Tag Archives: Anti-Christ

The Spirit of the Antichrist-Opposition by Replacement

November 6, 2024 Eddie Leave a comment

The Antichrist is Here Today!

“…And this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard was coming and is now already in the world.” 1 John 4:3

This phrase, written by John, the beloved disciple, to a congregation of believers, contains a warning:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Notice the word “spirit” in each passage. The “spirit” of the antichrist is not written verbatim anywhere else in Scripture. The word antichrist is used only four times in the Bible. All four incidences are in the brief but urgent letters of John (1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:3, and 2 John 1:7). So why is this important to the believer or anyone who is unknowingly under the spell of the spirit of the antichrist? Many teachers today are so concerned about the identity of the antichrist that they miss the message about the spirit of the antichrist. At the core of John’s warning is that spirit (character) that motivates the work of the antichrist.

In these two instances, the spirit of the Antichrist is pointing to false prophets (teachers) of the Antichrist. We are instructed to be cautious about believing spirits described as false teachers. False teachers have existed since the beginning of time, and there are false teachers today. It would be safe to say that most of the world, including a portion of the body of believers, is deceived in one way or another by the spirit of the antichrist, not just the doctrines. Understanding the spirit, not just the words in a creed or set of beliefs can trip us up. John points out that the spirit of the antichrist is in the world today. That was 2,000 years ago. It is just as true today as it was then.

The Spirit of False Teaching VS Incorrect Teaching

Let’s put this stake in the ground so we don’t proclaim individuals as the antichrist because their teaching doesn’t align with ours or our understanding of Scripture. Remember, God’s teaching (or doctrine) came through holy men who the Holy Spirit inspired, guiding our understanding.

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

True teachings always aim to bring people to Christ. Someone can love Jesus and not have all the doctrines straight in their mind. In other words, let’s not be too quick to judge another person’s experience because they may have different nuances in their Christian beliefs. The spirit of deception should be our main concern.

Today, many false teachers proclaim this or that person, or persons, to be the antichrist. But, before someone can break the spell of the antichrist, they must understand its spirit. To get started, let’s break down the opening passage:

The Antichrist has a motive. It has developed this spirit within itself over time.
John’s audience has heard that the antichrist is coming. Where did they hear this? What was their source? Would it not be in the written word of God, particularly from the Old Testament, not to mention the other writers of the New Testament?
The antichrist, or at least its spirit, is already in the world!

So, we have a spirit motivated by an experience that opposes Christ, the Messiah.

What is this spirit? What is its motive? Let’s consider this question from Scripture. Let’s go way back!

We know from Scripture (the Old Testament included) that this enemy of Jesus is Lucifer, who became Satan, the devil. Historically, we can see this spirit in Biblical characters. Satan is working behind the scenes, deceiving and lying, to set up his plan to deface the image of God and to dethrone Him from His rightful position as God. Satan was defeated at the cross and the resurrection, but he continues even though he knows his fate. If he goes down, he will take as many of God’s beloved sinners with him!

Paul also knows about the antichrist. He describes him using two additional terms: “man of sin” and “son of perdition.” Notice that these are male references.

“who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits^]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2: 3-4

Opposition by Replacement

Again, breaking down these verses, we observe something subtle about the Antichrist, aka “the man of sin” and “the son of perdition.’ He opposes by attempting to replace God.

Not only does he oppose God, but he exalts himself above all that is called God. In effect, he wants to replace God. Opposition by replacement!
He replaces worship due to Jesus with his own. Again, Opposition by replacement!
He sits in the temple, where Jesus should be, and proclaims himself to be God! He shows “himself” that he is God. He is not God, but he thinks he is. Opposition by replacement!
Eventually, the antichrist will be revealed for who he is. But preceding this event, a “falling away” will occur. There will be the spirit of apostasy within the church. Indeed, this has happened over the life of the church. Hundreds of denominations were created by “falling away” from the truth and God’s supremacy.

In effect, Satan wants to replace God. He does it through surrogates: This has been Satan’s motive from the start…to oppose God, but to do it indirectly by replacing God with someone else. This is the spirit of the Antichrist. Paul seems to be drawing on this passage in Isaiah,

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.
On the farthest sides of the north,
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’ Isaiah 14: 12-14

Opposition by Replacement!

Satan, the father of lies, does not work in an ugly, devilish way but by impersonation. Through the false prophets that John describes in our opening verses. How are they deceived? Are only the scholars not deceived? Those not deceived know God’s word, but the knowledge that means the most is the life-saving knowledge- a personal experience and knowledge of the spirit of God.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Satan seeks to place himself between you and the spirit of God (His character and motivation). The character or spirit of the antichrist has a resemblance to the worship of the true God. Still, ultimately, the spirit is about control and his motivation for destruction/defacing God’s image. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy the spirit of God by replacing Him and creating followers who think they are doing God’s will. This is not just a denomination but a spirit that can flow through any church.

In conclusion, while we are looking for one man designated as the “antichrist,” the spirit of control, replacement, and disfigurement of who God is (His character) is alive and well today, even in those who profess to be followers of Christ.

But a man of perdition, a beast, and a woman riding on a dragon will be revealed as the church begins to decline—a state we find ourselves in in 2024. We will talk about this next time as we examine Old Testament Characters that are examples of the spirit of the antichrist. Eventually, the man of perdition will be revealed through the prophecies inspired by God and communicated to us by angels to men of God who spoke under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Antichrist and his spirit are in the world today. Over the subsequent few sessions, the Antichrist will be identified through markers found throughout scripture and history. But remember, the spirit of the Antichrist is to deceive (look like the real thing) and seek to replace God by receiving only what is due to the Great God of the Universe.

Inspiration

Lying and Deception-A Rampant Deadly Disease

February 18, 2022 Eddie Leave a comment

More deadly than COVID is the plague of lies and deception. This fatal disease infects everyone in the world in one way or another. It is not limited to politicians, rulers, and famous people. Marriages and relationships can’t escape this deadly grip. It is in churches, synagogues, and places of worship. It has become the fabric of advertising, documentaries, and entertainment.

People receive phone calls from scammers telling them lies to steal their identity and hard-earned money every day. Husbands and wives tell lies to cover adulterous relationships. The Church and its leaders have not escaped its tentacles. Pastors, preachers, teachers, and followers deceive when the truth is not convenient or cuts across their desires or traditions. Cult leaders weave truth and lies to create false religions. Why is this?

The Anti-Christ-The Ultimate Delusion

Paul reveals why people (including church members) are easily deceived. He addresses the Thessalonian church concerning the last days and the Anti-Christ (son of perdition, lawless one). The Anti-Christ uses lies and deception to fool the people into following Him because they don’t love the truth. The pleasure of sin and convenience sets them up in a mindless state for strong delusion.

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

1 Thessalonians 2: 9-12

Sadly, God’s truth is not respected, mainly because it is inconvenient, as one politician put it, concerning the environment.

Both Jesus and His disciples cautioned the church against lies and deception concerning the return of Christ. Jesus had just told the disciples that the temple would be destroyed. They connected the destruction of the massive temple with the return of Jesus. But Jesus was more concerned about deception than brick and mortar. The first words out of Jesus’ mouth were cautions about deception regarding His return. He used the word “deceive” four times. The entire subject of Matthew’s chapter 24 is to provide clarity about the method, signs of His return, and necessary preparation for His return.

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many…. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”

Matthew 24:4,11, 25

Lying and Deception’s Connection to All Sin

Aren’t you tired of those who lie so convincingly only to have the truth come out later? What disappointment! God’s word makes it clear that lying is a serious business and it has serious eternal consequences.

What makes lying and deception so invasive is its connection to many other sins. Lying is often the foundation for sins such as theft, adultery, murder, selfishness, pride, and even the worship of God.

It is no wonder then that God forbids it. It is the ninth commandment. But don’t let its position minimize its importance. It is a sin just as deadly as any other sin you can think of. James tells us:

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

James 2:10

The ultimate fate of those who practice lying and deception is tragic. They will be destroyed by fire. They will die what the Bible calls the second death (eternal death).

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 21:8

In the last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22), there is a description of those raised in the second resurrection. After a thousand years, Satan deceives them to attack the Holy City New Jerusalem from heaven to earth. The city is surrounded, but God sends fire down from heaven, consuming them forever. This is the second death. Among these lost souls are those who practice lying.

But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

Revelation 22:15

The Origin of Lying and Deception

The first recorded lie in the Bible came from the fallen angel Lucifer who was thrown out of heaven. His lie contradicted the plain word of God to the first couple. If only Adam and Eve had believed God and walked away, things would have been different. But they didn’t. They listened and did not hang up on the deceptive call from the one who had only destruction of God’s creation on his mind. God had said they would die; Satan said they wouldn’t. It is the pattern of lies to bring comfort and assurance to its victim initially. Then they are caught in the snare.

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

Genesis 3:2

Here is where Eve should have hung up on the call from Satan. She should have walked away and continued tending the garden with Adam. But she didn’t. She listened. Here is a lesson for us all: Listening to lies and considering them is never productive. It is best to hold up your hand and refuse to even hear or consider it!

Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Genesis 3: 4-5

For disobedience, God says death. Satan says, “No!”. The subject of life and death has traveled the course in this world. Their is confusion about the meaning of death. The pagan belief in reincarnation says you never die. Even the Christian church has adopted the idea that a person (soul) never dies. They live in eternal flames or heaven. They claim the soul is immortal, but scripture never once says it is. This first lie explains away the clear passages on death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

Death falls upon all men because all have sinned, but the second death (Perishing) by the lake of fire, as described by John in Revelation 21:8, is death that is eternal. It is the final paycheck for those who refuse the invitation of God and desire to live in sin. These have not trusted in Jesus to give eternal life provided at the resurrection when He comes (See 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15: 51-55). Therefore, only the redeemed will live eternally. The lost will perish.

He who has the Son has ^[life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:12

The most famous verse in the Bible puts before the reader the two options of life or death (Perish).

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Belief (trust) in Jesus leads to everlasting life. The opposite (unbelief or not trusting) leads to perishing.

Father of Lies

The self-righteous Pharisees approached Jesus one day and started an accusatory conversation with self-deceived lies about Jesus. Jesus told them how to be free in the truth:

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32

Here is the only way to be free from deception, lies, and ultimately death in the lake of fire. We are to abide (live) by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” regardless of tradition, convenience, or pleasure.

The soft-spoken Jesus told the religious leaders in plain words their condition. He wanted them to be free. They claimed their pedigree of having Abraham as their father. But Jesus contradicted them and claimed they had another father because they wanted to kill Him.

Their temper was roused, and they alluded to Jesus’ apparent illegitimate birth through the fornication of Mary.

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.”

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

John 8: 40,41

Jesus ignores their nasty assertion. He then asks a great question and provides the answer. It is a vital truth that rings down to our time. It has to do with understanding and believing Jesus. Then he reveals that Satan is the father of all lies, their real father.

Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. (We don’t understand Jesus because we don’t listen) You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.

John 8: 43-47

What Shall We Do?

I am tired of all the lies in our society and in myself. I cannot watch TV without deception and lies from advertisers and Hollywood writers. A friend of mine records all his shows and sports events to skip the commercials. I have tried the same. If the streaming service doesn’t allow it, I simply mute the commercials.

Satan is the father of lies and deception. He desires to deceive even the very elect (if possible) into eternal death. Lies and deceit are dangerous. It can start as a white lie and then get out of control into a forest fire.

The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, sets on fire the course of nature, and set on fire by hell.

James 3:6

If you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, repent from the deadly sin of lying and deception and turn to the truth of God’s word. He will never lie to you, and He will change you. Will you join me in asking God to change us…to make us a new creature where lies do not occupy the temple of God? Would you let this be your prayer today?

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.

Psalm 120:2

The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-THE ANTI-CHRIST REVEALED-PART 7

November 11, 2019 Eddie Leave a comment

The revelation of the Anti-Christ begins in Daniel 7 and 8. This is a study that provides many facts and history easily verified in any library. It is not for the faint-of-heart, but for those who have a living relationship with the Savior or for those seeking the truth as found in God’s word and through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Much thanks to Amazing Facts for this material. If you would like more information about Amazing Facts, please go to https://www.amazingfacts.org/

Who … or what … is the antichrist? Evil alliance—or sinister individual? Some say his appearance is still in the future. Others say he appeared long ago in the days of ancient Rome. But the Bible indicates that he is alive today! Bible prophecies teach that this antichrist power will play a crucial role in the final events of earth’s history. Do you know who he is? Are you sure? You need to be, for you can’t understand last-day events until you understand this evil power. Be prepared for one of the most intriguing Study Guides yet!

This Study Guide is based on the book of Daniel chapter 7 and clearly and unmistakably identifies the antichrist. But it is only an introduction. Future lessons will reveal details of some of his activities that will have worldwide impact. What you discover today may displease or sadden you, but please remember that the prophecy of Daniel 7 comes from Jesus, who loves you. Pray for God’s guidance as you delve into this urgent subject. Be sure to read Daniel 7 before studying this lesson.

1. As chapter 7 begins, Daniel sees four beasts coming up out of the sea. In prophecy, what does a beast represent? What does the sea represent?

“The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth” (Daniel 7:23).
“The waters … are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues” (Revelation 17:15).

Answer: A beast represents a kingdom or nation. Water represents multitudes of people or large populations.

2. The four beasts of Daniel 7 represent four kingdoms (verses 17, 18). Babylon, the first kingdom (Daniel 2:38, 39), is represented as a lion in Daniel 7:4. (See also Jeremiah 4:7; 50:17, 43, 44.) What do the “eagle’s wings” mean? What do the “four winds” of verse 2 represent?

“The Lord will bring a nation against you … as swift as the eagle flies” (Deuteronomy 28:49).
“Says the Lord of hosts: … a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the farthest parts of the earth. And … the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth” (Jeremiah 25:32, 33).

Answer: The wings of eagles represent speed. (See also Jeremiah 4:13; Habakkuk 1:6–8.) Winds represent strife, commotion, and destruction. (See also Revelation 7:1–3.)

The bear with three ribs in its mouth symbolizes Medo-Persia.

3. What kingdom does the bear represent (Daniel 7:5)? What do the three ribs in its mouth symbolize?

Answer: Read Daniel 8. Notice that the beasts in chapter 8 parallel those in chapter 7. Daniel 8:20 specifically names Medo-Persia as the kingdom that precedes the male goat—that is, Greece—of verse 21. Medo-Persia is the second kingdom—the same power as the bear of Daniel 7. The empire was made up of two groups of people. The Medes came up first (represented in Daniel 7:5 by the bear raising up on one side), but the Persians eventually became stronger (represented in Daniel 8:3 by the ram’s second horn that grew “higher”). The three ribs represent the three principal powers conquered by Medo-Persia: Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.

The leopard beast of Daniel 7 represents the world kingdom of Greece.

4. Greece, the third kingdom (Daniel 8:21), is represented by a leopard with four wings and four heads (Daniel 7:6). What do the wings represent? What do the four heads represent?

Answer: The four wings (instead of two, as the lion had) represent the incredible speed with which Alexander conquered the region (Jeremiah 4:11–13). The four heads represent the four kingdoms into which the empire of Alexander the Great was divided when he died. The four generals who headed these areas were Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.

The world empire of Rome is symbolized by the monster beast of Daniel chapter 7.

5. The Roman Empire, the fourth kingdom, is represented by a powerful monster with iron teeth and 10 horns (Daniel 7:7). What do the horns represent?

Answer: The 10 horns represent the 10 kings or kingdoms into which pagan Rome was eventually split (Daniel 7:24). (These 10 kingdoms are the same as the 10 toes of the image described in Daniel 2:41–44.) Roving barbarian tribes swept in upon the Roman Empire and carved out land niches for their people. Seven of those 10 tribes developed into the countries of modern Western Europe, while three were “uprooted” and destroyed. The next section will discuss those kingdoms that were rooted up.

Visigoths – Spain

Anglo-Saxons – England

Franks – France

Alemani – Germany

Burgundians – Switzerland

Lombards – Italy

Suevi – Portugal

Heruli – Rooted up

Ostrogoths – Rooted up

Vandals – Rooted up

The little horn of Daniel 7:8 represents Antichrist.

6. In the Daniel 7 prophecy, what happens next?

“I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words” (Daniel 7:8).

Answer: The “little horn” power appears next. We must identify it carefully because the biblical characteristics identify it as the antichrist of prophecy and history. There must be no mistake in making this identification.

7. Does the Bible give clear points identifying antichrist?

Yes. God’s Word gives us nine characteristics of the antichrist in Daniel 7 so we can be certain of his identity. And even though some might find these truths painful, we must be honest enough to accept them as His revealed will. Now let’s discover these nine points.

Answer:
A. The little horn would come “up among them”—that is, from among the 10 horns that were the kingdoms of Western Europe (Daniel 7:8). So it would be a little kingdom somewhere in Western Europe.

B. It would have a man at its head who could speak for it (Daniel 7:8).

C. It would pluck out or uproot three kingdoms (Daniel 7:8).

D. It would be different from the other 10 kingdoms (Daniel 7:24).

E. It would make war with and persecute the saints (Daniel 7:21, 25).

F. It would emerge from the pagan Roman Empire—the fourth kingdom (Daniel 7:7, 8).

G. God’s people (the saints) would “be given into his hand” for “a time and times and half a time” (Daniel 7:25).

H. It would “speak great words against” or blaspheme God (Daniel 7:25 KJV). In Revelation 13:5, the Bible says the same power speaks “great things and blasphemies.”

I. It would “intend to change times and law” (Daniel 7:25).

Don’t forget—all these identification points come directly from the Bible. They are not some human opinion or speculation. Historians could tell you quickly what power is being described because these points fit only one power—the papacy. But in order to be certain, let us carefully examine all nine points one by one. There must be no room left for doubt.

8. Does the papacy fit these points?

Answer: Yes—it fits every point. Let’s take a closer look:

A. It came up among the 10 kingdoms of Western Europe.
The geographical location of the papal power is in Rome, Italy—in the heart of Western Europe.

B. It would have a man at its head who speaks for it.
The papacy meets this identifying mark because it does have one man at the head—the pope—who speaks for it.

