For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head . . . because of the angels.
In the last few decades there has risen much confusion around this particular verse, as well as the whole of the subject matter being addressed here by Paul to the Corinthians. All the same, this verse is part of God’s Holy Word and is intended to be both informative and instructive, though tucked neatly away here in a very illuminating passage of scriptures.
Since it is part of God’s Word that never changes, believers today are still obliged to give the utmost prayerful consideration as to its application to their lives. For we are to be as lights in the midst of this dark and blind world; and are also called to properly “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things,” both in what we say and do, in order to give the glory and honor due to the Blessed Name of our Glorious Savior Jesus Christ.
Nonetheless, for a variety of reasons, “believers” nowadays simply choose to ignore Paul’s 298 instructive words in this particular passage, (counted in the King James prior to verse sixteen) and have imprudently conclude “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” In so doing, they treat Paul’s instruction here as completely irrelevant to them, as if it was written without reason, and were a complete waste of Paul’s time and parchment.
Nevertheless, up until the last half-century or so, the majority of “the churches of God” did keep the custom of women wearing head coverings to some degree. This shows that most believers in today’s Church have lost the very attribute for which Paul was praising the Corinthian church in the first place, “I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
So, what was Paul saying, “we have no such custom, neither the churches of God?” Well, what was the beginning of that verse?
1 Corinthians 11:16 – But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
What this verse is saying is simply this, as believers and members of the Body of Christ, we are not supposed to be contentious, for only by pride comes contention.
Though Jude said to “earnestly contend for the faith,” that does not mean we are to be contentious or belligerently quarrelsome. There is a big difference between earnestly reasoning the perceptual truths of God and argumentatively rejecting them out of personal preference or ignorance.
Still, many discard parts of God’s word simply because they don’t understand them and therefore don’t feel they are important, or that it doesn’t apply to today’s church. These poor servants of Christ would miserably fail to follow what has been called “the Gospel of Mary,” when she told the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, “Whatsoever He says unto you, do it.”
The Gospel isn’t a smorgasbord buffet-style religion where everyone gets to pick and choose what they want to do. They who would come to Christ, hoping to have the atoning blood of the Lamb of God applied to their lives, must do as did the Jews in Egypt; they must consume ALL of the sacrificial Lamb WITH its bitter herbs . . . not just the choice tender desirable parts.
Exodus 12:8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roasted with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning you shall burn with fire.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin..
To refuse to do “whatsoever He says unto you” leaves one as guilty as those preachers failing to keep the Great Commission, “Go you therefore, and teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
So, as I stated before, until recently the majority of “the churches of God” faithfully kept the custom of women wearing head coverings. Therefore, one would do well to ask, “Why then, and not now?” What is different? Are today’s liberal churches more enlightened? Or have they simply moved further from the faithful application of God’s perceptual truths, to now abusing the liberty they have from sin’s dominion through grace as an unwarranted liberty of the flesh?
We do well to remember what Paul said to the church of Corinth, “I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.”
What were the ordinances? Perhaps an even better question would be what exactly is an ordinance? A simple way to find out what Paul meant is to study how the Greek word which was translated “ordinances” in this verse was translated elsewhere in scripture. For out of the thirteen times the word was used in scripture, only this one time was it translated “ordinances.” The other twelve times it was translated “tradition” or “traditions” as seen below-
Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Matthew 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash [their] hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your traditions, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.
Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the tradition of my fathers.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
God used the Apostle Paul to deliver ordinances, or traditions, which he intended to be observed by the Church. However, while some at Corinth kept them, others had elected not to. This division in keeping the observance Paul had commanded had led to a contention between them, and that is not surprising since the true foundation of this subject matter is that of spiritual authority.
It is evident Paul had some who were strong resisters of his authority in the Corinthian church as testified by scripture-
1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Paul was trying to set things in proper order and lay a firm foundation for their understanding of order and godly authority in the Church. Hence Paul wrote, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” It is evident here that Paul was rehearsing the divine structure, or order of authority to them, which is established further by the phrase “For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.”
The Bible in Basic English states it this way, “For this reason it is right for the woman to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.” So, we readily see that the woman ought to have her head covered while praying or prophesying, i.e. teaching the things of God. But what does it mean “because of the angels?” Just what does a head covering, or the covering of the hair, have to do with the angels?
Well, let us look through a window provided by scripture into the throne room of heaven-
Isaiah 6:1 – In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.
Here we can see the angel’s were using two of their wings to cover their face, which meant they held their wings over their heads so as to conceal their faces, and with two they covered their feet. But why?
The answer is simple, they did not wish for their God-given beauty to detract from the glory, honor and praise due to God alone. This will become more evident as we continue, for in the scriptures there is a detectable similarity between the gifts God gives to the woman and those He gave to Lucifer before he fell from God’s grace.
Ezekiel 28:13 – You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the ruby, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the turquoise, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of your tambourines and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub that covers, and I had put you in the holy height of God where you were.; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you.
What do we see in these verses here?
First we can see that God gave to the anointed cherub a glorious apparel to complement the position in which he was placed in God’s creation. His garment, or covering, was a divine gift of a majestic adornment given to honor him.
What about the woman? –
1 Corinthians 11:15 – But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her fora covering.
Who gave this “glory” to compliment all women? The Creator did. Doubtless when God created Eve that she was given long hair as an adornment to complement her God-given beauty.
As we can see from both passages, both the jewel-studded garment of the anointed cherub and the woman’s hair are said to be given by God as a glorious “covering.”
Still, that does not answer the question, “What does women wearing a head covering have to do with the angels?” Perhaps we should review what happen with Lucifer and what caused him to have his negative conversion and to fall out of God’s graces.
We can see what happen to Lucifer in Ezekiel’s prophetic words against the king of Tyrus, who by pride of position, wealth, power and beauty, became more and more covetous. The king of Tyrus foolishly sought to go beyond the bounds of what was lawful for him, and being covetous had sinned, and therefore God was going to cast him down. For this prophecy of Ezekiel concerning the king of Tyrus in his pride is merely a repetition of exactly what Lucifer had done and reveals how sin first entered God’s holy creation.
Ezekiel 28:2 – Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
The king of Tyrus had exalted himself in his own eyes, but his pride did not change in reality what he truly was; a mere man who because of his pride was going to die as a man –
Ezekiel 28:9 – Will you yet say before him who kills you, I am of the gods? But you are a man, and not God, in the hand of him who kills you. 10 You shall die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers. For I have spoken, says the Lord Jehovah.
Now God could have ended this prophecy here. It conveyed all it needed to about the king of Tyrus sin. Yet God continued to reveal more through Ezekiel for our admonishment and understanding of sin’s induction into creation.
Ezekiel 28:11 – And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12 Son of man, lift up a lament over the king of Tyre, and say to him, So says the Lord Jehovah: You seal the measure, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the ruby, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the turquoise, and the emerald, and gold. The workmanship of your tambourines and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub that covers, and I had put you in the holy height of God where you were.; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you.
In these passages it is revealed how the king’s personal life and pride was, as it were, a prophetic mirroring of Lucifer’s prior to his fall. This can all be safely determine by the following statements –
“You have been in Eden the garden of God” – The king of Tyrus was never in the Garden of Eden . . . but Lucifer was.
“the day that you were created” – The king of Tyrus was born, not created . . . but Lucifer was.
“You were the anointed cherub” – We see in verses 2 and 9 that God clearly says of the king “thou art a man.”
There are other parts that could be expounded on here, but before we do, let’s look through another similar prophetic window of scripture at the fall of Lucifer, the anointed cherub.
Isaiah 14:4 – you shall take up this song against the king of Babylon and say, How the exacter, the gold gatherer has ceased! 5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers 6 who struck peoples in wrath, a blow without turning away, ruling the nations in anger, a persecution without restraint. 7 All the earth is at rest and is quiet; they break out into singing. 8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at you, the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since you have fallen, no woodcutter will come up against us. 9 Hell from below is moved for you, to meet you at your coming. It stirs up the dead for you, all the he-goats of the earth. It has raised from their thrones all the kings of the nations. 10 All of them shall speak and say to you, Are you also as weak as we? Are you like us? 11 Your pride is brought down to the grave, and the noise of your harps. The maggot is spread under you, and the worms cover you. 12 How you are fallen from the heavens, O shining star, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart, I will go up to the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. 14 I will go up above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. 15 Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the Pit.
Above we have anot prophecy against a king, this time the king of Babylon. And again, he is going to be brought low and judge by the God of heaven and earth. Why? Because of his pride, his life as well has mirrored the pride of Lucifer; having extended himself beyond God’s given and lawful boundary of rule and influence.
But what do we see in Lucifer’s heart by this prophecy of Isaiah? We discover his intention to rise up out of his place and to usurp the authority above Him, even God.
Isaiah 14:13 – For you have said in your heart, I will go up to the heavens, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. 14 I will go up above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. 15 Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the Pit.
What was it about Lucifer that he allowed to deceive him and into thinking he should be, and thus could be, “like the Most High?” This is where it is helpful for us again to return to Ezekiel’s prophecy.
Ezekiel 28:7 – Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty, you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I will cast you to the ground, I will lay you before kings, that they may behold you.
The anointed Cherub Lucifer’s heart was lifted up because of his beauty and he had corrupted wisdom by reason of his brightness.
What does this reveal? It reveals that God had given to the anointed cherub a perfect and beautiful countenance that radiated with the glory of God. But when Lucifer began to take pride in his countenance and his beauty he “corrupted wisdom.”
What does that mean, he “corrupted wisdom?” What is it that phrase is trying to tell us? First we need to understand what exactly is the foundation and heart of wisdom.
We know that wisdom finds application in all areas of life and relationships from parenting, friendships, business, economics, from following to leading. Yet the greatest relationship one must be concerned about is by far their relationship with God. What do the scriptures tell us?
Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 14:27 – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The foundation of true life-preserving wisdom is “the fear of God.” Yet by scripture we can see how in the heart of the anointed cherub, that when he became prideful over his God-given beauty, it stirred his heart to covet the very position of praise and honor reserved for the Most High Himself alone. He foolishly cast off fear and wisdom, by reasoning within his own heart as to why not he too should share a place of equality with God and thus began plotting to ascend to the positioned reserved for God alone.
Isaiah 14:3 – For you said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Gazing upon his own beauty and brightness, Lucifer compared himself to the manifested glory of God and foolishly believe he too was worthy of the worship of the rest of the angels. Instead of having humility with his gift of beauty, he felt he was deserving of the majestic apparel God had given him. And so, Lucifer rejected his position in the spectrum of authority by attempting to usurp the authority of God, seeking to steal the praise that God alone is worthy of.
It is “for this cause” ought the woman to have power on her head, because of the angels. God has given the woman her hair to be a natural adornment of beauty. Why else do most men have a natural admiration for long hair?
However, when we who are the creatures of our glorious Creator gather together for prayer or worship or the reading and speaking of God’s word, let the woman with humility cover her head, as do the angels in the very presence of God, willfully concealing her “glory” lest it detract from the glory due God. Likewise a man should not cover his head, “forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God.” To do so would be to dishonor his head, i.e. Christ Himself.
Each of us, whether male or female, have been given positions of honor and gifts from God, yet we must learn to be faithful in the place which God has given us to serve Him, being fitly joined together serving Him while we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. The woman is to submit to the authority of her own husband “as unto the Lord.” The husband is to love his own wife, “as even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” Thus we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Yet when a woman refuses to submit to her husband, the angels shutter with fear as they recall with utter clarity Lucifer’s introduction of sin into God’s holy creation. This is why the scriptures plainly teach that women are not to usurp the authority of God has given unto men as He holds them accountable for the family.
Now having shared all this, I must clarify that I do not feel a women needs to wear a head covering constantly. As the scripture says, “bodily exercise profits little, but godliness profits withal,” and unless the heart is right it matters little what one does outwardly. But if a woman wishes to go on to a “more perfect way” of walking in the light of God’s word, then as the scriptures say, while “praying or prophesying,” she should prayerfully consider keeping” the ordinances” Paul delivered unto the churches. I would also further clarify that I feel “prophesying” implies also the instruction or teaching of God’s word to the younger women so that they too might learn how to adorn the gospel of Christ in all things.
I must admit, I have had many women express to me that they do not “feel any unction of the Holy Spirit” to begin covering their heads. I would answer that with pointing them back to what we all do have, the written word of God. Isn’t that enough? Are we one moment to be defending the scriptures as “the Word of God” and then the next minute failing to acknowledge what is written?
Honestly, most of the time I do not feel “any unction of the Holy Spirit” to do many things, nor do I need such an “unction” if the Holy Scriptures has already given me light and a path for me to walk in. It is simply my duty to walk in the light . . . while I have the light.
John 12:35 – Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes.
Ephesians 5:8 – For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Mark 4:23 – If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
I pray this may be a blessing to those seeking to glorify of Lord in all things. Remember . . .
Proverbs 13:10 – Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
1 Corinthians 11:16 – But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Two Play options – This Plays Whole ChapterThis Plays only 1st Part of 3 Parts
NOTE: This chapter, with audio, was actually written twenty years ago as a stand-alone article. However, in light of all we have reviewed thus far, it is being included here in hopes it will now serve as a lasso to help pull together much of what we’ve covered to provide a solid answer to the question above and the one below.
We hear it all the time, “Isn’t it amazing that the scriptures are silent about America?” I once thought the same thing myself, but after prayerful re-examination of the history of America and scripture, I don’t believe that is true anymore. Therefore, I submit the following for those open enough to examine for themselves whether or not America is mentioned in scripture. Though, I admit nowadays with the rising flood of endtime theologies, it is getting harder to convince most people that it is. As Mark Twain once said, “It is easier to fool someone than it is to convince them they have been fooled.” Likewise, it has been proven over and over again, that the greatest hindrance to people accepting the truth is a prejudice, or verdict against it before they fully hear a matter.
He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and a shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13)
I must first start by asking that you please do not hastily jump to the wrong conclusion that I am anti-America for writing this article. I have written it out of conviction and simply because I believe that a holy and righteous God must deal with the sins of America the same way He would with any nation. The supporting information provided in this article is only a fraction of the information available and even this tends to be overwhelming for most people when first considering this concept. So, let’s begin with this verse –
Revelation 17:9 – And here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Revelation chapters 13-19:4, speak of an end-time’s judgment of the LAST in a succession of seven empires now being summed up in the last days as a final eighth empire. Though these chapters begin with concentrating on a seven-headed “beast rise up out of the sea,” the primary focus of this prophecy is that last empire which the angel eventually clarified as being “The Eighth,” that goes into perdition, or total annihilation. In order to gain understanding of whom or what the eighth spiritual Babylon might be, one must first give heed to the clues given to John by the angel in chapter 17.
One critical clue given to John concerning this succession of empires was when the angel said the “the beast that was, and is not, yet is.” This clue reveals there would be an interruption in this succession of what could be called “spiritual Babylons” represented on this seven-headed beast; a time when this beast “was not” going to be represented in history by a literal country. However, after an unstated duration of time, the beast system would again briefly exist as the seventh head, or seventh empire. Lastly, it would “rise up out of the sea” as that final and last beast, or empire, which would fulfill all these prophecies. Thus, the whole imagery of a “seven-headed beast” is designed specifically to expose that last, eighth, and final empire that “goeth into perdition,” or complete annihilation.
The “sea” from out of which the beast rises up, and upon which the woman sits, we are told in 17:15 represents “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” This is one of the verses in this chapter that leads many to conclude that this beast and/or the woman upon the beast is the Roman Catholic Church since Rome has established itself in every corner of the earth. Regardless, I am persuaded this symbolic beast with the woman is a multifaceted-representation and must be recognized as demonstrating a succession of specific political entities or nations, as well as their particular religious institutions.
I believe this clue given by the angel also reveals to us that having a knowledge of Israel’s history is a critical key required if the door of understanding is going to be unlocked concerning just who this Eighth Beast is, as well as who is the woman shown to later be riding upon it. Only from there can a firm foundation for understanding be built from which we can properly discern the correlation of each of these empires to Israel. For scripture and history corroborates that Israel, like the beast, “was, and was not, and yet is.” That is not in any way to suggest Israel is either the beast or the woman, rather to substantiate the correlation between the seven-headed beast and Israel. Nevertheless, we can see in scripture where Israel is “spiritually called Sodom and Egypt,” (Revelation 11:8).
The majority of the Jews rejected Jesus and the purpose of His crucifixion, which was evident by their continuance in the Mosaic Law. By Jesus having fulfilled the Law, meaning the Ceremonial Law’s official intent was now exhausted, having accomplished its purpose, which was to strongly emphasize and foretell the necessity of a perfect sacrifice, with the shedding of blood, for redemption and forgiveness of sins. The law, with its various actions through its mandatory sacrifices and oblations, altogether served only as a prophetic disclosure of the final and complete sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Therefore, by rejecting Jesus’ death and atoning blood, the Jews defiantly chose to remain in a now dead and decaying institution, and having completed its purpose, was rapidly waxing old and ready to vanish away, .
Hebrews 8:13 – In that He saith, A new covenant, He has made the first old. Now that which is decaying and waxing old is ready to vanish away.
For this reason, Israel is now “spiritually called Sodom” to signify how any manner of religion they now practice can be nothing more than a perversion of the truth since they lack both the temple and priesthood which were destroyed for their rejection of their Promised Deliverer, Jesus the Christ. Likewise, Israel is “spiritually called Egypt” to signify that without Jesus’ atonement they remain under the bondage of sin and death.
Another key point to remember is that the subject of Revelation chapters 13-16 is the rise and fall of the final Eighth Beast and the introduction of the woman sitting upon it. When the judgment foretold starts to fall upon them, the beast and the woman become synonymous in chapters 17-19. This is conceivably due to a legal arrangement and thus (though perhaps unwittingly) a spiritual covenant that joins them inseparably, comparable to the covenant of marriage whereby two are made one flesh in the eyes of God. Such is why the angel tells John, “I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sits on many waters” and “I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her.” The angel’s clue to this “mystery” reveals how the woman and the beast consent to unite and thus merge together as one to war against God and His holy people in these last days.
The woman, representing false religions all throughout history, will in the last days be greatly exemplified in the leaders of pseudo-Christianity and their followers. These are those who have prostituted themselves with the Eighth Beast for political and economic reasons, and willfully diluted the teachings of Christ in order to maintain their influence and power over the ignorant.
I know this might be difficult for many to receive, since for many it is just the way it has always been. But Christians need to honestly reconsider how their churches and faith-based organizations in America have willfully agreed to submit to government oversight in exchange for their tax-exempt status. Many have assumed it was mandatory, but it’s not. But people forget that government will always imply, take, and keep all authority you allow it. And so the blind compliance of America’s former religious leaders has set a precedence that now compels others to blindly follow in their tracks. The nearsighted wisdom of these carnally minded church leaders, who thought it was all going to remain profitable and benign, has in reality proven it all to be malignant and powerfully advantageous to Satan. For we are now witnessing the end of his strategy as he begins to try and exercise his authority about what can be “legally” taught from the pulpits and must be performed in church sanctuaries, i.e., sanctioning homosexual marriages.
Similarly, the beast’s seven heads prophetically represent seven actual empires, each with their particular false religious system which are all but a disguise for Luciferianism, or the worshipping of fallen angels and demons, with each empire having its time of direct interaction with the nation Israel. And another clue the angel gives John is “here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits.” This is where many began to talk about the Seven Hills of Rome and want to apply all this to Catholicism. However, the Holy Spirit saw to it that the word was translated “mountains” and not “hills,” and continued clarifying with “There are seven kings, five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come.”
Both biblically and historically we can accurately verify six of these seven mountains with their seven kings, as six distinct and literal empires that have had a direct impact on the nation Israel, which at the time of John’s vision was still intact as a nation. Mentioning that fact makes this a suitable time to recall the clues given by the angel that the beast “was, and is not, and yet is,” and concerning these kings the angel also clearly told John that at that time “five are fallen, and one is.”
It is actually rather simple to determine who these six empires are. Clearly, the sixth one existing at the time was Rome. As prophesied through Daniel, Rome “had great iron teeth: it devours and breaks into pieces, and stamps the residue with the feet of it and was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.” Thus, it was Rome that fulfilled God’s promise of judgment against Israel, as was forewarned in Deuteronomy 28, for the Jews not cleaving unto Him and obeying His voice. Therefore, in 70 A.D. Israel had ceased to exist as a functioning nation. Just like the beast, Israel which “was,” soon became an “is not” as the Roman General Titus was obliged to execute God’s judgment upon them when he was unable to negotiate peace with the stiff neck and rebellious Jews.
By recognizing that the seven heads of the beast are intended to represent seven empires which have a direct correlation with the nation Israel, all we have to do to verify their identity is to simply start with the birth of Israel to see who these empires are.
We will start our review with Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers and sold as a slave, only to end up sitting on a throne in Egypt. While out of jealousy his brothers meant it for evil, God meant it for good. For through this brotherly betrayal came the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham; to make his descendants a mighty nation and give them for an inheritance the land of Canaan.
However, after 400 years the Egyptians grew fearful of the multiplication of the Jewish settlers in their land and therefore enslaved them. Through all of this it was God’s intent to show both the Jews and the Egyptians the greatness and the surety of His word, and to date God is still showing it to the entire world. As a result, Egypt is head number one of the beast, for out of it Israel as a nation was born.
Many years later, after the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam was confronted by Jeroboam who represented the ten northern tribes. Jeroboam had come to petition Rehoboam to lower the high taxes which his father Solomon had placed upon them. Rehoboam first sought the tried and proven wisdom of “the old men that stood before his father… But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him,” (1 Kings 12). The result of Rehoboam walking in their ungodly counsel was a division of the nation Israel.
