Category: Return of Jesus

But 2,000 Years?

On By TimIn Hosea 05, Hosea 06, Israel, Return of Jesus1 Comment

I will again return to My place until they acknowledge their offense and seek My face. In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.

Hosea 5:15

How often does one read the minor prophets, let alone Hosea?

Well, for a clear overview of the relationship between God and Israel (both kingdoms,) read the book of Hosea. In a sense, Hosea is a high-level view of Israel and God’s relationship with her. God reveals His relationship with Israel in the relationship Hosea has with his own wife. It is a rather striking and beautiful account of redemption.

In this part of Hosea, God is withdrawing from Israel and Judah. He is going away until Israel acknowledges her offense and seeks Him. It is this affliction that comes with the drawing back of God that takes them to the point of earnestly seeking Him.

I am prone to think that occurred in AD 32 with the national rejection of the Messiah. Soon after, Jerusalem was besieged and disappeared from the role of nations. It had been like that for almost 2,000 years. As will be seen, this absence causes some to scoff at what the Bible teaches.

Affliction from the Lord’s Withdrawal

It is this absence that brings affliction. History is replete with them. One can clearly perceive the affliction in the history of antisemitism. It seems to ramp up on a bell curve. The Holocaust during World War II is not going to be the ultimate affliction. The one coming will be far worse. Jesus gave warning about that, with stern instructions.

“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not return to take his clothes.

Matthew 24:15–18

It’s going to be really bad. Far worse than anything ever experienced. Don’t believe me, believe what Jesus said.

Woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse in those days! Pray that your escape will not be in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then will be great tribulation, such as has not happened since the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.
“Unless those days were shortened, no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:19–22

It is these things that demonstrate the affliction that will bring repentance. That change of heart is written about by another prophet. When reading, pay attention to Who is speaking and what it is He is going to do. Remember that.

The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.”
On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem.
The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:1–9

On that day, the proverbial lights come on in the hearts and minds of Israelis. They will perceive the hand of God moving for them even in their affliction. Then there is a sudden change of heart by those towards God.

And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn.

Zechariah 12:10

As an Israeli, the question I would ask is when did we pierce God?

The Lord Ends His Withdrawal

We see an end to the withdrawal of the Lord. After some 2,000 years of languishing, He again showers Jerusalem and Israel with favor. Thats the promised time for Israel, and a cleansing of the land.

That’s God’s perspective, but what about the people?

Come, let us return to the Lord, for He has torn, and He will heal us. He has struck, and He will bind us up.

Hosea 6:1

The people themselves… They come to their senses. They turn and start to seek the Lord. It is the affliction that comes with the withdrawal that leads them to repent. They know He will bind them up, healing the wounds of affliction.

That is not the only thing that happens.

After two days He will revive us. On the third day, He will raise us up, that we may live before Him.

Hosea 6:2

Think hard about what is being said. Why would the Israelis think that the affliction would only be two days with healing oncoming after, and seeking peace on the third day?

Could there be another idea lurking just under the surface here?

Israel left the Lord. After two days, they will be revived and raised up. On the third day they will live before God.

I detect some messianic hints here.

But 2,000 Years

I have had that very objection raised quite a bit in the last two weeks. The latest came with a dose of mockery toward God. It came with the usual insistence of “that generation,” “at hand,” and “soon.” As if the events of the last days would have to happen in the first century and there was no other explanation. He said, “heaven doesn’t know how to tell time.”

Peter wrote something about that, which seems to bear on the discussion.

Know this first, that there shall come scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts, and say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were since the beginning of the creation.” For they willingly ignore that, by the word of God the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed standing out of the water and in the water, by which the world that then existed was flooded with water and perished. But by the same word, the heavens and the earth that now exist are being reserved for fire, kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

2 Peter 3:3–7

Providentially, this portion also provides an answer to the mockery.

But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness. But He is patient with us, because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:8–9

Wait. Did Peter connect a thousand years with mockery in the end times?

The passage of a thousand years is like a day in heaven. It is like saying the passage of linear time on earth is not the same as in heaven. This directly speaks to those who claim that God is slow in keeping His word. Particularly as it applies to those things about the latter days.

After two days… Or really… After 2,000 years, He will revive us. On the third day they are raised up. Is that resurrection language?

