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Much of Daniel chapter 8 is ancient history
Much of Daniel chapter 8 is ancient history
But Daniel 8:9 predicts the Antichrist
By Craig C. White
Daniel chapter 8:3-8 describes the Mede & Persian Empire as it conquers the old world and then is defeated by the Grecian Empire. The two horns on the ram represent Persia and the Medes who were dual rulers over the Mede & Persian Empire. In verse 5 we are introduced to the Grecian Empire. The one notable horn represents Alexander the great. After Alexander died the Grecian Empire was divided into four parts (see verse 8).
Dan 8:3-8 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. 5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. 7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
Many Bible prophecy teachers don’t see end time fulfillment in Daniel chapter 8 until it starts talking about Antiochus Epiphanies. It does that twice. Once beginning at verse 9 and again in its interpretation beginning at verse 23. That is because we are also told elsewhere in the Bible about the end time invasion of Jerusalem and the ending of the temple sacrifices.
In Daniel chapter 8:9 we are introduced to Antiochus Epiphanies who was the ruler over one quarter of the Grecian Empire. Most Bible teachers think that Antiochus is a model for the Antichrist. The Antichrist will conquer Egypt, invade Jerusalem, and stop the temple sacrifice just like Antiochus did in 167 BC.Dan 8:9-12 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. 10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. 11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Daniel chapter 8 interprets itself beginning at Daniel 8:19.
Dan 8:19-25 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. 20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. 23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
Some prominent Bible teachers try to apply Daniel chapter 8:3-8 to end time events which only results in confusion. The result is that they begin looking for a Greek king to die and for his kingdom to be divided into four parts. They think that the Antichrist will come out of that divided kingdom. I think that this is an unfortunate assumption. There is no hint or indication that Daniel chapter 8:3-8 refers to end time events. On the other hand the historic actions of Antiochus Epiphanies obviously do correlate to the predicted end time invasion of Jerusalem by the Antichrist. The Antichrist will invade Jerusalem and stop the temple sacrifices just like Antiochus Epiphanie did. That is easy to see. The end time invasion of Jerusalem is a major theme in both the Old and New Testaments (See Daniel 12:11, Matthew 24:15, and 2Thessalonians 2:4). Attempting to fit the events described in Daniel 8:3-8 into an end time scenario prevents many Bible teachers from proclaiming outright that Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. Blindness in part has happened to the Christians.
If we look at the way that Bible prophecy paints the development of ancient world empires with broad strokes then we can see how we might look at future world events. There is no surprise character that suddenly appears upsetting the play just before it ends.
Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. He is showing himself more and more each day. Much of the Islamic world has already pledged their allegiance to Erdogan as their promised Mahdi. Erdogan is being worshiped as god and he isn’t complaining about it. Turkish President Erdogan is craftily grabbing complete control in Turkey. He has told the world over and over again that he intends to be the Sultan of a revived Ottoman Empire. Why can’t Christians recognize this? It is High Time to Awake! Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist! Our salvation is so much nearer than when we first believed!
Check out the Antichrist Checklist
Read my first book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
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Revelation Wrath Path
© 2011 Craig C. WhiteRevelation Wrath Path
Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Mat 2:15
by Craig C. White
We get the word Revelation from the Greek word apokalupsis (ap-ok-al’-oop-sis). Apokalupsis or Apocalypse is translated as Revelation. It means to reveal or disclose. So the Revelation of Jesus Christ is when Jesus returns to earth in all his glory and in judgment. The whole world will see the glory of God in Jesus. The Revelation of Jesus Christ will reveal God’s wrath and revelation of righteous judgment. During the Revelation or “second coming”, Jesus Christ will subdue all the armies that have gathered against Israel. While dispensing God’s wrath, Jesus will take a prescribed route. Many bible students think that Jesus will descend out of heaven and touch down on the Mount of Olives.
Zec 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Jesus will in fact stand on the Mount of Olives but not at first. I think Jesus will take a more circuitous route during his Revelation. His route will be one that we have seen before. The route of Jesus Christ’s Revelation will be very similar to the route that Israel followed out of Egypt as God led them. Come with me as I follow the Revelation Wrath Path.
This commentary chronicles Jesus’ path of Revelation and vengeance at the end of the tribulation. Surprisingly this journey does not begin in Jerusalem. As a matter of fact it doesn’t end in Jerusalem either. Instead God begins the Revelation of Jesus out of Egypt!
Num 24:8-9 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. 9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
Hos 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
When Jesus was a boy God called him out of Egypt. Like many prophecies this one has two distinct applications separated by time. At Jesus’ second coming God will again call his son out of Egypt! That will be a day of wrath and revelation of righteous judgment.
Mat 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Jesus will ride out of heaven into Egypt on a cloud. Trust me this is a scary cloud. The following verse was written long after God delivered the nation of Israel from Egypt; so it cannot pertain to Israel’s exodus out of Egypt.
Isa 19:1-2 The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. 2 And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.
Verse 2 (above) sounds like what is happening in Egypt today, however when Jesus passes through Egypt; the people will be completely confounded. The Revelation of Jesus Christ will be terrifying.
Jer 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.
Christ’s return is a whirlwind tour! Habakkuk prophesies about Jesus next location. Check out the Revelation Wrath Path map bellow for these bible locations. Remember that the route of the Revelation of Jesus is very similar to the route that Israel took out of Egypt.
Hab 3:3-7 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. 5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. 6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
Notice that Habakkuk is telling us where Jesus is coming from! Habakkuk’s vantage point is in southern Edom (Jordan) as he describes Jesus’ path of fury across Eastern Egypt, then northwestern Saudi Arabia, and into Southern Jordan. “The Holy One” is on the march!
Revelation Wrath Path Map: Map of Jesus Christ’s return trip at the end of the 7 year tribulation period. Called “the day of the LORD”, or “the day of the LORD’S wrath”. Jesus will destroy all the armies that have come against Israel! It is a day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Rom 2:5).Teman is the southernmost city in ancient Edom (southern Jordan). Jesus continues his Revelation Wrath Path from the Red Sea into Edom.
Jer 49:19-22 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? 20 Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them. 21 The earth is moved at the noise of their fall, at the cry the noise thereof was heard in the Red sea. 22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
Reading carefully we can see that Jesus is coming “up” from the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba) north to Bozrah. Jesus has spread his vengeance over all of Edom (southern Jordan). Notice that Jesus’ path is circumnavigating the land of Israel just as the nation of Israel did in the exodus. Jesus’ Revelation Wrath Path follows the same route as the exodus!