C. Three kingdoms were plucked up to make way for the rise of the papacy.
The emperors of Western Europe were largely Catholic and supported the papacy. Three Arian kingdoms, however, did not—the Vandals, Heruli, and Ostrogoths. So the Catholic emperors decided they must be subdued or destroyed. Here is how theologian and historian Dr. Mervyn Maxwell describes the results in volume 1, page 129, of his book God Cares: “The Catholic emperor Zeno (474–491) arranged a treaty with the Ostrogoths in 487, which resulted in the eradication of the kingdom of the Arian Heruls in 493. And the Catholic emperor Justinian (527–565) exterminated the Arian Vandals in 534 and significantly broke the power of the Arian Ostrogoths in 538. Thus were Daniel’s three horns—the Heruls, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths—‘plucked up by the roots.’ ” It is not difficult to recognize that the papacy fits this point.

D. It would be different from the other kingdoms.
The papacy clearly fits this description, as it came on the scene as a religious power and was different from the secular nature of the other 10 kingdoms.

E. It would make war with and persecute the saints.
That the church did persecute is a well-known fact, and the papacy admits doing so. Historians believe the church destroyed at least 50 million lives over matters of religious conviction. We quote here from two sources:

1. “That the Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history.” ¹

2. In The History of the Inquisition of Spain, D. Ivan Antonio Llorente provides these figures from the Spanish Inquisition alone: “31,912 persons were condemned and perished in the flames,” and 241,450 were “condemned to severe “penances.”

Words of Care and Concern
Lest anyone should think that we are attacking fellow Christians by identifying the little horn power, please keep in mind that the prophecy is aimed at a system and not individuals. There are sincere, devout Christians in all churches, including the Catholic faith. Daniel 7 is simply a message of judgment and correction upon a large religious institution that compromised with paganism, as many other churches have also done.

Prophecy Reveals Faults of All Faiths
Other prophecies point out the faults of the Protestant and Jewish faiths. God has true people in all religions. His true people (no matter what their faith) will always humbly accept the correction of the Lord and will not shut their ears and hearts against Him. We should be thankful that God’s Word speaks with impartial honesty on every subject.

Prophetic Time:
Time = 1 year
Times = 2 years
½ time = ½ year

F. It would emerge from the fourth kingdom of iron—the pagan Roman Empire.
We quote two authorities on this point:

1. “The mighty Catholic Church was little more than the Roman Empire baptized. … The very capital of the old Roman Empire became the capital of the Christian empire. The office of Pontifex Maximus was continued in that of the pope.” ²

2. “Whatever Roman elements the barbarians and Arians left … [came] under the protection of the Bishop of Rome, who was the chief person there after the emperor’s disappearance. … The Roman church … pushed itself into the place of the Roman World-Empire, of which it is the actual continuation.” ³

G. God’s people (the saints) would “be given into his hand” for “a time and times and half a time.”
Several things need clarification here:

1. A time is a year, times is two years, and half a time is half of a year. The Amplified Bible translates it: “Three and one-half years.” ⁴

2. This same time period is mentioned seven times in the books of Daniel and Revelation (Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5): three times as a “time, times, and half a time”; twice as 42 months; and twice as 1,260 days. Based on the 30-day calendar used by the Jews, these time periods are all the same amount of time: 3½ years = 42 months = 1,260 days.

3. One prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34).

4. Thus, the little horn (antichrist) was to have power over the saints for 1,260 prophetic days; that is, 1,260 literal years.

5. The rule of the papacy began in ad 538, when the last of the three opposing Arian kingdoms was uprooted. Its rule continued until 1798 when Napoleon’s general, Berthier, took the pope captive with hopes of destroying both Pope Pius VI and the political power of the papacy. This period of time is an exact fulfillment of the 1,260-year prophecy. The blow was a deadly wound for the papacy, but that wound began to heal and continues healing today.

6. This same period of persecution is mentioned in Matthew 24:21 as the worst period of persecution God’s people experience. Verse 22 tells us it was so devastating that not one soul would have survived if God had not shortened it. But God did shorten it. The persecution ended long before the pope was taken captive in 1798. It is plain to see that this point, likewise, fits the papacy.

H. It would speak “pompous words” of blasphemy “against [God].”
Blasphemy has two definitions in Scripture:

1. Claiming to forgive sins (Luke 5:21).

2. Claiming to be God (John 10:33).

Does this point fit the papacy? Yes. Let’s first look at the evidence for it claiming to forgive sins, taken directly from its own literature: “Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ.”⁵ The papacy further undermines Jesus by setting up a system of confession to an earthly priest, thus bypassing Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 3:1; 8:1, 2) and only Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Next, consider the evidence for it claiming to be God: “We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.”⁶ Here is more evidence: “The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ, Himself, hidden under the veil of flesh.”⁷

I. It would “intend to change times and law.” In a future Study Guide, we will deal with the “times” of this point. It is a major topic and needs separate consideration. But what about changing “law”? The Amplified Bible translates “law” as “the law.” The reference is to changing God’s law. Of course, no one can really change it, but has the papacy attempted to do so? The answer is yes. In its catechisms, the papacy has omitted the second commandment against veneration of images and has shortened the fourth commandment from 94 words to eight and divided the tenth commandment into two commandments. (Check this for yourself. Compare the Ten Commandments in any Catholic catechism with God’s list of the commandments in Exodus 20:2-17.)

There is no doubt that the little horn power (the antichrist) of Daniel 7 is the papacy. No other organization fits all nine points. And, incidentally, this is not a new teaching. Every Protestant Reformer, without exception, spoke of the papacy as antichrist.⁸

The angel told Daniel that the prophecies of this book would be sealed until 1798, the time of the end.

9. Wasn’t Daniel told to seal up his book “until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4)? When will Daniel’s prophecies be opened to our understanding?

Answer: In Daniel 12:4, the prophet was told to seal the book till the “time of the end.” In verse 6 an angelic voice asked, “How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?” Verse 7 says, “It shall be for a time, times, and half a time.” The angel assured Daniel that the section of the book dealing with end-time prophecies would be opened after the end of the 1,260-year period of papal control, which was, as we learned earlier in this Study Guide, 1798. So the time of the end began in the year 1798. As we have seen, the book of Daniel contains crucial messages from heaven for us today. We must understand it.

All religious teachings must be compared with Scripture to determine their accuracy.

10. Many Christians today have been misinformed regarding the antichrist. To believe an untruth about the antichrist could cause a person to be deceived. What should a person do when new Bible teachings are encountered?

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Answer: When a new Bible teaching is encountered, the only safe procedure is to compare it carefully with Scripture to see if it is in harmony with God’s Word.

11. Are you willing to follow where Jesus leads, even though it might be painful?

Concluding Remarks

Many momentous prophecies from the Bible books of Daniel and Revelation will be featured in upcoming Amazing Facts Study Guides. God has given these prophecies to:

A. Reveal earth’s closing events.

B. Identify the participants in the final phase of the battle between Jesus and Satan.

C. Clearly reveal Satan’s sinister plans to ensnare and destroy us all.

D. Present the security and love of the judgment; God’s saints will be vindicated!

E. Uplift Jesus—His salvation, love, power, mercy, and justice

Major Participants Will Appear Repeatedly

Key participants in the closing war between Jesus and Satan will appear repeatedly in these prophecies. These include: Jesus, Satan, the United States, the papacy, Protestantism, and Spiritism. Jesus repeats and expands His messages from the prophets to make certain His warnings of love and protection come through with clarity and certainty.

Answer:

Thought Questions

1. I always thought the antichrist is a person, not an organization. Am I wrong?

This Study Guide has presented evidence that the antichrist is an organization—the papacy. The words “eyes of a man” in Daniel 7:8, however, do point to a leader. Revelation 13:18 speaks of a man with a number being involved. In Daniel 8, Greece is represented by a goat and its leader, Alexander the Great, is symbolized by a horn. The same is true of antichrist. The organization is the papacy. The pope in office is its representative. The prophecy of Daniel 7 is not saying that popes are evil and that Catholics are not Christians. There are many warm, loving Catholic Christians. The system, however, is called antichrist because it has attempted to usurp Jesus’ authority and attempted to change His law.

2. Do you think it is wise for Christians to pass laws enforcing Christianity?

No. The Bible is clear that all should have freedom to choose the direction they wish to go in matters of conscience (Joshua 24:15)—even if they choose to deny God. The Creator permitted Adam and Eve to choose to disobey even though it hurt both them and Him. Forced worship is not acceptable to God. Forced worship is the devil’s way. God’s way is loving persuasion. History shows that virtually every time the church passed laws to enforce its beliefs, persecution and murder of others resulted. This is a lesson we can learn from the history of the little horn during the Middle Ages.

3. Perhaps I have misunderstood, but my concept has always been that antichrist would be an evil being who openly opposed God. Is this concept incorrect?

We usually consider the word “anti” to mean “against.” It can also mean “in the place of” or “instead of.” Antichrist is guilty of assuming the prerogatives of God. It claims:

A. Its priests can forgive sins—which only God can do (Luke 5:21).

B. To have changed God’s law by dropping out the second commandment (against
worshiping images) and splitting the tenth into two parts. God’s law cannot be changed (Matthew 5:18).

