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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE AND ANSWERS FROM THE WORD OF GOD
This study will enable you to detect unscriptural (false) teaching.
God speaks to us through his Word. When we reject his Word, we are disobedient. There will be a consequence for disobedience. Remember Moses and Aaron (Num. 20: 6)!
We read concerning Scripture:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training for righteous living so that a servant of God will be well prepared for works of service (2 Tim. 3:16).
No prophecy was given by the prophet's own understanding. But prophets spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1: 20-21).
A servant of God must make every effort to correctly explain the truth of Scripture (2 Tim. 2: 15).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1) Will the saints be exposed to the rule of the Antichrist? Certainly!
a) The saints will be handed over to him.
" ... The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time" (Dan. 7: 25).
b) The Antichrist will make war against the saints.
"He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. ..." (Rev.13:7).
2) How long will the tribulation last?
There is scriptural evidence that the tribulation will last for three and a half years or forty-two months.
a) "He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time"(Dan. 7:25).
b) "The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months" (Rev. 13:5).
3) Will there be more than one coming (appearing) of our LORD? No! (Matt. 24: 29-31, 36-41; Matt. 25: 31-46; Col.3:4; 2 Thess. 1:6-10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; 2 Pet.3; Rev. 1:7).
4) Will there be more than one resurrection? No! (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
5) Will there be more than one day of judgment? No! (John 12: 48; Acts 17: 31; 2 Tim. 4: 1; Heb. 9 ; 27; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 7; Rev. 11: 18).(John 12:48; Acts 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 9:27; 1 Pet. 4
6) What is the rapture?
The word rapture is not found in the Scriptures. It is derived from the Latin verb "rapio" which is used in the Latin Bible. It means seize, snatch or catch up.
The rapture is:
a) The gathering of people before Jesus (Matt. 25:32).
b) The gathering of people to Jesus (2 Thess. 2:1)
c) The catching up of people in the clouds to meet Jesus (1 Thess. 4:17).
d) Appearing with Christ in glory (Col 3:4).
e) The gathering of the Lord's elect (Matt. 24: 31).
7) When will the rapture take place?
Since there will be only one resurrection of all the dead, therefore, the rapture will take place when the resurrection occurs (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
8) When will the resurrection happen?
a) On the day of the LORD, after the man of lawlessness (NIV), (the Antichrist), is revealed (2 Thess. 2:1-4).
b) At the last day (John 6:39-40).
c) At the last trumpet (1 Cor. 15:50-52).
d) On the day of restoration (Acts 3:21).
e) After the seventh angel sounds his trumpet (Rev. 11:18).
f) On the day of judgment ( the day of the LORD, the day of God (2 Pet. 3:3-13). (see 1 Cor. 15:20-23; 1 Thess. 4: 16-17).
g) At the end of the thousand years (Rev. 20: 5).
9) What is the day of the LORD?
The day of the LORD is not an extended period of time, as some teach. The day of the LORD is a moment in the future known only by God the Father.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in haven nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt. 24: 29 - 31; Mark 13: 32 ).
When that moment arrives, God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will interrupt and terminate time and usher in eternity.
" ... But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13).
10) When will the thousand years be fulfilled?
The apostle Peter informs us that there will be one coming of our LORD. It will occur on the day of judgement (the day of the LORD- the day of God), when God will restore everything by creating a new heaven and a new earth (2 Pet. 3:3-13).
We read:
"But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare" (2 Pet. 3:10).
Since God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgement at the second coming of our LORD, therefore, the thousand years (Rev. 20:1-7) cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT because time and eternity cannot coexist.
11) Are the thousand years literal?
The thousand years are not literal. They are symbolic and cover an extended period of time.
12) Are both thousand years of the same duration (Rev. 20:2; Rev 20:4)?
Both thousand years are of the same duration, since our calculation of the length of our LORD's ministry was shown to be three and a half years long and the tribulation period will be three and a half years long (Dan 7: 25; Rev. 13:5-8).
The events of the end times are presented in the following diagram. The calculation shows that our LORD ministered for three and a half years or forty- two months.
13) When did the thousand years begin?
In the case of Satan, the thousand years began at the commencement of our LORD's ministry ( Rev. 20: 2; Matt. 12: 29), and they will end when he is set free for a short time ( Rev. 12: 12; Rev. 20: 3).