Note: Edom (which is the land of Esau, Jacobs’ brother) would not let Israel pass through their land during the exodus out of Egypt. Israel had to go around Edom through the desert on the east side (Num 20:14-21).
Edom (southern Jordan) has demonstrated his hatred for Israel at other times. Esau and his descendants ransacked their brother Israel after he was defeated. Read about it in Obadiah (it is just one chapter).
The Revelation Wrath Path continues below; the prophet Isaiah prophesies about Jesus coming from Edom and Bozrah. Isaiah’s vantage point is from Moab near today’s Amman, Jordan. Isaiah sees Jesus just after he has poured out his wrath on all of Edom.
Isa 63:1-4 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
Some people say that in Isa 63:3 (above) Jesus is sprinkled with the blood of the cross. He isn’t. Christ shed his own blood on the cross. Here his garments are stained with the blood of Israel’s enemies. The Revelation of Jesus Christ will be terrible. Here the armies are amassed in Edom (see note below).
Note: Bozrah is a suitable site for the armies from the east of the Euphrates River to gather for their invasion of Israel. It is on a large desert plain on the west side of the North Arab Desert. U.S. armed forces gathered on the east side of this desert plain to invade Iraq during Desert Storm.
Below; the prophet Jeremiah foretells of the year of Moab’s visitation. Notice the similar imagery as in Jer 4:13 (see previous chapters); Jesus will spread his wings over Moab like an eagle taking his prey.
Jer 48:40-44 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab. 41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD. 43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD. 44 He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
Note: When Israel reached Moab during the exodus they subdued several Kingdoms and lived in their land until they entered the land of Israel. Moab was against them during this time. Israel finally pitched their camp on the east side of the Jordan River near Jericho (Num 33:50).
Jesus is now in Moab which is just across from Jericho east of the Jordan River. This is where the nation of Israel entered the land of Israel during the exodus and forty year wilderness wandering. The Revelation Wrath Path continues to follow the path of the Exodus. Jesus is about to turn west to enter the land of Israel. Below; Zechariah tells us that Jesus will save “the tents of Judah” before he saves the city of Jerusalem!
Zec 12:7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.
It may be that “the tents of Judah” (above) are those of Judea who fled to the mountains (see below). They have been living there for 3 ½ years.
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
“Wings of a great eagle” (above) refers to God’s supernatural help given to Israel in time of flight. This idiom is applied to Israel during the exodus in Exo 19:4. It is also applied to Israel’s deliverance from Jerusalem at the end of the tribulation in Isa 40:31. At the end of the tribulation Jerusalem will be devastated; however there will still be a remnant of believing Jews.
Zec 14:2-5 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
At last Jesus arrives in Jerusalem! He stands on the Mt. of Olives and saves the believing Israeli remnant that is bunkered at Mt. Zion (read my commentary “The last Jews in Jerusalem“).
Let me take a moment and make a side point. In Isa 63:3 Jesus proclaims that he has vanquished the enemies of Israel alone (see previous chapters). This verse specifically references the battle at Bozrah in Edom. I think that Jesus will fight alone until he will “save the tents of Judah first” (Zec 12:7), he then continues with the inhabitants of Judea into the city of Jerusalem. From Jerusalem Jesus sends armies into Gaza and up the coast of Israel to the cities of Ashkelon and Ekron (see chapters below). Jesus himself continues north out of Jerusalem.
Zec 12:5-6 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. 6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.
Above “The LORD of hosts (armies)” ignites the inhabitants of Judea to fight against their enemies in Jerusalem.
Zec 14:14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
Guess what, the fight doesn’t end in Jerusalem. After Jesus delivers Jerusalem he will speak from Jerusalem, and send armies to Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza.
Amo 1:2-10 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither. 3 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: 4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. 5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. 6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: 7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: 8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD. 9 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant: 10 But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof.
In verse 4 (above) “Hazael” was the King of Syria. In verse 7 “sending a fire” means that God will stir up a devouring army. In this case I think that the men of Judea will fight Israel’s enemies in Gaza then fight their way up the Mediterranean coast to the Israeli cities of Ashkelon and Ekron. This similitude of “sending a fire” is often used in the bible to mean that God ignites an army to overtake a city or region. In verse 4 above Jesus may also be sending an army into Syria and Lebanon. I think that Jesus will now tread the wine press inside the land of Israel! In Zephaniah (below) God gives us a time schedule for accomplishing the wars described in Amos 1:6-8 (above). It sounds like the inhabitants of Judea will vanquish their enemies in one day!
Zep 2:4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
After Jesus saves the stranded remnant in Jerusalem he will journey north to tread the winepress of his wrath; he will tread inside the land of Israel but outside the city of Jerusalem (Revelation 14:20). This portion of the Lord’s crusade is called “the battle of Armageddon”. This battle is fought in the valley of Megiddo in northern Israel (see map above). God will gather the armies of Israel’s enemies there. The battle of Armageddon is a demonstration of God’s wrath and revelation of righteous judgment.
Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Jesus crushes the armies of Israel’s enemies like grapes. Their blood flows like wine for one hundred eighty miles; the distance from Dan to Beersheba in Israel.
Revelation 14:19-20 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
The Lord Jesus Christ will go “out of his place” (namely, out of Jerusalem) to punish Israel’s enemies. All of Israel’s enemies will see the Revelation of Jesus Christ’s righteous indignation.
Isa 26:21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Jesus will punish the nations for their rebellion towards him. Then he will rule all nations forever. Amen.
Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
We have mainly looked at the path of Revelation and vengeance that Jesus will take when he returns to earth to destroy Israel’s enemies. “The day of the Lord” is a terrible day. It is a subject that deserves thorough study. It is a day to escape by all means.
Joel 2:10-11 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: 11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Jesus died so all people could escape this day of wrath.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Wrath is the punishment of non-believers.
Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Do not harden your heart towards God!
Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Because we sin, Jesus Christ’s blood was spilled so our life could be preserved.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Jesus has saved us from the wrath of “the day of the Lord” and from the punishment of our sin.
1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ will reveal God’s wrath and revelation of righteous judgment.
Heb 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts,
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read the companion story to “Revelation Wrath Path” titled Road to Perdition in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hopefacebook YouTube
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Abraham Accords – Trump peace deals Israel the UAE and Bahrain
Abraham Accords
Trump brokered peace agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain
By Craig C. White
These recent peace agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are not the seven year term covenant that the Antichrist will confirm with many concerning Israel.
