple?

26 Saturday Apr 2014

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A THIRD JEWISH TEMPLE? (Part I)

On Sunday, April 13, two days before the seven-day Passover celebration began, Israeli security forces were dispatched to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock) to quell a riot instigated by Palestinians who were throwing stones at visiting Israelis. Police, too, were pelted with rocks and with Molotov cocktails; they responded with stun grenades and rubber bullets. The Arab rioters brandished Hamas flags and barricaded themselves inside the Dome of the Rock. Presumably, these Muslim extremists were trying to prevent any Jewish presence on the Temple Mount during Passover, as that would clearly mean the Jews were there to worship on this High Holy Day. Though dispelled, the rioters succeeded, as Jews were banned from Temple Mount during most of the Passover seven-day observance.

Unrest and confrontations on Temple Mount are anything but new; however, this pre-Passover incident was more violent than most. Plus it was the latest of several incidents that seem to be increasing in number and intensity. On March 20th, while ascending Temple Mount, MK (Member of the Knesset) Moshe Feiglin and his group were attacked by stone-throwing Arab youths who screamed “Allah Akbar” during the assault. Prior to that (March 16th), Israeli Housing Minister Uri Ariel was forced to leave the Temple Mount when Palestinian Muslims turned violent.

In February, Israeli security personnel were accosted by Arabs throwing stones and firecrackers. In another incident, dozens of Palestinian teenagers attacked Israeli police on duty at Temple Mount. As noted in a very recent article by journalist David M. Weinberg, writing for the newsletter Israel Hayom, “…Arab youths regularly accost Jewish visitors to the site (Temple Mount), and have taken to almost-daily stoning of Israeli police. The Arabs have even been caught stocking stones and other riot gear inside the mosques. Outrageously, the police response to these attacks has been to close the site to Israeli-Jewish visitors and tourists, instead of closing it to Arab visitors.”

Weinberg goes on to say, “And of course illegal Waqf excavations continue on the Temple Mount without Israeli archaeological supervision. We know that over the past decade the burrowing-out by the Waqf of the underground Solomon’s Stables has wantonly destroyed thousands of years of Jewish relics and history. It seems that the Palestinians are neither willing to countenance live Jews on the Temple Mount nor dead Jews on the Mount of Olives.” (Here, Mr. Weinberg is referring to hundreds of Jewish graves). *Note: During my trip to Israel in March, 2006, I would have been extremely disappointed had I been prevented from stepping foot on the Mount of Olives or the Temple Mount, two of my favorite holy sites.

David Weinberg’s conclusion: “Israel’s control (never mind sovereignty) over the united city is fraying.”

israeli_attack_alaqsa-360x200

Israeli Security Forces on Temple Mount

Displaying the height of hypocrisy that makes suspects victims and victims the perpetrators, Jordan accused Israel of violations against the al-Aksa Mosque (Dome of the Rock) and assault against innocent Palestinians shortly after the April 13th skirmish. Jordanian Foreign Minister Amman advised the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Nevo that, “assaulting Muslim worshippers and allowing (in) Jewish extremists must stop … that Jordan holds Israel as the ‘occupying power’ responsible for the security of the mosque and its Muslim worshippers.”

To further demonstrate this hypocrisy, the Jordanian Waqf maintains ultimate authority over who is allowed (or not allowed) to enter the confines of Temple Mount; and, under no circumstances are Jews permitted to pray or exhibit any signs or gestures or acts of worship while on Temple Mount. If a Jew were seen with his head bowed and lips moving, the response would be immediate expulsion from Temple Mount, as that would be indicative of praying. Frankly, that would be no different from a Muslim organization in America (or any other organization) refusing a United States citizen permission to visit the Statue of Liberty. Or if, visitation was allowed, by then attacking American citizens or foreign tourists once they set foot on the premises. It all would depend on whether there were any rioters present at the time.