Regarding our LORD, the thousand years began at his ascension ( Rev. 20: 4; Acts 1: 9 - 11), and they will end when he comes again (Matt. 25: 31; 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 23; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17; 2 Thess. 1: 6 - 10; Heb. 9: 27 - 28; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 7 - 10). 14)
14) When will the eternal reign commence?
The eternal reign will commence after the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever' (Rev. 11: 15).
We learn from the apostle Peter that God will restore everything on the day of judgment by creating a new heaven and a new earth ( 2 Pet. 3: 7 - 13). When our LORD, Jesus Christ, comes on the day of judgment, at the last day, at the last trumpet, the resurrection of all the dead will occur and he will judge all nations (Matt. 13: 36 - 43; Matt. 25: 31 - 46; John 5: 28 - 29; John 6: 39 - 40; 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 23; 1 Cor. 15: 50 - 52; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 4, 7, 10, 13; Rev. 11: 18). The righteous will go into eternal life in glorious bodies in their new home, the Holy City, the new Jerusalem and the unrighteous into eternal punishment, in the fiery lake of burning sulfur ( Matt. 13: 36 - 43; Matt. 25: 31 - 46; Rev. 11: 18; Rev. 14: 14 - 20).
15) What about God's eternal day?
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the LORD Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body ( Phil. 3: 20 - 21 ).
“ … Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime - a day known to the LORD" ( Zech. 14: 5 - 7, 9).
16) What is the mystery of God ( Rev. 10: 7).
Is it the mystery that the apostle Paul revealed to the Corinthians: Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Cor. 15: 51 - 52).
NOTE
Since there will be only one coming of our LORD, therefore, the second coming and the coming down from heaven for the rapture must be the same event ( 2 Pet. 3: 3 - 13; Matt. 25: 31; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17).
Since God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgment, at the second coming of our LORD, therefore, the thousand years recorded in Revelation 20: 1-7 cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT BECAUSE TIME AND ETERNITY CANNOT COEXIST. The millennium is now in progress.
CopyrightⒸ 1985 by Rev. Joseph E. Mahabir (B.A Hons. (York University), M.Ed. (University of Toronto), Divinity M. A. (magna cum laude), (Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA).
"Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright c 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers."
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE AND ANSWERS FROM THE WORD OF GOD
This study will enable you to detect unscriptural (false) teaching.
God speaks to us through his Word. When we reject his Word, we are disobedient. There will be a consequence for disobedience. Remember Moses and Aaron (Num. 20: 6)!
We read concerning Scripture:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training for righteous living so that a servant of God will be well prepared for works of service (2 Tim. 3:16).
No prophecy was given by the prophet's own understanding. But prophets spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1: 20-21).
A servant of God must make every effort to correctly explain the truth of Scripture (2 Tim. 2: 15).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1) Will the saints be exposed to the rule of the Antichrist? Certainly!
a) The saints will be handed over to him.
" ... The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time" (Dan. 7: 25).
b) The Antichrist will make war against the saints.
"He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. ..." (Rev.13:7).
2) How long will the tribulation last?
There is scriptural evidence that the tribulation will last for three and a half years or forty-two months.
a) "He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time"(Dan. 7:25).
b) "The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months" (Rev. 13:5).
3) Will there be more than one coming (appearing) of our LORD? No! (Matt. 24: 29-31, 36-41; Matt. 25: 31-46; Col.3:4; 2 Thess. 1:6-10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; 2 Pet.3; Rev. 1:7).
4) Will there be more than one resurrection? No! (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
5) Will there be more than one day of judgment? No! (John 12: 48; Acts 17: 31; 2 Tim. 4: 1; Heb. 9 ; 27; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 7; Rev. 11: 18).(John 12:48; Acts 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 9:27; 1 Pet. 4
6) What is the rapture?
The word rapture is not found in the Scriptures. It is derived from the Latin verb "rapio" which is used in the Latin Bible. It means seize, snatch or catch up.
The rapture is:
a) The gathering of people before Jesus (Matt. 25:32).
b) The gathering of people to Jesus (2 Thess. 2:1)
c) The catching up of people in the clouds to meet Jesus (1 Thess. 4:17).
d) Appearing with Christ in glory (Col 3:4).
e) The gathering of the Lord's elect (Matt. 24: 31).