Those Israelis live before Him. The third day would also be 1,000 years. Is that a reference to the Millennial Reign of Jesus?

It seems to fit well with other things in the Bible. Especially when considering what Paul wrote about resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. I have a long article concerning resurrection and futurism.

And about the third day being the Millennium…

Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain;
like the spring rains He will water the earth.

Hosea 6:3

His appearance is as sure as the dawn. All of the third day imagery also seems to align with this post on the Morning Star.

Concluding Thoughts

It sounds an awful lot like 2,000 years of affliction will be given to Israel. Since the rejection of the Messiah, they’ve been abandoned. Now as we witness some semblance of returning to seek after the Lord, it points to the soon return of Jesus.

As indicated in this recent post, we seem to be living in the last of the last days. Considering the weeks of years, and how the Bible teaches the new week begins on Nisan 10. Let’s do some more math.

If Jesus was crucified in the year AD 32. 2,000 years after that, ends up at 2032. 2032 would seem to be the year of resurrection and reconciliation of Israel, as well as the beginning of the Millennium. If so, there are seven years of terrible affliction before that… Which gives us the year 2025.

Take it for what it’s worth. It’s not date setting. It is pointing to seasons and times to which we have much written.

They Have One Language

On By TimIn Genesis 11, Return of JesusLeave a comment

In the previous post, we encountered a time when humans were gathered together for one purpose. They built a tower, most likely to call the gods back and continue the corruption of human DNA that occurred before the flood. I realize that might seem like a speculative assertion to some, but it is a clear idea taught within the first 6 chapters of Genesis. The language of the ancients doesn’t quite match our modern understanding. Genesis 3 is clear, it is a seed war.

The Lord said, “The people are one and they have one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do; now nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them.

Genesis 11:6

It is difficult to not grasp the unspoken idea of technology, and how it increases the more unified humanity becomes. That is an unspoken idea that is present in this text. It also says that the creativity of humanity has no bounds. How does that fit into the idea of human sovereignty and that of God? Perhaps that will be for a future discussion.

What we see in the account is that the world then was aligned with one purpose, one common language, and one leader.

It is said history repeats itself. I prefer to think that history rhymes. What do I mean?

When considering Biblical prophecy, it can sometimes lurk just beneath the surface of the Biblical text. Remember what God says about the glory of God to conceal a matter (Proverbs 25:2.) In this case, I think God gave us a pattern. I like to think of prophecy as a pattern that is matched. Could it be the text here serves as something that may be patterned to fit something yet to come?

Looking at the myriad of the types and shadows in the Bible, one particular comes to mind in this moment. Look at the world leader introduced last time… Nimrod. To assemble the people for one purpose implies that he is charismatic. That is just one of the ways he is considered as a type of the Antichrist, the coming prince of the end times. The prophet Daniel wrote of him. Here are some additional details of what he will be like.

After this I saw in the visions at night a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and exceedingly strong. And it had great iron teeth. It devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet. And it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, when there came up among them another little horn before whom three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel 7:7–8

Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Pleasant Land. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground and stamped upon them. Indeed, he magnified himself even to the Prince of the host, and from Him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of rebellion, an army was given to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifice; and it cast truth to the ground. It practiced this and prospered.

Daniel 8:9–12

“The king shall do according to his will. And he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak blasphemous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper until the indignation is accomplished. For that which is determined shall be done. He shall regard neither the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above them all. But instead he shall honor the god of forces, a god whom his fathers did not know. He shall honor him with gold and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus he shall do in the strongest of fortresses with a foreign god. He shall give great honor to those who acknowledge him, and shall cause them to rule over the many and shall divide the land for gain.

Daniel 11:36–39

Some tend to think that these passages describe history. I hold that they have their ultimate fulfillment in a yet future person. One who will seem to be wise and charismatic, moving souls toward himself. Eventually, he will be revealed to be diabolical and ruthless. Just as the text in Genesis hints at about Nimrod.

Cush was the father of Nimrod. He became a mighty one on the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Even like Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.”

Genesis 10:8–9

The text says that Nimrod was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Before in this instance is better understood as face-to-face. Like enemies watch each other. In other words, Nimrod was against the Lord. The hunting he did was for the souls… People. This fits part of the impetus for the construction of the tower.