In reaction to his forced evacuation, Housing Minister Uri Ariel stated, “The reality where there are disturbances on the Temple Mount and these prevent Jews from ascending is unacceptable. I went up this morning and I intend to continue to do so in the future, and I demand from the security forces to secure Jewish sovereignty and allow any Jew to go to the Temple Mount freely.”

In response to Ariel’s stated intentions and increasing demand by several Israeli MKs and government officials, as well as by an increasing number of Israeli citizens, the Knesset has recently begun to listen to Jewish demands to pray and worship on Temple Mount.

Significance of Temple Mount

For readers of this article that may not be fully aware of the importance of the Temple Mount to both religious and secular Jews, let me paraphrase what has been stated in a couple of previous Eye of Prophecy articles: Jerusalem is the very heart and soul of Israel, and the Temple Mount is the heart and soul of Jerusalem. It is none other than Mount Moriah, where Abraham nearly sacrificed his only son, Isaac; and later the site where Solomon’s Temple and the 2nd Temple were built. Unfortunately, it is also the location of the Muslim Dome of the Rock, built some 1600 years after Solomon’s Temple and 1150 years after Ezra and Nehemiah’s Temple. The Muslims knew full well what they were doing when they erected the Dome of the Rock: deliberately replacing the most holy site of the Jews with a mosque that would usurp all Jewish religious and historical rights to Mount Moriah and to Jerusalem itself. Today, Islamists are rewriting history by teaching Arabs (and all others who will listen) that the Jewish Temples never existed in the first place.

It’s true that Israeli officials have (ever since Israel won the Six-Day War including recapture of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount) disallowed Israelis from worshipping on the Mount, but only to maintain some semblance of peace and prevent the very kind of viciousness that is becoming all too common … violence that is always instigated by Palestinian Arabs. That’s why Israeli police were stationed at Temple Mount in the first place: To first and foremost enforce the rule that Jews cannot worship there. In other words, to comply with and enforce an edict that comes straight from a foreign country … Jordan. But, as indicated, the ever-growing attacks by Palestinians are directed against Israelis just for being on Temple Mount regardless of the reason, which they are allowed to do at certain hours of the morning, as long as no praying or worship is displayed.

It would be tantamount to British activists trying to prevent Americans from seeing the Washington Monument in our nation’s capital under the alleged pretense that British sovereignty and history was being desecrated just because America won the Revolutionary War and made Washington D.C. our permanent capital. What kind of reasoning is that? Would you tolerate such convoluted logic and intimidation and simply bypass the Washington Monument?

Just contemplate for a moment: What would be the reaction of Americans if Mexico issued a proclamation that United States citizens could visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas only under strict conditions and only during certain hours of the day? Plus, after stepping foot in the confines of the Alamo, they could not, under any circumstances, salute the American flag or even carry a flag or utter a single word about the brave Americans who died defending the Alamo. And woe betide them if they bowed their heads and uttered a prayer, one that God himself gave as a model to Israel and any nation that seriously wanted God’s blessing: “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

Your immediate response might be: “Now you’re talking about the need for Americans to humble themselves before God, acknowledge our wickedness (such as government sponsored abortions), and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance.” And you would be right … but only because of a little rabbit trail departure! My main emphasis was an analogy between a foreign nation imposing political, religious, and cultural demands on American citizens in the same fashion that citizens of Israel are prohibited from exercising their God-given rights to freedom of worship in their own land, at the holiest site in all of Judaism, whenever they choose, without fear of racial insults or bodily harm or death.

How important is the Temple Mount to the Jews and to Israel? I’ll tell you how priceless and precious it is. Although President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has imposed several conditions on the Israelis before he will even sit down at the negotiating table, Prime Minister Netanyahu has imposed only one condition: Recognition of Israel as a Jewish State. And, incorporated in that stipulation is the implied and default component that Jerusalem is Israel’s undivided capital. Virtually all other issues are negotiable to the Israelis. But Jerusalem will not be divided between east and west, and the Temple Mount must not be (permanently) annexed by a people who aren’t even citizens of Israel.