7) When will the rapture take place?
Since there will be only one resurrection of all the dead, therefore, the rapture will take place when the resurrection occurs (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
8) When will the resurrection happen?
a) On the day of the LORD, after the man of lawlessness (NIV), (the Antichrist), is revealed (2 Thess. 2:1-4).
b) At the last day (John 6:39-40).
c) At the last trumpet (1 Cor. 15:50-52).
d) On the day of restoration (Acts 3:21).
e) After the seventh angel sounds his trumpet (Rev. 11:18).
f) On the day of judgment ( the day of the LORD, the day of God (2 Pet. 3:3-13). (see 1 Cor. 15:20-23; 1 Thess. 4: 16-17).
g) At the end of the thousand years (Rev. 20: 5).
9) What is the day of the LORD?
The day of the LORD is not an extended period of time, as some teach. The day of the LORD is a moment in the future known only by God the Father.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in haven nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt. 24: 29 - 31; Mark 13: 32 ).
When that moment arrives, God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will interrupt and terminate time and usher in eternity.
" ... But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13).
10) When will the thousand years be fulfilled?
The apostle Peter informs us that there will be one coming of our LORD. It will occur on the day of judgement (the day of the LORD- the day of God), when God will restore everything by creating a new heaven and a new earth (2 Pet. 3:3-13).
We read:
"But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare" (2 Pet. 3:10).
Since God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgement at the second coming of our LORD, therefore, the thousand years (Rev. 20:1-7) cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT because time and eternity cannot coexist.
11) Are the thousand years literal?
The thousand years are not literal. They are symbolic and cover an extended period of time.
12) Are both thousand years of the same duration (Rev. 20:2; Rev 20:4)?
Both thousand years are of the same duration, since our calculation of the length of our LORD's ministry was shown to be three and a half years long and the tribulation period will be three and a half years long (Dan 7: 25; Rev. 13:5-8).
The events of the end times are presented in the following diagram. The calculation shows that our LORD ministered for three and a half years or forty- two months.
13) When did the thousand years begin?
In the case of Satan, the thousand years began at the commencement of our LORD's ministry ( Rev. 20: 2; Matt. 12: 29), and they will end when he is set free for a short time ( Rev. 12: 12; Rev. 20: 3).
Regarding our LORD, the thousand years began at his ascension ( Rev. 20: 4; Acts 1: 9 - 11), and they will end when he comes again (Matt. 25: 31; 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 23; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17; 2 Thess. 1: 6 - 10; Heb. 9: 27 - 28; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 7 - 10). 14)
14) When will the eternal reign commence?
The eternal reign will commence after the sounding of the seventh trumpet. The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever' (Rev. 11: 15).
We learn from the apostle Peter that God will restore everything on the day of judgment by creating a new heaven and a new earth ( 2 Pet. 3: 7 - 13). When our LORD, Jesus Christ, comes on the day of judgment, at the last day, at the last trumpet, the resurrection of all the dead will occur and he will judge all nations (Matt. 13: 36 - 43; Matt. 25: 31 - 46; John 5: 28 - 29; John 6: 39 - 40; 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 23; 1 Cor. 15: 50 - 52; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 4, 7, 10, 13; Rev. 11: 18). The righteous will go into eternal life in glorious bodies in their new home, the Holy City, the new Jerusalem and the unrighteous into eternal punishment, in the fiery lake of burning sulfur ( Matt. 13: 36 - 43; Matt. 25: 31 - 46; Rev. 11: 18; Rev. 14: 14 - 20).
15) What about God's eternal day?
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the LORD Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body ( Phil. 3: 20 - 21 ).
“ … Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime - a day known to the LORD" ( Zech. 14: 5 - 7, 9).
16) What is the mystery of God ( Rev. 10: 7).
Is it the mystery that the apostle Paul revealed to the Corinthians: Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Cor. 15: 51 - 52).
NOTE
Since there will be only one coming of our LORD, therefore, the second coming and the coming down from heaven for the rapture must be the same event ( 2 Pet. 3: 3 - 13; Matt. 25: 31; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17).
Since God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgment, at the second coming of our LORD, therefore, the thousand years recorded in Revelation 20: 1-7 cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT BECAUSE TIME AND ETERNITY CANNOT COEXIST. The millennium is now in progress.