Having revolted, the ten northern tribes made Jeroboam their King. However, Jeroboam soon became concern that, “If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of the people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah… Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”
Jeroboam’s sin of turning the people to idols brought God’s judgment upon them by His rising up Assyria to take the ten northern tribes of Israel into captivity. Making matters worse, in their captivity they continued rejecting God’s commandments and intermarried with the Assyrians. Losing the purity of their heritage as Hebrews they became the despised Samaritans. Thus, the ten northern tribes were lost, not by misplacement, but rather by forfeit of their pure identity as Hebrews. Consequently, Assyria is the second head of the Beast.
Over two hundred years later we see Judah to the south falling into idolatry and committing whoredoms against God, so she too was carried away captive by Babylon for seventy years. So, Babylon becomes the third head of the beast. In Daniel 8:20-21, we see the two empires to follow Babylon prophesied by the angel Gabriel would be the Medes/Persia Empire and Greece: heads number four and five of the Beast. So, at the time of the Apostle John’s vision the five that had fallen were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medes/Persia, and Greece, the sixth head being Rome which destroyed Israel as a nation.
From Israel’s destruction in 70 A.D. and prior to 1948, maps did not recognize any land as “Israel,” for Israel “which was, was not.” Yet faithful to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God preserved their descendants and gathered them back to the land of their inheritance. Thus, today the whole world beholds Israel “that was, and is not, yet is” today. Therefore, as it has been with Israel, so has it been with the seven-headed beast.
Now what worked to re-establish Israel as a nation (apart from God’s sovereignty) was a near global sympathy for the Jews after their persecution in World War II, whereupon at that time, the land was still recognized as part of the British Empire.
History tells us that while Britain was willing to allot a portion of land for Jewish settlers, they did not want to relinquish control or possession of the land. After the Jews increasing frustration with England and Arabs, on December 1st, 1947, the Arab Higher Committee proclaimed a three-day strike as Arab bands began attacking Jewish settlements. The Jews, initially being placed on the defensive as war broke out against them, quickly moved to the offensive and prevailed, gaining control and occupancy of more land. At which point England conceded and (under international pressure) gave the land to the Jews so they could once again be a people and a nation.
Now this all may seem to be all good and well on England’s part, except God requires that a gift must be given cheerfully and of one’s free will if it is to be acceptable and thus blessed by Him. Otherwise, it is not a true gift of charity. Therefore, England, who did not cheerfully choose to bless the descendants of Abraham with a free will offering, ultimately forfeited the blessing of God. This can be seen in that though Britain and its allies were ultimately victorious in the war, the Empire rapidly began to decline.
India and Pakistan gained their independence in 1947, and in 1948 King George the VI abandoned the title Emperor of India. In 1949 Ireland formally declared it a republic and left the Commonwealth. In 1950 India became a republic and King George adopts the new title of Head of the Commonwealth. Through all this, King George the VI was afflicted with health issue to which he succumbs and died in 1952. Thus, it is historical fact that George VI, King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, lived only four short years after the rebirth of Israel, only to be succeeded by his elder daughter, Elizabeth. England, therefore, governing the land of Israel’s rebirth, is the seventh head of which prophecy predicted, “when he cometh, he must continue a short space,” (Rev. 17:10).
Revelation 17:11 – And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Rising up out of the sea comes the Eight Beast, which we are told is “of” or from, the seven. Could this mean that the Eight Beast is a mixture “of” the seven heads or empires, a great melting pot of cultures? For in it are “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Or does “of the seven” refer to it being a direct descendant or offspring “of the seventh” empire? Either way, we find America alone as the Cinderella for this glass slipper, for she is both a land of immigrants as well as the offspring of England. Remember, Revelation 13-16 is about the rise and fall of the Eight Beast that goes into perdition, and in chapter 17 we are given clues to help clarify who is the eighth by giving us a progression of empires.
So I ask, what was it that catapulted America to the place of global supremacy she had held for a long time? Was it not the same thing that set the stage for the decline of the British Empire and the rebirth of Israel, World War II?
Now then, if this Eighth Beast could in fact be America, it obligates us to reconsider a section of scripture that has constantly been applied to an individual. For in Revelation 13:3 where we see the Eighth Beast received a wound to one of its heads “as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” How then do we connect this to America if verses 1-3 have actually been speaking of an empire and not an individual as many interpret it?
Knowing some are being painfully forced to set aside their long-held beliefs here, I seriously proposed the possibility this wound to the head, from which the beast amazingly recovered, was Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, a historical event which significance keeps resurfacing. It was the attack on Pearl Harbor that rallied the people of America into one mind to go to war, thus we entered WWII. Despite Japan’s fury, speed and might, Pearl Harbor somehow survived the attack and was able to defend itself, though suffering great loss of life and resources.
But recall now how the war ended, with the dropping of The Bomb on Hiroshima and the second bomb on Nagasaki. Such display of power was never before witnessed. It could fittingly be asserted that the posture of the whole world was, “Who is like unto the beast?” and “Who is able to make war with Him?”
How did these things come to pass? In his vision John beheld “another beast coming up out of the earth and he had two horns of a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises all the power of the first beast.” This second beast whose appearance is like a lamb (having two horns) and SEEMS to be for peace is that person who, “exercises ALL the authority of the first.” If the first beast “from the sea” is America, then this second beast from “the earth,” would be none other than the office of the Presidency. Though seeming to be for peace, his mouth is really promoting the agenda of the dragon, “… and he does great wonders, so that he makes fire, come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,” (verses 11-13).
Upon having ascended to a position of global supremacy, American presidents soon began asserting their power and meddling in the affairs of other sovereign nations under the guise of peaceful intentions. Regimes fell, and puppet leaders through American backing rose to power to assist an agenda that surpasses the greedy intent of mere men, for it is clear that “The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority”
Since President George H. W. Bush Sr. postured America against Israel by proposing “land for peace,” every president since has continued to assert the right for a Palestine State to exist, and the necessity for Israel to forfeit its covenanted land. As lambs supposedly laboring in the name of peace, these American presidents and statesmen have relentlessly pressured Israel with the threat of losing American support if they fail to comply with imposed mandates against them under the banner of “peace talks.” Now read again the fate of the Eighth Beast from Revelation 13-18, and honestly ask yourself, who fits this better than America?
The Woman on the Beast
At the revelation of the rise of the Eighth Beast in Revelation 13:1, initially we can see there is no mention of a woman sitting upon the beast at the time of its ascension to “his power, and his seat, and great authority.” Chapters 14 and the beginning of 15 speak solely of the iniquities of the beast and the rest of chapter 15 and 16 speak of the judgment that would befall it. This vision so overwhelmed the Apostle John, that in chapter 17 we see the angel comes to him to clarify all he had seen, and then continues to reveal how God’s judgment would surely come upon both the beast and the apostate religious system which would be riding the beast into the end of history. Thus, chapters 18 and 19 speak of the absolute destruction of the beast and woman, while also proclaiming the praise and glory given to God for all His righteous judgments.
When the Eighth Beast rises to its might in Revelation 13 there seems to be a respectful separation between the beast, (the civil system) and the woman, (the religious system) as the woman is not mentioned, perhaps representing a separation between church and state. BUT, in order for the civil government to do what it is prophesied to do in the last days and initiate a new joint identification and economic system, it will need the support of the religious sector, or faith-based organizations, to assure that such a new system is benign and ok with God, hence in chapter 17 the woman now rides the beast.
Foolishly, churches in the mainstream religious system have subjected themselves to be fully regulated by the beast’s system in exchange for their tax-exempt status. Hence these dead religious churches will feel obliged to assure their congregants that the implementation of the new identification mark that the beast says is necessary for the restructured economic system is not the damnable “mark of the beast.” This will not be difficult for the whoring daughters of Babylon to do, for having perpetuated so many false end time doctrines they have only “waxed worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” and now openly celebrate their joyful embracement of clear damnable heresies and moral atrocities.
Our adversary has spewed out of his mouth a flood of false end time messages and lying doctrines that he might cause the true Church to be carried away with the flood of error that is rampant in today’s churches which are seeking to serve men and mammon rather than God; sacrificing God’s truth for increased attendance lest they offend their contributors.
Revelation 12:15 – And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
Now, we know from the scriptures that God has always had His civil and spiritual leaders, so likewise the devil imitates this structural order in his attempt to defeat God’s people; hence the beast and the woman who rides it. Because of their greed for power and filthy mammon in these final days they will selfishly merge and become “one” in heart and purpose.
Remember, no one can serve both God and mammon.
Plays 2nd Part of 3
The following is a compilation of interesting quotes and points in history deserving of your attention and consideration:
An excerpt from President Roosevelt’s speech after the Pearl Harbor attack:
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan . . . As Commander in Chief of the army and navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory… With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God…”
Considering President Roosevelt’s expressed confidence in “the American people in their righteous might” that they will surely “win through to absolute victory” due to“our armed forces-with the unbounding determination of our people,” I am compelled to ask just what does the word of God say about one who boasts in the strength of their flesh? Some may wish to immediately object and demand the direction of my attention to President Roosevelt’s inclusion of “so help us God…”
But I must simply point out that nowhere did he express his confidence to be in either God’s righteousness or His might, as if they were the foundation and strength whereby the American people through their unwavering faith in God would surely overcome their enemies. No, this short inclusion of “so help us God,” has actually been the last four words attached to many threats of revenge by proud and indignant people. Perhaps those who are more patriotic and loyal to their country than they are concerned about the kingdom of God, or even their own personal godliness, to such President Roosevelt’s speech may well have sounded sufficiently religious enough by his employing such phrases as “righteous might” and “so help us God.” But in truth, an honest critique exposes the usage of these phrases for what it was, the white-washing declaration for the successful implementation of a strategic agenda that was designed to rally the citizenry of America to not only support a foreign war effort, but to create a patriotic willingness among them to send their fathers, husbands, and sons into it as well. Can anyone say 9/11?
So, again I am asking, just what does the word of God say about one who boasts in the strength of the flesh?
Jeremiah 17:5 – Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
It is interesting, and so I must make note here, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt suddenly died nearly three and a half years after making this famous speech and therefore did “not see when good cometh” at the conclusion of the war. I say nearly, because if we use the Julian calendar, it was only 3 years, 4 months, and 4 days excluding the end date. However, scripture reveals God calculates time differently, using both the solar and the lunar cycles. One solar cycle was an approximate biblical year which was adjusted periodically with an extra month approximately seven times during nineteen solar cycles. The biblical months varied between 29-30 days based upon the lunar cycle which fluctuates and therefore the months average out to approximately 29.5 days. Since it was a total of 1,221 days duration from President Roosevelt’s speech to his death, we can simply divide that time and see it was a duration of 41.39 biblical months, or 42 months according to the Jewish tradition of counting time, that any whole measure of a unit of time with a partial measure of a following, would be counted as two. Such as a period of thirty hours would be counted as two days. Perhaps even more interesting is the timing of President Roosevelt’s death which actually occurred on the New Moon of April 12, 1945.
Revelation 13:5 – And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Obviously, my studies have brought me to the conclusion that America is this eighth and final beast. For who cannot see that America “the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” The tsunami of evil deception in America continues to rise with a flood of sorcery, paganism, Wicca, false cults, blatant corruption, wickedness, immorality, disobedience to parents, hate groups, etc., etc.
Also, I do acknowledge that there are many studious believers which earnestly believe the Catholic Church is the beast and harlot system. However, she fails to meet the full criteria of the plurality of “seven kings, five of which have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come, and when he comes, he must continue a short time.” For it is evident that the beast is always referenced in the masculine with its kings. We simply must recognize both as separate entities, civil and religious, church and state, that join forces in an unholy union for a final ride into perdition.
Nevertheless, the Catholic Church is undoubtedly part of the spirit of this whorish woman who rides the beast; but it is not the beast itself. Furthermore, the Catholic Church has been a hoarder of wealth, but not a distributor of it. For where, or when, could we apply to the Catholic Church how “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies?” Or “Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!?”
How does one apply this to the Vatican? – “Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.”
“Sorceries” implies witchcraft, or the calculated manipulation of men’s wills to consent to sin. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,” (1 Samuel 15:23). It is evident that America’s leaders have failed to embrace God’s word and have refused to be subject unto Him. Rather they have continually tried to exalt themselves higher and higher while constantly seeking to manipulate both the minds and wills of the people that they might control them, and so further the agenda of the dragon.
There are many other things that have worked together to strongly persuade me that America is the Eighth Beast. There are specific details and events in our founding history that have been suppressed from public awareness but are still openly evident, too many to thoroughly disclosed here. However, there are the Masonic symbols on our currency, government buildings, as well as the curious layout and design of certain parts of District of Columbia which virtually mirrors some aspects of the Vatican in Rome.
The designation “District of Columbia” can accurately be rephrased the “Realm of the control of the Queen of Heaven,” referencing the goddess Columbia. Columbia has also been worshipped through history and regions of the world under the names, Isis, Semiramis, Ishtar, Diana, Artemis, Ashtoreth, Astarte, and Libertas. It is not mere coincident that the Statute of Liberty has mimicking aspects to many of these female pagan idols.
Plus, there are specific details that have been made public under the Freedom of Information Act concerning various memorandums, discussions, military exercises, and other various events that have exposed covert efforts of the American government to manipulate situations so as to assure our involvement in WWII, and ultimately those events that led to the ending of the war.
Americans had for the most part become isolationists after World War I, having virtually no interest for any interference or involvement in foreign wars. According to a pre-war Gallup poll, 88 percent of Americans were solidly opposed to any involvement in the rapidly expanding European war. It was this temperament of Americans that was successfully exploited by President Roosevelt while campaigning, as he promised over and over again, “Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars.” As a result, he won the election.
However, as early as 1940, a code clerk at the U.S. embassy in London had discovered secret communications between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill revealing a strong determination on Roosevelt’s part to engage America in the war. Unfortunately for the clerk he was caught trying to smuggle some of the documents out of the embassy. Consequently, he was charged with obtaining documents that “might be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy” and in a secret British court was convicted and therefore confined to a British prison until the war ended. The clerk’s name was Tyler Gatewood Kent.
On October 7, 1940, A memorandum from Lieutenant Commander Arthur H. McCollum, head of the Far East desk of the Office of Naval Intelligence, advocated eight specific actions that were deemed suffice to provoke Japan into attacking the United States. In it the Commander wrote, “If by these means Japan could be led to commit an overt act of war, so much the better.” Consequently, President Roosevelt over the following year enacted all eight of McCollum’s recommendations.
Later in January 1941, President Roosevelt’s close advisor, Harry Hopkins, met with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and informed him, “The President is determined that we [the United States and England] shall win the war together. Make no mistake about it. He has sent me here to tell you that at all costs and by all means he will carry you through, no matter what happens to him – there is nothing he will not do so far as he has human power.”
March 1941, President Roosevelt sold munitions and convoyed them to belligerents in Europe, both acts of war and both violations of international law; specifically, the Lend‑Lease Act.
June 23, 1941, Advisor Harold Ickes wrote in a memo to President Roosevelt the day after Germany invaded the Soviet Union, “There might develop from the embargoing of oil to Japan such a situation as would make it not only possible but easy to get into this war in an effective way. And if we should thus indirectly be brought in, we would avoid the criticism that we had gone in as an ally of communistic Russia.”
July 25, 1941, President Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets in US cutting off their main supply of oil, forcing them into war with the United States while all intelligence information was withheld from Hawaii from this point forward.
August 14, 1941, At the Atlantic Conference, Prime Minister Churchill noted the “astonishing depth of Roosevelt’s intense desire for war.” Consequently, Churchill cabled his cabinet “(President Roosevelt) obviously was very determined that they should come in.”
October 16, 1941, Secretary of War Henry Stimson wrote in his diary, “We face the delicate question of the diplomatic fencing to be done so as to be sure Japan is put into the wrong and makes the first bad move – overt move.”
October 18, 1941, Diary entry by Secretary of Interior Harold Ickes: “For a long time I have believed that our best entrance into the war would be by way of Japan.”
November 25, 1941, Secretary of War Henry Stimson wrote in his diary that FDR said an attack was likely within days, and presented the question, “How we should maneuver them into the position of firing the first shot without too much danger to ourselves. In spite of the risk involved, however, in letting the Japanese fire the first shot, we realized that in order to have the full support of the American people it was desirable to make sure that the Japanese be the ones to do this so that there should remain no doubt in anyone’s mind as to who were the aggressors.” Thus, Stimson made another entry that day stating, “The question was how we should maneuver them [the Japanese] into the position of firing the first shot…”
November 26, 1941, an ultimatum was sent to Japan’s ambassadors demanding as prerequisites to resumed trade a complete withdrawal of all troops from China and Indochina, and in effect abrogate her Tripartite Treaty with Germany and Italy.
Therefore, we can see why in 1944, British Minister of Production, Oliver Lyttleton stated, “Japan was provoked into attacking America at Pearl Harbor. It is a travesty of history to say that America was forced into the war.”
In his 1948 biography, “Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History,” Robert Sherwood wrote, “If the isolationists had known the full extent of the secret alliance between the United States and Britain, their demands for the President’s impeachment would have rumbled like thunder through the land.”
All this being noted is in no way an attempt to deny or excuse Japan’s ferociousness in its war efforts, for there can be no excusing their heinous actions against the people and government of China and Indochina. However, as Christians, we must not allow ourselves to be so blindly patriotic that we willfully shut our eyes to the truth that the American government, as an aggressor, intentionally provoked Japan to blame them and to get involved in the war. For prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Roosevelt administration froze Japan’s assets in America, restricted them from use of the Panama Canal, ceased vital exports which were necessary to Japan’s war efforts, and ultimately joined Britain in an all-out embargo.
So, again I ask, “How did these things come to pass?” True to the Apostle John’s vision, there is “another beast” that came “up out of the earth; and he had two horns of a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises all the power of the first beast.” History proves that though this second beast had the appearance as like a lamb and claimed to be for peace, he was really promoting the agenda of the dragon. For over and over President Roosevelt promised the American people, “I have said this before, but I shall say it again and again and again: Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars.” Nevertheless, it was the President of America who authorized “…great wonders, so that he makes fire [that is, The Atomic Bomb], come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.”
I admit that initially for years I only casually researched this, but was stunned when I ran across The Frank Report of June 11, 1945. It is a “Memorandum on Political and Social Problems of the Bomb by scientists at the Metallurgical Laboratory of the University of Chicago, Manhattan Project.” This report was written for delivery to President Truman, who inherited the “Project” after President Roosevelt died.
However, President Truman never received this letter before giving the order to drop the bomb on Hiroshima. That is because Secretary of War Mr. Stimson had intercepted it. In regard to bombing decisions on Japan he is documented as stating, “This is one time I’m going to be the final deciding authority. Nobody’s going to tell me what to do on this.”
“The President never received the letter, and all the scientists’ initiatives were frustrated because of the opposition of Byrnes, Groves, Oppenheimer, and other policy makers and scientists in control of the nuclear program.”
The following is “Dwight Eisenhower’s expressed view on using the Atomic Bomb”
“In 1945… Secretary of War Stimson visited my headquarters in Germany, [and] informed me that our government was preparing to drop an atomic bomb on Japan. I was one of those who felt that there were a number of cogent reasons to question the wisdom of such an act . . . During his recitation of the relevant facts, I had been conscious of a feeling of depression and so I voiced to him my grave misgivings, first on the basis of my belief that Japan was already defeated and that dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary, and second because I thought that our country should avoid shocking world opinion by the use of a weapon whose employment was, I thought, no longer mandatory as a measure to save American lives. It was my belief that Japan was, at that very moment, seeking some way to surrender with a minimum loss of ‘face.’ The Secretary was deeply perturbed by my attitude, almost angrily refuting the reasons I gave for my quick conclusions.”
Here is perhaps the most startling excerpt from “The Franck Report” that was signed by the top scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project.
“All of us, familiar with the present state of nucleonics, live with the vision before our eyes of sudden destruction visited on our own country, of a Pearl Harbor disaster repeated in thousand-fold magnification in every one of our major cities.” (See the Franck Report: http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/keyissues/ethics/issues/scientific/franck-report.htm)
A thorough reading of the Franck Report will show just how President Truman and other government leaders rejected the counsel of the wise, just like Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of his father’s counsellors when he was asked by Jeroboam to lower the taxes. After the scientists realized their letter had not been delivered, they wrote a second petition to President Truman, from which the following excerpt was taken.
“The war has to be brought speedily to a successful conclusion and attacks by atomic bombs may very well be an effective method of warfare. We feel, however, that such attacks on Japan could not be justified, at least not unless the terms which will be imposed after the war on Japan were made public in detail and Japan were given an opportunity to surrender.”
“If such public announcement gave assurance to the Japanese that they could look forward to a life devoted to peaceful pursuits in their homeland and if Japan still refused to surrender, our nation might then, in certain circumstances, find itself forced to resort to the use of atomic bombs. Such a step, however, ought not to be made at any time without seriously considering the moral responsibilities which are involved.”
“The development of atomic power will provide the nations with new means of destruction. The atomic bombs at our disposal represent only the first step in this direction, and there is almost no limit to the destructive power which will become available in the course of their future development. Thus, a nation which sets the precedent of using these newly liberated forces of nature for purposes of destruction may have to bear the responsibility of opening the door to an era of devastation on an unimaginable scale.”
To read these solemn warnings that were given to President Truman, and to think he rejected their counsel is horrifying. Even General MacArthur, who was leading the war against Japan, petitioned strongly against the use of the bomb. He didn’t even know there was such a bomb until 48 hours before the first one was dropped. Upon being made aware he bitterly objected to its usage, stating the war was over. It was just a matter of negotiating the surrender, so as to allow the Japanese people to save face because they were a proud (honorable) people.