Even though I understand why, it’s nevertheless completely amazing to me that Israel relinquished a single square foot of Jerusalem to Jordanian or Palestinian control after re-capturing the holy city in the Six-Day War of 1967 at the highest price possible—the blood and lives of their soldiers and civilians. Why did they give back part of what they won in battle? Sad, but easy answer: To maintain a semblance of peace through appeasement of the Arabs but mostly as a concession to global pressure, including the United States.

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Aerial view of Temple Mount

Things Are Changing

It’s apparent that Israelis are growing tired of constant unrequited demands of conciliation not only from the Palestinians, but by Middle East Muslim nations; and not only by Muslim enemies who have sworn to destroy Israel such as Iran, but also by allies of their enemies, i.e. Russia, China, North Korea, Indonesia. But the worst of all: Western nations, especially European, whose citizens are displaying overt and ominous signs of Anti-Semitism almost on a daily basis. And, with a great deal of alarm, I’m beginning to wonder about the loyalty of the Unites States toward Israel.

Many Jews, especially the observant Jews, but also non-observant (secular) Israelis—some who are MKs or State officials—are beginning to question the right of the Israeli government and certainly the right of a foreign nation or non-Israeli citizens such as the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to place strict regulations (or any regulations at all) against freedom of movement and worship on Temple Mount.

But the recent and renewed interest in the Temple Mount is not just based on an increasing discontent with these restrictions. I firmly believe the primary reason for this resurgent passion toward Israel’s revered and venerated holy site has much more to do with the crescendo of enthusiasm over the coming of Messiah. An integral part of this desire for His appearance is the eagerness to rebuild the Temple. There are several organizations in Israel whose members are devoted to this 2000-year old dream, none more so than The Temple Institute.

A Rebuilt Temple … just a matter of time?

In the introductory pages of their website, The Temple Institute states, “THE SCHOLARS OF THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE have dedicated their lives to raising public awareness of the importance of the Holy Temple in the life of all mankind, both Israel and the nations of the world. The Institute seeks to disseminate this knowledge, rekindle the desire and yearning for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, and help to prepare as much as possible for the actual rebuilding.”

The Temple Institute considers it their mission to, “…educate about the great significance of Mount Moriah, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the only site in the world that is considered holy by the Jewish people, and the only site in the world which G-d chose to rest His presence through the establishment of the Holy Temple.” *Note: Most observant Jews do not insert the vowel when they write the English name of God … this out of total reverence for Hashem (The Name). I’m referring to the Old Covenant name of God that he gave to Moses … I AM who I AM or Yahweh. Or more accurately: YHWH.

Referencing the April 13th attack at the Temple Mount and blasting the Jordanian Waqf (Muslim Trust), Temple Institute International Director, Rabbi Chaim Richman declared, “In the middle of Jerusalem there is a city-state with diplomatic immunity where the enemy flag is unfurled and where plans are being made to attack Jews … that is absolutely unspeakable.” Of course, the city-state referenced by Rabbi Richman is the Muslim Dome of the Rock—compared to the Vatican (city-state) that has complete control over all people and activities conducted in Vatican City. Among other things, the Vatican has diplomatic immunity and separate sovereignty from the Italian government.

Another entity called, The Temple Mount Organizations is an umbrella group promoting Jewish rights to the Temple Mount. On April 10, they conducted their third annual “dry run” of a Passover sacrifice. That date was the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the day instructed by God for the Hebrews to begin preparation of their lambs for the first sacrifice (Exodus Passover). To then be observed on an annual basis.

Many Rabbis in Israel—indeed, all over the world—believe the Messiah could arrive any day. Accordingly, they contend that members of the priestly families who will be responsible for conducting Temple services need to be ready. Currently, there are those in Israel (in the family tree of Levi) training for the priesthood. Sacred Temple vessels have already been crafted by the Temple Institute, and priestly garments are being fashioned to precise Biblical specifications.