CopyrightⒸ 1985 by Rev. Joseph E. Mahabir (B.A Hons. (York University), M.Ed. (University of Toronto), Divinity M. A. (magna cum laude), (Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA).
"Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright c 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers."
"... I will say, 'They are my people', and they will say, 'The Lord is our God'" (Zech.13:9). (See also Psalm 33:12).
2) To bring forth the Messiah
God said to Abram:
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you"(Gen. 12:2-3)."The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ" (Gal. 3: 16).
Abraham and his offspring did not receive the promise that he would be heir of the world through the law but through righteousness as a result of faith(Rom.4: 13).
When the appointed time came, God sent his son, born of a woman. He was born under the law to ransom those who were under the law so that they would receive all the rights of sons. Since they are sons, God sent the Holy Spirit into their hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’ “ (Gal. 4: 4-6).
3)To record the Scriptures
The entire Bible, with the exception of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, was written by Jewish authors. The Gospel of Luke and Acts were written by Dr. Luke, a medical doctor (Col. 4:14).
All Scripture comes from God. It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in morality. With the Scripture, servants of God will be well prepared for works of service (2Tim. 3:16).
All prophecy came from God. Man had no input in prophecy. Man’s role was to record what the Holy Spirit revealed (2 Pet. 1: 20-21).
4) To expand the Kingdom of God
Israel failed to expand the Kingdom. As a result, the Kingdom was taken away from her. Jesus said:
"Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit"(Matt. 21:43).
Jesus told his disciples that they will be empowered when the Holy Spirit comes on them and they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and all over the earth (Acts 1:8).
Jesus informed his apostles that his Father gave him all authority in heaven and on earth. He commanded them to go out and make disciples in all nations. The disciples were to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The disciples were to obeyeverything that our Lord commanded his apostles. Our Lord promised his apostles that he will be with them till the end of the age(Matt. 28: 18-20).
5) To receive her Messiah
The religious leaders of the Jews and the majority of the Jewish people rejected our Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah.
The high priest stood up and addressed Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?' But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’
When Jesus said that, the high priest tore his clothes and said that Jesus had spoken blasphemy. We do not need any more witnesses. You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, 'Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?” (Matt. 26: 62-68).
Because Jesus was doing various things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them: "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working"(John 5: 17).
Because of that, the Jews tried harder to kill him. They claimed that he was not only breaking the Sabbath but he was making himself equal with God by calling God his own Father (John 5: 18).
Let us recall what God the Father said about Jesus. "But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. …'“(Heb 1:8).
Jesus said to the Jewish leaders that he was telling them the truth when he said that he existed before Abraham was born. At the mention of that, they picked up stones to stone him but he hid and escaped from the temple grounds(John 8:58-59).
"As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify! Crucify!"(John 19:6).
THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST
The apostle Paul was given the privilege of revealing the mystery of Christ."This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:6).
GOD'S PURPOSE FOR ISRAEL AND THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST
GOD'S PURPOSE FOR ISRAEL
1) To create a people for himself
"... I will say, 'They are my people', and they will say, 'The Lord is our God'" (Zech.13:9). (See also Psalm 33:12).
2) To bring forth the Messiah
God said to Abram:
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you"(Gen. 12:2-3)."The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ" (Gal. 3: 16).
Abraham and his offspring did not receive the promise that he would be heir of the world through the law but through righteousness as a result of faith(Rom.4: 13).
When the appointed time came, God sent his son, born of a woman. He was born under the law to ransom those who were under the law so that they would receive all the rights of sons. Since they are sons, God sent the Holy Spirit into their hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’ “ (Gal. 4: 4-6).
3)To record the Scriptures
The entire Bible, with the exception of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, was written by Jewish authors. The Gospel of Luke and Acts were written by Dr. Luke, a medical doctor (Col. 4:14).
All Scripture comes from God. It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in morality. With the Scripture, servants of God will be well prepared for works of service (2Tim. 3:16).
All prophecy came from God. Man had no input in prophecy. Man’s role was to record what the Holy Spirit revealed (2 Pet. 1: 20-21).