Still, or perhaps regardless, President Truman was the one who ordered the “fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” Now listen to the righteous judgment of God, “If any man has an ear, let him hear. He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword [or weapon of war,] must be killed with the sword, [or the same weapon of war].”
Revelation 18:8 – Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.”
Russia and China are not America’s only threats, but rather sincere concern needs to be given to all the European and Middle East nations. People might laugh, but I will simply remind them what the Bible says, “the ten horns . . . shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.”
Some have argued there isn’t a national army over there big enough, (at least not at the time of the original writing of this in 2002.) However, the initial formation of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) was headed up by a German General. Didn’t Germany contribute greatly to the start of the two World Wars? And remember the scriptures clearly state, “…the ten horns which thou saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God has put in their hearts to fulfil His will…”
And what will be the lure of Satan dragging men to war again? Money and power of course. We in America are rapidly falling headlong into an Electronic Identification and Electronic-Cash-Credit-Debit system. As far back as 1998 an article in Time magazine predicted one could send their daughter in college E-Cash and she “can store the money any way she wants-on her laptop, on a debit card, even (in the not too distant future) on a chip implanted under her skin. And, perhaps best of all, you can program the money to be spent only in specific ways.” (Time APRIL 27, 1998 VOL. 151 NO. 16)
Also mentioned in this article in Time was how the “smart card” with an RFID for the E-cash system could ALSO keep your medical history. Wasn’t it President Clinton and his wife Hillary who were trying to get all Americans issued such a card so they could all have medical insurance? Is it really about OUR health and well-being? Or is it really about THEIR wealth and control? And now we have Presidential Obamacare, of which it has been rumored will eventually require all to have an implantable RFID chip.
Back in 2002 when I first wrote this article, I spoke about how the European Union was rapidly printing out their new “Euros” and ready to begin distribution that year. I commented on how the European Union’s common currency would only prove to add to the conflict of global monetary standards. The Bible says, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit” (Proverbs 18:11).
Now, with the current global economic crisis, I am persuaded America will eventually attempt to force upon the European Union (and perhaps parts the rest of the world) a new E-cash credit/debit method of economics… which I presently suspect the European Union and other nations will deceptively consent to. For again, “the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”
Their deceptive acceptance of America’s proposal (which will most likely be pushed forcefully upon the European Union and other countries with the same arrogance that led to the dropping of the bombs), will only be for the purposes of their buying time to carry out a plan to finally eliminate the competition.
While admittedly I am only speculating as to why and how the ten horns/kings “receive power as kings one hour with the beast,” it nevertheless remains a biblical fact that “God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled… these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God has put in their hearts to fulfil His will.”
Last and Final Part
Further points worthy of prayerful consideration:
Evidence that the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a crime against International Law
Title: PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN POPULATIONS AGAINST BOMBING FROM THE AIR IN CSSE OF WAR – Unanimous resolution of the League of Nations Assembly,
Dated: September 30, 1938
To: The Assembly,
Considering that on numerous occasions public opinion has expressed through the most authoritative channels its horror of the bombing of civilian populations;
Considering that this practice, for which there is no military necessity and which, as experience shows, only causes needless suffering, is condemned under the recognized principles of international law;
Considering further that, though this principle ought to be respected by all States and does not require further reaffirmation, it urgently needs to be made the subject of regulations specially adapted to air warfare and taking account of the lessons of experience;
Considering that the solution of this problem, which is of concern to all States, whether Members of the League of Nations or not, calls for technical investigation and thorough consideration;
Considering that the Bureau of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments is to meet in the near future and that it is for the Bureau to consider practical means of undertaking the necessary work under conditions most likely to lead to as general an agreement as possible:
Recognizes the following principles as a necessary basis for any subsequent regulations:
The intentional bombing of civilian populations is illegal;
Objectives aimed at from the air must be legitimate military objectives and must be identifiable;
Any attack on legitimate military objectives must be carried out in such a way that civilian populations in the neighborhood are not bombed through negligence;
Also takes the opportunity to reaffirm that the use of chemical or bacterial methods in the conduct of war is contrary to international law, as recalled more particularly in the resolution of the General Commission of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments of July 23rd, 1932, and the resolution of the Council of May 14th, 1938
Appeal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aerial Bombardment of Civilian Populations, September 1, 1939 –
The President of the United States to the Governments of France,
Germany, Italy, Poland and His Britannic Majesty, September 1, 1939
The ruthless bombing from the air of civilians in unfortified centers of population during the course of the hostilities which have raged in various quarters of the earth during the past few years, which has resulted in the maiming and in the death of thousands of defenseless men, women, and children, has sickened the hearts of every civilized man and woman, and has profoundly shocked the conscience of humanity.
If resort is had to this form of inhuman barbarism during the period of the tragic conflagration with which the world is now confronted, hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings who have no responsibility for, and who are not even remotely participating in, the hostilities which have now broken out, will lose their lives. I am therefore addressing this urgent appeal to every government which may be engaged in hostilities publicly to affirm its determination that its armed forces shall in no event, and under no circumstances, undertake the bombardment from the air of civilian populations or of unfortified cities, upon the understanding that these same rules of warfare will be scrupulously observed by all of their opponents. I request an immediate reply. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
In a radio speech to the nation on August 9, 1945, President Truman called Hiroshima “a military base.” It seems likely, considering his July 25 diary entry, that he personally was not aware that Hiroshima was a city. Otherwise, he was being untruthful about the nature of the target. Truman delivered his speech from the White House at 10 P.M. Washington time on August 9, 1945. By this time, the second atomic bomb had already destroyed the city of Nagasaki. Because of the great length of the speech, most of which dealt with Germany, only the relevant paragraph is quoted here.
“The world will note that the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a military base. That was because we wished in this first attack to avoid, insofar as possible, the killing of civilians. But that attack is only a warning of things to come. If Japan does not surrender, bombs will have to be dropped on her war industries and, unfortunately, thousands of civilian lives will be lost. I urge Japanese civilians to leave industrial cities immediately, and save themselves from destruction.”
What does this all mean? It means the bombing of Japan was not only against the counsel of those who developed the bomb; it was also illegal according to international law and contrary to President Roosevelt’s international petition.
U.S. Government and Military Leaders’ Responses To Dropping the Bomb
FIRST QUOTE:
Harry S. Truman, the President of the United States who ordered the Atomic Bombing:
General Henry “Hap” Arnold, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Forces Under President Truman:
“It always appeared to us that, atomic bomb or no atomic bomb, the Japanese were already on the verge of collapse.”
NEXT QUOTE:
General Dwight D. Eisenhower:
“I had been conscious of depression and so I voiced to (Sec. Of War Stimson) my grave misgivings, first on the basis of my belief that Japan was already defeated and that dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary, and secondly because I thought that our country should avoid shocking world opinion by the use of a weapon whose employment was, I thought, no longer mandatory as a measure to save American lives. It was my belief that Japan was, at this very moment, seeking a way to surrender with a minimum loss of ‘face.’”
NEXT QUOTE:
General Dwight D. Eisenhower:
“Japan was at the moment seeking some way to surrender with minimum loss of ‘face’… It wasn’t necessary to hit them with that awful thing.”
NEXT QUOTE:
Admiral William D. Leahy, Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
“It is my opinion that the use of this barbarous weapon at Hiroshima and Nagasaki was of no material assistance in our war against Japan. The Japanese were already defeated and ready to surrender… My own feeling was that in being the first to use it, we had adopted an ethical standard common to the barbarians of the Dark Ages. I was taught not to make war in that fashion, and wars cannot be won by destroying women and children.”
NEXT QUOTE:
John McCloy:
“I am absolutely convinced that had we said they could keep the emperor, together with the threat of an atomic bomb, they would have accepted, and we would never have had to drop the bomb.”
NEXT QUOTE – This one just absolutely stunned me:
From President Harry S. Truman’s diary entered July 18, 1945 – just 17 days before the bombing of Hiroshima:
“P.M. Churchill & I ate alone. Discussed Manhattan[PROJECT] (it is a success). Decided to tell Stalin about it. Stalin had told P.M. of telegram from Japan Emperor asking for peace.”
NEXT QUOTE:
Stewart L. Udall, US Congressman and Author of “Myths of August”
“Some of my conclusions may invoke anger and even ridicule. For example, I offer my belief that the existence of the first atomic bombs may have prolonged – rather than shortened – World War II, by influencing Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and President Harry S. Truman to ignore an opportunity to negotiate a surrender that would have ended the killing in the Pacific in May or June of 1945. And I have come to view the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings that August as an American tragedy that should be viewed as a moral atrocity.”
NEXT QUOTE:
From: U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey’s 1946 Study:
“Certainly prior to 31 December 1945, and in all probability prior to 1 November 1945, Japan would have surrendered even if the atomic bombs had not been dropped, even if Russia had not entered the war, and even if no invasion had been planned or contemplated.”
NEXT QUOTE:
J. Samuel Walker, Chief Historian, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
“Careful scholarly treatment of the records and manuscripts opened over the past few years has greatly enhanced our understanding of why Truman administration used atomic weapons against Japan. Experts continue to disagree on some issues, but critical questions have been answered. The consensus among scholars is the that the bomb was not needed to avoid an invasion of Japan… It is clear that alternatives to the bomb existed and that Truman and his advisers knew it”
NEXT QUOTE:
1995 – Nagasaki Mayor Hitoshi Motoshima:
“It was a matter of course for atomic bombs to have been dropped on Japan, which had launched a war of aggression. Japan does not have the right to criticize the atomic bomb.” for Kyodo News’s interview. He is also quoted as saying, conversely, that the bombing was “one of the two great crimes against humanity in the20th Century, along with the Holocaust”
NEXT QUOTE:
March 16, 1995 – Los Angeles Times
Heading: Japanese Mayors Call A-Bomb Attacks a Crime
Underscoring a wide “perception gap” between Japan and the United States, the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Wednesday sharply challenged the prevailing U.S. view that the nuclear attacks on their cities were necessary to end World War II.
Nagasaki Mayor Hitoshi Motoshima called the attacks “one of two great crimes against humanity in the 20th Century, along with the Holocaust.” Although he conceded that the attacks helped hasten the war’s end–a concession Hiroshima Mayor Takashi Hiraoka refused to make–he questioned the price.
“Does avoiding the death of servicemen justify the sacrifice of tens of thousands of guiltless noncombatants?” Motoshima asked, pointing out that the bombs indiscriminately killed men, women and children. “This is tantamount to killing a flea with a sledgehammer. It can hardly be called a justified act, even in wartime.”
The bombs, dropped in August, 1945, killed and injured 130,000 people in Hiroshima–almost half the city’s population–and 74,000 in Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands of survivors suffered cancer and other radiation aftereffects.
The mayors, in a joint appearance before foreign correspondents, argued that the United States dropped the bombs mainly to intimidate the Soviet Union, verify the weapons’ effectiveness and justify the $2 billion spent to develop them.
LAST QUOTE:
Osama bin Laden, when asked by ABC reporter John Miller-
“Mister bin Laden, you have issued a fatwah calling on Muslims to kill Americans where they can, when they can. Is that directed at all Americans, [or] just the American military, [or] just the Americans in Saudi Arabia?”
Osama bin Laden’s answer, “…The Americans started it and retaliation and punishment should be carried out following the principle of reciprocity, especially when women and children are involved. Through history, America has not been known to differentiate between the military and the civilians or between men and women or adults and children. Those who threw atomic bombs and used the weapons of mass destruction against Nagasaki and Hiroshima were the Americans. Can the bombs differentiate between military and women and infants and children? America has no religion that can deter her from exterminating whole peoples. …We believe that the worst thieves in the world today and the worst terrorists are the Americans. Nothing could stop you except perhaps retaliation in kind. [Therefore]We do not have to differentiate between military or civilian.”
Shocking I know, and very uncomfortable to hear and consider these things. Doubtless many are so angry at seeing Osama bin Laden being quoted that they have nearly forgotten all the quotes of the American leaders who likewise were offended by America being the first to make use of The Bomb.
Sin is sin whoever commits it, be they American, Arab, Christian, Jew or Muslim. However, in light of all this, please consider afresh what God has stated in regards to the use of weapons and His judgments –
“If any man have an ear, let him hear, He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword [or whatever weapon of war] must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints,” (Revelation 13:9).
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man [or nation] soweth, that shall he [or it] also reap,” (Galatians 6:7)
Let us therefore give more earnest heed to Jesus’ admonition, “Watch therefore, praying in every season that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which shall occur, and to stand before the Son of man,” (Luke 21:26).
Note: I am posting chapters 12 thru 18 of my book (The Eighth Beast” in succession for ease of reading. The book deals with America in Prophecy, and these chapters address certain modern conceptions of eschatology that are in fact fairly contemporary.
Many believers nowadays are ignorant that most of the end-time theology which is being taught and widely accepted by both non-Catholics and Catholics alike concerning the antichrist, the rebuilding the temple, and his becoming a world leader, was originally taught by a French monk known as Adso of Montier-en-Der who died in 992 A.D. Though he was a prolific writer of poems, hymns, and biographies of the lives of saints, Adso’s most famous work was his “Letter to Queen Gerberga on the Place and Time of Antichrist,” which became known as the “Little Book on the Antichrist.”
However, Adso’s theology, which was so articulated over a thousand years ago, was presented basically as a rebuttal to the Protestants vehement protest against the papacy and Catholicism. At the time, it was vehemently rejected by essentially every protestant commentator who sought to defend the truth of the Gospel with their pen. For the earlier commentators both agreed and therefore acknowledged Paul’s speaking in II Thessalonians 2:3 of “a falling away first” as the rise of Roman Catholicism, and “that man of sin… the son of perdition” as being the succession of popes. In the second century, Polycarp, deemed to be an apostolic father, in his Letter to the Philippians, paragraph 7, warned the Philippians that everyone who preached false doctrine was an antichrist. Polycarp’s use of the term “antichrist” agrees with the Apostle John who does not reference a single antichrist, but rather a class of people functioning under a spirit of antichrist. It is also interesting that the Apostle John, who coined the phrases “antichrist” and “many antichrists” DID NOT used those phrases in his writing of the Book of Revelation.
Nevertheless, the historical understanding of the Protestant churches concerning “a spirit of antichrist” that works to advance false prophets and teachers has for the most part been completely abandoned by non-Catholics today; most probably because most believers nowadays are ignorant of both scripture and history. Which means it would be prudent for the earnest seeker of the truth to ask what scriptural and historical justification the Protestant commentators have for interpreting it the way they used to, and why they have now embrace an eschatology that was birthed out of Catholicism itself. That and more is what is addressed in The Eighth Beast as I examine America in prophecy.
Sadly, most people’s understanding of end-time theology is similar to their hiking an old familiar trail where the slopes and turns have become so instinctive to them it requires very little focus (or faith) to navigate it. However, every so often along the way there is a hint of a old path that forks off the main trail where only the inquisitive will turn aside to see where it leads. Many never aware of the fact that beaten they always take is actually a newer path someone once took looking for an easier way and everyone else just followed, while the old path slowly becomes forgotten and less traveled. If someone wants to be sure they’re on the right path for where they’re wanting to go, they must be willing to leave the trail and take on the difficulties of climbing up to reach a vantage point that is open and clear enough to verify the path they’re on is correct for safely reaching their desired destination. As it says in Jeremiah 6:16 – Thus saith the LORD, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not walk therein.”
I share all this because in my book “The Eighth Beast” I re-introduce an old, yet to many, a whole new perspective that is going to require a willingness to endure the difficulties of setting their current theology on the altar of God and take that climb to where the perspective becomes clear if they are going to understand why America is headed for perdition; and why God has warned us to, “Come out of her, My people, that you partake not of her sins and receive not of her plagues…”
Chapter 12
Before the Conclusion of the Seventy Weeks
It is asserted by those who embrace the doctrine of a seven year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9. In this chapter the angel Gabriel tells Daniel that “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Gabriel then continues by telling Daniel that “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city.”
We must remember that Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of Daniel’s supplications when he was confessing his own sins and the sins of Israel. Therefore the “matter . . . and the vision” which Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand was connected to his prayer for Israel in captivity. In all, there were seven specific things Gabriel prefaces to the “understanding” of the vision with –
It was a period of time(a)regarding Daniel’s people and the holy city(b)
Seventy weeks
Jerusalem
It was to “finish the transgression”
It was to “make an end of sins”
It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
It was to “to anoint the most Holy”
The Angel Gabriel continues explaining to Daniel that the seventy weeks are going to be divided into three specific time periods, whereby each will serve specific prophetic purposes with outlining events and definite conclusions –
Seven weeks 7
Plus sixty two weeks 7 + 62 = 69 weeks total
Plus the last week 1 + 69 = 70 weeks total
Let’s quickly review these verses to give us a fresh recall of them before we continue-
Daniel 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
It is that last week in verse 27, commonly referred to as Daniel’s seventieth week that has become accepted and known as the Seven Year Tribulation and linked to this verse in Daniel. Originally I had intended starting this post by listing the particulars of this seventy weeks revelation from the angel.
At this time I must entreat your patience, as I originally had intended starting this post with addressing the particulars of this vision from the angel. However, before tackling the seventieth week, there are some noteworthy observations regarding the method of Daniel’s writing this prophetic book that should be addressed first. Additionally, there are various key players in Daniel’s book, including the angel Gabriel, which it would be prudent to briefly investigate since there are several visions seen by various individuals; some of which are associated to Gabriel’s presence and interpretations while others are not. Some visions address events immediately on the horizon for the Kingdom of Babylon and Daniel, while others have events are far off and the understanding of them were sealed until the end.
Daniel 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Sadly, I know this will require more effort and energy to properly consider than even most Christians are willing to invest, but considering the gravity of this vision and the times in which we are living, it would stand as an indictment of lukewarmness and carelessness if I did not invest time to present to others this perspective of the final seventieth week of Daniel.
The first observation that is important to take note of is that the book of Daniel was not entirely written in Daniels own language of Hebrew, a fact that must be recognized as significant if we are to “rightly divide the word of truth” in trying to define the key players in Daniel; especially those involved with these seventy weeks. Daniel begins writing in Hebrew, but in chapter 2:4 he switches to the language of his conquerors. From that point all the way to the end of chapter 7 Daniel wrote in Chaldee. The explanation given by Commentator Adam Clark is as follows, “As the Chaldeans had a particular interest both in the history and prophecies from Daniel 2:4 to the end of Daniel 7:28, the whole is written in Chaldee.” Concerning chapter 8 to the end of the book, Adam Clarke continues explaining that Daniel wrote in Hebrew “as the prophecies which remain concern times posterior to the Chaldean monarchy, and principally relate to the Church and people of God generally, they are [therefore] written in the Hebrew language, this being the tongue in which God chose to reveal all his counsels given under the Old Testament relative to the New.”
Adam Clarke’s profound statement is worthy of prayerful consideration, that the prophecies in Daniel after chapter seven are “posterior to the Chaldean monarchy” or post Babylon. I think this detail gives good foundation for believing that many living today upon earth will witness the destruction of Mystery Babylon before the final “sealing up of the vision and prophecy… upon thy people and upon thy holy city.” Meaning, it is feasible that The Eighth Beast goes into perdition (destruction) before the conclusion of the seventieth week. To simplify that even further, America, being The Eighth Beast will be completely destroyed before the final prophecies of the vision regarding Israel are fulfilled prior to the Lord’s return.
My next observations and thoughts would be directed temporarily to the angel Gabriel. In the Bible we only have four passages that mention him. The first we will but briefly address is where Gabriel is commissioned to explain to Daniel his vision of the ram and the he-goat, and to give the prediction of the 70 weeks.
Daniel 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Now I want to remind the reader that thisvision is separate from the seventy weeks vision. Daniel was given this vision while Babylon was still an intact sovereign empire.
Daniel 8:1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.
Now even though Babylon was still intact, all the prophecies about it were already given and were about to be fulfilled. Here in chapter eight Daniel returns to writing in Hebrew because from now on the vision and prophecies are dealing with Israel post Babylon. However, this vision in chapter eight is somewhat a continuance of one Daniel had earlier under the rule of Belshazzar, King of Babylon.
Daniel 7:1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
These “four great beasts came up from the sea” represent four great monarchies. For the sake of clarity and presentation,we must set our discussing Gabriel aside temporarily and address these four beasts who are actually four of five key players in chapter seven.
Daniel 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
This first beast “like a lion” with eagle’s wings represents Babylon which invaded Israel quickly. Appropriately, in scriptures we find Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, being depicted as a lion and his conquests as swift as an eagle.
Jeremiah 4:7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.
Jeremiah 48:40 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
Isaiah 5:29 Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.
Ezekiel 17:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar.
Nebuchadnezzar’s army conquered Israel and destroyed Jerusalem. The walls of the city were pulled down, the gates burned, the temple robbed of all its treasures and destroyed. In the process, a considerable percentage of the Israelites were killed, while the choicest of the young men were carried away captive, leaving only the poorest behind as miserable farmers.
Daniel 7:5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
This second beast, represented by a bear, was the Medo-Persian Empire. It’s been noted by some commentators how the bear, being the largest species of these four beasts, were found in the colder mountainous regions of Mede/Media (modern Iran). The Medo-Persian Empire is compared to a bear on account of their aggressiveness and thirst for blood.