Daniel 9:27 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, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
First of all they don’t have a seven year term. They also are not agreements that provide Israel’s enemies with their own nation inside of Israel. They don’t provide the Palestinians with a capital in Jerusalem. These peace agreements do not provide for the building of a new Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The Abraham Accords do not provide for an international peace keeping force inside of Israel. These peace agreements are not about Israel’s safety. They are about Israel protecting the Arabian nations from Iran and Turkey.
Most evidently these peace agreements aren’t being made by the Antichrist. Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. On July 24th 2020 Turkish President Erdogan sat in the Hagia Sophia Cathedral exalting himself above Christ. According to 2Thessalonians 2:4 Erdogan officially revealed himself as the Antichrist.
2Thess 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
IF the Christian Church as well as Israel could understand that much then there would be a lot less confusion about this issue. Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. He will conquer northwestern Syria and destroy Damascus. Erdogan will then lead the forces that are fighting in Syria into northern Israel. Jesus will return to stop them and to take away his Church.
After that the world will be compelled to make an international peace agreement concerning Turkey and Israel.
Read my commentary titled Peace Peace
Read my commentary titled Turkish President Erdogan will confirm the seven year covenant with newly elected Turkish UN President Volkan Bozkir
Read my commentary titled Erdogan is the Antichrist!
Read my commentary titled Woe to the Idol Shepherd
Read my book Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
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A Beast is an Empire
A Beast is an Empire
Here a beast. There a beast. Everywhere a beast beast!
By Craig C. White
We are going to identify every beast in the bible! The word beast simply means a wild animal. The bible uses wild animals to identify man ruled governments that are rebellious toward God. Beasts typically represent empires or unions. Ancient World Empires are identified by different wild animals in the bible. These animals were actually the symbols of these empires.
The bible also identifies future empires that are also symbolized by wild animals. Some of these empires already exist today. For instance Russia just formed a new economic Union. Everybody knows that Russia is symbolized by a bear. The bible identifies this end time Russian Union as a bear in Daniel 7:5.
There have been seven World Empires throughout history. These World Empires came to power one at a time. Each World Empire defeated the previous World Empire. Here is a list of them in order; Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Mede and Persian, Grecian, Roman, and Turkish (Ottoman). Some of these World Empires are represented by animals in the bible.
We are introduced to two animals that symbolize empires in Daniel chapter 8. These are the oldest World Empires that the bible symbolizes by animals. We are introduced to a ram and a goat. Dan 8:20 tells us that the ram in Dan 8:3 symbolizes the Mede and Persian Empire.
In the verses below; notice that the ram has two horns. Horns always represent rulers. The Mede and Persian Empire was a two division empire. The Medes are todays Kurds and Persia is known as Iran today.
Dan 8:3-4 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
When Daniel gave this prophecy these events were still in the future. Now we can look back in world history and recognize the ram as the Mede and Persian Empire because it conquered territory in exactly the same way that Dan 8:4 describes. In today’s terms Persia first conquered Iraq, Syria, and Turkey to the west, then Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to the north, then Persia moved southward and conquered southern Israel, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, and also western India.
In Dan 8:5 we are introduced to another empire that is represented by a goat. Dan 8:21 tells us that this goat symbolizes the Grecian Empire. The goat came after the ram. In Daniel chapter 8 the goat fights against the ram and defeats him. The goat symbolizes the Grecian Empire. The Grecian Empire defeated the Mede and Persian Empire around 450 BC. In Dan 8:5 the goat has one notable horn. Remember that horns represent rulers. This one horn represents Alexander the great who quickly conquered the known world.
Dan 8:5-9 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. 7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
In Dan 8:8 above; after his death in 323 BC Alexander the great’s empire was divided into four regions or dynasties. These dynasties were the Antipater Dynasty headquartered in Greece, the Ptolemy Dynasty headquartered in Egypt, the Arsacid Dynasty headquartered in Parthia (north eastern Iran today), and the Seleucid Dynasty headquartered in Syria. These four regions constituted the Grecian Empire. So the goat represents the Grecian Empire.
In Daniel chapter 7 three kingdoms combine to form one World Empire. These kingdoms are represented by a lion with eagle’s wings, a bear, and a leopard. Daniel doesn’t tell us exactly who these animals are. A lot of bible teachers say that these animals represent ancient World Empires. They say that the lion with eagle’s wings represents the Babylonian Empire. The symbol of the Babylonian Empire was in fact a lion but not with eagle’s wings. It has also been widely taught that the bear and the leopard are the same as the ram and the goat in Daniel chapter 8. I don’t think so. First of all the animals in Daniel chapter 7 are different than the animals in Daniel chapter 8. Also the bear and the leopard were not the actual symbols of these ancient World Empires. Moreover Ancient World Empires existed one at a time but the empires in Daniel chapter 7 all exist at the same time. In Daniel 7:12 we are told that the first three empires (or beasts) outlive the fourth World Empire.
Dan 7:12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
Again, some bible teachers say that Daniel’s prophecy about the lion with eagle’s wings represents the Babylonian Empire. Keep this in mind. Daniel received this prophecy during the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon (Dan 7:1). Belshazzar was the last king in Babylon. The Medes and Persians overran the city while Belshazzar drank wine from the holy vessels that his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar had stolen from Israel’s temple in Jerusalem (Dan 5). So if Daniel identified the lion with eagle’s wings as the Babylonian Empire then his message was not prophetic at all. Daniel lived in the Babylonian Empire so he would know firsthand that their symbol was a lion (without eagle’s wings).
No, Daniel doesn’t tell us exactly who these animals are but the book of Revelation gives us a very good idea of when they exist. These three animals (or empires) combine to form the final man ruled World Empire that exists on earth during the Tribulation period. So the lion with eagle’s wings, the bear, and the leopard do not represent ancient world empires but instead future, end time empires.
Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Do any nations, empires, or unions exist today that are symbolized by a lion with eagle’s wings, or a bear, or a leopard? Yep. You probably could guess which nation uses the lion with eagle’s wings as their national symbol today. That nation is England. Can you think of a nation that uses the bear as its national symbol? Of course Russia is symbolized by a bear today. Is there a kingdom today that is represented by a leopard? No not yet but in December 2014 Turkish President Erdogan announced his plans to form a new Islamic Union that could span northern Africa, the Middle East, and central Asia. Will it choose the leopard to be its symbol? I think that it probably will.
The first three kingdoms in Daniel chapter 7 are symbolized by specific animals. There is also a forth kingdom that is not symbolized by one particular animal but in Daniel chapter 7 as well as Revelation chapter 13 it is simply called a beast. In Dan 7:17 we are told that these four kingdoms are ruled by four kings.