4) To expand the Kingdom of God
Israel failed to expand the Kingdom. As a result, the Kingdom was taken away from her. Jesus said:
"Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit"(Matt. 21:43).
Jesus told his disciples that they will be empowered when the Holy Spirit comes on them and they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and all over the earth (Acts 1:8).
Jesus informed his apostles that his Father gave him all authority in heaven and on earth. He commanded them to go out and make disciples in all nations. The disciples were to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The disciples were to obeyeverything that our Lord commanded his apostles. Our Lord promised his apostles that he will be with them till the end of the age(Matt. 28: 18-20).
5) To receive her Messiah
The religious leaders of the Jews and the majority of the Jewish people rejected our Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah.
The high priest stood up and addressed Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?' But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’
When Jesus said that, the high priest tore his clothes and said that Jesus had spoken blasphemy. We do not need any more witnesses. You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, 'Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?” (Matt. 26: 62-68).
Because Jesus was doing various things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them: "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working"(John 5: 17).
Because of that, the Jews tried harder to kill him. They claimed that he was not only breaking the Sabbath but he was making himself equal with God by calling God his own Father (John 5: 18).
Let us recall what God the Father said about Jesus. "But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. …'“(Heb 1:8).
Jesus said to the Jewish leaders that he was telling them the truth when he said that he existed before Abraham was born. At the mention of that, they picked up stones to stone him but he hid and escaped from the temple grounds(John 8:58-59).
"As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify! Crucify!"(John 19:6).
THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST
The apostle Paul was given the privilege of revealing the mystery of Christ."This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:6).
THE POWER OF GOD
The apostle Paul was a devout Jew. He practiced Judaism to the fullest extent. He persecuted Christians. However, when Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus there was a transformation. Saul of Tarsus, by God's grace, became the apostle Paul, the greatest soul winner the church has known. Jesus said: Go; i will send you far away to the Gentiles (Acts 22: 21).
When writing to the Roman church he declared: " I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (Rom. 1: 16).
AT JACOB'S WELL
Jesus informed the Samaritan woman that salvation is from the Jews. Samaritans worship what they don't know and Jews worship what they know, for salvation is from the Jews (John 4: 22). The woman said to him that when Messiah comes he will explain everything to us. Jesus declared: " I who speak to you am he" (John 4: 26).
" I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account " (Deut. 18: 18 - 19).
WHAT ABOUT ISRAEL?
The prophet Isaiah penned the following : “The Redeemer will come to Zion to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the LORD (Isa. 59: 20). The prophet Zechariah paints a bleak picture for the Israelites. The Lord declares: Two-thirds of Israel will be struck down and perish.The remaining third will pass through the fire and will call on my name. ... They will call on me and I will answer them. The Lord will say:“They are my people,' and they will say,'The LORD is our God”(Zech. 13: 9).
If Israel repents, God will relent. Remember Nineveh! When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened (Jonah 3: 10).
THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
On the day of judgment, our Lord Jesus Christ will gather all nations before him. He will place the righteous on his right (those who have received the gift of eternal life) and the unrighteous on his left ( those who have rejected the gift of eternal life)( Matt 25: 33).
He will say to those on his right: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”(Matt. 25: 34).
To those on his left, he will say: “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels”( Matt. 25: 41).
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN
Jesus loves you. He died for you. He wants you to spend eternity with him. Will you confess your sins, repent of them and receive him into your heart? Jesus said to Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin - the Jewish Ruling Council, You must be born again to get into heaven ( John 3: 3). Please read John 3: 3 - 18.
A PRAYER TO BE SAVED/TO BE BORN AGAIN
Almighty God, I thank you that you sent your one and only Son, Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. Lord Jesus, I thank you that you died on the cross for my sins. Almighty God, I believe that you raised him from the dead as the Bible declares. Jesus, I confess my sins to you. I repent of them. Please forgive me I pray. Jesus, I now receive you into my heart as my Savior/Messiah and LORD. Please fulfill your plan for my life through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Amen,
NOTE - (italic - mine) blue - scriptural quotation purple- scriptural paraphrase red - regular print (explanation)
CopyrightⒸ 2024 by Rev. Joseph E. Mahabir (B.A Hons. (York University), M.Ed. (University of Toronto), Divinity M. A. (magna cum laude), (Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA).
"Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright c 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers."
Sun, Nov 20th - 11:27AM
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON?