Then they said, “Come, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top will reach to heaven, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

Genesis 11:4

It is my opinion that this is a curated view of the history. It is given to derive a particular point. One that emphasizes the fact that the people are united against God. It also seems that those people have been given a glimpse of the most likely outcome, they will be scattered. But they unite anyway in hopes of preventing that.

Now… Focus on our modern experience.

We all live in a time that is very much akin to what is described in Genesis. The world is of one language. That language is not one spoken outright by humans. Nevertheless, it unites humanity. This binary language undergirds all of the code that drives information technology. This networked technology unites the world with instantaneous communication, translation, and culture. Any event can be instantly transmitted to almost the entire world… Today. It is easy to say the world is already united in one language.

God says… Nothing will be impossible for them.

There is also this whole idea of increased technology. That goes without saying. Apps are updated regularly. Firmware and software have new features added all of the time. Hardware gets smaller and more powerful.

Then think of all of the non-governmental agencies that establish worldwide policies. What we get hints of is a one-world government whose shadow looms over us today. The prospective policies offered seem to be a panacea as the lords carry on about them. It is an ever-coalescing centralization of decision-making and policy. What happens when one person seizes control of it all?

I think there is a portent there for many. It aligns with what the Bible says about the end.

It tells us that Jesus is going to return to Earth. He is going to come down from space like an invader, in all practical aspects. The world is preparing your mind for that. The idea is that the world will be united in an attempt to stop Him.

Babel points us to Jesus.

I am going to tell you, it was Jesus Who came down at Babel. He didn’t come to destroy those aligned against Him… Yet. When His day comes, it will be to halt the work again. But this time, it won’t be a scattering of the people. It will be a sudden gathering of those plotting against Him to Har Megiddo, the mount of assembly (that’s Jerusalem.) That gathering isn’t going to be cordial.

History rhymes. It does in many ways.

The first advent of Jesus was as a suffering Servant. The next is as a conquering King.

Just as Babel teaches, time is quickly passing. There is a reckoning for all in this life. Don’t fall for the lies of the charismatic politician who promises to fix everything.

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

Matthew 16:13

Jesus doesn’t just ask those men that question… But the real blessing is for those who believe the truth now.

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

The Harvest of the Earth is not a Rapture

On By TimIn Return of Jesus, Revelation 01Leave a comment

Revelation 1:7 (MEV): Look! He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is John’s introduction to an event that is sometimes confused with the rapture. This idea of coming in the clouds is always about judgment. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul clearly states that the saints (Spirit-baptized believers) that are alive meet the previously dead saints (Spirit-baptized believers) in the clouds together. Paul does not tell us Jesus comes in the clouds. That is because the rapture is not judgment. This is the precision of the message.

Then What is It?

Revelation 14:14–20 (MEV): I looked. And there was a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like a Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. Then another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap. The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust His sickle on the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. Yet another angel who had authority over fire came out from the altar. He cried with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one hundred and eighty-six miles.

All the nations will be brought to battle Jerusalem. God will gather them just as a vintner gathers grapes.

I under that that is graphic language. This event is not going to be very enjoyable. The earth is being harvested for judgment. This is the gathering of the nations in the final battle at what is known as Armageddon. (More on that in a later post.)

But first, some background.

Space Invaders

There is a modern fascination with mastering the heavens. We fly planes and have sent rockets zooming through space. There has been a push to militarize the heavens. The US even has established a Space Force branch of the military.

Weaponizing the air began soon after the Wright brothers invented flight. Hubs were affixed to plains.

That progressed to delivering bombs with rockets. Wernher von Braun mastered rocketry during WWII. He was swiftly brought to the US and he revolutionized the air and beyond.

In the 80s Ronald Reagan, then President of the United States proffered an idea that helped broker a peace agreement with the USSR. It came after both sides would stubbornly not move on their position. He had a private meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, then Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Reagan asked if the USSR would aid the US if an invader from space were to attack. Both men agreed they would help each other. This became the impetus for finding agreement for a stand down if the Cold War.

In a speech before a gathering of the United Nations, Reagan spoke of the meeting and what was discussed. It shocked the world that leaders would discuss a fringe topic like space aliens. I fondly remember the lampooning Reagan took.