Dan 7:17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
I think that four world leaders will conspire together to create this next World Empire. I think that most of those leaders are already in place today and well known. They include one ruler of England (possibly representing the entire European Union), one ruler of Russia (probably representing the newly created Russian Union), and possibly one ruler from a new Islamic Union. The forth king rules over the next World Empire and is most likely the Antichrist. But remember that Dan 7:7 tells us that the forth beast (or next World Empire) will initially be ruled by ten kings. So the forth beast in Daniel chapter 7 symbolizes the next World Empire. Israel will suffer under its rule but Jesus Christ will destroy it at his second coming.
I want to give one more beast in Daniel chapter 7 an honorable mention. In Dan 7:4 the lion gets its wings plucked off! We all know that the United States’ national symbol is the eagle. The US separated from English rule in 1776. The plucked off eagle’s wings could possibly indicate that the US will assist England in the formation of the next World Empire.
There is another beast mentioned in Revelation that appears after the next World Empire is formed. It is symbolized by a lamb and a dragon.
Rev 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
This beast has two horns which represent two rulers. These rulers are like a lamb. Jesus Christ is called the Lamb of God. Since the two rulers of this beast are like a lamb but they speak like a dragon it is thought that this beast represents a false Christian-like World Religion. Pope Francis is campaigning for Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim unity so I think that this two headed beast may be a Catholic and Muslim hybrid religion.
Here are four different kinds of beasts. They are not wild animals. These beasts do not represent empires. Four beasts sit around the throne of God in the book of Revelation. The word translated beast in Revelation chapter 4 and chapter 6 is a different word describing a different kind of beast. These beasts are not wild animals. The word translated as beast here means a living being. These beasts are not symbolic. They are actual animals created by God to worship him. These living creatures are also described in Ezekiel chapter 1.
Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
There is one more beast in the bible that represents a kingdom on earth. This kingdom is the final World Empire. Ancient World Empires didn’t actually cover the entire world but this kingdom will. Ancient World Empires didn’t last forever but this one will. This empire isn’t symbolized by a wild animal but it is symbolized by a meek and gentle one. This empire is symbolized by a Lamb!
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus Christ is the Lamb that pours out his wrath on the kings of the earth (Rev 6:16). Jesus Christ is the Lamb that will sit on the throne of the kingdom of God forever!
Read my commentary titled The Leopard is Upon Us! in my book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
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Popular opinion has become doctrine in the modern Christian Church
Popular opinion has become doctrine in the modern Christian Church
By Craig C. White
Over the years I have watched what was once only somebody’s unsubstantiated speculation become accepted as indisputable doctrine in the Christian Church. I am old enough to remember when these theories were first expressed. Back then I thought that we all realized that they were just theories. It seems that over time the wise have died out and now we are left with folks who can’t discern the truth from fiction.
Out of the vapor of speculation and misunderstanding these theories have become written in stone. Without question or investigation these postulations have morphed into an unrecognizable alternate belief system. The truth has become so obfuscated that the Christian Church as a whole has completely overlooked the revealing of the Antichrist. Even when confronted with overwhelming evidence they refuse to recognize the obvious events of our time that scream “Jesus is coming!”
Pastors teach that nobody can know the day or hour of Christ’s return for the Rapture. Matthew chapter 24 is not about the Rapture at all. Matthew chapter 24 is all about the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea during the Tribulation period. Nobody will know the day or hour that the Antichrist will invade Jerusalem because it will be a surprise ambush. That’s why the Jews are instructed to watch! When the Antichrist invades Jerusalem then one Jew will be taken prisoner and the other left inside of Jerusalem to suffer through Jerusalem’s great Tribulation.
Pastors teach that the Antichrist will not be revealed until the Church is taken away in the Rapture. They say that the Rapture is the falling away in 2Thessalonians 2:4. They say that the Antichrist will sit in the temple of God showing himself that he is God after the Rapture. In fact the falling away is Satan’s fall from heaven. Satan has fallen and Turkish President Erdogan has revealed himself to be the Antichrist by sitting in the Hagia Sophia Cathedral exalting himself above Christ. Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. The Tribulation is free to begin.
Pastors say that the Antichrist will come from Europe. Every nation that the Bible lists that will be involved in attacking Israel is Islamic.
Pastors say that the next world empire will be a revived Roman Empire. There were seven world empires throughout history. According to Revelation 17:10 five world empires had fallen at the time of the disciple John, and the Roman Empire was in existence, and a seventh world empire had not yet come. Revelelation 17:11 tells us that the eighth world empire will come out of the seventh. The only other world empire was the Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire ended in 1923. A revived Ottoman Empire will be the end time empire that will oppress Israel. Turkish President Erdogan is feverishly working to revive the Ottoman Empire. Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist.
Pastors say that Magog in Ezekiel chapter 38 is Russia. Princes are set over provinces. Magog is the chief prince among the provinces of Turkey. Turkish President Erdogan will lead the Islamic nations into Israel.
Pastors say that everyone will be required to receive a microchip. The mark of the beast identifies the wearer with the next world empire. No world empire has been worldwide. The same Greek letters that spell 666 are the same Arabic letters that spell in the name of Allah. The next world empire will be Islamic. The Bismilah is the mark of the beast.
Pastors say that the Antichrist will be a homosexual. The Antichrist will not regard the desire of women. Turkish President Erdogan is seeking to remove Turkey from an international treaty on women’s rights. Erdogan wants to give husbands the legal right to murder their wives under Sharia law. The Antichrist will not regard women’s rights.
Pastors say that the Antichrist will be a counterfeit Jewish Messiah. They say that the Antichrist will be Jewish. They ask, how can Israel receive a Muslim as their Messiah? By Biblical definition an Antichrist is someone who denies the father and the son. Antichrist means against Christ. It does not mean instead of Christ. I know that many of you won’t believe me. The Antichrist will come out of the gentile nations. The Antichrist will not be Jewish. The Jews will not receive the Antichrist as their Messiah. Like every leader of every past world empire the Antichrist will conquer Israel and oppress the Jews in Jerusalem.
So many Christians hold to these popularized opinions as if they were doctrine. They refuse to weigh differing viewpoints. They will even ostracize others who don’t agree. Most Christians today are incapable of enduring sound doctrine.
It’s High Time to Awake!