Dr. David Jeremiah
Dr. David Jeremiah, host of the television ministry Turning Point and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, in his book, makes many false statements.
We will discuss a few of them.
Dr. Jeremiah -“Not until the Millennium will Israel occupy all the land the Lord gave her in His promise to Abraham"( pp. 10 - 11).
SCRIPTURE - "And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the River (Euphrates) to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt"(1 Kings 4: 21) (italic - mine).
COMMENT -Dr. Jeremiah’s statement is false. During King Solomon’s reign, he possessed all the land that was promised by God to Abraham. Dr.Jeremiah’s teaching of a millennium following the second coming is also false. When our LORD Jesus Christ returns he will judge all nations, the righteous will go into eternal life and the unrighteous into eternal punishment (Matt. 25: 31-46).
The thousand years recorded in Revelation 20: 1-7 cannot follow the second coming, they must precede it, since God will interrupt and terminate time when our LORD returns and usher in eternity. The thousand years (millennium) are now in progress.
Dr. Jeremiah - "Followers of Christ who are raptured will be spared the trauma of death and the coming disasters that will occur when the Tribulation breaks out upon the earth … “ (p. 99).
Dr. Jeremiah - teaches a pretribulation rapture
COMMENT - Our LORD taught that the resurrection of all those that the Father has given him will take place at the last day, thus making the last day the time of the resurrection and the rapture.
SCRIPTURE - "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day"(John 6: 39) (italic - mine).
Dr. Jeremiah -"God has certainly kept his promise to Abraham. He has blessed him and the nation that has come from him; He has multiplied his seed as the sands of the earth and stars of the sky; He has made him a blessing to the whole world; those who have blessed him have been blessed, and those who have cursed him have been cursed"(p. 6).
SCRIPTURE - "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say 'and to seeds,' meaning many people, but 'and to your seed,' meaning one person, who is Christ"(Gal. 3: 16)(italic - mine).
SCRIPTURE - "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3: 26 - 29) (italic - mine).
Dr. Jeremiah -teaches that Israel and the church are two distinct entities. He believes that when Christ returns, the Jewish nation will continue and possess the land that God promised to Abraham.
SCRIPTURE -"This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 3:6) (italic - mine).
COMMENT - In teaching that Israel and the church are two distinct entities, Dr. Jeremiah minimized the significance of our LORD's death and resurrection and ignored "the mystery of Christ."
SCRIPTURE - Both the apostle Peter and our LORD taught that at the second coming, the judgment will take place and God will usher in eternity (Matt. 25: 31-46; 2 Pet. 3: 3-13).
COMMENT - There will be no nations and no land to posses or repossess after the judgment. Dr. Jeremiah's teaching that Israel will exist as a nation after the second coming is false.
SUMMARY - Dr. Jeremiah is deceiving his readers by teaching a pretribulation rapture, a millennial reign following the second coming of our LORD, the restoration of Israel as a nation, possessing the land that God promised to Abraham along with a number of other unscriptural concepts.
COMMENT - There will be a consequence for rejecting the word of God. Each believer is responsible for checking scriptural concepts in his/her own Bible.
Tue, Sep 6th - 10:23AM
PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS BLOG. IT WILL HELP THEM TO DETECT FALSE TEACHING ESPECIALLY ON THE END TIMES.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE AND ANSWERS FROM THE WORD OF GOD
God speaks to us through his Word. When we reject his Word, we are disobedient. There will be a consequence for disobedience. Remember Moses!
We read concerning Scripture:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16).
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1: 20-21).
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2: 15).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1) Will the saints be exposed to the rule of the Antichrist? Certainly!
a) The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time (Dan. 7: 25).
b) The Antichrist will make war against the saints.
"He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. ..." (Rev.13:7).
c) "... And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ an thousand years" (Rev. 20:4).
2) How long will the tribulation last?
There is scriptural evidence that the tribulation will last for three and a half years or forty-two months.
a) "He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time" (Dan. 7:25).
b) "The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months" (Rev. 13:5).
3) Will there be more than one future coming (appearing) of our LORD? No! (Matt. 24: 29-31, 36-41; Matt. 25: 31-46; Col.3:4; 2 Thess. 1:6-10; 2 Tim. 4:1; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:27-28; 2 Pet.3; Rev. 1:7).