But the issue is serious. In that, a different kind of threat was hinted at. A vastly greater one that could unite humanity for a common goal.

There would be weaponry needed to neutralize that threat. Some were already being considered and even built. The idea has certainly been embraced in the last 40 years. And now we have the Space Force.

The Science

Science now embraces it, as the idea of panspermia is theorized to deal with the seeming impossibility of abiogenesis. That is, the science of the first cell becoming alive. Panspermia is the theory that life was seeded by some alien race on Earth. To me, that sounds like God did it, but hey. That just cannot be.

The idea offered is that earth is just one giant science excitement of hybridization and selection.

Do I believe there are space aliens?

Maybe… But I don’t think so. I think it will be part of the fake story that will be used as an explanation for the mass disappearance of people will be needed when the body of Christ is raptured. There will be what is called space aliens or space brothers that come down when we go up. They will tell those remaining that they were responsible for removing those that cannot move to the next vibration or evolve. They will also say they seeded life here and can help fix the problems.

Many of those in the New Age movement also teaches this.

Why Say This?

I know that sounds kooky. Humans are building weapons to fight an invader. The enemy is also building an army of humans because he is vastly outnumbered. The world will come together to fight what they will call space invaders. It will be an attack from above.

A Day of the Lord

Zechariah 12:1–10 (MEV): The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.
Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah, it is also against Jerusalem. And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it. On that day I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples. Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, “There is strength for us with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God.” On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside in her place, the place of Jerusalem.

The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will not eclipse Judah. On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem; and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day. And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going out before them. On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations who come out against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him as a firstborn.

On that day… Count how many times it’s there in that passage. It’s a future day for Jerusalem. A day of loving kindness from the One whom they have pierced. It will cause them to mourn.

John cites that in the introductory passage above. He is coming and will be seen even by those who pierced Him. That’s Jesus.

To Jewish Readers

Consider that passage in Zechariah. The word Lord used there is the unspeakable name of God, Jehovah. He is the One speaking and plainly says they (Israelis) look to Him Who they pierced through. Ask yourself one question, when did Jehovah get pierced?

The Lord Fights

That day will be cleansing for the people of God, the Israelis. They will be reconciled to their God. They will also divide spoil from the battle He fought.

Zechariah 14:1–4 (MEV): A day of the Lord is coming when your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women ravished. Half of the city will go to exile, but the remainder of the people will not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight those nations as He fights in the day of war. On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south.

It will be a two-fold battle, the nations will be gathered and seek to take the city. To all those dwelling there, the cause would be dire. Then sudden destruction comes upon the attackers.

In That Day

Even in the much-talked-about invasion by God of Magog (Ezekiel 38-39,) there seems to be a multi-pronged conflict. Look at the phrases God uses… I will turn you back, drive you on, take you up, and bring you against.

Ezekiel 39:1–4 (MEV): Moreover you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: Thus says the Lord God: I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshek, and Tubal. And I will turn you back, drive you on, and take you up the north parts and bring you against the mountains of Israel. And I will strike your bow out of your left hand and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand. You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Also pay attention to the familiar phrases encountered; on that day, in that day, and in the latter years. The reference is to the day of the Lord and is not necessarily always meant to encompass just a singular day.

This is also the call to the great feast I’ve written of before.

Ezekiel 39:17 (MEV): As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to every kind of fowl and to every beast of the field: Assemble and come. Gather on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.

Jesus said, wherever the carcass is, the eagles will be gathered together (Matthew 24:28.) He is referencing this particular day.

It’s the Lord Who fights for Israel.

The Gathering Place

Isaiah 29:1–2 (MEV): Woe to Ariel, to Ariel,
the city where David lived! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule. Yet I will distress Ariel, and she shall be a city of lamenting and sorrow, and she shall be as an Ariel to me.

Fascinating is the name Isaiah applies to Jerusalem. It’s Ariel. While many consider the meaning as Lion of God, it also connotes a gathering of God (like from exile) or the place of assembly.

This is indeed weighty material to consider. God is telling us in advance what will happen. But consider the words of the Psalmist….

Psalm 48:1–8 (MEV): Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.

Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her citadels as a refuge.