Read my book Presenting the Antichrist and False Prophet
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Hooks into thy jaws – To lead out
Hooks into thy jaws
To lead out
Ezekiel 38:4
By Craig C. White
Ezekiel chapter 38 describes a multi nation invasion into Israel. Ezekiel says that this invasion will be led by the primary governor of Turkey. I’m going to tell you right now that this Turkish ruler is the Antichrist. In Ezekiel chapter 38 God says that he will “put hooks into the jaws” of the invading armies to turn them back. Most people read these verses and conclude that God will use some political event to draw these armies into Israel. Bible students wring their hands as they try to guess what the “hook” might be. I think that we might not understand what Ezekiel is telling us.
Ezekiel 38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
Notice that there are three separate declarations made at the beginning of this verse. 1. And I will turn thee back. 2. And put hooks into thy jaws. 3. And I will bring thee forth. It is a little difficult to understand in the English translation but none of these statements mean that God is going to bring these armies into the land of Israel. Instead they are saying that God is going to bring these armies out of Israel.
The first declaration in Ezekiel 38:4 is easy to understand. God will turn the invading armies back from where they came. In the second declaration the notion of “putting hooks into thy jaws” could be said as “putting a ring in your nose (or cheek)”. God will lead these invading armies out of Israel just like a farmer would lead a bull by a ring in its nose. The third declaration in Ezekiel 38:4 confuses us. It sounds as if God is leading theses armies forward. The Hebrew term that is translated as “bring thee forth” doesn’t mean “to bring forward” or “to bring into”. Instead the term “bring thee forth” means “to bring out” or “to get out” or “to carry out” or “to get away” or “to lead out” or “to pull out” or “to pluck out”. I hope that you can see that “bring thee forth” doesn’t mean to bring into but instead it means to bring out of.
The saying to put a hook into the jaw (or cheek) and to bring forth is used in other passages in the Bible. It always means that God will remove an army from the land of Israel or that God will remove a nation from its own land. It never means that God will lead an army into the land of Israel. It is a declaration of removal and not a depiction of entrance.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah compares the Antichrist to the ancient Assyrian Kings. The Ezekiel chapter 38 invasion into Israel is similar to the ancient Assyrian invasions described by Isaiah. In Isaiah chapter 37 God leads the Assyrian army out of the land of Israel just like a farmer leads a bull by the ring in its nose. In the following verse God is speaking about Sennacherib king of Assyria.
Isaiah 37:29 Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
Notice that God is turning the king of Assyria back in the way that he came from.
We can stop speculating about what sort of hook that God will use to bring an invading army into Israel. Yet we can begin to understand how God will remove this invading army out of Israel. In Isaiah God killed most of the Assyrian army as they slept. That was enough to turn them around and send them back to their hometown. Notice that in Isaiah 37:37, Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire.
Isaiah 37:36-37 Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.
So God will use a hook to remove the invading army described in Ezekiel chapter 38. But how will he do it? Ezekiel tells us how. God will use a great earthquake. He will cause the invaders to fight each other. God will make the invaders sick. God will make it rain and hail on them, and God will fight them with fire and brimstone.
Ezekiel 38:21-22 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother. 22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
We shouldn’t try to identify the hook that God will use to bring an army into Israel. Instead we should understand that God will fight against the invading armies causing them to retreat back to where they came from. In Ezekiel chapter 38 it is important to see that God will fight to save Israel.
Leviticus 26:12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
God promised to take care of Israel forever. Throughout their history Israel has suffered at the hands of other nations. In the near future the nation of Israel will once again suffer but in the end God will save them and finally secure their land forever.
Read all about the Ezekiel chapter 38 invasion in my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddonfacebook YouTube
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The sign of Jesus’ coming
The sign of Jesus’ coming
Tornado photo credit: Bill Alldredge
Fluffy white clouds?
2 Samuel 22
By Craig C. White
When Jesus returns he will overthrow all of Israel’s enemies. Have you ever wondered what Jesus will look like when he returns to earth? Have you ever wondered what Jesus will look like while fighting against Israel’s enemies? Have you ever wondered what Jesus will look like while dispensing his wrath? Have you ever wondered what Jesus will look like when he returns to save Israel? Have you ever wondered what the sign of Jesus Christ’s second coming is? The sign of the son of God is a cloud. However Jesus won’t float down from heaven on a fluffy white cloud. If you have ever wondered then read this song of deliverance by King David.
2Sa 22:7-16 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears. 8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.
When Jesus comes back to earth he is going to be mad. When Jesus returns, the earth will quake and tremble in fear. The clouds will crack and the stars will be moved!
Here is what Jesus will look like when he returns.
2Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
While dispensing his rage Jesus will breathe so furiously that he will blow smoke and dust from his nostrils in anger. A two edged sword of flaming fire will proceed out of his mouth consuming all of Israel’s enemies and their land. Even the burning embers will be consumed!
2Samuel 22:10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.
Jesus will literally bend the sky and the cosmos in order to descend from Heaven to the Earth. Thick, dark, gloomy clouds will be pushed down at his feet. A black and terrible storm will descend upon the earth ahead of him.
2Samuel 22:11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.
This sounds nice. Jesus will ride a chubby little angel child. No, this paints a much different picture. A cherub is a fierce winged heavenly created being. Cherubim guarded the Garden of Eden along with a flaming sword (Gen 3:24). The sound of cherubim’s wings is as loud as the voice of God.
Eze 10:5 And the sound of the cherubims’ wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
Cherubim may be in part like a man, and a lion, and an eagle. Ezekiel describes his encounter with cherubim below. The word wheel should probably better be translated as a turning “whirlwind”. Jesus is coming back to earth riding on a cherub. The wind will propel him like a jet engine!
Eze 10:8-22 And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man’s hand under their wings. 9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. 10 And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. 11 When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went. 12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had. 13 As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel. 14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. 15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. 16 And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them. 17 When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. 18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. 19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. 20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. 21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. 22 And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
2Samuel 22:12 And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. 13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
In verse 12 above Jesus fashions darkness as a fortress all around himself. That darkness is composed of the darkest storm clouds. Through the dark storm clouds the brightest light will shine. The light will be so bright that everything in front of him will burn. This is the sign of the Lord Jesus.
2Samuel 22:14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
Jesus will descend with a shout!
2Samuel 22:15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
(Above) Jesus Christ will return to earth to destroy the enemies of Israel. (Below) He will be so fierce that the sea will be open to its depths, and the ground will be laid bare to the bedrock.
2Samuel 22:16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.