4) Will there be more than one future resurrection? No! (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
5) Will there be more than one day of judgment? No! (John 12:48; Acts 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 9:27; 1 Pet. 4:4-5; 2 Pet. 3:7; Rev. 11:18).
6) What is the rapture?
The word rapture is not found in the Scriptures. It is derived from the Latin verb "rapio" which means seize, snatch or catch up. The rapture is:
a) The gathering of people before Jesus (Matt. 25:32).
b) The gathering of people to Jesus (2 Thess. 2:10).
c) The catching up of people in the clouds to meet Jesus (1 Thess. 4:17).
d) Appearing with Christ in glory (Col 3:4).
7) When will the rapture take place?
Since there will be only one future resurrection of all the dead (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15), therefore, the rapture will take place when the resurrection occurs.
8) When will the resurrection happen?
a) On the day of the LORD, after the man of lawlessness (NIV), (the Antichrist), is revealed (2 Thess. 2:1-4).
b) At the last day (John 6:39-40).
c) At the last trumpet (1 Cor. 15:50-52).
d) On the day of restoration (Acts 3:21).
e) After the seventh angel sounds his trumpet (Rev. 11:18).
f) On the day of judgment ( the day of the LORD, the day of God (2 Pet. 3:3-13). (see 1 Cor. 15:20-23; 1 Thess. 4: 16-17).
9) What is the day of the LORD?
The day of the LORD is not an extended period of time, as some teach. The day of the LORD is a moment in the future known only by God the Father. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in haven nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt. 24: 29 - 31; Mark 13: 32 ).
When that moment arrives, God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will interrupt and terminate time and usher in eternity.
"But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. ... But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:10,13).
10) When will the thousand years be fulfilled?
The apostle Peter informs us that there will be one future coming of our LORD. It will occur on the day of judgement (the day of the LORD- the day of God), when God will restore everything by creating a new heaven and a new earth (2 Pet. 3:3-13).
We read: "But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. ... But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:10, 13).
Since God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgement at the second coming of our LORD, therefore, the thousand years (Rev. 20:1-7) cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT.
11) Are the thousand years literal?
The thousand years are not literal. They are symbolic and cover an extended period of time.
12) Are both thousand years of the same duration (Rev. 20:2; Rev 20:4)?
Both thousand years are of the same duration, since our calculation of the length of our LORD's ministry will be shown to be three and a half years long and the tribulation period will be three and a half years long (Dan 7: 25; Rev. 13:5-8).
The events of the end times are presented in the following diagram.
The calculation shows that our LORD ministered for three and a half years.
13) When did the thousand years begin?
In the case of Satan, the thousand years began at the commencement of our LORD's ministry ( Rev. 20: 2; Matt. 12: 29), and they will end when he is set free for a short time ( Rev. 12: 12; Rev. 20: 3).
Regarding our LORD, the thousand years began at his ascension ( Rev. 20: 4; Acts 1: 9 - 11), and they will end when he comes again (Matt. 25: 31; 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 23; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17; 2 Thess. 1: 6 - 10; Heb. 9: 27 - 28; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 7 - 10).
14) When will the eternal reign commence?
Our LORD, Jesus Christ, "must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything" ( Acts 3: 21; NIV). We learn from the apostle Peter that God will restore everything on the day of judgment by creating a new heaven and a new earth ( 2 Pet. 3: 7 - 13).
When our LORD, Jesus Christ, comes on the day of judgment, at the last day, at the last trumpet, the resurrection of all the dead will occur and he will judge all nations (Matt. 13: 36 - 43; Matt. 25: 31 - 46; John 5: 28 - 29; John 6: 39 - 40; 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 23; 1 Cor. 15: 50 - 52; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17; 1 Pet. 4: 4 - 5; 2 Pet. 3: 4, 7, 10, 13; Rev. 11: 18).
The righteous will go into eternal life in glorious bodies in their new home, the Holy City, the new Jerusalem and the unrighteous into eternal punishment, in the fiery lake of burning sulfur ( Matt. 13: 36 - 43; Matt. 25: 31 - 46; Rev. 11: 18; Rev. 14: 14 - 20; Rev. 21: 1 - 8).