C. That the pope is God on earth.

Satan’s Original Plan
Satan’s original plan was to assume God’s position and authority. His aim was to oust God and rule in His place. (See Study Guide 2.) When Satan was ejected from heaven, his aim did not change but rather intensified. Through the centuries he has endeavored, using various human agencies, to discredit God and take over His position.

Antichrist Appears to Be Spiritual
Satan aims to replace God in these last days by deceiving people into following the antichrist, who appears spiritual and holy. The main purpose of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation is to expose Satan’s traps and strategies and lead people to anchor in Jesus and His Word for safety.

Antichrist Will Deceive Many
Most people will follow the antichrist (Revelation 13:3) thinking they are following Christ. Only the elect will be safe (Matthew 24:23, 24). They will be secure because they test every spiritual teaching and leader by Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). Religious deception is everywhere. We cannot be too careful.

4. Doesn’t the Bible say in 1 John 2:18–22 that there are many antichrists?

Yes. There have been many antichrists down through history who have worked against the kingdom of God. However, there is only one entity that specifically fulfills all the prophesied characteristics of the antichrist. In Daniel chapters 7 and 8 and in Revelation chapter 13, you will find at least 10 identifying traits of the antichrist. These 10 identifying marks are all fulfilled in only one entity—the papacy.

5. In prophecy, does the symbol “beast” mean “beastly” characteristics?

Not at all. God uses the symbolism of a beast to signify a ruler, nation, government, or kingdom. It is His way of depicting governments in prophecy. We do this ourselves to some degree: We have depicted Russia as a bear, the United States as an eagle, etc. The symbol “beast” is not a demeaning, disrespectful term. It is synonymous with “animal” or “creature.” Even Christ is portrayed as a lamb by John the Baptist (John 1:29) and the apostle John (Revelation 5:6, 9, 12, 13). The term “beast” is utilized by God to give us a message about nations and leaders—good and evil.

Quiz Questions

1. Which four world kingdoms are represented by beast symbols in Daniel chapter 7? (4)

_____   Sweden.
_____   Egypt.
_____   Greece.
_____   China.
_____   Medo-Persia.
_____   Japan.
_____   Babylon.
_____   Iraq.
_____   Rome.

2. In Bible prophecy, a beast represents a (1)

_____   Computer.
_____   Kingdom or nation.
_____   Creature or alien.

3. The 10 horns on the monster beast represent (1)

_____   Ten years.
_____   Ten special cities.
_____   Angels.
_____   Riches.
_____   The kingdoms into which pagan Rome eventually split.

4. How many tribes or nations were “rooted up” by the little horn power? (1)

_____   Eight.
_____   One.
_____   Six.
_____   Three.

5. The little horn power, or Antichrist, represents (1)

_____   One of Babylon’s generals.
_____   An evil ruler from the days of old pagan Rome.
_____   An evil power that will arise after the second coming of Jesus.
_____   Atheism.
_____   The papacy.

6. Check the true statements about the little horn (Antichrist) power from the list below: (3)

_____   It came from Egypt.
_____   It would persecute God’s people.
_____   It arose immediately after Babylon fell.
_____   It speaks great words against God.
_____   It attempted to change God’s law.

7. In prophecy, “time, times, and a half time” is symbolic of (1)

_____   Three and one-half literal days.
_____   42 years.
_____   1,260 literal years.

8. When did “the time of the end” begin? (1)

_____   A.D. 31
_____   A.D. 1991
_____   A.D. 588
_____   A.D. 1798

9. Antichrist is an organization, rather than a person. (1)

_____ Yes.
_____ No.

10. Antichrist exists today. (1)

_____ Yes.
_____ No.

11. God approves of enforcing true worship by law. (1)

_____ Yes.
_____ No.

12. General Berthier’s capture of the pope only wounded the papacy. Its deadly wound began to heal and continues healing today. (1)

_____ Yes.
_____ No.

13. What item from the list below is essential for the spiritual safety of God’s people in these end-time days? (1)

_____   Learn to preach.
_____   Pray much in public.
_____   Test every religious teaching by the Bible.

14. Are you willing to follow where Jesus leads, even though it may be painful? (1)

_____ Yes.
_____ No.

The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-THE BASIS FOR THE ANTI-CHRIST’S STRONG DELUSION-PART 6

October 25, 2019 Eddie Leave a comment

“and all the world wondered after the beast..”

Revelation 13:3

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

2 Thessalonians 2: 10-11

How can the beast of Revelation 13 (aka the Antichrist) convince an entire world to follow? In the coming studies, the Antichrist will be revealed through God’s word. Please understand it is not something I discovered. It has been known for thousands of years. Great men and women of God proclaimed it long before our generation. But, there is a counterfeit to this information as there is with all of God’s truth. The enemy uses deception because he is the father of lies and there is no truth in him.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25

So how can we know the truth about the Antichrist? Only one way. From our Creator through His written and inspired word.

“Thy word is truth.”

John 17:17

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When we begin our study on the Antichrist, we must understand the foundation from which this work of delusion operates. This delusion is so strong that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The elect, are not deceived. Why? The answer lies (in part) in our opening passage 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.

They received the love of the truth.

Over the years since my conversion to Christ from atheism (43 years), I have seen people come to Christ and receive Him. And, just as Jesus warns in the parable of the seed, there are many who receive the truth with joy, but for various reasons (e.g., cares of this life, riches, and tribulation), they fail to grow roots in the soil of Christ to produce fruit into salvation See Matthew 13.

But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Matthew 13: 20-21

Our passage in 2 Thessalonians 2, says, that because the truth is not loved, they are open to strong delusion and they will believe a lie.

Last week we studied how the religious people of Christ’s day did not accept Jesus because they were comfortable in their religious experience. They were self-deceived and felt no need of Jesus nor His words. Their world revolved around tradition. Change was not an option for them.

The religious people of the time of Jesus had the Tanakh (aka Old Testament) which was overflowing with prophecies about their Messiah Jesus, but Jesus didn’t fulfill the image they had formed in their imaginations. To this day, they continue to look for Him based on tradition and not the Tanakh (scripture). It was because of their traditions, the power of their peers, and false beliefs about the scripture that caused them to be in a state of delusion.

This will happen again before the Lord returns, or should I say , it is happening!

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One of the first works of Jesus after His resurrection was to explain to His disciples about Himself as revealed in scripture (Tanakh). It was because of Jesus’ “Bible study” and the reality His resurrection that His followers built a stronger faith in Him. We are told in scripture that faith comes by hearing God’s word.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Romans 10:17 NIV

If we desire more faith in Christ, then when need more of the word of God. Wouldn’t you agree? Revival in our hearts will come when we hear more of the word of God and less of our own word.

When talking with the Jews, Jesus said,

For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

John 5:46-47

Indeed, Jesus gave a “Bible study” to His disciples when he talked with them on the first day of the week after His resurrection. It was not a New Testament Bible study because this portion of scripture was yet to be written, Don’t misunderstand, the New Testament is just as much of scripture as the Old Testament because holy men spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the Holy Spirit through the followers of Jesus.

“These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

Luke 24:44-45

Peter compared the letters of Paul with scripture. Notice that the untaught and unstable “twisted” the meaning of his writings as they do with all scripture:

…and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

2 Peter 3:16

We miss the entire story of Jesus if we say, “Well, that is in the Old Testament. It has been done away with. I don’t have to listen to it.“ It is true that there is an old covenant that passed away, but it does not mean that the words of the Law of Moses (First five books of the Bible), the Prophets (Major and Minor prophets, Jeremiah, Daniel, Amos, etc), and the Psalms (poetic books) have no meaning for us today. To reason in such a manner as to minimize or reject the old testament is to reject the love of the truth and the teaching/encouragement that comes with God’s entire word. But, just as important It also means missing more about Jesus and having more faith and hope in Him!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 NIV

When Jesus prayed for His disciples and all believers in John 17, he prayed to the Father these words:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

John 17:17

At the time Jesus prayed this prayer, the New Testament had not been created. Paul had not been converted. Jesus was referring to the Tanakh which contains all the books of what we call the Old Testament. Jesus used the Tanakh to help His disciples understand the scripture which spoke of Him.

The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

Psalm 119: 160

As the writers of the New Testament began to write about Jesus (the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and write letters to believers (writings of Paul, Peter, James, etc) they expounded on the Tanakh and their experience with Jesus. They encouraged the believers to trust in the entire word of God.

Notice that when Paul wrote an encouraging letter to young Timothy, there was no New Testament. He is referring primarily to the scripture or Tanakh:

“…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

Did you notice that ALL SCRIPTURE makes the man of God complete? If we ignore any portion of our Bibles, we are in danger of being incomplete. For sure, we will miss learning more about Jesus.

It is unfortunate that we (Non-Jews) call the books of the Tanakh the “Old” Testament. It insinuates that it is not only ancient but irrelevant to those living after the cross.

Soon, I hope to write on the Old Covenant VS the New Covenant. This is, perhaps, where people become confused and throw out good doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. It is true there are things that are old and things that are new, but some things never pass away.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

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If the Antichrist is going to be effective in the work of strong delusion so that the whole world follows (even some Christians), the word of God must be minimized and ignored. Tradition, pomp, and display should dazzle the eyes and ears so that God’s word becomes old and outdated. Public opinion (Unbelievers) and the professional preachers (Believers) must reign supreme. It must be in the hands of religious people who have an agenda of power and hide parts of God’s word that reveal their work of deception. All this must come together for the enemy to succeed in deceiving the whole world, so that the Antichrist may flourish. Sadly, it has already happened and continues to this very day.