Referencing the 3rd Temple’s prophetic past and future, The Temple Institute relays, “…it is a story still unfolding, the most exciting chapters being written now, in our own times.”

How right they are! End time prophecies are, indeed, unfolding before our very eyes. I’ve sometimes fancied myself born in previous generations. What would I have done, have become? What would it have been like to follow George Washington into battle with the very future of the United States of America at stake? Or a pioneer in a covered wagon on a dangerous, but victorious journey to beautiful California. Or alongside of Christopher Columbus on his way to a Brave New World? So many possibilities, so many quests. But if God gave me a choice to live in a dozen past generations with a hundred exhilarating (but safe!) adventures, I would turn them all down to live right now, for such a time as this!

No, I wouldn’t trade any time in history for the present day … hopefully for the awesome thrill and privilege to be transfigured and transported directly to heaven in the Rapture. To watch daily events through the prophetic binoculars of the Word of God, and to watch as the hope of fellow believers increases exponentially for that final trumpet to sound. The entire earth is being prepared for the awesome return of our Lord and Savior, Messiah Jesus.

Nearly every month another piece of the prophetic puzzle is assembled. But to our Almighty God in Heaven, it is not a puzzle at all. It is a beautiful, magnificent tapestry intricately woven together from the ancient past. It is like a very long parade seen only one float at a time by humanity, but viewed in its entirety from above by our Glorious God. Everything from the salvation of souls all over the world (including Israel) to the planning and preparation for the coming 3rd Temple, right down to the utensils used!

Recently, two men, Moshe Hachim and Eli Yorav requested permission from Israeli police officials to conduct a sacrifice on Temple Mount, by means of a portable alter, wood (for the fire), vessels for collecting the blood, and other needed instruments. And, of course, a lamb! I do not know the result of this petition. Undoubtedly, it will be rejected. But only for now. One day it will happen. When it does the time will be very, very short for Messiah’s majestic return to the Mount of Olives, not much more than a stone’s throw from Temple Mount!

Things to Ponder

“After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway. Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the Kebar River and then when he came to destroy Jerusalem. I fell face down on the ground. And the glory of the Lord came into the Temple through the east gateway” (Ezekiel 43:1-4). Can the glory of the Lord (Messiah, himself) enter a Temple that hasn’t yet been built?

Don’t miss next week’s article: Part II of the Jewish Temple, beginning with: Will there be a Third Temple. If so, When and Why?

Blood Moons

19 Saturday Apr 2014

Posted by in The Rapture

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BLOOD MOONS

How many moons are there? Well, let’s count some of them. There are new moons, crescent moons, half-moons, and full-moons. There are white moons, blue moons, cold moons, and moons over Miami. There are hunter’s moons, harvest moons, planting moons, and thunder moons. And, the moon that has recently captured global attention (over 3,000,000 hits on Google alone in the past few days) is the ever famous Blood Moon.

Blood Moon? Such a strange, almost morbid way to characterize the earth’s moon, but even scientists’ use this graphic term to explain what happens during a total eclipse of the moon. They do their best to teach us about the sun, earth, and moon lining up; about refracted rays of the sun; resulting shadows that fall on the moon, darkening it; all part of a lunar eclipse that gives the moon a sort of copper, orange, rust-red coloration, all netted in the phrase blood moon. Ugh … a bloody moon? The thought somehow conjures up things that I really don’t want to conjure. In fact, I don’t ever want to conjure anything at all. Leave conjuring to the conjurers, I say.

Did contemporary astronomers of the 20th or 21st century coin this mysterious, gloom and doom, almost unscientific expression of blood moon. Not even close. The concept has been around for thousands of years, and the phrase is used dramatically in the context of the end times “Day of the Lord.” Let’s read about it in the Old Testament book of Joel written around 800 BC:

“Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us” (Joel 2:1). Then later in the same chapter, “And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood-red before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives” (Joel 2: 30-31, italics for emphasis).