Don’t put yourself on the wrong side of God.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read more about Jesus’ second coming in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hope
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Turkish President Erdogan will confirm the seven year covenant with newly elected Turkish UN President Volkan Bozkir
Turkish President Erdogan will confirm the seven year covenant with newly elected Turkish UN President Volkan Bozkir
The UN is the “many” in Daniel 9:27
By Craig C. White
Turkish diplomat Volkan Bozkir has been elected President of the historic 75th United Nations General Assembly. Bozkır’s election marks the first time a Turkish diplomat has held the post in UN history. Bozkir will take office on September 15, 2020 and will hold the post for one year. UN President elect Bozkir is a member of Turkish President Erdogan’s AKP party. Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist.
Turkish President Erdogan is likely to confirm the seven year term peace agreement concerning Israel with the sympathetic Turkish UN President within one year. It is very likely that the UN is the “many” in Daniel 9:27
Daniel 9:27 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, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Yes I think that we are at that day. It is very possible that Turkey will be in a position to need a peace treaty with Israel within one year. That’s because Turkey will attack northern Israel shortly.
The Prophet Jeremiah describes Turkey as they attack northwestern Syria and then destroy Damascus. Ezekiel chapter 38 describes Turkey as they lead the Islamic nations into Israel. The Golan Heights is only thirty miles away from Damascus. Every nation that is listed in Ezekiel 38:5 is fighting in Syria. Nahum chapter 1 describes Jesus as he returns to the Golan Heights in a whirlwind of fire. Jesus will return to stop the Turkish led invasion into northern Israel and will also gather his Church. After Jesus defeats the Turkish led invasion then the world will scramble to initiate some sort of international security agreement concerning Israel. This agreement will likely include an international peace keeping force inside of Israel and will also include provision for building a new Jewish temple in Jerusalem. That means that the Rapture is likely to happen within one years time.
We can easily watch to see if this scenario plays out. We can expect Turkey to finally launch their military offensive on northwestern Syria. We should expect to see this happen within days or weeks. The Turkish army has been pouring into northwestern Syria. They are ready to attack.
It’s been nice knowing you. I wish that some of you had listened to my reports.
Read my commentary titled Peace Peace
Read this article on The Canary: New head of UN General Assembly is a member of Turkey’s fascistic ruling party
Read my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Hell in the Bible
photo credit: SamuelrajHell in the Bible
Hell must be escaped by every person.
by Craig C. White
Hell is a subject that receives little attention. I would say that most of us don’t understand it as fully as the Bible teaches. Hell is two places; one temporary grave for the wicked soul, and one everlasting harbor of torment for both body and soul. This commentary defines the words that express hell then describes their usage. Definitions are from Strong’s Hebrew Greek dictionary.
Sheol is the Hebrew word translated hell or grave or pit in the Old Testament.
sheh-ole’, sheh-ole’
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranian retreat), including its accessories and inmates: – grave, hell, pit.
Sheol is a place where the unbelieving dead go until their final judgment. It is the local temporary jail as opposed to the longer term prison. Its root word means to demand or lay charge to. So each person in sheol has been charged as guilty and must make payment for their sins. The final sentencing will follow latter. Sheol is a place of fire. It is a place in the depths of the earth.
The fires of sheol will one day burn the earth along with everything on it (Mal 4:1-2, 2Pe 3:10).
Deu 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
Sheol is a place for the wicked.
Psa 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Jesus went to sheol for you. Thankfully he didn’t stay there.
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Earthly wealth will not endure sheol.
Psa 49:14-17 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. 16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
Every man must face sheol. God delivers the humble from its terror.
Psa 89:48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
A prostitute will lead a man to sheol.
Pro 5:3-5 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
There is plenty of room in sheol.
Pro 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
The honor, wealth, and power of ungodly men will be swallowed by sheol.
Isa 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
Do you have an agreement with death and sheol? It is null and void!
Isa 28:18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.
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Hades is a Greek word translated hell or grave in the New Testement.
hah’-dace
unseen, that is, “Hades” or the place (state) of departed souls: – grave, hell.
Hades comes from two Greek words meaning not; and known, or understand, or beheld. It is the place where the souls of the dead cannot be seen by the living. It is used to describe sheol, the place of the wicked dead. Like sheol it is in the earth. While all people good and bad go to the grave, hades describes the unfortunate destination of the wicked.
Don’t worry too much about your present poverty. It isn’t your final state. Seek God and he will care for you. Below, the rich man looks up from Hades and is in torment. He isn’t just thirsty, he is burning in flame. Abraham’s bosom is the other side of the grave. It was God’s provision for the faithful in Old Testament times. Abraham’s bosom was under the earth but was carried away to heaven with Jesus at his resurrection (Psa 68:18, Eph 4:8-9). Today the believing soul is with Jesus in heaven (2Co 5:8).
Luk 16:22-24 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Jesus has the keys to hades and death. He can deliver you from both.
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Hades is the temporary holding cell before an unbeliever’s final sentencing. Hades will be at last cast into the “lake of fire”.
Rev 20:12-15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
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Tartaroo is a Greek word that is used only once in the New Testament. It is translated as hell in English.
tar-tar-o’-o
From Τάρταρος Tartaros̄ (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: – cast down to hell.
Tartaroo also describes sheol or hades. It is in the earth and is a place of torment. Tartaroo holds a more severe definition than hades in that it describes its deepest darkest depths.
God incarcerated angels in tartaroo for their sin with man shortly after creation (Jud 1:6). These angels will be released on earth to torment the wicked during the seven years “Great Tribulation” (Rev 9:1-11).
2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
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Sheol, hades, and tartaroo are words describing the same place. There are also other words that describe this place. They are often expressed as pit in the Old and New Testament. Their definitions include hole (especially one used as a cistern or prison): – cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well, a pit (especially for catching animals), corruption, destruction, ditch, and grave. Bottomless pit is defined as the depthless abyss (Rev 9-11, Rev 11:7, Rev 17:8, and Rev 20:1-3).
The pit is a trap each person must escape. Actually the pit can not be escaped, it can only be avoided.
Isa 24:17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.
Jesus will send the nations that are Israel’s enemies down to the pit at his coming. Notice that the pit is in the depths of the earth.
Eze 26:20 When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;
Jesus has the key to the bottomless pit (Rev 1:18). During the “Great Tribulation” he gives it to an angel to release fallen angels from hell to torment the wicked on earth (Rev 9:1-11).
Rev 9:1-2 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
A beast in Bible prophecy is an ungodly gentile principality or empire. The next world empire will be a revived Roman empire. During the seven year tribulation period all world power will fall to one man; the Antichrist. So he will be the final beast (Rev 17:11). His spirit will ascend from the bottomless pit to wreak havoc on earth and then go to the eternal place of judgment.