“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. ”

Matthew 15:9

We are instructed to beware of teachers, leaders, and false prophets both in and out of the church who teach something contradictory to the entire word of God.

The children of Israel were warned to stay away from mediums (where the dead would talk), and fortune tellers. Why? Because they placed themselves in a place where they could be deceived:

“And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”

Isaiah 8:19

It was not the dead that talked, but satanic agencies appearing as a dead person. God appeals to them to seek Him and not things and places that would open them up to deception.

The next verse gives us a basis to avoid delusion in all situations, including those who speak without using God’s word:

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isaiah 8:20

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be where there is darkness and not light to direct me. Rather, I desire the light of God’s word to direct my path. Don’t you?

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Psalm 119: 105

We can conclude from God’s word that the work of the Antichrist will use strong delusion on those who do not love God’s truth. The tools of the Antichrist are sights, sounds, and yes even miracles. The choice, in the end, is to acknowledge one or the other. God’s truth or the sights, sounds, and false teachings of the Antichrist.

The work of the Antichrist looks to take away the one thing that can unmask the work of the enemy. It is God’s word and the work of the Holy Spirit who guides people into truth.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth

John 16:13

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In times past, we have seen God’s word burned by the Nazi’s. During the Dark Ages, the reformation began when a single Bible written in a little known language (Latin) was found by Martin Luther chained to a monastery wall.

Today, in the 21st Century, there are countless paper Bibles in multiple languages. In the last few years, the Bible has been digitized so that the work of finding verses and understanding it even in it’s early languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic has become very easy. I use Bible Gateway and Strong’s Lexicon often in writing these studies.

Despite the availability of the Bible, many do not read it or study it. We are told an interesting prophecy related to the word of God and the end times:

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord”

Amos 8:11

This was fulfilled in the Dark Ages, but because we have the Bible so abundantly, we might be tempted to think this prophecy only applies to those in old times. But, read carefully. It is a famine of HEARING the words of the Lord.

This appears to make reference that the preachers and teachers of our time using less and less of the word of God, so the people don’t “hear” the words of the Lord.

If you have teachers and pastors who not only teach the word of God but also handle it correctly, you are blessed especially if they encourage you to read for yourself. Never forget, reading and understanding God’s word is not just for those who have a Ph.D. in religion. It is for you. If you are willing to follow God’s word, he will reveal more and more of His truth.

If anyone decides to follow God’s will, they will know the teachings, whether it is from God or not. If someone decides they don’t want to do God’s will, the opposite must be true. They will be confused and, perhaps, on the path to strong delusion.

“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God…”

John 7:17

Who will God teach knowledge? What makes it easier to understand?

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?”

Isaiah 28:9 (first part)

The answer is simple:

“…them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”

Isaiah 28:9 (last part)

Is this not a description of little children (infants)?

This is why Jesus said,

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3

The context of this verse is when the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Verse 1). Jesus put a child in their midst to help them understand the great truth that we must have the faith of a little child. Jesus went on to say in the next verse:

“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

Matthew 18:4

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The work of the Antichrist was at work at the time of the disciples as well as at the time we are now living. This work was a perversion of God’s word (lawlessness) and even leading people away to different teaching:

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

2 Thessalonians 2:7

This verse takes us back to our opening verse concerning strong delusion. Let’s read again:

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

2 Thessalonians 2: 10-11

“…though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Galatians 1:8

There is another gospel preached in these last days from a messenger who appears as an Angel of Light. The deceptive work of the Antichrist will first be upon those who choose sights, sounds, public opinion and the words of a professional preacher’s doctrines that they personally prefer instead of God’s word.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

2 Timothy 4:3

Have you noticed that the council and warnings from God’s word is not to unbelievers, but to believers who have become like the Scribes and Pharisees of old…Religions and comfortable in their traditions.

If we feel we are in need of nothing and we can never learn any more truth. If we feel our denomination has all the truth, we are setting ourselves up for strong delusion. It is God’s word that has all the truth!

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But, there is another work of the Anti-Christ that is perhaps even more important to understand the objective of the Anti-Christ is to come between you and Christ. It is not only what you know, but who you know. It is less about information and more about revelation and obedience to his will. If salvation was dependent only on knowing the scripture (head knowledge), then only those with a Ph.D. in religion would be saved.

Joyce Meyer said something that is very relevant here,

“You see, there is a difference between information and revelation. No matter how much information you get, if it never turns into revelation it’s not going to do you a whole lot of good.”

That revelation must be about Jesus and His will. It is when we have a revelation of God and Jesus Christ that we make our election sure and we will never fall:

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble”

2 Peter 1:10

What are “these things” that we should do to make sure we never stumble? The answer is found in its context which are the words preceding Verse 10:

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

2 Peter 1:5-9

Is this not a pattern of growth? But, notice the part I underlined. It is telling us that we will be “fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We actually begin to know more about Jesus by doing those things described through the power Jesus gives us.

This idea is expressed in the Old Testament when Jeremiah disclosed that Joaish (The last good king of Judah) knew Him because of what he did for others:

He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?”
declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 22:15-17 (NIV)

Jesus said the same thing in different words:

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent…We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

John 17:3, 1 John 2:3-6 (NIV)

Eternal life is dependent on who you know (Jesus). But to know him must come through both God’s word and a revelation about Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. This will give you the heart to help others. If we are not willing to follow, the truth is not in us and we are deceitful to others and of little value in the work of God’s kingdom.

We may be like the Anti-Christ and have,

^“…. a form of godliness but deny its power”

2 Timothy 3:5

That power comes from God’s word and following it so that it affects your neighbor for his/her good.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5

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I hope you have seen the need to base your faith on the word of God and not on sights, sounds, large crowds, and the influence of the world.

Also, knowing Jesus through practical experience with Him day by day.

These two things will provide the basis for avoiding the strong delusion that is upon the earth now. Next time, we will move further into our study of the Antichrist and the plans to take away the one thing that will unmask the work of Satan behind the scenes….the word of God.

Blessings to you and your family until next time…Eddie

Israel in Bible Prophecy, Prophecies for Our Time

490 Years of Opportunity Ended-Israel and End-Time Events-Part 3

October 31, 2018 Eddie Leave a comment

There are many books and Hollywood-type movies about the rapture and end-time events. This material is impressively presented using modern entertainment production methods, but the producers take liberties with the truth of God’s word. It has led many Christians to believe and put their faith in books and movies rather than the plain teachings of God’s word.

The modern scenarios taught regarding the return of Jesus, the time of trouble, the anti-christ, the millennium are new to the Christian church. These popular teachings of Jesus return we not taught until recently. The early church and teachers since the availability of the Bible to the public have not taught anything but the simple Biblical teachings concerning the return of Jesus and the end-time events

Today’s movie producers include a 7 year period of tribulation initiated by the “rapture” of the church being “caught up” to heaven and Israel’s agreement with the Anti-Christ. It gives the Christian the warm feeling of avoiding any uncomfortable situations on earth before Jesus comes.

Contrary to the Bible the authors and producers split the coming of Jesus into two parts. According to them, the unprepared (including the Jewish nation) remain on the earth to endure the “time of trouble” for a second shot at salvation. During this time there are terrible events on earth, unlike anything that has ever been seen. At some point of these several years, the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” finally accept Jesus as a nation and go about evangelizing the world in preparation for the return of Christ. They present a part “A” of the return of Jesus. Part “A” is Jesus coming for His church before the 7 years of tribulation. Part “B” is the “glorious return” at the end of the 7 years where “every eye” will see Him.

These popular views are based on erroneous interpretations of Daniel, particularly Daniel 9, the plain teachings about the return of Christ; and a misunderstanding of most of Revelation.

When Jesus was asked about the signs of His coming, the first words out of His mouth were a warning to watch out for deception:

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.

Matthew 24: 3-4

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In this study, we will look at the 70-week prophecy of Daniel and the core message which is primarily a warning to Israel to prepare for the first coming of Jesus. This is a wonderful study that gives historically accurate times lines for the coming and mission of Jesus.

As I studied my way out of atheism, this prophecy helped me understand Jesus was all that the prophets, the disciples, and Jesus Himself claimed to be. It will reveal the mercy and love extended to rebellious Israel and give evidence for your faith in Jesus. The events proclaimed here were made hundreds of years before Jesus appeared on the banks of Jordan to be baptized by John and begin His earthly ministry.

As we read the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 and compare it with actual history and Biblically documented historical dates. We will discover the power of this prophecy written almost 500 years before Jesus and we will understand more about Israel and end time events!

Please follow closely. When we are finished, I recommend you verify the dates at your local library or other resources. Beware of the confusion of the internet. Also, I have included a chart at the end in the “Appendix” to make these dates easier to see and follow. There are also other helpful references.

