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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
The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist is on YouTube!
For more about Satan’s fall read The Devil’s fall brings Euphoria or Grief
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US appeasement of Turkey is making things worse and worse
US appeasement of Turkey is making things worse and worse
US has taken the weaker position
By Craig C. White
The United States is relying on Turkey to exercise US interests in Syria and northern Iraq. Namely the US wants Turkey to keep Iran and Russia at bay in Syria. So far the US has allowed enormous leeway for Turkey to do almost anything that it wants. Unfortunately the Kurds and Yazidis are suffering for it. The US has adopted a hands off approach in northern Syria and northern Iraq. This has left the Kurds and Yazidis to fend for themselves against the Turkish army and against Turkish backed Al-Qaeda forces. The Kurds have largely been driven out of their homes and land. The US has not intervened even as Turkey has dammed up the Euphrates River starving the remaining Kurds of water. This week the US sided with Turkey in naval drills defending eastern Mediterranean Sea oil rights against Greece and France. Would the US go to war against Greece and France? I certainly hope not but the US has taken a position of not opposing Turkey at some cost.
Coddling their NATO ally seems preferable to allowing Iran or Russia to gain a stronger foothold in the region. I believe that ultimately the US is banking on Turkey to remove Syrian President Assad from power in Damascus. In its efforts to appease Turkish President Erdogan the US has taken the weaker position.
This week US envoy for Syria and the anti-ISIS campaign, James Jeffrey said the US had “proved our value (to Turkey) in many fields outside of Syria.”
Jeremiah 49:23-27 describes Turkey as they attack northwestern Syria and then destroy Damascus. The US will get its wish but the results will be calamity of Biblical proportions. Turkey will turn Damascus into a ruinous heap and then Turkey will invade northern Israel.
Read my commentary titled The nations are disquieted over Syria
Read this article on the Jerusalem Post: Why is the US still helping Turkey sabotage its role in Syria?
Read my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible prophecy
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Bible prophecy is being fulfilled in Mosul
Bible prophecy is being fulfilled in Mosul
The Prophet Nahum describes the destruction and flooding of Mosul.
By Craig C. White
I am fervently watching events in Mosul. At some point I am expecting Mosul to be destroyed by a flood of water. The ISIS saga seems to be taking a long time to unfold. On Monday July 10, 2017 Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIS in Mosul; however fighting has continued this week. Most of the ISIS strongholds have been overrun but there are still a few pockets remaining. ISIS last fighting positions are located on the Tigris River in the Old City neighborhood of western Mosul. The Old City neighborhood has been devastated by the war. Some seven thousand civilians have been killed, with tens of thousands more wounded. Mosul is Iraq’s second largest city with a pre-war population of nearly two million people. Nearly one million residents have been displaced from their homes.
Mosul is built around the ruins of ancient Nineveh. As a matter of fact Iraqis still refer to Mosul as Nineveh. Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were infamous for committing the same sorts of atrocities that ISIS is known for today. The Prophet Nahum calls them vile. The Prophet Nahum predicted the flooding and plundering of Nineveh. Nineveh was flooded by the Tigris River and then set upon by the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians in 612 BC. The city was plundered and burned for two months until almost nothing remained. Today these same nations are fighting against ISIS in Mosul. Nahum predicted the flooding and destruction of Nineveh but his words could apply to the modern day city of Mosul even more.
Let me begin by saying that the Old Testament book of Nahum definitely predicts that Nineveh (or modern day Mosul) will be destroyed by a flood of water. Remember that ancient Nineveh was flooded in 612 BC.
Nahum 1:8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
Nahum says that the gates of the Tigris River will be opened. Today the Mosul dam is in danger of bursting. If the Mosul dam broke it could sent a seventy five foot tall wave of water over downtown Mosul.
Nahum 2:6 The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.
Nahum also says that the palace will be dissolved. Interestingly the palace of Assyrian King Sennacherib has just been rediscovered for the first time since Nineveh flooded in 612 BC. The palace ruins are located in eastern Mosul directly across the Tigris River from the last stronghold of ISIS.
Nahum 2:8 But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.
In the verse above, Nahum is saying that Nineveh will look like a water reservoir for many days. So Nahum definitely describes a flood of water, but Nahum also describes an invading army and the defeat of the Assyrian forces by military combat.