Rev 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
Satan will be cast into the bottomless pit for one thousand years (Rev 20:1-3). One thousand years is a long time but it isn’t forever. The bottomless pit is temporary.
Rev 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
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So far we have looked at the transitory holding cell of the wicked. Now we will look at the everlasting terminus.
Gehenna means valley of Hinnom. Hinnom was a Jebusite man. King David purchased the temple mount and hill of Ophel (City of David) from him. The Hinnom valley wraps around the bottom half of the city of Jerusalem. Hinnom is a Hebrew word. It is used 12 times in the New Testament in the Greek form Gehenna. It is translated into English as hell.
gheh’-en-nah
Of Hebrew origin; valley of (the son of) Hinnom; gehenna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: – hell.
Gehenna is different than sheol or hades. Gehenna is the final and everlasting place of punishment for those who reject God. It is a place of fire and decay. Both soul and body are cast into Gehenna. Gehenna is not in the earth. As a matter of fact I think Gehenna may be in heaven. Read my commentary titled “Map of Heaven”.
The valley of Hinnom was where the Hebrews sacrificed their children in the fire of false gods. In Jesus’ day it was a burning dump.
2Ch 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Jesus gave the classic description of Gehenna, the final place of judgment.
Mar 9:44-46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Unlike sheol or hades both body and soul are cast into Gehenna.
Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
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Lake of fire is only found in the book of revelation. It is made of two Greek words meaning pond or lake (having nearness of shore); and fire.
The lake of fire is the same as Gehenna. After the final judgment each person is thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the final and eternal destination of the rebellious.
The Antichrist and false prophet will be the first to be thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Satan will finally be thrown into the lake of fire. Then every ungodly person will be judged by Jesus Christ and also be thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 20:10-15 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
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Apoleia is a Greek word translated as destruction, waste, perish, perdition, die, pernicious ways, and damnation.
ap-o’-li-a
ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal): – damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste.
Apoleia is used to describe the act of going to the final place of judgment (2Pe 3:7, Rev 17:11).
Hell is real. God created it, and Jesus is the Jail keeper. Hell must be escaped by every person. Jesus Christ provided the only way to escape hell. We are saved from destruction by Jesus’ blood sacrifice. He died in our place so that we may live.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
For more about hell read Saved by Grace in my book God’s Great Expectations
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The falling away of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
© 2014 Craig C. WhiteThe falling away of Satan
2Thesalonians 2:1-17
By Craig C. White
It turns out that 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 is not about the apostasy of the Church or the removal of the Holy Spirit from the earth during the Tribulation period. It is about looking to the Old Testament prophets in order to recognize end time events!
Throughout history Israel has suffered at the hands of every ancient world empire. Israel will once again suffer at the hands of the next world empire. There is a terrible time of persecution coming upon Israel and most terribly upon Jerusalem. During this seven year period God will also pour out his wrath upon the entire world. This is called the Tribulation period. The Apostle Paul has promised Church age believers that they would escape this terrible time of God’s wrath on earth by being taken up into heaven. This event is called the Rapture.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ever since Jesus’ resurrection, believers in Christ have been saved from the penalty of sin which is death and hell. Christians will also be saved from the coming period of God’s wrath on earth.
Rom 5:7-10 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Early Church members in the Grecian city of Thessalonica saw the persecution of Jews and Christians under the Roman Empire and wondered if this terrible time of trouble was coming upon them? They thought that the Tribulation was beginning and wondered why the Rapture hadn’t happened yet. Paul told the Thessalonians that the Tribulation was not about to happen because two old testament prophecies had not yet been fulfilled! Paul told them that Satan must fall from heaven to earth and that the Antichrist must be revealed before the Tribulation period on earth began.
2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
The verse above describes the Resurrection of Christians and the Rapture of the Church.
The verse below describes the day of Christ. The day of Christ is the terrible period of Tribulation on earth.
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Evidently there were some rumors circulating around the Thessalonian believers that the Tribulation was beginning. The Rapture was designed to save Christians from a terrible time of trouble on earth. So it follows that the Rapture must happen before the Tribulation begins. The Thessalonians were wondering why the Rapture had not yet happened. The Apostle Paul identifies two old testament prophetic events that help us to recognize the the arrival of the Tribulation. They are the falling of Satan from heaven to earth and the revealing of the Antichrist as he sits in the temple at Jerusalem.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.
Paul is not revealing new prophetic information here. He is reminding us about the prophecies of Isaiah (Isa 14:12) and Daniel (Dan 9:27). In verse 3 above, what is a falling away? Some teach that this references a worldwide “apostasy”; in other words “a turning away from God”. While there will be a major corrupting of world religion during the end time, I don’t think that it is referenced here. First the Bible teaches that none seek after God (Psa 14:1-3, Psa 53:2, Rom 3:10-18), and that no nation follows after him. So the world is already “fallen away” from God. However I do admit that things will get worse.
Second let’s take a look at the word and in the phrase “and that man of sin be revealed”. The word and usually means even, so, or then and sometimes means also or too. In our case and means then. So, a falling away and that man of sin be revealed are not two accumulative events. Instead, the second event relies on the first. The second event can only happen because the first event happened. A falling away happens then the man of sin is revealed.
God’s wrath won’t be poured out on earth until the man of sin is revealed. The man of sin can only be revealed because something or someone first falls away.
It is the same case in the phrase “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him” in 2Thessalonians 2:1. In this case “and” also means “then”.
Jesus Christ comes; then because Jesus Christ came the Church will be gathered together to him. Jesus is able to gather us together only because first he comes to earth. The second event can only happen because the first event happened.
We still haven’t defined a falling away. Let’s look at the surrounding statements. Verses 3 & 4 are jam-packed with descriptions of the man of sin.
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Obviously verses 3 & 4 are describing the Antichrist. The Antichrist is a wicked man that is empowered by Satan. The Antichrist will invade Israel and sit in the temple at Jerusalem. He will then preside over the persecution of Israel during the Great Tribulation period.
So the Antichrist will sit in the temple before the day of God’s wrath on earth or at least before Israel’s great tribulation. Early Church members could recognize that this event hadn’t happened yet. So the time of great tribulation in Jerusalem had not yet come.
I don’t think that the Church will see the Antichrist as he sits in the temple but I am certain that the Church will see the Antichrist. The Antichrist will do many other identifiable things before he sits in the temple in Jerusalem.
In Matthew 24:43 the inhabitants of Judea are instructed to look for the Antichrist as he approaches. So the Antichrist will be identifiable before he sits in the temple at Jerusalem. I tell you that the Antichrist is already identifiable today! He is Turkish President Erdogan.