However, with the Jews in captivity, we see how the sovereignty of God moved the Medo-Persian Empire leaders to allow a return of the Jews back to rebuild Jerusalem. It is under this empire that we have both the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
The third beast, a four headed leopard with four wings of a fowl, is the Macedonian, or Greek Empire which rose to power under Alexander the Great. The swiftness with which Alexander accomplished his conquests is appropriately represented by “a leopard… with four wings of a fowl.” For though the Babylonian Empire was embodied in a lion with two wings to witness the speed of Nebuchadnezzar’s conquests, Alexander’s empire has four wings; since up till that time in history no other empire was its equal. The four heads of the leopard prophetically foretells the dividing of the Macedonian Empire upon Alexander’s death between his four generals.
It is important to note in verse 6 that “dominion was given to it,” meaning the triumphs of the Greek Empire were not due to of Alexander’s own the skill or even the courage of his troops, rather the nations were given to him. Bishop Newton stated that, “had he not been assisted by the mighty power of God, how could he [Alexander the Great], with only thirty thousand men, have overcome Darius with six hundred thousand; and in so short a time have brought the countries from Greece as far as India into subjection?” It was God who gave Alexander his dominion, for we must remember the vision and prophecy are specifically concerning “thy people and upon thy holy city.”
Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Note that this fourth beast is not identified with a known species as it “was diverse from all the beasts that were before it.” It is the Roman Empire, dreadful, terrible, and exceeding strong and it devoured, and breaks in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet. This not only witnesses to its absolute triumph over all the other nations, bringing them to naught, but more significantly points to how Rome destroyed Israel in 70 A.D. scattering the remnant thereof throughout the nations of the world.
Before I continue, I need to make a short run down a rabbit trail… God created man to be responsive to Him and to live under the discipline of His holy precepts, delighting in His laws and meditating therein night and day. When a man is responsive to God, he is being responsible and therefore permitted to freely enjoy the benefits of God’s creation and Kingdom. Humanity has no rights or privileges apart from their responsibilities to the Kingdom of God. This is important to acknowledge if we are going to be found fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Hence the angel stated that Rome “was diverse from all the beasts that were before it,” for history reveals it was a republican form of government in contrast to the preceding monarchal empires. Perhaps this fact serves as the foundation as to why it was not identified with a known species. Though God created man to have dominion, He never intended for men to govern their own selves. Such a government therefore is unnatural, being a creation of man and not of God. The only form of government God can truly approve is a monarchal kingdom, which alone under His guidance can be fashioned and ruled so as to prophetically represent His own, where He is honored as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Nevertheless, when men reign over other men, they will eventually reject God’s word and His Kingdom. Then it is no longer man that reigns, but sin. Such lesson can be verified not only in the history of each of these empires, but in Israel’s history as well. For when sin reigns, it will always be found to be dreadful, terrible, and exceeding strong for it devours and breaks in pieces, and stamps the residue with its feet as it will seek every opportunity to trodden underfoot the Son of God, and count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and despites the Spirit of grace.
Back on point, the “ten horns” on the beast were prophetic of the fall of Rome and how later it would be divided into ten smaller kingdoms which to the best of my knowledge forsook the republic governing structure of Rome and returned to monarchies and have been surmised to be the following –
1. The Roman senate
2. The Greeks
3. The Lombards
4. The Huns
5. The Alemans
6. The Franks
7. The Burgundians
8. The Saracens in Africa and a part of Spain
9. The Goths
10. And the Saxons
The Little Horn
Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
This little horn is almost too quietly mentioned when contrasted against the weighed of “the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea” and “the four great beasts came up from the sea.” However, there are a few points worthy of prayerful consideration I would like to make, hoping those reading will have read my previous post and have already placed all their current persuasions on the altar of God so as to be open to examine these things afresh.
First, this little horn’s origin comes from “among them,” this to me speaks of a nation or empire that will rise up, not only out of the “ten horns,” but in all probability predominantly from one in particular. This is why it is prudent to compare each of these four beasts with the diverse attributes assigned to the Eighth Beast that rises up out of the sea.
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Second observation, notice the “little horn” has “eyes like the eyes of man.” These “eyes of a man” speaks primarily to the lust of the eyes of men, signifying the little horn is never going to be satisfied till all it sees comes under its control and influence. Therefore he will be cunning, flattering and given to endless lies to achieve its conquests. The ‘little horn” also has “a mouth speaking great things,” which also can be associated with the Eighth Beast–
Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
God has been long-suffering and forbearing with the folly of humanity from the beginning, permitting many seemingly great things to occur that many people perceive to have been accomplished through the wisdom and might of men. Yet all this ultimately is permitted only to prove to the whole world there is in fact a God and Creator before whom all the nations are reckoned but dust in the scales, for all the souls of such powerful men will still stand before Him to give an accounting, acknowledging that His alone is the Kingdom, the power, and glory forever and ever.
Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, He taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
AGAIN, please also recall how the three other horns were “plucked up by the roots” by the little horn. Consider again the verse –
Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
It is simple history that originally the colonization of America was attempted by three of those ten horns; England, Spain and France. However, all three of these have been “plucked up by the roots” so to say and lost all sovereign claims to American soil.
It is evident that it was because of “the great words which the horn spoke . . . the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.” Again, this too can be seen attributed to the Eighth Beast who is destined to be destroyed by the ten horns–
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Revelation 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
Daniel saw both the rise and fall of this “little horn” which was confirmed to be under the sovereign watch of the “Ancient of days.” No kingdom, even though they may appear to be running rampant in defiance to His great authority, has ever gone beyond the tolerance of the Lord’s great power and restraint.
Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
At this point, I would like to stress the importance of noting that the destruction of this “little horn,” which became a great beast and was destroyed by fire, that its judgment does not bring the same timely end to the other horns or “beasts.” It is clear that they lose some of their power, but they are permitted to continue on “for a season and time.” I hope to address this more thoroughly later in a post on the Seven Year Tribulation.
Lastly, I wish to return our focus to Gabriel where he appears to Daniel in chapter eight. Again, this is where Daniel returns to writing in Hebrew after the prophecies concerning Babylon which were written in Aramaic. This is only a couple of years after Daniel was given the vision of all the beasts above; now he was given another vision in the “third year of the reign of King Belshazzar.”
In this vision Daniel foresees the coming of the Mede/Persia Empire (2nd beast) represented here as a ram with two horns, one higher than the other. As he was pondering the ram and its horns, a great he-goat appears with a single great horn between its eyes. This horn in chapter 8 is Alexander the Great, previously the third beast in chapter 7 (the leopard) to which “dominion was given.” As stated earlier, this dominion was not just over the other nations, but is specifically given to him over “thy people and the holy city.” Here Alexander the Great/Greece as the “he goat” moves so quickly it is said to not to even touch the ground –
Daniel 8:5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
In the vision the he-goat smites the ram, breaks his two horns; taking away its power to stand and casts the ram down to the ground. After which the he-goat/Greece becomes a greater empire until the notable horn/Alexander the Great is broken and he dies. This leaves his empire to be divided among his four generals.
Daniel 8:8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
There is not much said about the four note able ones that came up, for the emphasis of the verse straight way goes to another “little horn” that came forth from one of them. Now many people and commentators believe that this little horn is the same as the little horn in 7:8, but I disagree. The 7:8 horn comes from the remnants of the fourth beast’s ten horns, where this little horn comes from one of the four horns of the third beast. Also, this later second little horn is place in a time frame of “the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full,” which simply means the measure of Gods patience with the sins of the transgressors has come to an end; judgment is now eminent.
To put it simply here, I am strongly incline to believe this little horn was Antiochus Epiphanes who polluted the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar of God, blaspheming His name and was later defeated by the Maccabees. Antiochus died suddenly of worms and ulcers supposedly in 164 BC, in harmony with Daniel 8:25 which says “but he shall be broken without hand.”
I truly regret the length of this post, as I know many will not give themselves to read through all this. I would much rather be discussing Jesus Christ and His promises to us, but I felt some of these points needed be established for a foundation before entering the subject of the seventy weeks in chapter nine. However, for those that have read through thus far I would like to make one last point that concerns a clue given to us through an angel speaking to another asked concerning the duration of this vision–
Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? 14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
If the prophetic day here is to be understood the same as it is in chapter nine, then we can conclude the duration will be 2300 years that “the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot.” It has always been my strong inclination that the retaking of the Temple Mount in 1967 was a significant event, one which would not have happen unless God had foretold it by His prophets.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.
If we subtract 1967 years from the 2300 we end up with 333 years from year 1 D.C. to 1 A.D. there is only 1 year to be counted since there is no O (zero) year to be counted in the timeline. Though we do not know the months or exact time of year, this is the very close if not exactly to the time of Alexander the Great entrance into the Persian-ruled Asia Minor in 334 B.C.
Josephus in “The Antiquities of the Jews” Book XI, chapter VIII, paragraph 5, tells this story of Alexander the Great arriving in Jerusalem:
“And when he (the High Priest) understood that he (Alexander the Great) was not far from the city (Jerusalem), he (the High Priest) went out in procession with the priests and the multitude of citizens. The procession was venerable, and the manner of it different from that of other nations … and when the Phoenicians and the Chaldeans that followed him (Alexander the Great), thought that they should have liberty to plunder the city, and torment the high priest to death, which the king’s displeasure fairly promised them, the very reverse of it happened; for Alexander, when he (Alexander the Great) saw the multitude at a distance, in white garments, while the priests stood clothed in fine linen, and the high priest in purple and scarlet clothing, with his miter on his head, having the golden plate whereon the name of God was engraved, he (Alexander the Great) approached by himself, and adored that name (the name of God), and first saluted the high priest. The Jews also did altogether, with one voice, salute Alexander, and encompass him about; where upon the kings of Syria and the rest were surprised at what Alexander had done, and supposed him disordered in his mind (They thought Alexander was crazy for bowing before the High Priest). However, Parmenio alone went up to him (Alexander the Great) and asked him how it came to pass that, when all others adored him, he should adore the high priest of the Jews? To whom he replied, “I did not adore him, but that G-d who hath honored him with his high-priesthood; for I saw this very person in a dream, in this very habit (high priestly garment), when I was at Dios in Macedonia, who, when I was considering with myself, how I might obtain the dominion of Asia, exhorted me to make no delay, but boldly to pass over the sea thither, for that he (God) would conduct my army, and would give me the dominion over the Persians; whence it is, that having seen no other in that habit (high priestly garment), and now seeing this person in it, and remembering that vision, and the exhortation which I had in my dream, I believe that I bring this army under the divine conduct, and shall therewith conquer Darius, and destroy the power of the Persians, and that all things will succeed according to what is in my own mind.”
When the high priest went outside Jerusalem to meet Alexander the Great, he took the book of Daniel to show Alexander the prophecies concerning him. To which Alexander was so moved that he went to the temple to offer a sacrifice and worshipped God.
Summary
1. I strongly believe there is profound prophetic significance in that Daniel 2:4 thru 7:28 was written in Aramaic dealing with Babylon and its fall. This signifying to me that after the Eighth Beast and Mystery Babylon the Great falls, there will still be a brief period for other prophecies to come to past in the last days. That further indicates a necessity to prayerfully consider a literal interpretation of Revelation 18:4, to “”Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.
2. Before we see the conclusion of the seventieth week of Daniel, we will have witness the fall of Babylon the Great, i.e. America, The Eighth Beast being completely destroyed before the final prophecies of Daniel’s visions regarding Israel are fulfilled just prior to the Lord’s return.
3. The “little horn” that plucks up three other horns by their roots agrees with America having fought and gained her independence from England, Spain and France.
4. That Gabriel comes after Babylon and declares the ends and beginnings of other events on God’s predetermined timeline. Commissioned to explain to Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat and gives the prediction of the seventy weeks (Da 8:16; 9:21) in the Old Testament. Later in the New Testament he appears to Zacharias proclaiming the birth of John the Baptist, and then later to Mary, announcing the birth of Jesus (Lu 1:19, 26). Thus, again, I feel the conclusion of the seventieth week of Daniel will be preceded by the fall of Babylon the Great.
5. All this is crucial to understanding the seventy weeks as a prophetic period of time pertaining to Daniels people and the holy city.
(Note: This is Chapter 13 of 21 from my book “The Eighth Beast” about America in Prophecy)
Daniel 9:27 – And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
This is the only “seven year” scriptural reference I know of that is foundationally used for the complete duration of the seven years tribulation with the perceived division being “in the midst of the week” when, according to popular understanding of the doctrine, the antichrist does away with the animal sacrifices that were reinstated in a rebuilt temple. There are however, many scriptural references to “seven years” –
There were the both the seven years which Jacob labored for Rachael and was given Leah instead, then the next seven years for which he indeed received Rachael.
The seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine with Joseph in Egypt.
The seven years of famine under David and Samuel
The seven years of famine with Elisha
The seven years of burning weapons after the war with Gog and Magog (which if there is a seven-year tribulation immediately before the return of Christ this war must needs be before it then)
There are also several three and half year periods in scriptures referred to as “time, times, and half of time” or 1260 days even 1290 days even 1335 days. It is astounding the extreme that men have labored to know and define these times for years when scripture clearly states in regards to some of them that these things are sealed until the end. I am personally persuaded that for anyone to assume that each of these times mentioned are referencing to the same time period would be as imprudent as to believe all the previously mentioned seven-year periods were the same, which a simple reading of them all would easily bring a ready dismissal of such nonsense. Therefore one must take caution when asserting things from scriptures because they can quickly earn the title of “false” teacher or prophet.
Nonetheless, in regards to Daniels seventieth week, one can certainly prayerfully consider the text in search of understanding by the Holy Spirit’s illumination. Perhaps reaping the greatest reward of avoiding being carried away by the flood of false doctrines brought forth by both demons and ignorant men thinking themselves to be something they are not.
True understanding is given by commandment of God. It is never the product of clever men being able to calculate their way through hidden codes in scripture; Harold Camping’s date setting errors should be a sufficient warning to any aspiring date setter. But that doesn’t mean we cannot know the times in which we are living. For I am persuaded that Peter understood full well the duration of time left for fulfillment before the Lord’s return
Jesus affirmed that for those true disciples who would keep His words that to them it would be given to know the truth, and the truth would set them free. Those true disciples who are truly seeking to know Him and not just gain knowledge, that to them it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Mt 11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.
Mt 13:11 He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them. 12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he has.
Mt 16:17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
1Co 2:10 But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God’s Spirit. 12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. 14 Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Heb 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
I must re-emphasize that it was a consequence of Daniel’s supplications that the angel Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of when confessing his sins and the sins of Israel. This fact establishes an unbreakable connection between the “matter . . . and the vision” Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand and his prayer for his people in captivity.
To help keep this seventieth week in proper context, let’s look again from the beginning of the chapter –
Dan 9:1 In the first year of Darius . . . of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans 2 . . . I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. 3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.
This is by far one of my favorite passages, for the reason that Daniel clearly states he “understood” that the duration of the Jewish Babylonian captivity was coming to an end “by the books” of Jeremiah the prophet. Some things are not hidden, and therefore they can both bless and establish accountability on all who read or hear it.
Jer 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
Jer 29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.
Knowing the 70 years was about to conclude, Daniel therefore “set” his “face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes” God’s grace and mercy for the sins of Israel that they may find His favor to be restored. Oh, if only every believer in America so sought God’s face like Daniel did using every means of petitioning God’s mercies through “prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” Have we truly forgotten Jesus’ words concerning “Blessed are they that mourn?”
But nowadays too many churches have taken the shame out of sin by presenting the amazing grace of God as something so cheap and conveniently affordable like a common commodity on the shelf of a nearby convenient store, leaving professors of Christ’s name to carelessly commit sin the way the government spends never worrying about the consequences because they have “grace.” What else can this be but the “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ?”
What is amazing is Daniel’s faith and how it is evident in his prayer to God . . .
Dan 9:10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. 11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed Thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey Thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him. 12 And He hath confirmed His words, which He spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand Thy truth.
There are two parts in Daniel’s prayer for God’s people to embrace. First, how he believed God proved the certainty of His words by judging Israel according to His law as written by Moses. Second, having witnessed the certainty of God’s word . . . Daniel turns to prayer to remind God of the purpose of His judgments,” that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand Thy truth.”
Dan 9:18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
Daniel’s was a faith pleasing unto God and because it was true faith which came by means of a heart open to hearing the word of the Lord as he read Jeremiah’s writings. Humbled by God’s righteous judgments, Daniel sought further understanding of the future events concerning his people and their fate. Therefore God sent Gabriel to reveal unto Daniel the future events which would unfold . . .
Dan 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
It is evident that the angel was there to give Daniel a clear understanding of this vision. Yes, there are other visions which were given to Daniel which when he sought understanding and was told, “Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” But that is not the case here. This time the angel is there to explain these specific things to Daniel, things specifically concerning the Jewish nation, Jerusalem, the temple and the Messiah. In verse 24, the angel clarifies what Daniel’s vision is all about . . . and the duration of time to be given to it.
Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Again for convenience, here are the seven specific things the angel Gabriel is there to give Daniel “understanding” of the vision regarding –
It was a period of time1 regarding his people and the holy city2
Seventy weeks
Jerusalem
It was to “finish the transgression”
It was to “make an end of sins”
It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
It was to “to anoint the most Holy”
The first thing is the time element; “Seventy weeks are determined . . .” These “seventy weeks” represent a total duration of 490 years. The most difficult part of this vision deals with determining the exact time from which the time frame starts . . . and there are multiple views upon that point. I will submit my perspective a little later to you.
Daniel was praying in regards to when the 70 years of Babylonian captivity was to be finished when the angel comes to tell him about when another captivity will be over as well, the captivity of sin. Gabriel shows him “seventy weeks determined” relative to this captivity of sin, its solution and Redeemer, Messiah the Prince. These 70 weeks, representing a total of 490 years is said to begin with the going forth of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Apart from the fact that Daniel’s weeks represent a seven-year period is recognized by most commentators, biblical confirmation can be supported by God’s commandment to give the land a Sabbath every seventh year.
Lev 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a Sabbath unto the LORD. 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land, a Sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. 8 And thou shalt number seven Sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.
The 490 years appears to be divided into three segments of time, two of which are mention there in verse 25. The first is a 7 week period representing a period of 49 years. During these 49 years “the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times” in Jerusalem. The second is a 62 week period representing a period of 454 years which concludes with the coming of “Messiah the Prince.” The total time here is 483 years.
Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
While it may be difficult for men to agree on when the commencement of these periods begin, “from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem,” the angel Gabriel tells specifically what event concludes at their end, “unto the Messiah the Prince.” This clearly means that the coming of the Messiah would be 483 years after the commandment was issued. Jesus gives us the best indication of the time’s conclusion –
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
If the time fulfilled wasn’t the time mentioned by Gabriel to Daniel, then students of the word are obligated to affix another prophetic time to Jesus words, of which no other do I know of. Consider also these other verses by the Apostle Paul –
Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him.
There were students of God’s word at the time of Christ who, like Daniel, knew the meaning and purpose of these verses and were therefore in anticipation of their fulfillment during the days of Jesus birth.
Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, 31 Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people . . . 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Certainly the scriptural justification for these people to be looking for the redemption of Israel in their days was because they, just like Daniel who “understood by the books,” also understood the time in which they were privileged to live because of the book of Daniel and his vision concerning the 70 weeks. They knew the 484 years till the coming of Messiah was not far off and were eagerly looking for Him.
However, perhaps the greatest proof of Jesus’ ministry being the fulfillment of Daniel’s 69 weeks comes from His admonition of the people of Israel.
Lu 19:41 When he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come on you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side, 44 and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn’t know the time of your visitation.
Now, in Daniel 9:24 there are six specific events mentioned which would be the consequences of the incarnation of our Lord –
To finish (bring restraint to) the transgression. This was placed in effect by the preaching of the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, and pouring out of the Holy Ghost among men.
To make an end of sins <chatta’ah>. This does not mean an end to sin itself, rather “to make an end of sin-offerings” This Jesus our Lord did when He offered his spotless soul and body on the cross once for all. The lawful offering of sacrifices unto God ended with the self-sacrifice of Jesus.
<chatta’ah>– an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender:–punishment (of sin), purifying (-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).
A few examples of where the same Hebrew word in 9:24 translated “sin” was translated “sin offering” (Translated such 199 times in O.T.) –
Ex 29:14 But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it [is] a sin offering <chatta’ah>.
Ex 29:36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering <chatta’ah> for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.
Ex 30:10 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering<chatta’ah> of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.
Le 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering <chatta’ah>.
Le 4:8 And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering <chatta’ah>; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,
Le 4:20 And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering <chatta’ah>, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them. 21 And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it [is] a sin offering<chatta’ah> for the congregation. 24 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the LORD: it [is] a sin offering <chatta’ah>. 25 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering <chatta’ah> with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.29 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering <chatta’ah>, and slay the sin offering <chatta’ah> in the place of the burnt offering. 32 And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering <chatta’ah>, he shall bring it a female without blemish.
3. To make reconciliation, or “to make atonement” for iniquity; which Jesus did by the once offering up of Himself upon the cross. Therefore the sacrifices, or sin offerings <chatta’ah> had become totally unnecessary, and to offer them would be to “sacrifice Christ afresh.”
4. To bring in everlasting righteousness, that is, “the righteousness, or righteous ONE, of ages.” That person who had been the object of the faith of mankind, and the subject of the predictions of the prophets through all the ages of the world, beginning with the promise God made to Eve that she ultimately would bring forth “seed” that would avenge her and bruise the head of the serpent.
5. To seal up, or “finish or complete” the vision and prophecy. That is, to put an end to the necessity of any farther revelations, by completing the canon of Scriptures then given by Jesus fulfilling the prophecies which related to His person, sacrifice, and the glory that should follow.
6. And to anoint the Most Holy, which signifies the consecration or appointment of our blessed Lord, the Holy One of Israel, to be the Prophet, Priest, and King of mankind.