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Let’s start by reading Daniel 9: 24-27

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

And after threescore (60) and two weeks (2) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (1): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel 9: 24-27

If you count up the number in parenthesis, you will have the 70 years mentioned at the start. There is a reason why they are split up that way. I will not go into those historical reasons in this writing.

The setting for these verses is important in understanding the prophecy. Daniel and his people (The Jews) had been taken captive by Babylon and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and lay desolate as prophesied by Jeremiah. It was predicted by Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years!

“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel 9:2

As the 70 years drew near to the end, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of the people (Verses 4-20). Then Gabriel (an angel) came and informed Daniel that he had come to

“give thee skill and understanding.”

Daniel 9:22

Then Gabriel gives the vision as stated in Verses 24-27 above. This is the skill and understanding Daniel needed other than simply knowing the Jews would soon be freed after 70 years of captivity.

From Daniel 9: 24-27 above, we observe the following:

70 weeks was given to Daniels people (Israelites) and the city of Jerusalem to:

Finish the transgression
Make an end of sins
Make reconciliation for iniquity
Bring in everlasting righteousness
Seal up the vision and prophecy
Anoint the most Holy

So God was giving the Jewish people 70 weeks or 490 days to do all those things; ending with anointing the most Holy. We shall see that the anointing of the most Holy is not in regards to the apartment in the sanctuary necessarily, but the Holy One of God-Jesus

The 70 weeks given to the Jews are calculated in the verses in sections:

threescore (60) and

two weeks (2)

7 weeks (7) and

1 week (1)

Quick addition shows this is 70 weeks or 490 days (7 X 70). But in Bible prophecy, the day = year principle should be used to unlock the timelines for history. The verses that support this principle can be found in the passages below:

“After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.”

Numbers 14:34

“And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”

Ezekiel 4:6

God gave the Jewish people 490 years for their assignment. During this time, he sent prophets and others to inspire and help keep them close to him. But as one reads their story, it is quickly seen that they often went after other gods and forsook the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob…the one and only true Creator God!

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”

Daniel 9: 24

If we can determine where the 490 years began (with certainty) we can understand the other parts of the prophecy.

The timelines start here:

“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”

Daniel 9: 25

This chart should help in the understanding of the prophecy lines.

The glorious temple of Solomon had been leveled by the Babylonians when they conquered Israel. King Nebuchadnezzar’s army took captives to Babylon including young Daniel and his friends. But, at the end of the literal 70 years, a command would be given to restore and build Jerusalem. The actual command is found in Ezra Chapter 7 when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC (See the **notes at the end).

So, now that we have a starting date, let’s see where it takes us: The first stop is the coming of the Messiah the Prince

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince…

Daniel 9: 25

The Messiah the Prince can refer only to Jesus himself. He is both the Messiah and a Prince

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

John 1:41

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

John 1:45

“For unto us a child is born, unto us, a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

So we know that from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Jesus would be a certain length of time. How long?

From 457 to Jesus is 69 weeks or 483 days or 483 prophetical years. Let’s do some math:

Starting at 457 BC and moving through history 483 years brings us to the fall of 27 AD

This is the date Jesus was baptized by John (anointed) and he began his ministry as the prophecy predicted. Here is an important verse in connection with Jesus’ baptism:

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:“

Matthew 3:16

A dove represents anointing.

Another interesting passage that makes sense in the light of Jesus beginning his ministry exactly on time according to Daniel’s prophecy some 500 years before Jesus is this one:

“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…”

Galatians 4:4

The time was “full.” In other words, Jesus came to this earth and began his ministry right on time. It may be possible that this quote is in reference to this particular prophecy. Whatever the case, we know that God knows the future and will not do anything unless he reveals it by his prophets:

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

Amos 3:7

69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks or 490 years has been explained. Isn’t it comforting to know that God, through the prophet Daniel let the world know when Jesus would come on the scene?

Now let’s look at the last week or 7 years. This is where Hal Lindsey and his followers use the 7 years as a period of tribulation. They disconnect it from this timeline and attempt to run it down to the end of time after Jesus “raptures the church.” But we are going to let the verses speak for themselves. We will keep the last week on the timeline as intended. If we do, we learn the most interesting part of this prophecy.

Daniel tells us after Jesus began his ministry that Jesus would be cut off:

“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:….”

Daniel 9: 26

But before He is cut off he would do the following:

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,

Daniel 9:27″

Jesus was to “confirm the covenant with many for 1 week or 7 days which is 7 years in prophecy. But He is “cut off” in the middle of the week or 3 1/2 days or 3 1/2 years

Jesus ministry was exactly that long (3 1/2 years) before He was “cut off” or crucified on a Roman cross in 31 AD. He ministered from 27 AD to 31 AD.

As Daniel 9:27 stated, the sacrifices and oblations also ended at the time of Jesus’ death. The law of ceremonies had served their purpose of teaching the Jewish nation about the price of sin, the sacrifice for it, and the plan of salvation. Those ceremonial laws were the School Master to bring people to Jesus and help them understand the lesson of sin, forgiveness, and grace. The School Master died forever the day Jesus died on the cross as the true Lamb of God.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:24, 25

All the festivals, drink and meat offerings, and special Sabbath days (Not the weekly Sabbath) were shadows pointing to the body of Jesus. All those had served their purpose and were fulfilled in Christ:

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Colossians 2:17

On the other side of the cross, the people looked forward in faith to Jesus (the Messiah) and what He would do for them. All of us on this side of the cross look back in faith at what Jesus has done for us.

Something extraordinary occurred at the crucifixion of Christ to demonstrate the truthfulness of the two verses above:

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Matthew 27: 50, 51

Thus ended the rounds of ceremonies and the laws put in place by Moses to teach about Jesus. Please note: These laws did not include the 10 commandments as some would assert. A study for another time.

Jesus told His disciples this:

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.“

Matthew 15: 24

Jesus was “confirming the covenant” with the children of Israel during His ministry. With them, he spent most of His time. His plea of the coming Kingdom of God was a message primarily to the Jews.

He also told His disciples to do the same:

“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 10: 5, 6

This the disciples did for 3 1/2 more years after Jesus was “cut off” or crucified in 31 AD.

This takes us 3 1/2 years forward to the end of the 70 weeks or 490 years.

In the year 34 AD some interesting things happen to mark the end of the 490 years “determined” or given unto the Jewish nation:

In this year Stephen was martyred and Paul was converted to be the teacher to the Gentiles

“I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

2 Timothy 1:11

A very interesting passage of scripture also marks the end of 70 weeks given to the Jews to do all those things of the covenant listed in Daniel 9. It is a point where the burden of carrying the gospel to the entire world is taken off the shoulders of the Jews and given to the Gentiles. It is the point where God determines who is a real Jew or seed of Abraham.

Paul and Barnabas were preaching to a large group but were interrupted by the Jews because of the large following of the two disciples. Those religious leaders who were interrupting contradicted Paul and Barnabas and actually blasphemed God! But it is what Paul and Barnabas say that marks the transition from Jew to Gentile or Spiritual Jew:

“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13: 45, 46

The appointed people of God had failed to keep the covenant (agreement) and God turned to the Gentiles and made them heir to the promises of God:

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.“

Galatians 3:29

No longer was there a distinction between literal Jew and the God’s chosen people simply identified as belonging to Christ:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.“

Galatians 3:28

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 2:28, 29

Thus the 70-week prophecy came to an end! There is no room or context in the prophecy for 7 years of tribulation or the Anti Christ. It is simply not there. To try to force it takes away from a beautiful and important part of the ministry of Christ.

While Hal Lindsey has everyone looking at Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple to mark the soon return of Jesus, the Anti Christ is at work elsewhere in the world. this we will see in future studies. This is so deceptive that almost the whole world is taken in. What a great diversion by the enemy of mankind!

In conclusion, the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 is mishandled to try and support 7 years of tribulation at the end of time and the work of the Anti Christ. If the prophecy is kept in its context, it becomes a prophecy to support Jesus as the Messiah, his crucifixion, the spread of the gospel, and God’s long-suffering with the lost sheep of the house of Israel!

Again, the summary chart of the dates demonstrate the accuracy of the events we have discussed above:

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APPENDIX

Below is information if you want more detail otherwise I hope this prophecy helped you see how God is in control.

*Notes about the dates described above:

Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used. Nehemiah has a date also. But the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the key words of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.”

The four decrees are :
The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4)
The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12)
The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26)
The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)

Let’s eliminate some of the dates based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25

Ezra 1-gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city. We can eliminate this date.

Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus. Only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date.

Ezra 7 makes provision for complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentence upon violators of the own national laws. This is the date that fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved, but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7.

Determination of the date of the decree: It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8)

Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date:

The dates for Artaxerxes reign are well documented in the ancient sources: Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt
From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C. and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.

Artaxerxes Reign	Fall to Fall
First year	464/463 B.C.
Second year	463/462 B.C.
Third year	462/461 B.C.
Fourth year	461/460 B.C.
Fifth year	460/459 B.C.
Sixth year	459/458 B.C.
Seventh year	458/457 B.C.

Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.

Note: the references in this prophecy to the destruction of the city and temple and desolations:

“….the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”

Daniel 9:27

This is not referenced to a small historical character called Antiochus or a future Anti-Christ, but to the total destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus himself when he told the disciples. There has never been a temple since then and never will be!

“Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:2

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

Matthew 24: 15-22

The total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman soldiers was horrible. Many who tried to escape were crucified outside the city. At one time, the number of crosses outside the city almost made it look like a forest of trees. Those who heeded the advice of Jesus escaped the city and remained alive.

Prophecies for Our Time, The Soon Return of Jesus

Part 6-Second Coming Predictions-The Basis for the Anti-Christ’s Strong Delusion

May 25, 2018 Eddie Leave a comment

“and all the world wondered after the beast..”

Revelation 13:3

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

2 Thessalonians 2: 10-11

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 16:25

So how can we know the truth about the Antichrist? Only one way. From our Creator through His written and inspired word.

“Thy word is truth.”

John 17:17

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They received the love of the truth.

Over the years since my conversion to Christ from atheism (43 years), I have seen people come to Christ and receive Him. And, just as Jesus warns in the parable of the seed, there are many who receive the truth with joy, but for various reasons (e.g., cares of this life, riches and tribulation), they fail to grow roots in the soil of Christ to produce fruit into salvation See Matthew 13.

Matthew 13: 20-21

Our passage in 2 Thessalonians 2, says, that because the truth is not loved, they are open to strong delusion and they will believe a lie.

The religious people of the time of Jesus had the Tanakh (aka Old Testament) which was overflowing with prophecies about their Messiah Jesus, but Jesus didn’t fulfill the image they had formed in their imaginations. To this day, they continue to look for Him based on tradition and not the Tanakh (scripture). It was because of their traditions, the power of their peers, and false beliefs about scripture that caused them to be in a state of delusion.

This will happen again before the Lord returns, or should I say , it is happening!

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Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Romans 10:17 NIV

If we desire more faith in Christ, then when need more of the word of God. Wouldn’t you agree? Revival in our hearts will come when we hear more of the word of God and less of our own word.

When talking with the Jews, Jesus said,

For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

John 5:46-47

Luke 24:44-45

Peter compared the letters of Paul with scripture. Notice that the untaught and unstable “twisted” the meaning of his writings as they do with all scripture:

2 Peter 3:16

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 NIV

When Jesus prayed for His disciples and all believers in John 17, he prayed to the Father these words:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

John 17:17

The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

Psalm 119: 160

Notice that when Paul wrote an encouraging letter to young Timothy, there was no New Testament. He is referring primarily to the scripture or Tanakh:

“…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

Did you notice that ALL SCRIPTURE makes the man of God complete? If we ignore any portion of our Bibles, we are in danger of being incomplete. For sure, we will miss learning more about Jesus.

It is unfortunate that we (Non-Jews) call the books of the Tanakh the “Old” Testament. It insinuates that it is not only ancient but irrelevant to those living after the cross.

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:8

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“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. ”

Matthew 15:9

We are instructed to beware of teachers, leaders, and false prophets both in and out of the church who teach something contradictory to the entire word of God.

The children of Israel were warned to stay away from mediums (where the dead would talk), and fortune tellers. Why? Because they placed themselves in a place where they could be deceived:

“And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”

Isaiah 8:19

It was not the dead that talked, but satanic agencies appearing as a dead person. God appeals to them to seek Him and not things and places that would open them up to deception.

The next verse gives us a basis to avoid delusion in all situations, including those who speak without using God’s word:

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isaiah 8:20

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be where there is darkness and not light to direct me. Rather, I desire the light of God’s word to direct my path. Don’t you?

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Psalm 119: 105

The work of the Antichrist looks to take away the one thing that can unmask the work of the enemy. It is God’s word and the work of the Holy Spirit who guides people into truth.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth

John 16:13

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Despite the availability of the Bible, many do not read it or study it. We are told an interesting prophecy related to the word of God and the end times:

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord”

Amos 8:11

This appears to make reference that the preachers and teachers of our time using less and less of the word of God, so the people don’t “hear” the words of the Lord.

If you have teachers and pastors who not only teach the word of God, but also handle it correctly, you are blessed especially if they encourage you to read for yourself. Never forget, reading and understanding God’s word is not just for those who have a PHD in religion. It is for you. If you are willing to follow God’s word, he will reveal more and more of His truth.

“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God…”

John 7:17

Who will God teach knowledge? What makes it easier to understand?

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?”

Isaiah 28:9 (first part)

The answer is simple:

“…them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”

Isaiah 28:9 (last part)

Is this not a description of little children (infants)?

This is why Jesus said,

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3

“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”

Matthew 18:4

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“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

2 Thessalonians 2:7

This verse takes us back to our opening verse concerning strong delusion. Let’s read again:

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie

2 Thessalonians 2: 10-11

“…though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Galatians 1:8

There is another gospel preached in these last days from a messenger who appears as an Angel of Light. The deceptive work of the Antichrist will first be upon those who choose sights, sounds, public opinion and the words of professional preacher, doctrines that they personally prefer instead of God’s word.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

2 Timothy 4:3

Have you noticed that the council and warnings from God’s word is not to unbelievers, but to believers who have become like the Scribes and Pharisees of old….Religions and comfortable in their traditions.

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But, there is another work of the Anti-Christ that is perhaps even more important to understand The objective of the Anti-Christ is to come between you and Christ. It is not only what you know, but who you know. It is less about information and more about revelation and obedience to his will. If salvation was dependent only on knowing the scripture (head knowledge), then only those with a PHD in religion would be saved.

Joyce Meyer said something that is very relevant here,

“You see, there is a difference between information and revelation. No matter how much information you get, if it never turns into revelation it’s not going to do you a whole lot of good.”

That revelation must be about Jesus and His will. It is when we have a revelation of God and Jesus Christ that we make our election sure and we will never fall:

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble”

2 Peter 1:10

What are “these things” that we should do to make sure we never stumble? The answer is found in its context which are the words preceding Verse 10:

2 Peter 1:5-9

This idea is expressed in the Old Testament when Jeremiah disclosed that Joaish (The last good king of Judah) knew Him because of what he did for others:

He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?”
declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 22:15-17 (NIV)

Jesus said the same thing in different words:

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent….We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

John 17:3, 1 John 2:3-6 (NIV)

We may be like the Anti-Christ and have,

^“…. a form of godliness but deny its power”

2 Timothy 3:5

That power comes from God’s word and following it so that it affects your neighbor for his/her good.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5

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I hope you have seen the need to base your faith on the word of God and not on sights, sounds, large crowds, and the influence of the world.

Also, knowing Jesus through a practical experience with Him day by day.

Blessings to you and your family until next time….Eddie

Prophecies for Our Time

Prophecies for Our Time-The connection of Daniel 8 and 9

September 19, 2014 Eddie 2 Comments

“O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand...consider the matter, and understand the vision:”

Daniel 9:23

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These visions of Daniel and their explanations by the attending angels are powerful and methodically presented in a timeline, starting with Daniel’s day up to our time. The prophecies of Daniel, as we have discussed, repeats and expands. It adds more detail with each vision. I have used the same approach in sharing with you.

The concept of the events of Daniel’s vision staying in a timeline is extremely important in understanding the prophecy of Daniel 9.

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This Daniel 9 prophecy has become very popular in the last few decades. Through Hal Lindsey and others, a distinct scenario related to the second coming of Christ is painted through the time prophecies in Daniel 9 in particular. The misguided understanding about 7 years of tribulation are forced from this chapter.

The depiction of the events by Hal Lindsey and his followers have been made into books and movies, but there is a fatal flaw as I will attempt to demonstrate in the next two posts.

But more than an argumentative approach, I hope to demonstrate the sovereignty of God and the accuracy of his word.

Because many good people are lead astray through the current popular interpretation, a very key component of the prophecy is missed. Also, the confidence we can gain in the reliability of Bible prophecy is pushed aside in favor of a Hollywood-like second coming. Therefore, I will go along very systematically using as many related Bible verses as possible. My hope is that the truth from God’s word will be presented and we all will have more confidence in our great Creator.

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The words from Daniel 9:23 (see above) come from the angel Gabriel as he is commissioned from the heavenly throne to encourage Daniel and explain what was not understood by Daniel and his friends.

But, what has Gabriel been commissioned to explain?

Many interpreters of Daniel 9 have not connected Daniel 8 with it. This is one mistake. Let’s talk about that for a moment.

From the following verses, we see that Gabriel came to complete what was lacking in Chapter 8. This conclusion is strengthened by the angel’s instructions.

And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:

Daniel 9: 22-23

There are no visions in Chapter 9 only Daniel’s prayer and the angel’s explanations. The unexplained portion is, therefore, of the vision in Chapter 8. Is that a fair statement? Let’s see.

When we left Daniel 8, we hear these words from Daniel in the last verse:

And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

Daniel 8:27

Those last words of Daniel confirms the vision in Daniel 8 is the purpose of Gabriel’s visit. The visit is also for encouragement to Daniel from the throne room of God!

At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.

Daniel 9:23

Wouldn’t you love to hear the words from heaven, “You are greatly beloved?” God used more than words to tell us this. He sent His Son to tell us and to prove it. Let us never forget,“we are greatly beloved.” The live, death, and resurrection tells us “we are greatly beloved.” But there is another reason. : It is the ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary:

For Christ did not go into a Holy Place made by human hands, which was a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself, where he now appears on our behalf in the presence of God.