For the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they were astounded; they were alarmed, they hurried away. Trembling seized them there, and pain like a woman in labor; You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. Selah

At the beginning of the song, there is no hint of its prophetic nature. The nations are gathered to Jerusalem. What did they see that caused sudden alarm?

Jerusalem will be rescued by the One the world considers space invaders. It will be led by Jesus and His army of saints. They will come down with the host of heaven. He will come and vanquish His enemies.

The entire portion of the Psalm is really a prophetic song to be sung in yet future. The refrain ends with the admission that God told them the things that would happen before they did and they did happen.

Jesus will rescue Jerusalem.

The Reward for the Believer

On By TimIn Last Days, Malachi 03, Prophecy, Rapture, Return of JesusLeave a comment

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord listened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.

Malachi 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the apocalyptic portions of the book of Malachi, we find a hidden hint of mystery. As the context speaks of the advent of the Messiah, and who can stand in that day… We know this is of what is called the end days.

There is a some-2,000-year gap in the midst of those end days. I like to think of it as a respite. It has stretched the culmination of them (times of the Gentiles) for millennia, maybe more. But I doubt that.

Our verse above transitions the focus from judgment to the disposition of the believer. Watch as to what is in store for them.

They shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts, on the day when I make up My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

Malachi 3:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He calls those who believed His jewels. Another translation says His treasured possession. If you believe… That’s you. That is who you are. It’s not by anything you have done. It is his He Who considers you thusly.

But wait, there’s more! Just like the unbelievable commercials always promising more to entice. God promises more for the believer (that’s us) in those end days. Those will be spared.

One may ask, “Spared from what?”

To answer that, we must read a bit ahead.

Surely the day is coming, burning like an oven; all the proud, yes, all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming will burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is being spared from what other texts call the indignation, the day of wrath, or Jacob’s Trouble. It is the judgment poured out onto the world because of Israel. Believers are spared this as sons. Which takes us to what is hidden.

Then you will again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the particular translation I use, it’s not really clear. Here’s another.

You will return and see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him.

Malachi 3:18 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

What is meant by “You will return?”

The Hebrew word that underlies the English return implies physical movement. We will venture a bit ahead in the text yet again. This is to clarify understanding.

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and grow up like calves from the stall. And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I do this, says the Lord of Hosts.

Malachi 4:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“You will go out.” And “you will tread down the wicked.” “You will return.”

Isn’t this clear that believers would be physically removed from the indignation and judgment and would then be the ones returning amidst and after that judgment?

If so… Could this be a hint of rapture?

Read the text for yourselves. Don’t believe me. The context is there. As is the subtle language of escape and return.

Those Who are Sanctified are All of One

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Last Days, Return of Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, SinLeave a comment

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that should come to you have inquired and searched diligently, seeking the events and time the Spirit of Christ, who was within them, signified when He foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, concerning the things which are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven—things into which the angels desire to look.

1 Peter 1:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember how we discussed previously how our salvation will be revealed in the last time. This is a reference to a time yet future that will be the end of this temporal existence. But this salvation is not hidden from us or others but is continuously being received until its full revelation at the end.

The Old Testament prophets received from God the revelations of the Spirit of the Anointed One, Jesus. Though they didn’t clearly understand the mysteries hidden in the revelations they were given. That is, the grace extended to the gentile nations. Of which we benefit.

Paul also spoke of it. He called himself a steward of God over a commission given specifically to him for us gentiles.

I have been made a servant of it according to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints. To them God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was a truth hidden in the past.

Now, it’s almost fully revealed. What I mean is, those old-time Israeli prophets spoke of both a suffering Messiah and a triumphant Messiah. Though the prophets diligently sought to know what we know, His suffering has already been revealed to the world. It is recorded for us to read.

The glories to come are still for some future time when our salvation will be fully revealed. And that to the glory of Jesus!

We know the sufferings of the Messiah and in a similar fashion as they, we look forward to the glorious appearing and consummation of time when all is fulfilled. (The time when the New Jerusalem comes down from God.)

His triumphs and glories, though very real today and being revealed in us His saints… Are yet for a future time when He returns to Earth. When He defeats the evil that preys on humans and the world. He then takes the throne of David and rules Jerusalem and Earth. It will be as God had desired from the beginning, humanity having dominion over creation. After which Jesus will finally and gloriously put an end to the rebellion.