Nahum 3:1-3 Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not; 2 The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots. 3 The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses:
Nahum 3:3 describes Nineveh as being littered with dead bodies. This week Nahum 3:3 has been fulfilled. The Iraqi Army cannot allow the residents of western Mosul to return to their homes because there are so many dead bodies that must be removed. Compare Nahum 3:3 to this quote from this story in the Mirror titled; ISIS’ last stand: How bloody final battle for Mosul took place in tiny 150-yard street strewn with bodies.
“Families described not being able to walk without stepping on a corpse or a body part and were holed up with suicide bombers in the tiny street”
The following verse describes the Assyrian soldiers as they hide from the advancing army. To seek strength means that they will look for a fortified shelter to protect themselves from the battle.
Nahum 3:11 Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.
This week many ISIS fighters have been pulled out of tunnels and out from beneath rubble where they were hiding.
The next verse says that their fortified fighting positions will be readily defeated. The Iraqi Army has made steady progress against ISIS in Mosul; pushing them into a small patch of the Old City neighborhood next to the Tigris River.
Nahum 3:12 All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.
Yes I think that the book of Nahum predicts the flooding of ISIS in Mosul, but Nahum also describes the Assyrian Army (and perhaps ISIS as well) as they are killed by fire and by sword. These things have happened in Mosul over the past several months.
Nahum 3:14-15 Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln. 15 There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.
In the passage above, Nahum also mentions that ISIS will use bricks to fortify their position. I think that this could be accomplished at their current location next to the Tigris River in western Mosul. This is the last stronghold of ISIS in Mosul. It has also been their headquarters and epicenter for the past three years. ISIS has erected cloth tarps over the city streets in this area in order to hide the view of their activities from the air. If these tarps are removed to reveal brickwork fortifications then expect a flood. Interestingly, ISIS’s final stronghold is located on the west side of the Tigris River directly across from the Nineveh ruins.
Several events that Nahum describes have already happened in Mosul. Here are a few other things that we can expect to see happen soon that would confirm Nahum’s prophecy.
Nahum 1:11 says that a wicked leader will come out of Nineveh. ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi is thought to have fled Mosul. It is suspected that he is hiding in small ISIS controlled villages west of Mosul.
Nahum 1:11 There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.
There have been a lot of mixed reports lately about whether or not Al-Baghdadi has been killed. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said on July 14, 2017 that the US cannot confirm that ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi is dead.
“If we knew, we would tell you — right now, I can’t confirm or deny it,” Mattis said. “Our approach is we assume he’s alive until it’s proven otherwise, and right now I can’t prove it otherwise.”
In the next verse Nahum says that this wicked leader will formally address his troops. So a message from Al-Baghdadi to the last remaining ISIS fighters in Mosul would be appropriate.
Nahum 2:5 He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared.
Nahum 1:10 says that the Assyrians (or perhaps ISIS) will be gathered closely together when they are destroyed. ISIS has been gathered together in western Mosul. In Nahum 1:14 God says that he will punish the people of Nineveh (or Mosul) because they are vile. That certainly describes ISIS. Mosul is Nineveh and ISIS is an attempt at reviving the Assyrian Empire. In Nahum 1:9 God says that “affliction shall not rise up the second time.” meaning that God will not allow the Assyrian Empire to afflict Israel for a second time. Today we can see ISIS being diminished in Syria and northern Iraq. We are seeing Bible prophecy being fulfilled in Mosul. Be on the lookout for more to follow. At some point I am expecting Mosul to be destroyed by a flood of water.
Watch this video on ABC News Nightline: On the front lines of Iraqi forces fighting to take back Mosul with ISIS fighters hiding in the rubble
Read my commentary titled The End of ISIS is near!
Read my book The End of ISIS is near!
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The Fall 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 the word 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.
Joh 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 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 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 sat 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
2 Thessalonians chapter 2 – The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist is on YouTube!
For more about Satan’s fall read The Devil’s fall brings Euphoria or Grief
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Assyrian palace found in Mosul!
Assyrian palace found in Mosul!
Last seen when Nineveh flooded.
By Craig C. White
ISIS destruction in Mosul has unearthed Assyrian King Sennacherib’s palace from the time that God destroyed ancient Nineveh with a flood (612 BC). The palace ruins were found underneath the Shrine to the biblical Prophet Jonah. ISIS used high explosives to blow up the Shrine to Jonah in 2014 when they took control of Mosul. Iraqi soldiers have entered the now buried palace by way of ISIS tunnels. The soldiers reported that the two story structure is in eminent danger of collapsing. This is the palace that is identified in Nahum 2:6. Evidently the flood of 612 BC buried Sennacherib’s palace.