Again, Daniel’s seventy weeks, or 490 years, are divided into three distinct periods, to each of which particular events are assigned.
Seven weeks, that is, 49 years.
Sixty-two weeks, that is, 434 years
One week, that is, 7 years
The first seven weeks period was for the restoration and repairing of the wall and streets of Jerusalem, where we see Ezra and Nehemiah also employed in restoring both the sacred constitutions and civil establishments of the Jews. This work lasted forty-nine years after the commission was given by Artaxerxes. Including the second period of 62 weeks brings us to 434 years, at the end of which the prophecy says “Messiah the Prince” would come. This conclusion of both these periods must take in the ministry of John the Baptist for Jesus our Lord says, “The law was until John.”
Mt 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Many feel this means “the prophets and the law” were only up until John, but not including John. However, the Greek word <heos> is the same word used in the genealogies of Mt 1:1,7 “So all the generations from Abraham to<heos> David are fourteen generations; and from David until <heos> the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto<heos> Christ are fourteen generations.” It is evident that the first period “from Abraham to<heos> David” is defined by the inclusion of David. Therefore it is not appropriate to exclude John the Baptist from “all the prophets and the law” which were to “prophesied until” <heos> the coming of our Lord . . . which begins the third period, or the seventieth week of Daniel. It is during this time that someone would “confirm the covenant with many for one week.”
It is this seventieth week of Daniel which has become known as “the great tribulation” or simply “The Tribulation.” Yet nowhere has the angel Gabriel mentioned any such thing taking place. However, Gabriel does mention an “overspreading of abomination” and the destruction of the temple.
Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
This is where “7 year tribulation” theology takes off with the antichrist interpretation, seeing the “prince” as the antichrist which “shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.” They say that he, the antichrist, will make a treaty with the Jews resulting in a peaceful solution to the Middle East crisis. Sometime during or before all this the Temple is expected to be rebuilt, which then depending on who you may asked, either the Jews or the antichrist then re-institutes animal sacrifices in the temple. (To address all that now would be too much of a side track.)
But, then according to come seven-year tribulation theology the antichrist will “in the midst of the week,” or after 3 ½ years, break his covenant with the Jews and “cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease” thus issuing in the later 3 ½ years and worst part of “The Seven Year Tribulation.”
However, as it should be clear to all reading, I am not fully persuaded that this interpretation is the truth. The “vision” of Daniel is about the Jewish people, Israel, Jerusalem and their Messiah, Jesus Christ; God manifested in the flesh.
My conviction is that this last seven-year period, or the “seventieth week of Daniel,” that this is the period of time in which God tabernacles with man as Jesus Christ “confirm[s] the covenant with many.” However, I do believe this seventieth week is divided by a specific event –
“. . . and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease . . .”
What divides the 70th week is “the sacrifice and the oblation” are caused to cease. But how? By the antichrist breaking an alleged covenant with the Jews? Or by Jesus fulfilling God’s covenant to them?
Remember what was stated above? What the angel said would be accomplished within the 70 weeks? Six distinct things would be accomplished. Listed again below are numbers 2 and 3 previously mentioned above.
2. To make an end of sins. This does not mean an end to sin itself, rather “to make an end of sin-offerings” This Jesus our Lord did when He offered his spotless soul and body on the cross once for all. Therefore the lawful offering of sacrifices unto God ended with the self-sacrifice of Jesus.
3. To make reconciliation, or “to make atonement” for iniquity; which Jesus did by the once offering up of Himself upon the cross. Therefore sacrifices were totally unnecessary, and to offer one would be to “sacrifice Christ afresh.”
Therefore for the Jews to reject the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, and continue to offer animal sacrifices instead would be an abomination in the eyes of God. For them to continue to offer animal sacrifices would truly be an “overspreading of abominations.” Yet that is exactly what happened. They rejected Jesus Christ and continued in their now dead and empty rituals “crucifying Christ afresh.”
Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh: 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Heb 10:4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. 5 Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering You didn’t desire, but You prepared a body for Me; 6 You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God.'” 8 Previously saying, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You didn’t desire, neither had pleasure in them” (those which are offered according to the law), 9 then He has said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first, that Ye may establish the second, 10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, (see all Hebrews 9 & 10).
That which was once commanded by God to be done as holy prophetic action to proclaim that which was planned from the foundation of the world, the death and passion of our blessed Lord and Savior would then become a continual testimony of the Jews’ rejection of God’s provision for their reconciliation and these very sacrifices would then become an “overspreading of abominations” for which “He,” that is God, “shall make it [the Temple] desolate, even until the consummation [the end], and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
What does all that mean? Remember the words of Jesus?
Matt 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house [temple] is left unto you desolate. 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
(For saving of time and space and avoid being “prohibitively long” here I would refer you to my “Matthew 24” post for the possible fulfillment of these words.)
However, if these things are possibly true, then there is more to Daniel 9:27 which is profitable to reason and address. Such as (1) what is the covenant Jesus was confirming? And (2) how did He confirm it? And if the seventieth week is for the “confirming the covenant” for the duration of 7 years was divided by His death, causing the ceasing of the sacrifices and oblations to be accepted by God, (3) then what about the remaining 3 ½ years?
Let me submit some possible answers to these questions for further prayerful consideration of you, the readers.
First, what is the covenant He/Jesus was confirming? What is the covenant that Jesus confirms to Israel and to the entire world? It is the promise of certainty to which righteous Job wrote the following –
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
The covenant is the promise of the resurrection. Not just Jesus’ resurrection, but ours as well. Jesus confirmed the truth of the resurrection to His disciples –
Matt 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; 27 And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 11: 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 14: 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in Me, and I in you.
Here are also some Old Testament verses which proclaimed the covenant / promise from which Jesus would have preached and confirmed by His resurrection
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Eze 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Hosea 13: 14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from Mine eyes.
Job 14:12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 13 O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be past, that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.
Psm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psm 17: 15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.
In light of all these scriptures from which Paul would have preached it is easy to see is why he would have continued with the confirmation of the covenant while declaring the certainty of the Gospel.
Rom 6: 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.
I Cor 6: 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power.
I Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
I Cor 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.
II Cor 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
II Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.
Phil 3:10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
The Apostle John was not silent, for he too confirmed the certainty of God’s covenant –
I John 2: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
Now, exactly how did Jesus confirm the covenant/promise of a resurrection? He confirmed the covenant with His own bodily resurrection. He proved He had the power to not only raise Himself from the dead, but others as well . . .
Matt 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
John 20: 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God.
Roman 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Now if Jesus confirmed the covenant with the Jews, both by His preaching and ultimately His bodily resurrection, just where are the remaining 3 ½ years of the 70th week???
I have come to believe that the final 3 ½ years will be fulfilled by the ministry of the two witness in Jerusalem ministering to the Jewish people the last days mentioned in Revelation chapter 11. These two witnesses will be again confirming the covenant of God to the descendants of Abraham testifying that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah the Prince. “And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them,” meaning that as the devil as stirred up wicked men throughout the history of humanity to murder the righteous, these two will killed and left unburied in an attempt to discredit the “myth” of Christianity.
Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
These two witnesses will know exactly who they are, and like Jesus they too will testify in their last days that they also will be martyred . . . but they too, like Jesus was, will be raised from the dead. This testimony will infuriate the Jewish people, but a remnant will listen and watch, for they will be pierced in their hearts and convicted by the Sword of Truth. These are the ones who will give glory unto God after the resurrection of the two witnesses.
Rev 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
The only way any man can give glory unto God is to honor the Son as the Father . . .
John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them [the covenant]; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him.
This remnant giving glory unto the Son as their Redeemer will be the in-grafting back in of the Jews resulting in the fulfillment of the Vision of Daniel ushering the resurrection of the dead.
Ro 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Lu 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Lastly, one more reason why I believe that Daniel 9:27 “in the midst of the week” is referring to Jesus causing “the sacrifice and oblations to cease” is because Jesus also died in the midst/middle of the week, on a Wednesday. For clarification of that please see my Trip to the Tomb thread.
(excerpt from post)
. . . in Mark’s account we see that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where and how the body of Jesus was buried (Mark 5:47). Then, “when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome” purchased sweet spices that when they came to the tomb they might anoint the body of Jesus for a proper burial because His body was prepared and buried in haste “before” sunset prior to a High Sabbath. This is a point that most fail to discern, that the week of Jesus’ crucifixion there were actually two Sabbaths. This “Sabbath” mentioned by Mark is not the seventh day weekly Sabbath, or Saturday, mention earlier in Matthew’s account. This “Sabbath” was day one of seven consecutive days of observance of the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, a “high holy day” and was therefore observed as a Sabbath since no servile work was to be done, see John 19:31.
. . . that Passover was on a Wednesday, which would have (regardless of our assumption) been the fourteenth day of the first month, (Lev 23:2). Then the Fifteenth day would have been Thursday, day one the Feast of the Unleaven Bread, declared by God to be a holy convocation and a High Sabbath. Therefore after the fifteenth day “was past” Friday came, they went out and “bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him” (Mark 16:1) and then, “prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the [fourth] commandment,” (Luke 23:56).
Summary
If these things have plausible credibility, then the whole seven-year tribulation message that has been taught and widely promoted by such fables as the “Left Behind” series, then we as believers have need to been diligent in our seeking to rightly discern the times and the seasons in which we are living and to pray that we may be found worthy to escape the wrath to come have posted before all the New Testament verses on tribulation in my post But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you . . .
Therefore we should give earnest heed to the words of our Savior and His apostle –
Lu 21:34 “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
2Th 1:5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. 6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted ~!-++giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, 9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day. 11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Many people interpret the above as referring to a coming world leader many modern eschatology teachers are calling the Antichrist. To be straight forward and upfront in this post I want to let everyone know that I do not subscribe to that interpretation. After years of examining and re-examining these texts I have come to the persuasion that the adversary has attempted to high-jacked these verse to his own glory when they are in truth a testimony to the Lamb of God who alone worthy to receive glory and honor and power.
Revelation 4:11 – Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 5:12 – Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
If this “He” above in Daniel 9:27 is indeed referencing Jesus Christ, then this part of the verse is certainly the most advantageous to understand. Therefore, I will begin with the following three questions.
What “covenant” was the Lord Jesus confirming?
How did He confirm it; by word, deed, or both?
If this seventieth week designated for “confirming the covenant” was divided by Jesus’ death which caused the previously Mosaic obligation of sacrifices and oblations to cease, then what about the remaining three and a half years? For from His baptism to His death, Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted only three and a half years?
Even if it is only a possibility that Jesus is this “He” in Daniel 9:27, then these are legitimate questions that need to be asked if we are honest in our search of the Truth. Plus, if Jesus is indeed this “He” then there will be biblical answers to all these questions that would require your prayerful consideration.
So let’s look at first question again, what is the “covenant” that Jesus was confirming? Answer, it is that promise of certainty of which righteous Job wrote the following.
Job 19:25 – For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
The covenant to which Job clings is the promise of a bodily resurrection; and not just Jesus’ resurrection, but all who love Him as well. Consequently, Jesus was constantly confirming this truth to His disciples.
Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
John 5:24 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live… 26 For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; 27 And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 6:39 – And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 11:23 – Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 14:19 – Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you.
This very covenant was revealed through the prophets of old and written in the scriptures; the very scriptures from which Jesus and the Apostles authoritatively preached the gospel.
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. 9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.
Isaiah 26:19 – Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Ezekiel 37:12 – Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Job 14:12 – So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 13 O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret, until Thy wrath be past, that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! 14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of Thine hands.
Psalm 16:9 – Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 17:15 – As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.
Hosea 13:14 – I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from Mine eyes.
These are the scriptures from which Paul was trained as a Pharisee. Therefore after his conversion, Paul would have continued with great authority confirming this covenant, boldly preaching the certainty of it through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Being the apostle to the Gentiles, we can see in Paul’s epistles how he was constantly confirming to all men that this covenant was not only to Jews, but to all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:5 – For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.
I Corinthians 6:14 – And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power.
I Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
I Corinthians 15:12 – Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.
II Corinthians 4:13 – We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
II Corinthians 5:1 – For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.
Philippians 3:10 – That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Likewise, the Apostle John also faithfully confirms the certainty of God’s covenant of a resurrection of the saints in his open thesis on the deity of Jesus as the Christ.
1 John 3:2 – Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
Now the second question put forth at the beginning of this post was how did Jesus confirm the covenant of a literal resurrection? By word, deed, or both? Not only did He confirm the covenant in word, but with His own bodily resurrection as well. For by His resurrection Jesus Christ proved that not only did He have the power to raise Himself from the dead, but others too.
Matthew 27:52 – And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
John 20:25 – The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God!
Romans 1:4 – And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
The Spirit of Christ Which Was In Them
Daniel 9:24 – Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Now if Jesus “confirmed the covenant” in the Holy City to the Jews, both by His preaching and His bodily resurrection, then the last question that needs to be answered is where are the remaining three and a half years of the seventieth week whereby the week shall be completed with His confirming the covenant with many? Since the “seventy weeks” of the prophecy “are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy,” I believe the final three and a half years will be fulfilled through the ministry of the two witnesses of Revelation 11 ministering to the Jewish people in Jerusalem.
Just like the prophets of old, Jesus and the apostles, so will these two witnesses continue to confirm the covenant of God to the descendants of Abraham in the last days by testifying that Jesus was indeed their promised Messiah the Prince. “And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them and kill them.” Showing us that just as the devil has stirred up wicked men all throughout history to murder the righteous, so too will these two witnesses eventually be killed. Then in a vain attempt to finally discredit the declared “myth” of Jesus Christ and His resurrection, their bodies are left unburied in the open streets for three and a half days.
Revelation 11:3 – And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth… 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Surely by now some are hard pressed to ask how these two witnesses could be the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27. After all, “He,” meaning Jesus, is the one who confirms the covenant. So wouldn’t Jesus need to be the one preaching if He is the one confirming? The answer would be an absolute yes. But for clarity I must first direct you once more to a few verses I hope you are getting very familiar with.
Hebrew 1:1 – God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds.
Note the words in bold type, “God, spoke, by the prophets, by His Son.” Let’s continue.
II Peter 1:21 – For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Again we see it was “God” who “spoke, by the prophets” in Hebrews 1:1-2, and is again speaking by “holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Same God, same prophets and the same Spirit. Again, let’s continue;
I Peter 1:10 – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
The “prophets” through which “God… spoke” as they “were moved by the Holy Ghost,” were only speaking what “the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.”
Such is why Paul made his statement to the Galatians, that as a minister of the Gospel he was crucified with Christ and thus Christ lives in and through him. But Paul doesn’t stop with applying this principle only to himself, for later he stresses how this principle applies to all who are Christ’s. For if we are truly “in Christ Jesus,” it is only because His Spirit lives in us; and if we are ever to truly be ministering life through the Gospel, it is because Christ is ministering it through us.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 5:24 – And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
For this reason, Paul testified to both the Thessalonians and the Corinthians that what he preached unto them was not merely the word of a man, but rather the word of God. For what Paul had spoken was through the leading of the Spirit of Christ within him.
I Thessalonians 2:13 – For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
II Corinthians 13:3 – Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Below is another passage further establishes this truth that it was Jesus Christ, who by His Spirit was ministering through the prophets of old. Unfortunately, it is also a passage that has been greatly misunderstood by many throughout the centuries. Sadly, this confusion has given way for many erroneous teachings to creep into the church about Jesus, His death, and the completeness of the work of the cross.
I Peter 3:18 – For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The “popular” understanding of this verse is that after He died, Jesus went to hell and preached to the souls there; and all those that believed were therefore set free. Added to this are other false assertions such as Jesus had to die spiritually, taste hell itself, and be born again in order to defeat the devil on his ground so that He could take back the keys of death and hell. All of which are false.
Many believers raised in traditional churches assume these beliefs to be credible because they lack an understanding of the scriptures and the Nicene or Apostles’ Creed they may have been compelled to memorize. For when it states that Jesus was “crucified, buried, descended into hell and rose again the third day,” they assume it means Jesus literally went to hell, the place prepared for the angels that had sinned. However, this reference to the death, burial, and resurrection which is a true tenet of the Christian faith actually refers to Jesus’ body being crucified, prepared for burial, and placed in the grave for three days after which He resurrected.
Psalms 16:10 – For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
This psalm is speaking about the body of Jesus not being left in the grave to decay, or “see corruption.” It is not speaking about Jesus going into hell which was prepared for the devil and his angels. The word translated “hell” in English is the Hebrew word “sheol” which was used sixty-five times in the Old Testament; thirty-three times implying the “grave” and thus translated.
Oddly, many people falsely believe that Hell is the headquarters of Lucifer, when actually it is a prison made for the fallen angels and those who imitate their lawlessness. For when Jesus cast out demons out of the possessed Gadarenes man, they were terrified of hell and fearfully inquired if He had come to torment them before their time by sending them there.
Matthew 8:29 – And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Except for those fallen angels which were long ago cast down for their particular sins and are already bound in chains of darkness in Tartarus, the remaining principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world are still loose and share the sentiments of demons having a fear for the torment of hell, for they know this prison was created for them.
II Peter 2:4 – …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.
(Sadly, many are completely ignorant of the extent of the various rebellions and sins of these fallen angels, a subject far too vast to cover here. I would simply recommend two books on the subject which are available online in PDF format for those interested. The first would be “The Fallen Angels and the Heroes of Mythology” by Rev. John Fleming, A.B., published in 1879. The second would be “Earth’s Earliest Ages” by G.H. Pember, published 1889.)
Since Jesus created all things it would be foolish to assume He needed to go to hell in order to get the keys of death and hell, for He has always possessed them.
Psalms 68:20 – He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.
Revelation 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.
One only needs to listen carefully to what Jesus is saying to correctly discern what He isnot saying. For many have become so affixed by popular theology that they can only read the Holy Scriptures in the light of the theology they were taught: rather than proving their theology by the light of the scriptures. For in Revelation 1:18, Jesus clearly says “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.” That is because once again to “confirm the covenant” He tells us that it is He who has “the keys of hell [meaning the grave] and death.” After His death, Jesus ripped the veil of the Temple in two and “the graves were opened.” However, it was not until after His resurrection that “many bodies of the saints… came out of the graves… and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”
Matthew 27:50 – Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Ezekiel 37:12 – Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put My spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
While there are conflicting opinions on just who those saints were that “came out of the graves… and went into the holy city and appeared unto many,” I do not believe they were the old patriarchal saints. The scripture plainly states that “many bodies of the saints which slept arose,” making it evident that not all of “the saints which slept arose.” Thus, I am persuaded these were probably saints who had recently died; for the patriarchal saints would not have been known by their appearance as there were no photos of them whereby the townspeople would have readily recognized them. Rather these were saints who like Lazarus were brought back to life in their mortal bodies. Incontestably, Jesus was the “firstfruits from the dead,” which means that all those who have died in faith are still awaiting the fulfillment of the covenant to be resurrected with their own glorified, immortal bodies at His return.
Hebrews 11:39 – And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
So let’s look afresh once more at that greatly misunderstood passage in I Peter and see if we cannot properly discern the apostle’s meaning.
I Peter 3:18 – For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
First it is clear how Jesus suffered and “was put to death in the flesh,” but was then “quicken by the Spirit.” That phrase means His body was not resurrected by the power of that earthen vessel of humanity, rather by the Spirit of Christ that dwelt within. Paul had stated virtually the same thing in his Epistle to the Romans, which again can also be viewed as “confirming the covenant.”
Romans 8:11 – But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Next, notice how in I Peter 3:18 Peter stated “by which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” What Peter is saying is that it was by the Spirit that Jesus once went and preached to the spirits in prison and not in His bodily form. This reveals that it was not Jesus the “Son of man” which went somewhere and preached, but rather the Spirit of Christ.”
Also, unless we pay careful attention to just whose “spirits” these are that are “in prison,” then like so many others have we too will run the risk of jumping to all sorts of erroneous conclusions; which is completely unnecessary since Peter clearly states who they are. These are the spirits of those “which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”
Therefore, these spirits are not all the lost souls of humanity which died from the time of Adam to Christ; rather these are only the spirits of those who were alive during those the days “while the ark was a preparing.” This is an excellent example of how we must be careful not to apply content beyond what is written to the scriptures. So why then does it say it was Christ who preached to those souls which were alive in those last days of Noah while the ark was being built? Perhaps it will help to review what Peter said earlier in the context of this very epistle.
I Peter 1:10 – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Not only was Noah a preacher of righteousness, he doubtlessly was one of these prophets Peter was referring to who preached by “the Spirit of Christ which was in” him. Thus it was Noah who preached unto them “which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” but the people rejected what the Spirit of Christ had preached to them through the Prophet Noah and therefore they perished; their bodies decayed and returned into the earth but their “spirits” are now “in prison.”
No, Peter wasn’t saying after Jesus died that He went to hell to preach, for anyone entering into hell and offering any hope to those spirits would immediately find everyone grasping at any possibility of escape. Rather, Peter was affirming the omnipotence of Christ, that though He was a man who suffered and died in the flesh, He was much more, He was a quickening Spirit in Noah through which He warned the world that then was to flee the wrath to come, of which only the few righteous were spared while the disobedient perished.
Thus we have a sound scriptural account of Jesus preaching before Israel was a nation or there was a Holy City of Jerusalem and Temple, even before the time of His own incarnation. Why then would we fail to believe that the Spirit of Christ will again be there in like power and authority via the Two Witnesses at the next coming end of the world which is now cresting our own horizon?