Those prophets knew they were serving a people yet future. Such things have resulted in your salvation. Those first-century Christians shared the testimony of the Jewish prophets who spoke of the sufferings of the Anointed One. They could show them this very same Jesus that was known among them and attested of long ago.

Why would angels want to look into these things?

Angels serve humanity. These are things also revealed by these messengers of God to men. These messengers desire to look in on. It’s salvation. The hope of glory that lives in each of us who are saints.

Considering that humans were made of the dust of the ground, with the breath of God breathed into us, we are not made in the same hierarchy as angels. We are made a little lower and intimately united with the physical reality we occupy. Humans are made of the very dust of which the earth is made.

We also have a spirit that connects to the reality that supersedes ours. Better said, it is the supernatural realm where spirits dwell. Because of sin, that reality has been veiled to us.

It’s these glorious heavenly angels who were assigned to serve the dirt creatures. It’s like that in God’s economy. The older serves the younger, the least is greatest.

That idea has been corrupted, though. When sin entered, the dirt creatures took upon themselves the desire to be like God. They fell away. And corrupted His order by serving their own selfishness. Not serving others, let alone the least.

What is this?

That the very Creator of these dusty men would humble Himself and add that very same dusty nature. He would step that low, placing Himself even under the angels.

I am thinking wholly of the first two chapters of the book of Hebrews and how eloquently it describes the suffering and then triumphant Messiah. This is how the author says it:

But someone in a certain place testified, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.

Hebrews 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This speaks of how Jesus came to us as One of us, made lower than the angels. Yet at the same time, crowned with glory and honor. (Yet to be revealed in the last times and for which we patiently wait.)

It was that sin. Rebellion was taken on by creatures made of dust. That very thing would be used to defeat sin and death.

Sin earns wages paid in blood. The God of all paid His own blood to satisfy the wages of sin. Sin had no claim on Him, but death attempted to master Him.

The enemy, thinking this would be a perfect way to vanquish God, seized Him. He was crucified and died. Being perfect, death really had no claim on Him.

Yet His blood was shed.

His divine-human blood was the perfect payment for an infinite human debt. A debt He didn’t owe, but one that encumbered all of humanity was completely satisfied.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He, by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I can scarcely comprehend that. Even as I write this stuff. It’s above my pay-grade. Yet I know it is true.

There is more.

This Son of God is now (also) a Man. (I am writing it like that for lack of a better way to understand. The Son of God took on humanity. The divine and human United in One. I italicized the One to emphasize not only this but the Unity of Father-Son-Spirit.)

He has wrested the rights to dominion over the creation as God had intended at creation. Men will master it. In this case, One Perfect Man.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of One.

Hebrews 2:10–11a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Things into which angels desire to look.

Now is the time to recall why One is emphasized earlier.

God becomes the Author of salvation by that suffering. The suffering that came by submission to His own creation.

It could only be done with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

Blood that only exists in our temporal physical reality. Angels don’t have blood. Blood cannot be shed for them. That is why those fallen spirits tremble at the name of Jesus. Their destiny is sure and there is no hope for them.

Angels were made higher than humans. The Creator made Himself human. He placed Himself lower than them. He died, rose again. Setting humans higher than angels. (Do you not know you are going to judge angels?)

Just as Jesus partook of the nature of humanity, taking it wholly upon Himself… He invites us dirt-creatures to partake of the divine nature. It starts at our salvation when He comes to live in us.

Those who are sanctified are all of One.

We celebrate that every single time that we come to the Lord’s Table. As we hold in our hands the broken bread and the wine, these represent His human body broken for us and His human-yet-divine bloodshed from it. We are to take that inside of us. It’s a typification of what is yet to be revealed. We partake of the divine nature.

But to partake, one needs to be like Him. We all need to humble ourselves.

1. Acknowledge in our minds that the things written about Him are really real.

2. Believe that what He says is really real. That He rose again. That is for us. Trusting in it like you would trust a chair to hold you up by sitting in it.

3. Confess the truth out loud with our mouths. And the. Confess our sins to Him asking Him to remove them completely.

That’s the first step to partaking in the divine nature. You are then given new hope through the resurrection.

Listen! I Stand at the Door and Knock.