Last week’s Eye of Prophecy article was entitled, Passover, an Enduring Legacy. And, of course, it dealt with the very first Passover deliverance of the Jews from hundreds of years of bondage in Egypt. But it also explained the relevance to today’s celebration of Passover and Resurrection Day, i.e. redemption from the wrath of God and from personal (and national) sin and the penalty of that sin. Moreover, God instructed the Jews to annually celebrate that first Exodus Passover for all time. Later, when the Mosaic Law was given by God to his people, six more annual festivals were ordained, three of which required a personal journey to Jerusalem by the Jews—Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, and Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. Many Jews today believe that Messiah will make his appearance (to the observant Jew it will be Messiah’s first arrival) during Passover week. That “the day of the Lord” may bring more (temporary) heartache, but ultimately will be their Day of Redemption!

Here, I need to interject my own personal belief (based on a pretty intensive study of Scriptures and history for several decades), that each of the Old Testament festivals is a forerunner prototype, a shadow if you will of the Messiah … who he is, what he did upon his first appearance, and what he will do when he returns. We’ve already talked about the significance of Passover and how it interactively represents and relates to, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” The Feast of Tabernacles reminds the Jews of God’s protection and provision during their 40 years in the wilderness, so accomplished by God’s very presence on Mt. Sinai, in the Cloud Pillar and, of course, in the Tabernacle itself.

For Jewish and Gentile Christians in this current Age of Grace, Tabernacles also reminds us that for some 33 years, God was actually present on this earth (Immanuel, god with us) in the form of his very Son, Yeshua ha Mashiach … Jesus the Christ. Then Scripture gives us the incredible promise that Messiah will return to live with his people (the redeemed) FOREVER. Did you know that the Feast of Tabernacles is the only festival that will be a perpetual requirement for observance/celebration during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth, and for all eternity after that? (See Zechariah 14). Why? To never forget and to forever acknowledge that El Shaddai (Almighty God) is our very life and existence. He gives life at the moment of conception and he gives life a second time (everlasting) when we are born-again from above. We must have that life to overcome the consequence of physical death (soul/spirit separation from the body) and spiritual death (eternal separation from God). To remember the Feast of Tabernacles (also called Feast of Booths) is to say to the Lord our God, “We trust you for food, clothing, shelter, family, life, truth … for everything!”

Jewish Festivals and Blood Moons

As first postulated by Pastor/Author Mark Blitz in his publication on Blood Moons, then subsequently presented by Pastor John Hagee, founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, in his book, Four Blood Moons, they believe that there is an undeniable connection between full eclipses of the moon (blood moons) and major Jewish festivals, especially Passover and Tabernacles. As summarized by reporter, Tom Olago in Prophecy News Watch, “While lunar eclipses themselves are not rare—four consecutive blood moons or a ‘tetrad’ are more uncommon—sometimes going several hundred years without one. However a blood moon on Biblical Feast days is extremely rare. It has only happened eight times since 1 A.D.”

Pastor Blitz further explains that the last two cycles of blood moons that took place on Jewish festival days occurred a short time after two monumental events in Jewish history: the national birth of Israel in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967. Another blood moon cycle occurred in 1492, around the time that the Queen and King of Spain expelled all Jews from that country. In Western civilization we also remember 1492 for what? Of course you know: Columbus sailing to and discovering America!

Thus, Pastors Blitz and Hagee speculate that the current tetrad could very well be in proximity to another significant event involving Israel. They could be right. Putting it another way: I would be the last to say that they’re wrong, if for no other reason than the historical precedents just cited. However, I would also caution against an automatic or default cause and effect type of association between this blood moon tetrad and the Rapture which sets in motion The Day of the Lord.

The first of these four blood moons took place this past week—April 15th on Passover. It’s my understanding that tens of thousands stayed up (or got up) in the early morning hours after midnight to watch the two-hour gradual eclipse of the moon. There was a time when I might have joined them; but at this stage of my life, it was way past my bed time! Besides, that’s what newspaper and internet photographs are for.