II Peter 3:5 – For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
These Two Witnesses will know exactly who they are; and by “the Spirit of Christ which is in them” they will testify in the last days how they are going be martyred and just like Jesus they too will be raised from the dead. Though their testimony will absolutely infuriate the world and most of the Jewish people, a remnant of the Jews will nonetheless believe and be watching, having been pierced in their hearts and convicted by the Sword of Truth. This remnant are those who will give glory unto God after the resurrection of these two witnesses once again confirms the covenant of God, perhaps for the very last time before the whole world.
Revelation 11:7 – And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
The only way these Jews can give glory unto God is to honor the Son even as they honor the Father. Thus this remnant gives glory unto the Son as their Redeemer, Christ the Lord. This will be the in-grafting of the Jews back into the vine, resulting in the completion of the Angel Gabriel’s prophecy to Daniel by ushering in the fulfillment of the covenant, the resurrection of the dead.
Romans 11:15 – For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Luke 13:35 – Behold, your house is left to you desolate. And truly I say to you, You will not see Me until it come when you say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
In The Midst Of The Week
Lastly, one more reason why I believe that Daniel’s 9:27 reference to “in the midst of the week” refers to Jesus causing “the sacrifice and oblations to cease,” is because staying true to this verse, Jesus was crucified in the midst, or middle of the week, i.e. a millennial week.
Peter stated that when considering the coming of the Lord to be mindful of this one thing, that a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day. This concept is not new, for many Jews believed that it would be six thousand years before Messiah would come and reign in the seventh millennial day, making as it were a millennial week. However, it was in the fourth and middle millennial day that Christ came and died and caused “the sacrifice and oblations to cease.”
II Peter 3:1 – This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Notice in addressing the subject of the promise of His coming Peter says he is writing to “stir up” their minds by way of remembrance, “that they may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets.” It must be recognized that it is in this context, focusing on the Lord’s return that Peter references that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” This phrase gives us the perfect key to properly understand what one of the prophets had written concerning both comings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hosea 5:9 – Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be. 10 The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out My wrath upon them like water. 11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment. 12 Therefore will I be unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness. 13 When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. 14 For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. 15 I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.
In the above passage we see the obstinacy of the Jews towards the Lord at His first coming. The Holy Spirit testifying through Hosea that “The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound,” making reference those who move boundary stones seeking to lay claim to that which isn’t theirs. The fact that the Jews were trying to do this very thing to Jesus is witnessed in His parable against them concerning the keepers of the vineyard, where the wicked servant sought to kill the son of the landowner that they might steal his inheritance for their own.
Matthew 21:33 – Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto Him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard His parables, they perceived that He spake of them.
Therefore, just as Hosea had prophesied, Jesus became “as a lion and as a young lion to the house of Judah” and tore away the kingdom from them, bringing such desolation upon them that “none shall rescue him.” Hosea continued the prophecy saying “I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early.” Having gone through their affliction, and now like Daniel remembering that God’s judgments are foretold out of His earnest desire to show mercy, Hosea now gives prophetic voice to this remnant of Jews in the last days.
Hosea 6:1 – Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. 2 After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Thus by allowing Peter to stir up our minds “by way of remembrance, we too are made “mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets” and see how his reference to “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” provides the perfect key to what Hosea had written concerning both comings of the Lord. Therefore, we can see that the crucifixion when “Messiah the Prince… was cut off” and the “sacrifices and oblations ceased” all transpired on the fourth millennial day, which is “in the midst of the [millennial] week.”
However, this millennial week isn’t the only week where we find “Messiah the Prince… cut off” and the “sacrifices and oblations [having] ceased… in the midst of the week.” However, for centuries there has been much confusion among God’s people concerning the timeframe of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Certainly the different accounts of Jesus’ resurrection recorded in the Gospels don’t appear to offer help to the casual reader of God’s word, as each Gospel has its own list of various events which occurred around that glorious event.
The fact that these accounts each illustrate a different perspective of the resurrection story leaves many confused and thinking they are seeing contradictions in scripture. However, because all these different events are chronicled in God’s word assures us they all must be true. Perhaps, a good way to consider their seemingly different reports is to view them like transparent overlays, similar to the one’s used in medical books showing the skeleton, then the nerves and blood vessels, organs, muscular and finally the skin and hair. When this is done we discover the answer to the confusion is that there had to be multiple trips made to the tomb being recorded.
One of the important things to remember is that Jesus did not say He would be in the tomb for “three days,” He said it would be “three days and three nights.” Matthew clearly states the first trip was in the “end of the Sabbath as it began to dawn towards the first day of the week,” which is dusk, not sunrise. Dawn here means the actual beginning of the first day of the week, sunset and not sunrise, which would actually have been the middle of the biblical day. This dawn being like the dawning of the Age of Aquarius, of which there was no sunrise ushering in the Age of Aquarius.
Furthermore, the scriptures tell us it was after the Sabbath that the women purchase the spices, which John 19:31 reveals was actually a “high day.” What that means is that particular Sabbath was the first day of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread that began on the fifteenth day of the first month right after Passover; a work day and the fourteenth day of the month. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread both the first and seventh days are high Sabbath days, which would mean a weekly Sabbath would naturally always fall in between those two high-days. Thus scriptures accurately states that after the “high-day” Sabbath which followed Passover that the women went and bought the spices and spent the remainder of the day preparing them. Afterwards they then “rested according to the [Fourth] Commandment” which would be the following the weekly Sabbath which began at sunset.
According to Matthew it was “in the end” of this weekly Sabbath, as the sunset was ushering in the first day of the week, that the women went to “visit the tomb,” without any mention being made of their taking the spices since night was falling. That is when the angel of the Lord descended like lightning and the stone was rolled away and the angelic proclamation made “He has risen.”
Again, Jesus, having been crucified in the latter half of Passover, the 14th day, was placed into the tomb just before sunset as it “dawn toward” that “high day” Sabbath of the 15th. Remember, according to biblical accounting the beginning of every day is at the setting of the sun.
It was then after the 15th which was a high-day Sabbath that the women on the 16th day went and purchased the spices and prepared them. They then rested the 17th day which was the weekly Sabbath. It was here, “in the end” of the latter half of the 17th day, as the setting sun was getting ready to usher in the 18th day yet still prior to the arrival of the 1st day of the week, that the resurrection of Jesus scripturally occurred; just before the Sabbath sunset, and not Sunday’s sunrise. For after Jesus’ resurrection, the priests and guards franticly met throughout the night to forge the lie that the disciples came during the night and had stolen Jesus’ body… for come sunrise everyone in Jerusalem was going to hear that the body of Jesus was missing.
Thus Jesus was three full nights and three full days in the tomb just like He said He would be. Night and day of the 15th day of the month, night and day of the 16th day of the month, and night and day of the 17th day of the month; making it in the end of the weekly Sabbath when He rose just before sunset. Which means Jesus was crucified “in the midst of the week,” on a Wednesday and not on Friday according to the Catholic invention of Good Friday. All this is cover in more detail an older post titled “Trips to the Tomb.”
Summary
If these things have plausible credibility, then the whole seven-year tribulation message that has been taught and widely promoted by such fables as the “Left Behind” series needs to be reexamined to determine on what foundation of scripture does it stand or fall. Regardless, we as believers must be diligent to rightly discern the times and the seasons in which we are living and pray always that we may be found worthy to escape the wrath to come. Let us therefore give earnest heed to the words of our Savior and His apostle.
Luke 21:34 – And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
II Thessalonians 1:5 – Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This book is extensive and examines many aspects of modern endime theologies in light of both scripture and history. Due to the severity of the times and the endless volumes of end-times theologies being preached, for decades I have patiently sought the Lord that I might understand certain passages concerning prophetic end time events and the key players mentioned therein. My earnest desire as a husband and father is to obey the exhortation to “prove all things” that I might faithfully lead my family in the things of God appropriately and “hold fast to that which is good” and sound doctrine.
To start, I would like to prepare some by stating that the conclusions of my studies will be found to be very different from predominant beliefs held by many who have unquestioningly embraced the view point of the admittedly fictional “Left Behind” series which became very popular, even among non-Christians. It was amazing, even making news headlines while the public impatiently waited for the next release, eager to ingest each of the “16 best-selling” fictional Christian novels written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Sadly, that fact alone affirms what the Apostle Paul wrote under the unction of the Holy Spirit, that in the latter times men would not be able to endure sound doctrine. But instead they would willingly swallow mere fables or the fictional stories of men as if they were the truth of God.
II Timothy 4:3 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Many of these popular Christian “fables” will ultimately be found to have served as deceitful milestones in the religious journey of many so-called believers; as they subtly validate false doctrines of devils designed to hinder true faith. It never ceases to amaze me how easily people can be steered away from the truth, spiritual reality and saving faith, and be lured into trusting what is presented to them in fiction, simply because they are told it is “based upon the Bible.”
Mark Twain’s once said, “It is easier to fool someone than it is to convince them they have been fooled.” This has been proven over and over again, that the greatest hindrance to people accepting the truth is an already established belief or presupposition that prejudices them against it before completely hearing the matter. I therefore encourage everyone interest in reading The Eighth Beast to place their beliefs upon the altar of God were they will be safe, that you might be able to continue with sincere and prayerful humility and remain open to consider the things yet to be presented. For in it you might find some thoughts that are different from what you’ve always believed or heard from your parents or pastor. Each of us are obligated to prove all things, for Truth must be proven with a thorough examination and cross-examination of scripture. Just because some of our beliefs may align with certain passages doesn’t mean they necessarily agree with the whole of them.
For that reason, it is my intention is set forth for your examination those biblical and historical points that have brought me to my present persuasion. Let it be here duly noted that I fully expect many readers will be shaken both theologically and emotionally by my positions, which in some points are sharply different from what is being widely preached and accepted. Some readers will dismissively abandon this book; others will recognize that a shaking of their theology is healthy, for what stands will be proven to rest on a solid foundation. For much of what is being embraced nowadays by many non-Catholics professing to be followers of Jesus Christ has in fact only become fashionable to believe within the last hundred or so years. Those willing to invest minimal research will discover that this theology now being widely accepted by believers is in discord with what was understood, believed and therefore taught by many scholarly protestant believers just a hundred years ago.
That is why we must prove all things the best we can, for God rewards the diligent seeker and not those who lazily trust in other men’s labor to get by. Those who study to show themselves approved by rightly dividing (and applying) the Word of God will not just learn theology and memorized its proposed scriptural support, rather with diligent, prayerful study of God’s word, will be rewarded with an understanding that often excel their teachers.
Psalm 119:98 – Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts.
Now do not think that I consider my position on all points to be completely unshakable, for certainly many of you may very well find them to be nothing more than a square three-legged table, if that. However, by reading The Eighth Beast, if you discover some of these points do in fact have a measure of credibility, then regardless what you have always believed or been taught by whoever, scripture would obligate you to re-examine and prove all things; that you may hold fast to that which may yet be waiting to be found by you and confirmed as sound and solid doctrine. So once again, I encourage a thorough reading of all scripture provided, and even taking further pursuit of them in their full context in your own bibles.
As an added note, when scriptures are given only as references in books, most people rarely take the time to look them up. Sure, when a point being asserted crosses ones long-held opinion, some references might actually get checked out. But sometimes when beliefs are so ingrained, it is too easy to automatically judge the other’s perspective to be wrong without ever bothering to examine the foundation of scripture provided whereupon the author’s statement is being asserted. Others are either so confident or indifferent, they simply dismissively quit reading the article and casually move on to the next, or without any examination simply toss a book aside deeming it unworthy of their time. How far remove many believers are today from that noble Berean spirit that once searched the scriptures to see if the things being stated were true, (Acts 17:10, 11).
But those who do authenticate other writers’ words with the scriptures referenced are well aware of the increased work and additional time that must be spent to responsibly prove the author’s message. Therefore, it is my practice to include all scripture referenced in my writing; except for the one above placed there to make my point.
The labor of any Christian author should be like the labor of one who strings pearls to make a necklace to grace the neck of the one who chooses to wear it. However, what I have written here can hardly be considered worthy to be the string whereby such priceless oracles are to be joined, seeing they were given to holy men of God. Men, who like the oyster, were often required to endure severe trials before the grace of God brought forth those glorious pearls of truth for the benefit of those who would receive them. Nevertheless, I assure you that this book is a labor of love and obedience to my Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 3:19 – The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Therefore, it is my earnest recommendation that the reader make a commitment now before the Lord to read through all the verses in their entirety. After all, these pearls are His words and their inclusions are here for your benefit, so please take advantage of them.
For funsies…
Here’s a couple of very old and interesting pictures from National Geographic.
But if its taste goes from the salt, how will you make it salt again?
It is then good for nothing but to be put out and crushed under foot by men.
As I sat down to write this article I am heavy in spirit. I have felt the Lord impressing upon me the severity of the judgment that about to come upon those who call themselves “Christians.” I am acutely aware of the criticism that will be directed my way by proud “born-again believers” who are claiming to be “saved by grace” that I would even dare to write this article. But I have not rushed into this article by any means; rather I have been hesitant for a while to approach the subject myself by writing knowing it places me firmly in front of the mirror whereby as we judge others, so shall we be judge. Nevertheless, my convictions to obey the Lord has set me before my keyboard praying for God’s people and humility, grace and wisdom to address this subject as the Lord would lead.
The world is as full of those professing to be Christians as the rainbow is diverse in colors and hues. Today, Christendom encompasses a contrasting spectrum of thousands of denominations from archaic orthodox churches all around the world steeped in tradition to America’s modern social lounge churches settings with couches, subdued lighting and contemporary music and music videos playing on huge screens while some cool guy or gal assures everyone of the greatness of God’s love for them “just as they are.”
Thanks to the Mother of Harlots there is no shortage of places of “worship” and even more reasons that people go to them. Some go regularly out of cultural religious obligations, while others actually go mainly for business reasons. Many people go to church solely for acceptance, though not by God but socially by others, reasoning that at church others as a minimum will have to act like they love them. The prideful go in order to feel important, so they can routinely impress others with their superior knowledge of the bible and philosophy. Then there are the patriotic church goers that go routinely simply accepting it as their religious duty and to boldly declare their faith before men though often having little true charity for others or love and faithfulness to the one they claim to serve.
Sadly, unless they repent, many of these people are destined for a rude awakening when one day they hear the Lord Jesus say unto them, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” and “I never knew you. Depart from Me for you who practice lawlessness!” Such strong words as these should sober up with fear those who claim “The Law” has been done away with “through grace,” Many of people who say such don’t even have the slightest idea what they are affirming as divine truth, and are like mimicking parrots endlessly chattering confidently their position with ignorant boldness.
As was stated in Chapter 7, “after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans under Titus, both Israel as a nation and their religion of Judaism as defined and practiced under the stringent guidelines of the Levitical Law “was not.” From that time forward it was impossible for the Jews to lawfully offer sacrifices, for the priests were killed or dispersed and the priesthood record of genealogy forever lost, and the sanctuary, the altar and the Holy of holies with all its furniture were lost or destroyed.” I believe all this was the mercy of God in His judgment towards the Jews; destroying a dead system which sole purpose was to point them to Jesus Christ, but could by no means save them. Thus the destruction of the Temple, along with all that was mandatory under the Levitical Law pertaining to the performance of its prescribed sin-offerings, sacrifices and oblations, has left the Jews obligated to look elsewhere for their salvation to be wrought by God.
Because of these things I am persuaded the words “He shall make it desolate” refers to what Jesus’ prophesied regarding the destruction of the Temple. However, this destruction of the Temple was said to be “even until the consummation,” which is a most interesting word for the translators to have elected to use. For “consummation” can literally mean two different things, as its definition can imply either the act of completing, as in fulfilling something, or the bringing it to conclusion to be no more, which are polar opposites. This is why this Hebrew word that was so translated “consummation,” has been translated in other parts of scripture to signify “a full end.”
Jeremiah 46:28 – Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.
Ezekiel 11:13 – And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?
Clearly we can see that this word can be used to imply “to utterly destroy so as never to arise again.” This is verified by Nahum’s use of the word below where it was translated “an utter end.”
Nahum 1:2 – God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. 4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 5 The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. 7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. 8 But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue His enemies. 9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.
Since the Hebrew word in Daniel’s vision which was translated “consummation” has elsewhere been translated a “full end” and “an utter end” to imply never to rise again, then what are we to believe regarding the destruction of the Temple which was obviously brought to “a full” and “utter end?” Ignoring all the religious chatter of religious zealots out there, the question of whether the temple will or will not be rebuilt can only be truly answered by the scriptures and not popular opinion or the goal of men.
There are two main reasons why many people believe a third temple will be built again. One reason would be because of Ezekiel’s Temple which many believers holding to the popular theology insist must be a “Third Temple.” Many of these believers confidently state that there has been no temple ever built with its descriptive size. However, Adam Clarke writes, “This is the measurement of the sanctuary, or holy of holies. This also was the exact measurement of Solomon’s Temple, see I Kings 6:20. This, and the other resemblances here, sufficiently prove that Ezekiel’s temple and that of Solomon were on the same plan; and that the latter temple was intended to be an exact resemblance of the former.”
Likewise, the commentary of Jamieson – Fausset – Brown and that of Patrick – Lowth – Whitby – Lowman, both acknowledge the dimensions of Ezekiel’s temple comparable with those of Solomon’s Temple which was destroyed fourteen years prior to Ezekiel’s vision. Regarding this issue of the temple’s size I cannot speak authoritatively. Nevertheless, there is much discord among believers who clearly have given exhaustive time endeavoring to substantiate their positions on whether Ezekiel’s temple was intended to be literally rebuilt or if it was intended to spiritually represent the Body of Christ of which the believers are said to be its “lively stones.”
Ephesians 2:21 – In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
I Peter 2:5 – Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 3:6 – But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house [temple] are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Since Ezekiel speaks of animal sacrifices occurring in this temple, I fail to see how that could be acceptable to God in the present Christian Age, for scripture clearly reveals to us such sacrifices were but prophetic types and shadows of Christ’s sacrificial death pointing to that which was “to come.”
Colossians 2:17 – Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Hebrew 10:1 – For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure.
Plus, in light of 1st Peter 2:5 mention earlier, it is evident that the believers are now that “holy priesthood… [who] offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Which would seem to be in disparity with Ezekiel’s reference to “the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto Him.”
Thus when considering whether God would once again permit animal sacrifices to be reinstated and routinely offered as holy offerings unto Him, the concept to many believers seems to be a radical change of direction; a going backwards towards death and not forward towards life. Such a change would appear presently to only detract from the present glory that has been wonderfully revealed in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:28 – So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 10:10 – By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Christ was offered to bear the sins of many, once, and for all; that is for all sin, for all mankind, for all eternity. Providing atonement and redemption for all that would confess all their sins and repent by turning from all their wicked ways and calling upon the Lord in broken surrender and humility. But for those who refuse, the Lord is coming “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him,” (Jude 1:15). This is the sure promise and judgment of the New Covenant; for scripture clearly states regarding the Old Covenant which was adjoined to the last temple with all its sacrifices, oblations and priests of men, “In that He saith, A new covenant He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Yet there are still those who adamantly insist a third temple must be constructed, even if it is later in the millennium; though that too disagrees with scripture.
Revelation 21:22 – And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Regretfully concerning Ezekiel’s Temple, I cannot speak with any more certainty or conviction about it except to say I do not believe it will ever literally be built as the anticipated “third temple” for the reasons mentioned and others to be addressed shortly. However, when examining the amount disagreement that exists regarding the subject, I get the sense it is a winding mystery which the Lord has not called me to solve or untangle. It is best to wait on the Lord till He sheds the light necessary to make apparent the things He has concealed.
The other main reason why people believe the Temple must be built again is because of the temple reference regarding “the man of sin… the son of perdition,” which we discussed in Chapter 2.
II Thessalonians 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; 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.
As was noted in Chapter 2, this temple Paul speaks of appears to be a reference to God’s people and not a structural building, as shown in an opinion which also was succinctly stated by Commentator Adam Clarke below.
“After the death of Christ the temple of Jerusalem is never called by the apostles the temple of God; and if at any time they make mention of the house or temple of God, they mean the Church in general, or every particular believer. Whoever will consult 1Co 3:16, 17; 2Co 6:16; 1Ti 3:15; Re 3:12; will want no examples to prove that, under the Gospel dispensation, the temple of God is the Church of Christ; and the man of sin sitting implies this ruling and presiding there; and sitting there as God implies his claiming Divine authority in things spiritual as well as temporal; and showing himself that he is God, implies his doing it with ostentation.”
Although there is much discussion and planning in the works about rebuilding a third temple, I remain persuaded it will never be allowed by God. For the force of scripture and history both testifies to God’s making a full and utter end of the Temple made with hands, and therefore it is my strong belief that together they serve as credible witnesses that He will never again allow it to be rebuilt. In fact, I have become strongly persuaded that this very belief now held by so many, that a third temple must be built, is actually being used by the adversary to cause many Christians to stumble by its serving as a false milestone or erroneous eschatological marker of the end times. Because of these theologies, I believe there are way too many procrastinating Christians nowadays who are looking for the fulfillment of such “prophetic signs” as indicators for when they are going to have to really “get serious with God.” The fact that there is indeed so much planning and preparations occurring these last days to rebuild a temple, only speaks to me of the shortness of time till the Lord returns to smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron and tread them as in the winepress with the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. For surely if the adversary of God is promoting erroneous doctrines in these last days to which “believers” are looking and believe, he will surely endeavor to confirm them with rumors and the plans of fallen men as well as lying signs and wonders. But does that mean they are going to come to pass?
I Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Ephesians 5:30 – For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Doubtless, marriage is a covenant. As a matter of fact, it is the greatest of all forms of covenants that exist among humanity. For by marriage a husband and wife are to literally adorn the Doctrine of God our Savior. This we see in Titus chapter two where Paul speaks of the many roles in life where this doctrine can be adorn, husbands and wives, masters and servants, the young with their elders. We can especially see the adorning of this doctrine in the Fifth Commandment where we are all exhorted to honor our parents with the attached promise being given us of a long life; thus we as God’s children, if we honor Him through our faithfulness have the surety of His promise of eternal life.
Titus 2:4 – That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands… 10 …that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
In marriage we witness the adorning of the doctrine of God our savior in that it was the male who was first created in the image of God in a position of dominion on earth similar to God’s own in heaven. When in a right relationship with God, a godly man will faithfully exemplify God in all his ways, whether in his own household or with his neighbors.
Since true love and commitment must be given of one’s free will, God designed His covenant so that all who have ears to hear will have the ability to choose whether to continue in their fallen shame or be reborn and restored as a light of His glory on earth. Thus when a man (male) humbles himself and by God’s grace yields himself to the holy precepts of God, he truly becomes the glory of God in the earth; his life is made new and increasingly begins affirming and reflecting both the righteous judgments and holy attributes of his God.
Similarly, the scriptures reveal that the substance for the woman was taken from man and perfectly made into a woman for the man; teaching us that by God’s royal design the woman should be to the man from which she was created, that which man was intended to be to God, His glory.
I Corinthians 11:7 – For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
Since woman was created for the man, when she chooses to align her life with those principles God established to guide her role as a wife, she becomes the glory of her husband. On the other hand, if she rejects God’s word and defies her husband’s authority as established by God, she will become a shame and hindrance unto him.
Proverbs 12:4 – A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Thus through prophetic action, when a woman is resolved in her heart to serve God by faithfully honoring her husband, she represents that part of humanity (the true church) which has settled it in their hearts and are resolved to fear God and keep His commandments. Through her godly relationship with her husband the righteous woman will literally reveal through her actions that personal relationship God desires each and every one of us to have with Him; for her life will literally preach the Gospel of God’s love. For the proof of our love is witnessed by our trust and submission. The result of such love will be true and total intimacy.
Concerning the man, although he was created in the image of God, even in the midst of a creation full of other living creatures, it was still acknowledged by God that man was “alone.” For this reason, the substance for the woman’s creation was taken from man’s own flesh and made into a living soul-mate for him. Thus through the covenant of marriage, man’s role is intended to imitate that of God’s, while the woman’s role imitates that of the church, the Bride of Christ.
It is evident that God could have created man and woman at the same time, for surely God foresaw all Adam’s needs. Rather in His infinite wisdom God intentionally created the man first, placing him in a position parallel to His own; with authority over his, (that is man’s) kingdom, yet alone with no suitable mate. God wanted Adam to be able to fully identify with Him, both positionally and emotionally; for even amongst all the angelic beings, God’s desire was for something even grandeur with which He would share both His image and glory. Thus, it was only after naming all those animals when Adam fully realized just how alone he was that God created Eve for Adam from that which was close to his heart. For it was man’s heart and not his strength that was incomplete.
Through this we can see that the creation of humanity was the result of a yearning of God’s heart for what we in our frailty might best understand as a bride, a suitable helper magnificently designed so as to share His glory with Him for all eternity. This is why the greatest commandment God has ever given is to love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and the entire essence of our being. “Therefore” as both Adam prophesied and Paul wrote, “for this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (See post “Why God created us male and female“)
This becoming “one flesh” reflects the merging of two hearts and minds in an endeavor to live as one through the covenant of marriage. This covenant is consummated, sealed and confirmed by the intimate joining of a man and woman together through sexual intimacy. By Royal design the male and female bodies fit together as one, with the male (representing God) entering into the female (who represents humanity), face to face and heart to heart, as the man then imparts his seed into the woman and life springs forth. And so it is that God causes us to be “born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”
And so it is more than thought-provoking, that in this vision the Angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel one who comes confirming a covenant and was then cut off. These points, each in their own measure, lend foundation to my conviction that this last “seventieth week of Daniel,” begins the period of time in which God tabernacled with men via the man Jesus Christ to “confirm the covenant with many.”
Summary
Two undisputable events transpire during this seventieth week according to the vision: first, is the beginning Messiah Jesus Christ comes and He is then “cut off, but not for Himself.”
John 12:27 – Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
John 18:37 – …To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Ephesians 5:25 – …Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; 26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The second event, and most likely a consequence of the first, is that the seventieth week is divided in half by a specific event that demands clarification, which we will look into in the next chapter, for “…in the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…”
The events which transpire within the Seventieth Week led to the destruction of the Temple, bringing it to a full and utter end. However, that is not how the Holy Spirit led the translators to write it; rather they wrote “even until the consummation.” And so, wondrously, this phrase in the prophecy can actually have two layers of meanings that point to undeniable truths:
First, the last temporal prophetic temple that was made with men’s hands, was decaying, waxing old, and through its destruction vanished away. Just as the sacrifices and oblations, the Temple too, having fulfilled their purpose was brought to a full and utter end.
Hebrews 8:13 – In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Second, when at the glorious consummation of the marriage of the Lamb, “then face to face” the Bride of Christ will intimately know her lover even as she is known.
I Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Hebrews 9:5 – And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament [or covenant], that by means of death [being cut off], for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise, [and the confirmation] of eternal inheritance.
This article includes Chapter 3 from my book “The Eighth Beast” and part of an exhaustive study I did and had just reposted on Nimrod, Babel, the fallen angels, and the nephilim. The purpose of Nimrod’s Failure – Chapter 3 in my book was to address the increasing of speculation being made by many that the antichrist was going to be either the release of Nimrod from the bottomless pit through the opening of some sort of time/space portal, possibly through CERN, or the return of his spirit via who knows how or by what means. Below is part from my study –
“During this last year I have become extremely concern that many of God’s people, even His watchmen, are being affected more and more by the adversary and his minions than they are standing fast on God and His sure word of prophecy. We must not forget that the adversary comes as an angel of light… especially to Christians. Yet for some reason Christians tend to think of that verse as always applying to someone else instead of them. But we are warned by Jesus Christ Himself that if it is possible, even the very elect if they neglect the whole armor of will be deceived and possibly even defeated needlessly if they are not careful. As an aging Christian I have come to recognize that God’s precepts and truths recorded for our benefit and that we need to use them as the discerner and final authority if we are to be successful in keeping our perspective true and clear. Otherwise our faith can be diverted or destroyed by the deceitfulness of the adversary and our own presumptuous sins. For if a man thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing as he ought. Therefore I want to remind us of the following points.
1.The Word of God is always the final authority on all matters and is true absolutely.
2.Jesus defeated the devil in his cunning attempt to tempt Him into sin with “It is written” and put him to flight, so must we.
3.The devil is the father of lies and deceives the nations.
John 8:44 – …He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
4.In order to assure that the devil will not be there to interfere with the governance of those mortals who will have entered into the Millennial Reign of the Church with Jesus Christ, the devil will be bound for until the end thereof when God will once let him loose to prove the hearts of men and try their faith and love.
Revelation – 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. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Because the devil is a liar who has no truth in him and has deceived the nations, we must be constantly aware of that all he says and does has the same reality of a Hollywood production. All those who are functioning under his lies are merely role players, not matter how convincing they may be. Their power and authority comes from their ability to deceive as even they themselves have been deceived. All their plots and schemes and the manipulation of things of the world are no more reality than the props on a Hollywood stage. That is not to say that their ability to persecute, torment kill are not real, but rather that they and their actions are the consequences of lies and not the truth and that the end to which they labor will never be realized.
Thus as we examine the history of the world with all its myths and legends embraced and promoted by ancient cultures and apostate religions we must recognise them as such, just more props of the devil established to promote the illusion of his lies and trickery upon the world. Thus the things in this world are never really what they seem to be, but are as they appear only for the purpose of promoting the deception of the powers of darkness, that their kingdom is an extremely powerful kingdom to be feared. In truth, its only power is its ability to lure or manipulate others into evil and the bondages of sin with lies and deceit, over which the saints of God have the power and authority of the Gospel to overcome and help liberate all who will have ears to hear. For that reason, it is critical that every Christian remembers that what is written in scripture is the truth regardless what every other source in the world might be saying. For they are nothing more than convinced actors playing out their role amidst the props and dark illusions of the adversary.
These truths are fundamental and absolutely critical for Christians to keep in mind when examining things, for the adversary has gone through great lengths and considerable depth and detail throughout history in preparation to corrupt and distort as much as he can for his own advantage of deceiving the nations. I believe this is especially when it comes to Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, for the adversary would want to make the historic records about it all far more elaborate, powerful and glorious than it really was to empress and lure the hearts of the simple away from a love of the truth. Such is why throughout history many researchers, Christians included, have stated it was called “Babel” because it means “Gate of God.” As a matter of observation while doing my research, almost every secular site referencing the Tower of Babel states authoritatively that “Babel” means the “Gate of God.” But here’s what God’s word says it means:
Genesis 11:9 – “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.”
To start I would like to acknowledge that it is undeniably true that in Assyrian, “Babel” which was written “Bab-il,” means “gate of god.” But just because it may be factual that the Assyrian translation of “Bab-il” says it means “gate of god” doesn’t mean it’s the final truth on the matter. It is like a court room setting where a witness under oath has to tell the truth about an event or another person and is describing what they saw and heard. But that doesn’t mean what they testify to is necessarily accurate in every aspect, or what they heard and repeated truthfully was indeed the truth in regards to factual reality. For what if what they saw and heard was all staged for their deception? They may then in fact be truthful in reporting what they thought they saw and heard, but they cannot absolutely prove it so simply because they were witnesses to certain events. That is why as believers we must not walk by sight and are instructed to prove all things. Hence the standard for the believer and final proof and authority has to be the Word of God, for it alone is the discerner and by it alone comes faith that will keep us from the deception of the adversary.
All that is said because there is an undeniable conflict between what God called it and what the heathen called it. So how then are we to interpret it, as God did as recorded in Holy Scripture, or as do the heathen?
“…some sources place Shinar in the north of Mesopotamia, and not in the south along with the majority view. But if Babel and Babylon really are the same place, as most people believe today, the question is how Shinar could possibly be in the north at all. Indeed, how could Babel be any place other than at Babylon? An examination of the names “Babel” and “Babylon” is in order.
“The meaning of the name, “Babel,” is defined right in the Genesis passage as “confound” (Genesis 11:9 KJV), which, in turn, is defined in Webster’s dictionary as “confuse” (Webster 1973, p. 383). This author believes that a clear and straightforward reading of this verse and application of the principles of solid hermeneutics do not leave room for any other meaning (for more on literal biblical interpretation, see, for example, Habermehl 1995, pp. 5–18). Indeed, the English translations of the Septuagint Scriptures do not use the word “Babel” at all, but simply translate the name of the place where the Tower was built as “Confusion” (NETS and Brenton LXX, Genesis 11:9).
“For a history of the name of the city of Babylon, we quote Oates (1979, p. 60):
The name Babylon—Akkadian Bab-ilim . . . ‘gate of god’—was long thought to be merely a translation of an earlier Sumerian name Ka-dingirra. But the city’s name is first found in the Akkadian form Bab-ilim, now believed to be a secondary spelling developed by popular etymology from an earlier name Babil, the meaning of which is unknown (Gelb 1955). Much later, the plural form Bab-ilani, ‘gate of the gods,’ is found.
“The modern name, Oates tells us, is the Greek form of Bab-ilani, hence Babylon. Interestingly, the modern ruins of Babylon are called Babil today (Leick 2002, p. 245).
“From all this we draw the conclusion that “Babylon” has a completely different linguistic origin than “Babel,” and a different meaning (gate of the gods) as well. This points out the error of those who say that “Babel” is translated “Babylon” (for example, Smith 1948, p. 71; Yates 1962, p. 16).
“The two names, “Babel” and “Babylon,” do appear identical in Hebrew in the biblical Masoretic manuscript, as BBL (for the actual Hebrew letters for this, which read from right to left, see Brown, Driver and Briggs 1907; Strong 1894, #894). This is because ancient written Hebrew of the Old Testament contained only consonants (although vowels were pronounced when Hebrew was read aloud); a written system of indicating vowels only appeared later on, in the Christian era. (For a history and discussion of this somewhat controversial subject, see Mitchell 2005.) When different words contained the same consonants, these words were distinguished from each other by the reader from the context, and their vowels were pronounced accordingly. This is why Babel was written as “BBL”; and since Babylon’s original name was “Babil,” it was also written BBL. Our various English translations from the Masoretic manuscript actually do distinguish between Babel and Babylon by translating BBL as “Babel” in Genesis 10:10 and 11:9, and thereafter (260 times) as Babylon. However, we need to understand that it is a linguistic coincidence that the same letters BBL are used to write both Babel and Babylon in Hebrew.
“There remains the question of why BBL (Babel) is the form that appears in the Hebrew narrative of our Bible for the noun “confusion,” since the ancient Hebrew verb for “confused” was balal (Benner 2006); we might have expected “Babel” to appear in the Hebrew Scripture as BLL. The answer here would appear to be that “Babel” is not a Hebrew word. In the same way that “Shinar” is a Semitic word related to Hebrew, we would say that “Babel” is also a word from one of the Semitic languages of the Shinar region. As an example of how similar the words can be in another Semitic language, the Aramaic word for “confusion” is balbel (Yates 1962, p. 16). “Babel” was most likely what the place of the Tower was called by the Semitic people who lived in Shinar at the time that the final editing of the Old Testament took place; although their language was similar to Hebrew, it would be a mistake to expect that their form of this place name would take the exact Hebrew spelling, since they did not speak Hebrew in that part of the world. (This also explains why the Hebrew verb balal is used for “confounding” in Genesis 11:9, because the biblical narrative itself was written in Hebrew.)
“Because scholars and theologians in recent times have somehow lost sight of this difference between “Babel” and “Babylon,” and believe that the two are one and the same (presumably because both appear in the ancient Hebrew as BBL), they therefore find it necessary to explain how “confusion” and “gate of the god” can both be correct meanings of the same word. The most widely accepted explanation is that there is a play on words in this passage, and many sources can be quoted that say this (for example, Ross 1985, p. 44; Yates 1962, p. 16). But there are other ideas. For instance, Harrison (1963, p. 89) informs us that Babylon is “the Greek form of the Hebrew word ‘babel,’ which was closely allied to, and probably derived from, the Akkadian ‘babilu’ or ‘gate of God,’” leaving out the “confusion” aspect altogether. Howard (2009) has recently attempted to come up with a new way of solving this Babel/Babylon linguistic puzzle by claiming that “Babel” meant “the door of God,” so that Babel was the door through which God came down to earth to judge men; in this, Howard confuses the issue even more. In another rather novel view, Jordan (2007, pp. 99–100) quotes Hirsch (1989, p. 212f) to say that babel, related to balal (confound) is not meant at all, but that we should read yabal (wither). Since Jordan has already established (to his satisfaction) that it was primarily a religious division that took place at Babel (2007, p. 91), he concludes that over time false religions will lose the power to grip men’s souls and men will wither; the withering will then eventually lead to scattering. This last interpretation of “babel” shows how far it is possible to wander from the straightforward reading of the scriptural text.”
(Now back to Chapter 3 of The Eighth Beast)
The next point I will present for the reader’s consideration against an actual realization of a unified one (whole) world government under one leader, is simply that God did not allow Nimrod to complete his plans concerning the Tower of Babel.
Genesis 11:1 – And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
This passage in Genesis tells us how after the days of Noah, mankind continued to share one language and was of one speech. However, though it is a fact that scripture mentions Noah’s descendants continued to share their father’s original language, this limited detail must not be permitted to be seen as conclusive evidence that Nimrod had gain absolute dominion over all the earth.
Similarly, when verse two states “they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there,” the question that should arise begging to be asked is just who are the “they?” Are we to believe that all of Nimrod’s relatives, the rest of the sons, grandsons and great grandsons of Noah that had been dispersing since the days of Noah, suddenly reunited and went to the “plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there?” Or is this “they” an allusion to only those who formed an alliance with Nimrod in his aggressive rebellions against God and were of one mind as well to “build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth?”
Through his tyrannical means and defiant attitude to God, Nimrod had become a great ruler of the largest empire in those days, earning the reputation of the first king in the history of mankind. Because of this, many scholars of history are even persuaded that the Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient poem from Mesopotamia, is actually about Nimrod. Even though he is a vile person, Gilgamesh, said to be two-thirds a god and one-third man, is the hero of the Epic, presented as a great builder and hunter, the strongest warrior and hero that ever lived. In the poem, Gilgamesh sets out to find and kill a horrific beast that had sent a flood which greatly troubled all mankind, promising he would kill the perpetrator and avenge the deaths of all those who had died. Eventually after a long journey, Gilgamesh finds the beast and after a gruesome battle he succeeds in cutting off its head and returns to tell all the people they no longer need to fear the beast anymore.
Though the parallels between Gilgamesh and Nimrod are many, I will only mention a few. Both the Bible and the Epic speak of great floods. Second, in the poem Gilgamesh had forcibly taken any woman he wanted, and not just a few, as did the “sons of God” before the flood in Noah’s days. It is very likely Nimrod was no different. Thirdly, Gilgamesh and Nimrod were great hunters and builders, each said to be great tyrants ruling through fear. Regardless the obvious similarity, just because there was no equal mentioned in scripture that could have successfully opposed Nimrod, doesn’t mean he had gained absolute dominion over all the tribes that had already dispersed throughout the known world.
What we can say with confidence, however, is there were many who were loyal to Nimrod which supported his tyrannical rule over the empire, consenting with one heart to “make us a name, lest we be scattered.” This indicating they did not want to be dispersed, as many of Noah’s descendants and Nimrod’s relatives would have done in obedience to God’s command given to Noah and his sons.
Genesis 9:1 – And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. 4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man. 7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.
These scriptures give us sufficient reason to believe that some would have been obedient to God and had gone out throughout the earth to replenish it according to His instruction. Furthermore, the fact that they were Noah’s descendants guaranteed them a great name in the chronicles of history. Therefore, it is not likely that all of Noah’s descendants would have shared in this vision of grandeur to “build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we [too] be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
Now for those of you who noticed, yes I did placed the word “too” in the sentence to convey my thought, that Nimrod’s descendants and those in allegiance with him did not want to replenish the earth, but were more interested in making “a great name” for themselves. These were tyrants who willfully oppressed and exploited their fellowman in order to accomplish their arrogant vision. To such there would be no reward in “a great name” if it wasn’t a great name over and above all other existing names, meaning above all the names of Noah’s other grandsons and great grandsons dispersed throughout their lands. Pride has to vaunt itself before others, showing off its exploits in hopes of provoking envy in others. Yet regardless of Nimrod’s vision, God prevented it, electing to spoil Nimrod’s scheme of rebellion simply by confusing the language by diversifying it into many tongues, forcing them into dispersion.
It may be argued by some that God stopped it simply because it wasn’t time for the “One World Government.” If that is true, then we would also have to conclude that the One World Government is somehow part of God’s plan and not an anticipated effort which witnesses to the sinful nature, pride and arrogance of men. Likewise we must acknowledge it was because of Nimrod’s pride and the committed loyalists under him that drove them to compel the masses through enticement, manipulation and/or intimidation to engage in this monumental effort to build what they thought was going to ascend up into God’s Heaven . . . yet vainly only ascending a little into the sky.
Many believe and even contend that the Tower of Babel was more than just a mere tower, perhaps even a stargate or portal into another dimension. At the present time we (the public) cannot verify any such thing, but that doesn’t mean that some of the top leaders of the world haven’t. Regardless, what matters most is how easily God prevented Nimrod’s plans from being realized to the fulfillment of his wicked intent. God simply did not allow it to come to pass regardless the calculated planning and commitment to see it realized.
Genesis 11:4 – And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
Even though God bore witness to their unity that nothing was impossible to them, I scarcely interpret that as God being concerned over the possibility of them reaching into His heavens. Logic demands an acknowledgement that Nimrod, though acting as a god directing his workforce to build Babel, they were still but mere little men, flesh and blood, meager little finite creatures whose existence in time and space could never threaten God’s heavenly kingdom or plan. This is evident by the ease of which God spoiled their plans and dispersed them. It is my personal opinion that what God was addressing as “nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do,” simply refers to the boundless limits to which men’s pride would take them in their moral descent of sin if left unchecked by the righteous judgments of God.
Left to rule over themselves, men will always group together around a cause or purpose that glorifies them, robbing their Creator of the glory and honor due Him alone. This was the expressed motive of the hearts of both Nimrod and the people, “let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” Their labor exhausted in trying to ascend up into the heavens was simply a vain attempt to exalt themselves, a witness to their deception that they would be able to live and succeed independent from God. Therefore it must be stressed that they were in fact deceived, and as a result were being manipulated by powers of darkness; as have all nations been throughout time. But before we assign too much power or credit to these fallen angels, who may very well be immensely more powerful and clever than mankind, they too are still minuscule little finite creatures compared to their Creator.
With incredible ease God thwarted Nimrod’s plans to establish his regional kingdom of Babel, who had boasted defiantly his independence from God and His rule of righteousness. Therefore, since God did not permit the completion of the Tower of Babel, and for reasons of other biblical principles yet to be addressed, I remain persuaded that God never will allow a globalized New World Order to come to fruition, regardless the voluminous variety of last days’ theologies out there saturating the churches. Rather like a fig tree that cast forth her untimely fruit, so shall God bring all the schemes of the wicked to naught.