On By TimIn Jesus, Last Days, Prophecy, Return of Jesus, Revelation 03, Seven Letters to Seven Churches1 Comment

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I cannot help but to see how urgent and insistent this declaration is.

Our church gives doctrinal studies for those who want to go a bit deeper into basic doctrine. I love to attend because I always learn something new. I have come to understand that anyone can open the Bible and teach, and I can learn from them. I like that about the Holy Spirit. Enough on that.

We were taking an overview of the epistles Jesus wrote to the seven churches in His Revelation to John. Here is one part of what I learned.

Of the letters to the churches, there can be a loose grouping of them applied. It is done using the simple closing phrase in all epistles. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” In each epistle, promises are given to the overcomer. Their placement becomes conspicuous. In the first three epistles, these promises are a postscript to the letter, coming after the close. The latter four, the promises to the overcomer are included in the epistle.

It is believed by some that these messages to the churches encompass the character of the entire age of the church of Jesus Christ, from its foundation to its end. The message to Thyatira represents the character of the medieval church. In a more specific way, it would be the Roman church. A further delineating factor to pay attention to comes in the middle epistle, to the church at Thyatira. Thyatira conveys the meaning of continuing sacrifice.

But I have a few things against you: You permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, but she did not repent. Look! I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.

Revelation 2:20–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I want to point out the words great tribulation. Those who don’t repent of idolatry will be judged. These words of Jesus are not to be taken lightly. Perhaps it is to draw our attention to the end of the age. We still have the vestiges of the medieval church age with us. Simply for that reason, the words great tribulation are important.

We move to the next epistle. Just as the message to Thyatira is representative of the character of the Roman medieval church, the epistle to Sardis represents the reformation age. Sardis conveys a meaning of an escaping remnant.

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

Revelation 3:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The admonition for this church is to watch. If it truly represents the character of the church of the reformation age, those churches exist contemporary with us. The admonition to them also reveals something yet future. Just as the previous epistle hinted toward great tribulation, this one hints to Jesus coming back as a thief. These will be surprised when He comes.

The next epistle is that to Philadelphia. In representing the character of the church, this is one of the great evangelistic soul-winning-missionary-minded churches. Philadelphia conveys the meaning of brotherly love.

Because you have kept My word of patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the entire world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Revelation 3:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The admonition to this church includes the idea of wholly being rescued from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the whole world. This temptation is a test of those who dwell on Earth. These that are kept from this hour are most likely not on Earth. If not, such would necessarily be included in the whole world and would still be dwelling on Earth.

So far, Jesus tells those who don’t repent will have to go through great tribulation. With increased urgency we are told to watch so as we are not surprised. By keeping His word of patience we are kept from the test of those who dwell on Earth.

Look, I am coming quickly. Hold firmly what you have, so that no one may take your crown.

Revelation 3:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is an urgency that is increasing and becoming more specific. Time is closing in fast. He is coming quickly.

When we encounter the last epistle to Laodicea, this is the characterization of the church in the last days. Laodicea conveys a meaning of the people judging, or the people are in charge. (That says much about modern churches. Many do surveys to determine how to best meet people’s felt needs. That’s another discussion.)

Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If this is the last age of the church, it would also follow that the urgency would increase. That is exactly what we see. Instead, He’s not coming quickly, or as a surprise. He’s right there at the door… Knocking!

There isn’t much time. But you can still open the door to Him.

Harmonizing the Tribulation of Those Days

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, Last Days, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse, Prophecy, Rapture, Redemption, Return of JesusLeave a comment

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Matthew 24:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“But in those days, after that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers that are in heaven will be shaken.’
“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.

Mark 13:24–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the harmony of these presentations of the special briefing that Jesus gave His disciples at the end of the age, there are similarities that can be harmonized. All three are describing a time of great tumult, with signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the heavens being shaken. We also see Jesus coming in the clouds.

To understand the coming in the clouds, we must delve into the old testament. We find over the many mentions of clouds associated with God it came in the form of divine intervention for His people. During the exodus, God led the Israelites in a pillar of cloud by day. When the cloud descended on the tent of meeting, it signified the presence of God. God coming in the clouds is a powerful and symbolic way to demonstrate divine intervention, divine judgment, or divine provision for the preservation of His people.