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The next blood moon will occur this year on October 8, the festival day of Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles. The third one next year—again on Passover, April 4, 2015—and the final blood moon eclipse on September 28, 2015 … again on Sukkot.

Fortunately, neither Pastor Blitz nor Pastor Hagee dogmatically claim that one of these events will be the day when Christ raptures the Church. And, that’s good, because no one knows the day or hour of our Lord’s return. To select any one of the four days would be just another attempt to “guess” even though the guess may be on a significant date, such as those that comprise the tetrad. As said, one of those days has already come and gone (April 15th), without an event of huge consequence happening to/in Israel or, for that matter, anywhere in the world.

Connections between Rapture, Festivals, Moons, End Times?

Personally, I think it would be great if the Rapture would occur on one of these very important festival dates. Especially September 28th … my birthday. Kidding, but not entirely! But all of us who passionately long for the return of our glorious Savior Jesus Christ know full well that ANY day (the sooner the better) would be a wonderful day! Alongside of the triumphant return of Christ to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem to set things right throughout the entire earth, the Rapture of believers in Christ will be the most spectacular event of all time. Not necessarily the most important (that belongs to the day that our Lord arose from the dead), but arguably the most stunning.

So, based on the previous tetrads in proximity to the rebirth of Israel and the recapture of Jerusalem, can/should we expect a milestone event to occur, particularly affecting the nation of Israel? To answer that question, let’s return to Joel 2:31, “…and the moon will turn blood-red….” Or, is there a direct connection between the coming lunar eclipse tetrad (one leg of the tetrad already past) and the Rapture of the Church, or the Day of the Lord?

First, this prophecy will be fulfilled, “before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives.” The obvious implication here is that it will take place during the aspect of the Day of the Lord that involves God’s wrath poured out on the earth … in other words during the Great Tribulation. The Day of the Lord includes both punishment (Tribulation) and blessings, which will begin with the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth. The tetrad events of 1492, 1948, and 1967 are too far in the past to connect them to the day of the Lord which has not yet arrived. Plus, the fact that there have been eight of them since 1 A.D. leads us to the conclusion that, although there very well could be a connection between a full lunar eclipse and something dramatic taking place in Israel, we should not dogmatically conclude that one of the remaining three blood moons will immediately precede or coincide with the beginning of the tribulation. Not only that, but notice what else will take place, and in what order. “The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood-red…”

Jesus amplified and expounded on this passage during his Mount of Olives discourse to his disciples regarding the end times. He said, “Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29). The strong implication in these two passages concerning the sequence of events is that the darkening of the sun (also refer to the fifth bowl judgment found in Revelation 16:10) and the moon turning to blood will take place well into the seven-year Tribulation period, perhaps half-way through. But this “turning of the moon into blood-red” will be much more than just an eclipse of the moon. For sure the eclipse of the moon (especially on Biblical Jewish festival days) is a marvelous sight to behold. Equally remarkable is that some of these “tetrads” have been in very close proximity to monumental milestones of Jewish history.

One or more of the remaining three blood moons might occur at the same time or close to the same time as some significant event (say, for example, an Israeli preemptive attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities). But, I don’t believe the blood-red moon of Joel will be a “normal” lunar eclipse. It will be a very special wonder in the sky, which will probably take place totally separate from a regular scheduled eclipse that all scientists can predict with a great deal of certainty and accuracy. I’m convinced that the blood moon during the Day of the Lord will “eclipse” (pun intended) any and all blood moons that have already occurred or will occur again during a scheduled eclipse of the moon. It will truly be a supernatural event in which the moon will look more blood-like in appearance that any eclipse ever witnessed by man.

Plus, in conjunction with the moon turning to blood, the sun will become completely dark … no light at all for a period of time. And, so will “the moon give no light…” I believe this will take place soon after the moon turns to blood. There will also be other, “wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke” (Joel 2:30). And, “…the powers in the heavens will be shaken” (Matthew 24:29).