Revelation 6:13 – And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
We must always let scripture interpret scripture, and be willing to examine the past, present and plausible future if we are to discern which portions of prophecy have been, are being, and are about to be fulfilled. The present flood of end time theories serves as a sound witness to the dragon’s attempt to cause the woman (who represents the saints) to be carried away from the truth which enables them to stand fast and overcome. I know that can also be an indictment against myself here, nevertheless I submit these things for the prayerful evaluation and/or refutation, with strong exhortation to all “to prove all things” and “hold fast” to that which is good and sound.
Revelation 12:15 – And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
At this point, let’s consider one of those very important biblical principles Jesus revealed to us about kingdoms.
Matthew 12:25 – And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
Having just been accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of the devils, Jesus refuted His accusers with the obvious principle above. Because these words were spoken by our Lord, we can be so confident of their accuracy that we too can boldly prophesy of the fall of any kingdom, city, or house that is divided. We need not any great unction from the Spirit to say such things when they have been so clearly given to us by our Lord in scripture. Divided kingdoms “shall not stand” simply because they lack what can only be achieved in truth, which is absolute unity. Sure, there can be unity among those who know not the Lord, but only in a common goal and not in a unity absolutely. For the heart of all evil is self-centeredness, and unity among such will only endure to the extent it serves their individual welfare.
Consequently, care needs to be taken in how we interpret these words of Jesus, for though He was obviously refuting their accusation regarding His casting out demons by the power of Satan, it would be foolish to assume these words are an affirmation that the kingdom of darkness is an unshakable, unified kingdom. Nevertheless, many believers assume that in his kingdom of darkness Satan enjoys the same commitment and loyalty from his minions as God does in His heavenly kingdom with the holy angels.
Matthew 24:29 – Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Hebrews 12:27 – And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
The righteous precepts of God are applicable to all His spiritual creatures, be they angelic or human, as is revealed through the fact that the redeemed of the Lord will one day “judge angels,” (I Corinthians 6:3). Furthermore, His word tells us that “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,” (Luke 12:48). Therefore without repentance, and the intervention of God’s mercy and grace, they will all receive a just recompense and “reap” what they have “sown.” Even still, while God’s may ultimately pardon a transgressor for their sin(s) and received them back into His fellowship, ramifications for their actions often prevail causing them to endure the shame of their sins till the time when God calls them home.
Consequently, it is reasonable to conclude that since Lucifer propagated discord among the angels in heaven when he drew away the affections and loyalties of part of the angelic host from God, that his “kingdom” unquestionably suffers discord and rebellion. Therefore to believe that there exist rogue demonic spirits within the ranks refusing to faithfully serve Satan and his agenda does not require an uncomfortable stretch of my reasoning, especially when we see God re-affirming the “reap and sow” principle to kingdoms.
Revelation 13:10 – He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
In order to accomplish His own purposes and the end goal of glorifying His name, God has at times intervened both in the lives of individuals and the events of nations. Nevertheless, it can be seen throughout history that the righteous precepts of God are designed to administer impartially the blessings and curses upon both individuals and nations. Thus through the rise and fall of nations God determines to make known to mankind both the guaranteed instability of a nation and the uncertainty of its continuation if the people thereof resist His will. Therefore, history is an undeniable witness to what Paul stated regarding all the nations of the earth, they all have their allotted time and boundaries. All this serves to solidify my opinion that no one, man or angel, will ever be permitted to unify all humanity under any cause or banner.
Acts 17:26 – And [God] has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.
I am sure there are some who have read this chapter that feel that Nimrod’s failure to complete the Tower of Babel is inconsequential and even perhaps trivial when considering the quest of the Luciferians to achieve their New World Order. My question to such would be simply why then was the building for the European Parliament in Strasbourg France designed to replicate the Tower of Babel? Why do they have the slogan, “Many tongues one voice,” …and whose voice are they heeding?
Ecclesiastes 1:9 – The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us.
Much of what is being preached today as eschatology is being supported upon “extra biblical” sources that should actually be called “unbiblical sources.”
It is asserted by those who embrace the doctrine of a seven year tribulation period that its primary scriptural foundation comes from Daniel chapter 9. In this chapter the angel Gabriel tells Daniel that “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Gabriel then continues by telling Daniel that “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city.”
We must remember that Gabriel was sent forth at the beginning of Daniel’s supplications when he was confessing his own sins and the sins of Israel. Therefore the “matter . . . and the vision” which Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand was connected to his prayer for Israel in captivity. In all, there were seven specific things Gabriel prefaces to the “understanding” of the vision with –
It was a period of time(a)regarding Daniel’s people and the holy city(b)
Seventy weeks
Jerusalem
It was to “finish the transgression”
It was to “make an end of sins”
It was to “make reconciliation for iniquity”
It was to “bring in everlasting righteousness”
It was to “seal up the vision and the prophesy”
It was to “to anoint the most Holy”
The Angel Gabriel continues explaining to Daniel that the seventy weeks are going to be divided into three specific time periods, whereby each will serve specific prophetic purposes with outlining events and definite conclusions –
Seven weeks 7
Plus sixty two weeks 7 + 62 = 69 weeks total
Plus the last week 1 + 69 = 70 weeks total
Let’s quickly review these verses to give us a fresh recall of them before we continue-
Daniel 9:20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
It is that last week in verse 27, commonly referred to as Daniel’s seventieth week that has become accepted and known as the Seven Year Tribulation and linked to this verse in Daniel. Originally I had intended starting this post by listing the particulars of this seventy weeks revelation from the angel.
Three times in Revelation it is stressed how the nations of the world have become guilty before God for having become drunken by indulging in the wine of the harlot’s fornication.
Revelation 14:6 – And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that Great City, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Revelation 17:1 – And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Revelation 18:1 – And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
In the first verse, Revelation 14:8, it states Babylon “made [potizo] all nations drink [potizo] of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” A quick reading of that would almost make it sound as if Babylon was forcing the other nations to drink this wine. However, when examining the Greek word, it doesn’t support the idea of a forced consumption, but simply that of offering or making available. The word “potizo” by the Strong’s Greek Interlinear, simply means to furnish drink or to irrigate. It is further illustrated with “give (make) to drink, feed, water.” The implication of “give make to drink” is in the sense of irrigation, so as to “make” it possible for the land to drink the water. “Potizo” is from a derivative of “pino” which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses and means to imbibe, swallow, guzzle, gulp, and absorb (literally or figuratively): or simply “drink.”
Having done a study on the Greek word “potizo,” I found that it is used twenty-three times in only fifteen verses in the New Testament and has been translated the following ways:
2 times: give/gave…drink
6 times: give/gave
7 times: drink
1 time: watering (an animal)
3 times: watereth (a crop)
1 time: fed (milk)
1 time: have been
1 time: made to drink
1 time: made
In none of those verses has the idea been implied “to force” intoxicating drink upon anyone. As a matter of fact, potizo’s very first usage in scripture recorded in Matthew’s Gospel was by Jesus.
Matthew 10:42 – And whosoever shall give to drink [potizo] unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
The verse where it was translated “fed”-
I Corinthians 3:2 – I have fed [potizo] you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
The verse where it was translated “watereth” –
I Corinthians 3:6 – I have planted, Apollos watered [potizo] but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth [potizo] but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth [potizo] are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
The verse where it was translated “have been” and “made to drink” is also in I Corinthians.
I Corinthians 12:13 – For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been [potizo] all made to drink [potizo] into one Spirit.
Again, in none of the verses above or any of the verses can the notion of forcing drink upon anyone or thing be justified. The idea is simply that of offering, making available, or supplying by means of irrigation.
Therefore, when it says in Revelation 14:8 that “Babylon is fallen… because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,” it is because she was “providing or irrigating” the nations, “watering” them as it were with the “wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Babylon wasn’t forcing the nations to drink, rather the fruit [outcome] of her fornication [sins] was causing the wine [temptations] thereof to spillover to all the other nations, who freely received and drank of them. For that reason, they too are deserving of the wrath that God will pour out in His indignation upon Babylon.
This accusation in Revelation, that all the nations became drunk because of the wine of Babylon, actually goes back to a prophecy in Isaiah.
Jeremiah 51:7 – Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.
Once “a golden cup in the LORD’s hand,” Babylon was used by God to chastise Israel for her sins in order to bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness in her. God even gave unto Babylon one of His greatest prophets to help guide it by allowing Daniel to go into captivity. For Daniel’s righteous presence served as an effectual light in Babylon, as God used Daniel repeatedly to warn Nebuchadnezzar of things to come, and even to address the king’s pride; something that would have cost any other man his life.
However, after many years Nebuchadnezzar grew older and his son Belshazzar ascended to the throne. It did not take long before Daniel’s proven importance became overlooked and neglected. That is till one night in drunken arrogance, Belshazzar “brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.” The boldness of his sin made it evident that Belshazzar had not only abandoned the wisdom of his father mentioned just a few verses earlier; he trampled it underfoot by celebrating his own egotism to the thorough frustration of God’s longsuffering and patience.
Even though Babylon had once been “a golden cup in the LORD’S hand,” when Belshazzar its king so grievously sinned by treating what was holy as profane, he foolishly poured out any residue of God’s mercy and filled up his own cup with the wine of the wrath of his fornication to worthless idols of other gods.
Daniel 5:1 – Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. 2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. 3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Thus when the fullness of time that God foretold through Jeremiah had concluded and His grace towards Babylon now frustrated, God was going to force Babylon to drink the cup of His fury for their sins of arrogance and their forgetting His words given them through the Prophet Daniel.
Jeremiah 25:12 – And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. 13 And I will bring upon that land all My words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations. 14 For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands. 15 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto Me; Take the wine cup of this fury at My hand, andcause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it. 16 And THEY SHALL DRINK, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.
As it was with the fall of Babylon, that “great city” and capital of the Chaldeans, so shall it be with the fall of The Eight Beast and Mystery, Babylon the Great. For their leaders have given way to drunken arrogance and have completely abandon both the wisdom and the fear of God of their founding fathers; trampling it underfoot while celebrating their egoistic narcissism to the absolute frustration of God’s longsuffering and patience. For today in America, whatever was once considered holy is now treated with disdain as profane.
For America was once a nation of which it could be said stood as a light for the whole world, boasting on its currency that was once valued above all others that “In God We Trust.” The Ten Commandments once being boldly displayed in public buildings; engraved on walls and monuments of stone to constantly remind us of both their eternal immutability and the stability they gave to all who acknowledged them. Likewise, pledges of loyalty to uphold the integrity of the nation’s many offices of government were once publicly affirmed with true reverence on the foundation upon which she was built; as a nation recognizing the responsibilities of men to their Creator. A concept that was later summarized as “One nation, under God” and added to the Pledge of Allegiance in a response to the threat of godless communism in 1954.
But now, just as it says concerning Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, who holds a “golden cup in her hand, full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication,” so too America been providing this same maddening wine and irrigating all the nations with/by the excess of her iniquities. That’s because too many Americans, be they government leaders or just common citizens, have carelessly forgotten what was committed to their charge. Therefore, they are either spiritually dead or dying, being lukewarm in their faith and love for God and therefore derelict in their obligations… all the while quoting how they’re still “saved by grace.” Therefore, America’s churches will be held accountable for having received God’s grace in vain, and for yielding to those who have now successfully changed the godly’s “Freedom of Religion” into the wicked’s freedom from religion. Having risen to power, these apostates will now tirelessly wage war to purge all traces of God and His word from the public eye.
Sadly, the most popular “churches” in America are now acually the perpetuating source of her curses instead of the procurers of her blessings. Huge mega-churches, mere religious-corporations, are growing like malignant tumors all across America; literally racking in the money while they instruct their congregants how to be happy by living their new “Purpose Driven” lives in dedicated service to the church and community.
What happened to real men of God living holy lives and teaching others the fear of the Lord, and how to love God and effectually apply His word to the glory of God? Or instructing people how to pray and wait on the Lord; so as to hear His voice and be led and empowered by His Holy Spirit?
But no, instead it is the blind are leading the blind as these so-called “Christian leaders” are making their fortunes promoting their own concocted self-help methods to “Become a Better You,” and promising those eagerly waiting in line to buy their next book that they too can have “Your Best Life Now.”
If the likes of Joel Osteen is openly being called “America’s Pastor,” how can they or their followers avoid the ditch that is set before them? Have they not read what Jesus said to such leaders whose eyes are no longer on His Kingdom, but their own? Probably not, for they are forsaking His righteousness for the riches and popularity of this world…
Matthew 15:14 – Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Matthew 23:13 – But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
We’re here at the edge of the ditch folks. The judgment of America will doubtless begin (if it hasn’t already) with a judgment getting ready to be poured out upon the churches; for judgment must begin in the house of the Lord. As accountable stewards, they have not been faithful; as watchmen, they have not warned the people there was an enemy creeping in among them unaware. Christians really do need to wake up and face the facts: it is because the churches have fallen that America has fallen. They have compromised and settled for institutionalism over intimacy with God; programs instead of walking by the Spirit. They have become worthless salt, good for nothing; not even fit to throw upon a heap of manure.
Matthew 5:13 – Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Luke 14:34 – Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
God will reward ALL these vain so-called “believers” with a “greater damnation” who “knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will.” Therefore, they are no longer “fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill.” Such is why judgment will be rewarded unto her in double portion.
Revelation 18:6 – Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow [or wars on my land].
The godly standard has been removed, therefore Americans today can’t see how far removed they are from the original pilgrim settlers’ Puritan work ethic, morality and desire to sincerely promote and live by the gospel before a lost and dying world. Just how deep America has fallen into iniquity is probably best attested to by what is now asserted to be her largest two exports, both being trash. One of these exports is America’s literal refuse and recyclable debris, and the other is our moral garbage, i.e. pornography whereby America’s sins have overflowed her borders and have caused the “kings of the earth [to] have committed fornication with her.” Now they too will drink of the wrath of God; though America will have “the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.”
Here’s a few other translations of Revelation 18:3 that I found to be “revealing.”
…because all the nations have drunk of the wine of the fury of her fornication; and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have been enriched through the might of her luxury. (Darby’s Translation)
For all nations, having drunk the wine of the frenzy of her fornication, are fallen; And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, And the merchants of the earth have grown rich by the power of her wantonness.” (Montgomery’s New Testament)
…for she has caused all the nations to drink of the wine of her raging whoredom; and the kings of the earth have committed whoredom with her, and the merchants of the earth have been enriched by the abundance of her luxuries. (Living Oracles New Testament)
For, after drinking the maddening wine of her licentiousness, all the nations have fallen; while all the kings of the earth have had licentious intercourse with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich through the excess of her luxury. (Twentieth Century New Testament)
Sadly, America has so deteriorated it has become the habitation of embezzlers and purloiners with people on both sides, employees and employers, greedily trying to take advantage of each other. Most people now feel they deserved to be paid simply because they have to wake up and go to work and cannot go off wherever and just do whatever they want whenever they want… and now here we sit buried under trillions and trillions of dollars in debt. And what do the leaders do? They’re still borrowing and spending with no end in sight. In America they have forgotten God’s law of the harvest, that if a man will not labor, plow and plant his seeds, he simply will not have a field from which to reap a harvest.
Jeremiah 5:25 – Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. 26 For among My people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. 28 They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. 29 Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? 30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Forgive me if I sound like I’m just ranting… but oh how I truly do agonize over these things and wish they were not so…
One of my all time favorite books is Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan, so I am starting this post with a short excerpt from the beginning of the first chapter –
“As I walk’d through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, I dreamed a Dream. I dreamed, and behold I saw a Man cloathed with Rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a Book in his hand, and a great Burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the Book, and read therein; and as he read, he wept and trembled; and not being able longer to contain, he brake out with a lamentable cry, saying What shall I do?
“ In this plight therefore he went home, and refrained himself as long as he could, that his Wife and Children should not perceive his distress, but he could not be silent long, because that his trouble increased: Wherefore at length he brake his mind to his Wife and Children; and thus he began to talk to them: O my dear Wife, said he, and you the Children of my bowels, I your dear friend, am in myself undone by reason of a Burden that lieth hard upon me; moreover, I am for certain informed that this our City will be burned with fire from Heaven; in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with thee my Wife, and you my sweet Babes, shall miserably come to ruin, except (the which yet I see not) some way of escape can be found, whereby we may be delivered.
“At this his Relations were sore amazed; not for that they believed that what he had said to them was true, but because they thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head; therefore, it drawing towards night, and they hoping that sleep might settle his brains, with all haste they got him to bed: But the night was as troublesome to him as the day; wherefore, instead of sleeping, he spent it in sighs and tears. So, when the morning was come, they would know how he did; He told them Worse and worse: he also set to talking to them again, but they began to be hardened: they also thought to drive away his distemper by harsh and surly carriages to him; sometimes they would deride, sometimes they would chide, and sometimes they would quite neglect him.
“ Wherefore he began to retire himself to his chamber, to pray for and pity them, and also to condole his own misery; he would also walk solitarily in the fields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying: and thus for some days he spent his time. Now, I saw upon a time, when he was walking in the fields, that he was, as he was wont, reading in his Book, and greatly distressed in his mind; and as he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, What shall I do to be saved?
“ I saw also that he looked this way and that way, as if he would run; yet he stood still, because, as I perceived, he could not tell which way to go…”
I believe the only wise way to “go” in order to flee the City of Destruction my friends is to “Come out of her My people.” Now please rest assured that I know John Bunyan was speaking about leaving the world and sin and seeking first the Kingdom of God. I love the book and I have read it joyfully and with tears many times. But in scripture, sometimes things we read are not just parables and proverbs for teaching us principles. Sometimes they are actual instructions revealing the will of God for His people their need to flee the wrath to come.
It is easy to find “believers” who readily acknowledge that the call to “come out from among her My people” applies to one’s spiritual life to live as it were separate from the world; I mean it’s a whole lot easier to find those who admit that than do it. But I am persuaded time is running out and it is rapidly becoming necessary (for all those who can) to wake up and literally comply with this call of God to physically, geographically, separate themselves from wherever He is getting ready to pour out His judgment and wrath, and right now it looks like it is America. (more…)
Back on February 23rd Benjamin Netanyahu spoke before the Knesset and purportedly, in some eyes, was supportive of homosexuality on “LGBT Day.” I must humbly admit that such was my original thought too upon hearing about his address.
Even Jonathan Kahn tweeted about this, though without making any comment. His tweet was nothing more than just an open acknowledgement of the Jerusalem Post’s article about it. Understandably so too, for this has been troubling me since it happened and I must admit that I’ve been looking and waiting for someone somewhere like Jonathan Kahn to speak about this and share their prayerful insight. Yet for almost two weeks it has been eerily silent out there. I find that peculiar since we all know that Netanyahu has been quite an impressive statesman who boldly confronted the nations of the world at the UN regarding their hypocrisy towards Israel and for their constant blaming them for the lack of peace in the Middle East.
So how does this happen? Was Benjamin Netanyahu suddenly bowing to political pressure regarding the LGBT? (more…)
Why is it we don’t hear anyone crying out about this entity called “the eighth” that scripture tells us is headed for perdition?
Why are preacher’s so silent regarding it?
How is it they miss it when the angel clearly tells John that Revelation chapters 13-18 is all about the rise of “the eighth” and final empire in the last days that will go into destruction?
Revelation 17:9 – And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
So why don’t preachers talk about this? Why aren’t they searching this out and teaching their people these things? Especially if the angel clearly connects the willful ignorance and consequent confusion of those who fail to understand these things with those who names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life?
Revelation 13:8 – And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 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.
Have you ever considered these things?
Do you know where you stand before the Lord when it comes to all this?
Does it matter to you if you understand these things or not in light of the two verses above?
Because the angel makes it very clear that the seven heads on the beast are there as prophetic imagery to stir up your mind and heart so that you would seek divine wisdom. For these clues are given so that the diligent seeker might have a starting point from which to search out understanding of the significance of the rise and fall of these empires; some of which are recorded in scripture both historically and prophetically specifically for our benefit today; all them having a direct correlation to the nation of Israel.
Are you one of those who is diligently seeking?
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
I am desperately trying to stir up as many people as I can, because the seduction of false religion has crept into the church and is everywhere today. Sadly, it is lulling so-called “believers” into a deep sleep of procrastination causing them to believe it’s really no big deal and doesn’t matter one way or the other whether they understand these things or not.
II Peter 2:1 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Jude 1:4 – For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet that is precisely how this Jezebellian spirit seduced the other empires represented by the seven heads of the beast, through their false religious systems that were full of empty promises and lies. All of which was the angel reveals was stemming from this Mother of Harlots that has “sat” upon all them throughout the ages. This can be clearly witnessed in scripture. (more…)
I believe this is even more timely today than it was back in 2012
I am truly interested in everyone sharing their thoughts...
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The Lord amazing worked things out to slip me into My People Pray 2012 event as the final speaker. It was truly a God thing, as it was arranged without my knowledge and simply needed my approval afterwards.
I was led about a month ago to go to the seat of America and to pray for our country and therefore sought out any possible prayer events in Washington DC, and there scheduled was My People Pray 2012.
As time drew closer I had some brothers in the Lord who wanted to go as well, and the day before we leave one contacted the organizers to see if he could volunteer to assist in anyway. The moderator called him when she heard we were coming from Florida and during the conversation mentioned that 15 of the 16 slots for topical prayer were filled, but the final spot concerning the coming of the Kingdom had not. My brother then suggested that they consider me.
Before leaving for Washington DC, as I was taking care of last minute business, my friend calls me to tell me that everything’s taking care of and that I was going to be closing speaker and began to explain to me what took place. Immediately I stated that I wasn’t sure about it and that I simply felt a need to go and pray for the America, that I wasn’t prepared for such. But after a few moments of prayer I felt as if the Lord admonished me, “Did not I put this on your heart? Do not I direct your steps?” So in obedience to the Lord I went in . . .