THE NEW JERUSALEM
“ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. … ‘ “ ( Rev. 21: 2 - 3).
" ... The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him" ( Rev. 22: 3).
15) What about God's eternal day?
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the LORD Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” ( Phil. 3: 20 - 2
“ … Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime - a day known to the LORD. When evening comes, there will be light. … The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name” ( Zech. 14: 5 - 7, 9).
16) What is the mystery of God ( Rev. 10: 7).
Is it the resurrection of all the dead?
Is it the transformation of the bodies of believers into glorious bodies?
Is it the descent of the Holy City, the new Jerusalem?
Is it the creation of the new heaven and the new earth?
Or is it all of the above?
A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH ( 2 Pet. 3: 13; Rev. 21: 1 - 4)
We are informed in Scripture that God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgment ( 2 Pet. 3: 7, 11 - 13). When that occurs, God will interrupt and terminate time and usher in eternity. Believers will enter God’s eternal day in glorious bodies.
THE THOUSAND YEARS ( Rev. 20: 1 - 7)
Since eternity will commence on the day of judgment at the second coming of our LORD as shown previously, therefore, the thousand years cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT. Both thousand years ( Rev. 20: 2, 4) are symbolic. They cover an extended period of time.
THE FIRST RESURRECTION
Since there will be only one bodily resurrection of all the dead at the coming of our LORD ( Dan. 12: 2; John 5: 28 - 29; John 6: 39 - 40; Acts. 24 : 15; 1Cor. 15: 23; 2 Tim. 4: 1; Rev. 11: 18; Rev. 20: 13 - 15), therefore the first resurrection must be spiritual.
“The souls came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years” ( Rev. 20: 4).
As believers in our LORD Jesus Christ die, their souls/spirits go to heaven and they join our LORD in his millennial reign along with departed believers ( Phil. 1: 23; Eccl. 12: 7).
THE MILLENNIAL REIGN
Since our LORD is reigning at the present time ( 1 Cor. 15: 25), and since he will commence his eternal reign after the seventh angel sounds his trumpet ( Rev. 11: 15), therefore, his present reign must be his millennial.
“For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” ( 1 Cor. 15: 25 -
THE ETERNAL REIGN
When our LORD returns on the day of judgment, he will bring those souls/spirits who are in heaven ( 1 Thess. 4: 14). When the resurrection occurs, the souls/spirits will be housed in glorious bodies ( Phil. 3: 20 - 21; 1 Cor. 15: 51 - 53). Our glorious bodies will have a new home, the Holy City, the new Jerusalem.
After the judgment, our LORD will hand over the kingdom to God the Father and God will reign for ever and ever ( 1 Cor. 15: 24; Rev. 11: 15; Rev. 22: 3).
“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever’ “ ( Rev. 11: 15 ).
“ … Come, Lord Jesus” ( Rev. 22: 20).
NOTE
Since there will be only one future coming of our LORD, therefore, the second coming and the coming down from heaven for the rapture must be the same event ( 2 Pet. 3: 3 - 13; Matt. 25: 31; 1 Thess. 4: 16 - 17).
We conclude that the rapture will take place on the day of the Lord ( the day of judgment - the day of God ); thus proving unequivocally that the pretribulation, midtribulation and prewrath rapture theories are false.
Since God will create a new heaven and a new earth on the day of judgment, at the second coming of our LORD, therefore, the thousand years recorded in Revelation 20: 1-7 cannot follow the second coming. THEY MUST PRECEDE IT.
"Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright c 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers".
Copyright tⒸ 2021 by Joseph E. Mahabir (B.A. Hons.Psy. (York University, Toronto), M.Ed. Educ. Admin. (University of Toronto), M.A. Biblical Studies, MAGNA CUM LAUDE (Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA; USA).
Name: Joseph Emmanuel Mahabir ChristiansUnite ID: hpesoj Member Since: 2022-08-08 Location: TOORONTO, Canada Denomination: CHILD OF GOD About Me: My passion is to uphold the truth of God,s word.
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About Me
Name: Joseph Emmanuel Mahabir ChristiansUnite ID: hpesoj Member Since: 2022-08-08 Location: TOORONTO, Canada Denomination: CHILD OF GOD About Me: My passion is to uphold the truth of God,s word.
Name: Joseph Emmanuel Mahabir