Listed to what Jesus said would come next, “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens … And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30).

The Joel prophecy of what is clearly a one-time moon turning to blood-red and giving no light event, preceded by the sun (completely) darkened doesn’t fit with 2000 years of periodic lunar eclipses in which the moon is described as a “blood moon.” In other words, Joel’s prophecy isn’t being fulfilled gradually over hundreds of years. However, these blood moon lunar eclipses have been a harbinger and a forerunner of what will take place during that great and terrible day of the Lord. And, in God’s sovereignty and emphasis on holy days that he established for the nation of Israel, blood moon tetrads have been linked with milestones in Israel’s history, and very well may do so again. And, as much as I (and many of us) would like to see the Rapture take place on one of these glorious festivals (holidays, meaning Holy Days), I’m equally convinced it will not.

When We Least Expect

Instead, the Rapture will most likely take place on some “ordinary” day far removed from such days as Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Christmas, Resurrection Sunday, Purim, or any other vitally important day that we might revere and celebrate. Why on earth would I say something so anticlimactic, so over-the-top, so uninspired, so uneventful, so … well, so, negative!?

What is the basis for such a conclusion? This premise is based on what Jesus, himself, said. Most of us know the passage; in fact, we’ve just referred to it, i.e. Matthew Chapter 24 (and 25). Many of you will recognize the verse. Here it is: “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected” (Matthew 24: 44, italics for emphasis).

Did you catch that? Of course, you did. To further emphasize and reinforce his statement that no one knows the hour or the day of his return, Jesus gave us another strong clue. He will return (on a day) when we least expect him to arrive. There are 365 days in the year (360 if you use the Hebrew calendar). If we rely heavily on what Jesus is telling us, then combine it with all the other end times passages, I think we can safely assume (predict) that he will not take us home in the Rapture on any holiday of great importance to us or to the Jews. Besides, the only prophecy remaining for the church, itself (the body of Christ consisting of both Jews and Gentiles) is the Rapture. This prophecy has no bearing whatsoever on all the predictions pertaining to Israel and the Jews, such as the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel as a people and a nation.

Thus, I believe it is a mistake, at least a miscalculated presumption to claim or even to speculate beyond mere possibility that blood moon tetrads (lunar eclipses) have a direct correlation with the Rapture of the Church. If that were the case, then our Lord has teased us some 7 ¼ times during the past 2000 years. Some could even argue that we have been misled to think that blood moon tetrads will signal the return of Christ. But misled only if they make a connection that should be reserved to significant events pertaining to Israel. Do you see the difference?

Blood moons? Do they apply to Israel? Absolutely, they do, but we never know which ones or when, until something happens such as the Six-Day War of 1967. Do blood moons apply to the Church or the Rapture? Highly unlikely; however, the Great Tribulation that follows the Rapture will see an abundance of signs/wonders in the heavens and unimaginable plagues on the earth never experienced before and never to be experienced again. The reason that the darkened sun, and the blood-red moon which gives no light of Joel Chapter 2 will be so utterly spectacular, is because it will defy all scientific explanations including a lunar eclipse. And, these signs will be but two of many wonders in the heavens and earth, “before that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives.”

Things to Ponder

As a matter of emphasis, I would repeat my (and I think all who passionately hope for the soon-to-be glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ) earlier preference that the Lord’s return might be on a significant day of the year. Wouldn’t it be marvelous if the Last Trumpet would sound, our mortal bodies transfigured, and we ascend to heaven (Rapture) while we’re opening presents on Christmas Eve or Day? Or while we’re listening to Handel’s Messiah on Resurrection Sunday? Or while Jews and some Gentiles are celebrating Passover?

The evidence weighs heavily against the Lord’s appearance on such days. But as suggested: Any day of the year would be the most wonderful day imaginable, if it were the day of our Lord’s return to take us home! Meanwhile, let’s follow Paul’s majestic appeal to Titus and other believers: “For the grace of God had been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed” (Titus 2: 11-13).