2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
I am certain that Paul had previously taught the church members in Thessalonica about the prophecies in Isaiah (Isa 14:12) and Daniel (Dan 9:27) that help to identify the Tribulation period. Jesus also explained these events in the gospels (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17&21).
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
The word withholdeth means to hold fast or stay. To stay means to prevent, to come first, or to delay.
Seeing the Antichrist sitting in the temple is the event that comes before or delays the Great Tribulation. But the term “a falling away” is describing the event that is delaying the revealing of the Antichrist. So the stay (or delay) of a falling away is preventing the Antichrist from being revealed. Satan’s fall precedes the revealing of the Antichrist!
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
The mystery of iniquity is simply the working of wickedness in the world. Specifically it is the working of Satan’s plan to make himself God of this world. Every past world empire has been configured by Satan. There is one more world empire coming. World empires are Satan’s attempt to make himself the god of this world. Things will get much worse when the Antichrist is revealed. The identity of the word he is in question here. Whoever he is, prevents (or delays) the Antichrist from being revealed until he is taken out of the way. Most Christians read this verse and immediately think that the word he refers to the Holy Spirit taken away in the raptured Church. I don’t think so. The word he is still referring to someone who has yet to have a falling away! The words letteth and let are the same word as withholdeth in verse 6. The word taken can also be translated as “fall”. So he prevents the Antichrist from being revealed until he falls!!! The Holy Spirit is not taken out of the way before the Antichrist can be revealed. The Holy Spirit is not taken out of the way at all. People are saved during the Tribulation period (Rev 7:9-14), and their spirits are in heaven! Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is active in the salvation of a person. So the Holy Spirit is active on earth during the Tribulation period.
John 3:5 “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
So after he falls, the Antichrist will be revealed. Jesus will kill the Antichrist when he returns to the earth at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. This is not to be confused with Jesus’ coming in the air to gather his Church before or perhaps early during the Tribulation period (which is described in verse 1 at the top of our study).
2Th 2:9-10 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
This verse is still talking about the Antichrist. However another person is mentioned. That is Satan. BINGO! We finally have the last piece of our puzzle! The identity of he is Satan. The phrase “a falling away” in 2Th 2:3 is describing Satan’s fall out of heaven. So Satan will fall from heaven then the Antichrist will be revealed on earth!
In 2Th 2:3 the original Greek word for “falling away” is “apostasia”. Apostasia means to divorce, or to move something away in order to disassociate from it. In our case Satan is moved away from heaven because he has no place there anymore. The Antichrist is a man who is empowered by Satan after Satan falls to earth. Did you know that there will be a war in heaven and God will throw Satan out?
Rev 12:7-12 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
When the devil is cast out of heaven he will empower the Antichrist to do false miracles and deceive all who have rejected God.
Do you mean that Satan can enter heaven? Yep he can now, but soon he will be thrown out for good. He will be thrown to earth. That’s why we need to be warned to look out for the man that Satan will empower! Today Satan travels between heaven and earth. He also accuses believers of committing sin. Job chapter 2 illustrates Satan’s travels between heaven and earth.
Job 2:1-2 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
There are two events that must happen before Jerusalem is overrun by its enemies. These two events are the fall of Satan from heaven to earth and the Antichrist sitting in the temple at Jerusalem.
The revealing of the Antichrist on earth is the sign of the Tribulation. I think that there is already definite evidence of who the Antichrist is and present day circumstances exist that will allow his rise to infamy.
Church age believers in Jesus Christ will not suffer through the Tribulation period on earth. As Christians we are looking forward to Jesus Christ coming in the air to raise the dead and catch up the living into heaven! Alleluia!!!
2Th 2:11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Because people have rejected God’s love for them, and have rejected God’s son sent to die for them (Joh 3:16), God will send them strong delusion. The word delusion means “a straying from orthodoxy or piety”. All people who have rejected the truth of salvation by Jesus’ blood will be persuaded of their own righteousness by another way. This of course is true of all false religions; but it reminds me of the Emerging Church and also of the Unity movement being spearheaded by the Pope. The Emerging Church is an all-inclusive so called “Christian” movement that contains eastern philosophy and ritual; including yoga, meditation, and contemplative prayer as a means to personal holiness. It denounces Bible teaching, and is being promoted by some of your favorite “Christian” leaders. Even without the influence of the miracle working Antichrist, most people I know are eagerly awaiting this kind of religion (including most pastors). The fact that the Emerging Church and the Unity movement are on the move persuades me to think that Satan’s fall and the exposing of the Antichrist is imminent. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived!
2Th 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope you believe the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ’s blood shed for you.
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
2Th 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
In verse 15 above, the Apostle Paul instructs the believers in Thessalonica to “hold the traditions which ye have been taught”. Paul is referencing the writings of the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Daniel to help identify two events that happen during the Tribulation. The fall of Satan from heaven and the revealing of the Antichrist as he sits in the temple in Jerusalem. The first day of Jerusalem’s Great Tribulation will be marked by the Antichrist sitting in the temple in Jerusalem (Mat 24:21).
Most Bible teachers think that the Great Tribulation begins three and one half years into the seven year long Tribulation period. Christians living during the Church age can be assured that they will not suffer through the time of the God’s wrath on earth. Most Bible teachers also say that the seven year Tribulation period begins with the signing of a seven year term security agreement between the Antichrist, Israel, and perhaps other world powers (Dan 9:27). Will Church age believers be on earth to see the signing of this treaty during the first days of the seven year Tribulation period? I don’t know.
The world is prepared for the Antichrist. Christians should be prepared for the day of Christ. We must look to the Old Testament prophets in order to recognize prophetic end time events that are increasingly happening today. Each one of us must make certain that we possess a sure and steadfast faith in the salvation of soul and body that Jesus has wrought. We must also be prepared so that we are not deceived by the offer of an unorthodox way to reconciliation with God that a false religion will soon tender (2Th 2:11-12).
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The following verses were written to Jewish believers. They also apply to all believers in Jesus Christ especially those living in present day.
Heb 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Now let me see if I have this straight. Jesus will return in the air then Church age believers will be resurrected from the dead and taken into heaven. Satan will be thrown out of heaven and fall to earth then the Antichrist will be revealed. Israel should know that the Great Tribulation will not begin until the man of sin (or the Antichrist) sits in the temple in Jerusalem. Wow, I probably should have said that in the first place. Amen.
Read my book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
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For more about Satan’s fall read The Devil’s fall brings Euphoria or Grief
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High Time to Awake 