Nahum 2:6 The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.
The Prophet Nahum predicted the flooding and plundering of the ancient Assyrian capital city of Nineveh. Today the ruins of Nineveh lay within the Mosul city limits. Nahum says that God would destroy the place where Nineveh was built with an overrunning flood. Nahum may also predict the flooding of Mosul in northern Iraq. Nahum says that the inhabitants of Nineveh would be gathered together when their destruction came. Today the Iraqi Army has pushed ISIS close together in western Mosul. The Mosul dam is in danger of busting. If Mosul is going to flood then it seems that now would be an appropriate time!
Let’s notice that Assyrian King Sennacherib’s palace has once again been seen by human eyes after 2,600 years. Just like 612 BC this palace has resurfaced at a time when Nineveh (or modern day Mosul) is once again under siege and also in danger of flooding. If the Mosul dam breaks then Sennacherib’s palace will most likely be dissolved once again and for all time. Do you think that God is trying to tell us something? Is anybody listening?
Read this article in the Telegraph Previously untouched 600BC palace discovered under shrine demolished by Isil in Mosul
Read my commentary titled The End of ISIS is near!
Read my book The End of ISIS is near!
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Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights – #1 New Release
Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights
#1 New Release on Amazon
Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights
Kindle & Paperback
The book of Nahum describes Jesus Christ coming in the air!!! Jesus is coming in a whirlwind to the Golan Heights of northern Israel and he is HOT! He is coming to defeat Israel’s enemies and to take you away!
Thanks to you my new book Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights is the number one New Release in Eschatology on Amazon!
Don’t be the last one to read this #1 New Release!
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Woe to the Idol Shepherd on YouTube!
Woe to the Idol Shepherd
God will raise up a wicked Israeli leader.
By Craig C. White
What is an Idol Shepherd? Well a shepherd is someone who tends to a flock. A shepherd can also tend people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proven that he is a faithful and strong shepherd. Thank God for him. He is diligent to serve his land and people. He is conscientious to beware of Israel’s enemies. He is attentive to the safety and welfare of the Israeli people. Today Israel is blessed with an upright shepherd.
An Idol Shepherd is a leader who does not care for his people. One day God will raise up a wicked leader in Israel who will hand over his people for profit. Don’t think that I am talking about the antichrist. I am not. I am talking about a Jewish Israeli leader who will be in office during the great tribulation*.
Zec 11:16 For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
God will raise this shepherd to serve his purpose of judging Israel during the final seven years of indignation spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Dan 9:24). The wicked shepherd will not care for the children who wander the streets having lost their parents. He will not help those whose lives have been broken. The phrase “nor feed that that standeth still” means he will not support those who are standing for what is right. The shepherd will not do what is right. He will do the opposite. He will greedily consume the wealth of Israel for himself. He will tear apart all those who reach out for help.
httpv://youtu.be/jxW1PInzS9A
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read about Israel’s Idol Shepherd in my new eBook Israel’s Beacon of Hope
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Question: What do these Bible verses have in common?
Question: What do these Bible verses have in common?
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man” and “one shall be taken, and the other left”
Answer: They have nothing at all to do with the Rapture.
By Craig C. White
Did you know that not a single one of these verses pertains to Church age Christians? I’ll bet that you didn’t. Every one of these Bible verses are from Matthew chapter 24. Matthew chapter 24 was written directly to the Jews living in and around Jerusalem during the time of their great tribulation. Matthew chapter 24 has nothing at all to do with the Church. Earthquakes are not a sign of the Rapture. The Church is not being warned to be on the lookout for false prophets. God’s elect are not Church age believers. A generation should not be counted from the date that Israel became a nation until the time of the Rapture. The phrase “But of that day and hour knoweth no man” does not refer to the day of the Rapture! The days of Noah do not describe conditions on earth before the Rapture. At the Rapture one shall not be taken, and the other left. The Christians that I talk with don’t understand any of these verses. It is High Time that Christians properly understood their Bibles.
In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus is addressing his Jewish disciples. The Gentile Church is still a mystery. Jesus is telling his disciples about the trials that Jerusalem and Judea will endure during their great tribulation.
Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Jerusalem’s great tribulation will begin during the middle of the seven year long Tribulation period. One day unexpectedly the armies of the Antichrist will attack Jerusalem and Judea and take half of the people as prisoners. This begins Jerusalem’s great tribulation. Some bad things will happen before the Antichrist invades Jerusalem. Jesus warns the Jews living around Jerusalem to be on the lookout for false teachers and also for great wars and natural disasters.
Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Almost every Christian is tracking earthquakes as a sign of the approaching Rapture. That is a big mistake. Earthquakes, famines, and disease outbreaks are signs to Israel that their day of trouble is near! Earthquakes are not a sign of the Rapture.
Matthew 24:6-8 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Almost every Christian sees the Church represented in the following verse. Not so. This verse is talking about the day that the Antichrist invades Jerusalem and captures or kills its inhabitants. From that day the nations will oppress Israel for three and one half years.
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
In the next verse; these false prophets will deceive Israel during their time of trouble. These false prophets are not sent to the Church.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
When Matthew chapter 24 mentions the elect it is not talking about Christians but it is talking about Israel, God’s chosen people. The Jewish people must beware of false Christ’s as well as false prophets. It seems that Matthew is saying that the false Christs will arise once the great tribulation begins.
Matthew 24:23-24 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 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.
I know that the following verse sounds like it is describing the Rapture but it isn’t. The elect identifies Israel, God’s chosen people not the Church. After the Tribulation Jesus Christ will collect all of the faithful Jews who have been dispersed throughout the world from the time of Abraham. They won’t be taken up into heaven. They will be resurrected and travel back to Israel. God will dry up the Red Sea, and the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers so that the Old Testament Jews can cross over them on their way back to Israel. Please notice that there is no mention of the Jews ascending into the sky.
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
I have heard so many Christians trying to reconcile the length of a generation in order to establish the timeframe of the Rapture. Wow that is another big mistake. The generation who sees the beginning of the Tribulation will also see the end of the Tribulation, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Try as I may, I can not correct the thinking of modern day Christians.
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Here is a BIG one. Boy how many times have I been rebuked by Christians using this verse? These Christians do not understand their Bibles. The day and hour that Jesus identifies is not the day of the Rapture. It isn’t even the day of Jesus Christ’s second coming. Jesus is WARNING the Jews living around Jerusalem to WATCH for the armies of the Antichrist as they approach Jerusalem. On that day they are instructed to flee to the mountainous wilderness east of Jerusalem. That day begins Jerusalem’s great tribulation. The faithful Jews who heed Jesus’ warning will take refuge in Jordan during the great tribulation.
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Here is another one. The days of Noah do not describe the poor spiritual condition on earth today. The days of Noah don’t even describe the poor spiritual condition on earth before the great tribulation begins. The days of Noah describe the sudden destruction that will come upon Jerusalem and Judea when the armies of the Antichrist attack! The point is that this invasion will be a BIG SURPRISE. On a day when everybody in Jerusalem is living their lives as usual then sudden destruction will come upon them just like the flood took Noah’s generation by surprise!
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
I hate to burst your fuzzy brain bubble but the next verse does not describe the Rapture of the Church. Matthew is still chronicling the events of the day of Jerusalem’s trouble. When the Antichrist invades Jerusalem, his armies will take one Jew as prisoner and leave the next. In that way one half of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will be taken away captive. This is the same thing that Antiochous Epiphanies did when his armies invaded Jerusalem in 167 BC.
Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
When the Antichrist invades Jerusalem then half of its residents will be taken captive. Zechariah tells us all about it.
Zechariah 14:1-3 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 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.
In the next verse the term “Son of man” does not describe Jesus at his second coming nor does it describe Jesus when he comes for the Church at the Resurrection and Rapture. Believe it or not the term “Son of man” refers to the Antichrist as he approaches Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
This is the same day that is described in Luke 17:30-31.
Luke 17:30-31 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
On the day that the armies of the Antichrist attack Jerusalem and Judea its residents are instructed to WATCH and to run for their lives. They must not return home for anything because the Antichrist’s armies will be going house to house capturing every other Jew. They must flee into the Judean wilderness in order to escape being captured or killed. It would be nice if Christians finally understood this. I think that the residents of Judea might be interested in knowing.
Read my commentary titled One shall be taken and the other left
If you really want to understand Matthew 24 then read my book Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait! It was written to the Jews just like Matthew 24.
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Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights – got a great review!
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