Hebrews 9:24

One day, Jesus will leave this part of his ministry as mediator and return as King of Kings!

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Why did the angel have to explain Daniel 8? It had already been explained….That is all but one section….

The elements of Daniel’s dream in chapter 8 included a ram with two horns, a goat with a notable horn that broke into 4 horns and the little horn that appears. This little horn persecutes the things and people of God.

Not only does the attending angel interpret the strange beasts in Chapter 8, leaving no doubt about who they represent, but it is also confirmed by history.

These historical events are explained in Chapter 8 starting with verse 15 as pointed out in the previous post. We can clearly verify from history the succession of powers and world events as foretold by Daniel. They are established in Chapter 2 and repeated in Chapter 7.

Chapter 8 begins to add even more detail and focus. It is very important to remember that these powers and events are all in succession…on a timeline. This is an important point as we enter Chapter 9

The powers and events occur in this order:

1. Babylon

2. Medes and Persians

3. Greece

4. Rome

5. Ten Divisions of Rome

6. Papacy that comes from Rome

7. Three of the ten divisions annihilated by the Papacy with support of Rome.

8. Persecution of the truth by the Papacy

9. The return of Jesus during the divisions of Rome

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All of this is explained, but what is it that Daniel said“no one understood?”

Looking back in Chapter 8, we see a question that has a strange answer and was not explained. Here it is:

“Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8: 13 – 14

The angel that is talking is asked by an angel who is listening. Daniel did not ask it, but he surely must have thought it. The great concern expressed in the question by the angel is due to the little horn’s exceeding power and the “daily sacrifices“ including the “transgression of desolation.“

As we have seen this beast that exercises these religious powers is different from the rest. What makes it different is that it did not rise from wars as did the other, but rather assumed a position through the Roman Beast and through its own deception, religious persecution, and control.

“The mighty Catholic Church was little more than the Roman Empire baptised … The very capital of the old Roman Empire became the capital of the Christian empire. The office of Pontifex Maximus was continued in that of the pope.”

Alexander Clarence Flick, The Rise of the Medieval Church, pp. 148, 149.

This is the background for Chapter 9

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The 9th chapter of Daniel starts off with an earnest prayer by Daniel for the people of God who were in captivity. Daniel knew from the study of Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years. That time was coming to a close.

I was studying the sacred books and thinking about the Seventy years that Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to what the Lord had told the prophet Jeremiah.

Daniel 9:2

It is interesting that Daniel was, in effect, studying the Bible or the sacred books. He had great confidence in the validity and accuracy of God’s word through the prophet Jeremiah. Shouldn’t we?

As we have seen in previous studies, Babylon had conquered Jerusalem and demolished the city and the temple. Many of Jerusalem’s brightest people, including Daniel and his three friends, were taken captive. But, they would not remain in captivity forever. It would last only for 70 literal years according to Jeremiah.

And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 25: 11 – 12

It is important to understand perpetual desolations. It means there is no one there (desolation) and it is ongoing (perpetual). This was the fate of Babylon: perpetual desolations.

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

Jeremiah 50:39

This bit of information will help us to understand Jesus when he said,

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Matthew 24: 15 – 18

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Daniel prayer is a moving prayer for himself and his people. Please take time to read it (Verses 1-19). He begins by acknowledging the faithfulness of God, who never fails in any of His dealings with His followers. It was not from any lack on God’s part that the Jews were then in captivity but only on account of their sins.

Although Daniel had suffered long for others’ sins (70 years of captivity), he lived a godly life, and received honors and blessings from the Lord. Despite this, he brings he accuses on no one! In addition, he pleads no sympathy for himself as a victim of others’ wrongs, but classes himself with the others, saying, “We have sinned, and unto us belongs confusion of face.” He acknowledges that they had not heeded the lessons God designed to teach them by their afflictions.

Herein lies a great lesson in how we are to relate to others and our own sins.

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Daniel’s prayer is interrupted by Gabriel with a message and an explanation as shown above. Verse 24 becomes critical in understanding the unexplained portion of Daniel 8. It reads:

“Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

Daniel 9: 24

Please notice the word “determined.” It is the Hebrew word “chathak” It appears one time and it means to “cut” or “divide” The angel Gabriel is telling Daniel that 70 weeks are cut or divided from the longer prophecy (left unexplained in Daniel). So of the 2,300 days described in Daniel 8, 70 weeks are cut off or divided for Daniel’s people, the children of Israel.

With the start of verse 24, the angel is explaining the question and answer in Chapter 8 as repeated here:

“How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8: 13-14

So as I mentioned at the start, we have an answer to the question, but it is unclear. What does it mean? If Daniel and the angels desired to know, shouldn’t we? Of course!

But, staying true to the principal of repeating and expanding. The 2,300 days is part of the detail the angel adds in this chapter.

It is obvious the angel is explaining the 2,300-day prophecy because in the next verse of Daniel 9, the angel says the words,

“Know therefore and understand,….”

Daniel 9:25

So, we have two time periods: 2,300 days for the Sanctuary to be cleansed and 70 weeks “cut off” (determined) from this period. The purpose of the 70 weeks was for the children of Israel to accomplish 6 things:

To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

Daniel 9:24

For this prophecy to have any meaning, we must know when it starts. We find our answer in the next verse:

“Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,…”

Daniel 9: 25

When the command goes forth to restore and build Jerusalem it becomes our starting point. From this command, it takes us to Messiah the Prince. How long does it take us to get to the Messiah (Jesus)?

There shall be seven (7) weeks and sixty-two weeks (62);
The street shall be built again, and the wall,
Even in troublesome times.

Daniel 9: 25

For us to understand the events and timelines, we must use the day- for-a -year principal in interpreting Bible prophecy. If, however, we try to take this time period as literal, the verse above would indicate that from the time the command goes forth to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the advent of Jesus would only be 70 weeks or about 490 days. As we will see the command to restore Jerusalem occurred in the fall of 457 BC. Jesus appeared on the scene in 27 AD

So, when we see a day in Bible prophecy, we can translate that to a year. This will be explained in detail in the next study. Here is a chart showing the longer line of time (2,300 days or years) and the 70 weeks (490 years):

We will stop here and I will give you a few days to digest. I urge questions. In a few days, I will re-post a detailed explanation of the 70-week prophecy and the 7 years of tribulation error. If you want to to read an early study, see: Part 3-Second Coming Predictions (7 Years of Tribulation?)

Until then, blessings my friends….

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1. As chapter 7 begins, Daniel sees four beasts coming up out of the sea. In prophecy, what does a beast represent? What does the sea represent?

2. The four beasts of Daniel 7 represent four kingdoms (verses 17, 18). Babylon, the first kingdom (Daniel 2:38, 39), is represented as a lion in Daniel 7:4. (See also Jeremiah 4:7; 50:17, 43, 44.) What do the “eagle’s wings” mean? What do the “four winds” of verse 2 represent?

3. What kingdom does the bear represent (Daniel 7:5)? What do the three ribs in its mouth symbolize?

4. Greece, the third kingdom (Daniel 8:21), is represented by a leopard with four wings and four heads (Daniel 7:6). What do the wings represent? What do the four heads represent?

5. The Roman Empire, the fourth kingdom, is represented by a powerful monster with iron teeth and 10 horns (Daniel 7:7). What do the horns represent?

6. In the Daniel 7 prophecy, what happens next?

7. Does the Bible give clear points identifying antichrist?

8. Does the papacy fit these points?

9. Wasn’t Daniel told to seal up his book “until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4)? When will Daniel’s prophecies be opened to our understanding?

10. Many Christians today have been misinformed regarding the antichrist. To believe an untruth about the antichrist could cause a person to be deceived. What should a person do when new Bible teachings are encountered?

11. Are you willing to follow where Jesus leads, even though it might be painful?

Thought Questions

1. I always thought the antichrist is a person, not an organization. Am I wrong?

2. Do you think it is wise for Christians to pass laws enforcing Christianity?

3. Perhaps I have misunderstood, but my concept has always been that antichrist would be an evil being who openly opposed God. Is this concept incorrect?

4. Doesn’t the Bible say in 1 John 2:18–22 that there are many antichrists?

5. In prophecy, does the symbol “beast” mean “beastly” characteristics?

Quiz Questions

1. Which four world kingdoms are represented by beast symbols in Daniel chapter 7? (4)

2. In Bible prophecy, a beast represents a (1)

3. The 10 horns on the monster beast represent (1)

4. How many tribes or nations were “rooted up” by the little horn power? (1)

5. The little horn power, or Antichrist, represents (1)

6. Check the true statements about the little horn (Antichrist) power from the list below: (3)

7. In prophecy, “time, times, and a half time” is symbolic of (1)

8. When did “the time of the end” begin? (1)

9. Antichrist is an organization, rather than a person. (1)

10. Antichrist exists today. (1)

11. God approves of enforcing true worship by law. (1)

12. General Berthier’s capture of the pope only wounded the papacy. Its deadly wound began to heal and continues healing today. (1)

13. What item from the list below is essential for the spiritual safety of God’s people in these end-time days? (1)

14. Are you willing to follow where Jesus leads, even though it may be painful? (1)

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"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28