In this ‘sign’ we see ALL three. There is also another truth in the harmony that isn’t discussed. That is, Jesus is referring to Himself as God. If one understands the trial with the high priest, Jesus was asked if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. In His reply, He affirmed the questions the priest asked and claimed He is God. This is understood when we know the identity of Who comes in the clouds. Jesus said it would be Him by the title He chose for Himself. This title is also a direct reference to all of this.

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The differences are also important. Let’s poke at some of these.

The first is the introductory phrase to this time. In the Matthew and Mark account, the audiences’ attention is drawn toward the period after these distresses. More things would happen on Earth and in the heavens, and then the Son of Man would appear. The elect would be gathered, and a kingdom established (The latter part is inferred.) Both accounts seem to give a contemporaneous account of events.

Now note how Luke explains it, paying special attention to where he wants the audiences’ attention drawn. From the outset, Luke is asking his reader to understand the time before these events occur. This is clearly understood by this phrase “of what is coming on the inhabited earth.” Luke describes the same events that will happen, not contemporaneously.

Then we encounter the last sentence. “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” Luke is a gentile writing to gentiles. He is admonishing them to pay attention to when these things begin to happen. We also have the use of a unique word, ‘redemption.’

Matthew and Mark are drawing attention to the time of God’s intervention, judgment, and preservation of His people. Perhaps it could be redemption. Yet they did not use the word. I think it is because the attention of the reader is being drawn to two different events. Luke is drawing attention to redemption that occurs before the harmonized disasters that are described.

Considering redemption and the way the word is used in the New Testament, we can readily see the references of the majority of forms in the graphic. There are two other uses, one reference meaning ransom/release is cited in Hebrews 11:35 (Red.) The other is referencing an event and is the one word from Luke 21:28 we are discussing, ‘Redemption.’

Did Jesus Already Return?

On By TimIn Acts 01, Jesus, Rapture, Return of JesusLeave a comment

When He had spoken these things, while they looked, He was taken up. And a cloud received Him from their sight.
While they looked intently toward heaven as He ascended, suddenly two men stood by them in white garments. They said, “Men of Galilee, why stand looking toward heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:9–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I was just reading where someone was attempting to claim Jesus has already returned in the first century. That is, He came to Paul. Given the testimony above, let’s examine the evidence for such a claim.

As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”
He said, “Who are You, Lord?”
The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Trembling and astonished, he said, “Lord, what will You have me do?” The Lord said to him, “Rise up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. Saul rose up from the ground. And when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Acts 9:3–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

“As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’
“I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
“He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.
“I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’
“The Lord said to me, ‘Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told what you have been appointed to do.’ Since I was blinded by the glory of that light, those who were with me led me by the hand into Damascus.

Acts 22:6–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the two accounts of Paul’s experience. The latter seems to be a quotation of Paul recounting the event to others. Let’s note some things.

The angels at Jesus’ ascension said Jesus would come again in like manner. To wit: “a cloud receive Him from their sight.” Do notice that there are multiple eyewitnesses to this event. The angels said this same Jesus would come again in like manner. They… Many… Saw Him go into heaven.

In contrast to the Damascus Road experience. Neither Paul nor his companions saw Jesus come from heaven. His companions didn’t see Jesus.

There is also something that is easily overlooked. Jesus had a body as He ascended. If He has a body at Damascus Road, how is it such was veiled from Paul’s companions, who heard a disembodied voice?

Luke helps with another witness of the event.

While He blessed them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.

Luke 24:51 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We clearly see that there are multiple eyewitnesses present at Jesus’ ascension to heaven. For the Damascus Road experience to qualify as the second coming, it necessitates multiple eyewitnesses to the event. As we’ve covered Paul’s experience, at best, there could only be one eyewitness. It is debatable that Paul did not see Him there either, since his own testimony declares he was blinded by the light.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is a Sabbath day’s walk from Jerusalem.

Acts 1:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also see another qualification for the like manner… Location. To meet the qualifications the angels gave to the eyewitnesses, As Paul “came near to Damascus,” this is now not even near the Mount of Olives.

I must also point out the reaction to Paul’s companions. They were in fear!

Read what Paul writes about this event…

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and in godliness in this present world, as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Unless there is a third time Jesus comes, Paul’s experience by his own testimony cannot qualify as the second coming.