Posted on 10/12/2005 10:13:11 AM PDT by SirLinksalot
Pat Robertson's wrong
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Posted: October 12, 2005 1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Gary DeMar © 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
Pat Robertson is making predictions again. He's reading the Bible through current events rather than letting the Bible speak for itself.
In Matthew 24:7, Jesus says that "in various places there will be famines and earthquakes." He says nothing about an increase in their number or intensity. Luke writes, "There will be great earthquakes" (Luke 21:11). Jesus wasn't describing events that would precede the end of our time. Rather, He was describing signs that led up to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 that would take place before that first-century generation passed away (Matt. 24:33–34).
Like famines (Acts 11:28), "great earthquakes" are part of the biblical historical record. Two earthquakes are mentioned in Matthew – when Jesus was crucified (27:54) and when the angel came down to roll the stone away from the tomb where Jesus was buried (28:2). This second earthquake is said to have been "severe." Acts records "a great earthquake" that shook "the foundations of the prison house" (16:26).
Secular writers describing the period support the biblical record: "And as to earthquakes, many are mentioned by writers during a period just previous to A.D. 70. There were earthquakes in Crete, Smyrna, Miletus, Chios, Samos, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Colosse, Campania, Rome, and Judea. It is interesting to note that the city of Pompeii was much damaged by an earthquake occurring on Feb. 5, A.D. 63."
The number of earthquakes that were recorded during that first-century generation is staggering given the shortness of the time period. Josephus describes an earthquake in Judea of such magnitude "that the constitution of the universe was confounded for the destruction of men," the same language that is being used to describe this most recent earthquake. He goes on to write that this earthquake was "no common" calamity, indicating that God Himself had brought it about for a special purpose.
Another commentator writes: "Perhaps no period in the world's history has ever been so marked by these convulsions as that which intervenes between the Crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem." Since the generation between A.D. 30 and 70 is past, there is no reason to attach prophetic significance to earthquakes in our day as a fulfillment of Matthew 24:7 or Luke 21:11. They are not signs of the nearness of Jesus' return in our generation. They were a prelude to the coming of Jesus in judgment upon Jerusalem in the generation of the apostles.
Then there's the record of recent history. On June 15, 1896, the Sanriku tsunami struck Japan without warning. A wave estimated at more than 70 feet high hit a crowd gathered to celebrate a religious festival, killing more than 26,000 people. On Nov. 1, 1755, the great Lisbon earthquake generated a wave up to 20-feet high that struck coastal Portugal, Spain and Morocco. With an estimated population of 275,000, Lisbon was, in 1755, one of the largest cities in Europe. It was one of the most destructive and deadly earthquakes in history, killing over 100,000 people. The quake was followed by a tsunami and fire, resulting in the near total destruction of Lisbon.
Today's reported earthquakes are not unique, as proven by a thorough study of the Bible and the historical record outside the Bible. The greatest student of earthquakes was a Frenchman, Count F. Montessus de Ballore. From 1885 to 1922 he devoted his time to studying and cataloging earthquakes and came to an astonishing conclusion. He cataloged 171,434 earthquakes from the earliest historic times! The manuscript is stored in the library of the Geographical Society in Paris, where it occupies 26 meters (over 84 feet) of bookshelves.
As much as we might want to believe that we are the "Rapture Generation," there is no statistical or biblical evidence to support such a contention.
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Gary DeMar is president of American Vision and the author more than 20 books. His latest book is "Myths, Lies, & Half-Truths: How Misreading the Bible Neutralizes Christians ".
DeMar is selctively taking verses to have you believe in Replacement Theology. This has been debunked LONG AGO. It only shows how stupid WND has become.
This article is actually about the first thing I've ever seen WND publish that wasn't utterly moronic.
It's these moronic "Christian" lonnies on TV that give Christianity a bad name. Jesus would have howled at this "end times" stuff.
Reading the article before posting is usually a good idea. It saves embarrassment.
So basically, sinners should live in Las Vegas, where God can't reach them. Right?
"The fig tree signifys NOTHING."
Read your Bible. The Fig tree is symbolic od Israel.
Pat Robertson is an example of the onset of elderly dementia.
Maybe this will help you out:
CHAPTER 14: THE FIG TREE PARABLE
The fact that this parable is tacked on to the end of the Olivet prophecy in the way it is, suggests that it refers to a very special indication of the Lord's coming. Surely every thinking Christian should be working overtime to crack this one- if we can sort out what the budding of the fig tree is, then once we see it, we will have proof positive that we are at 11:59 in the prophetic timetable.
The fig tree was to "shoot forth" (Lk.21:30) or 'germinate' (Young), witnessed by its putting forth of leaves (Mk.13:28) and tender branches (Mt.24:32). When the fig tree puts forth leaves there are often immature, unripe figs amongst them. Thus Jesus inspected the fig tree outside Jerusalem to see if it had any fruit, and cursed it because it did not. "The time of figs was not yet", i.e. it was not reasonable to find fully developed fruit on it.
The fig tree referred to the nation of Israel; Jesus expected to find at least the beginnings of some spiritual fruit, but due to the chronic dearth of response to his message, Jesus cursed the nation and dried it up (Mk.11:13,14,20). This would lead us to interpret the putting forth of leaves on the fig tree as the signs of an initial repentance and indication that real spiritual fruit is developing. It may well be that the whole of the Olivet prophecy has reference to a final three and a half year tribulation of the believers just prior to the second coming, and that during this time there will be a period of zealous witnessing to both Jews and Gentiles. This fits into place with the fig tree parable; this preaching starts to produce some degree of response from Israel, and then "all (is) fulfilled" in the full manifestation of Christ's Kingdom.
The parable says that as surely as Summer follows Spring, so those who see the blossoming of the fig tree in the parable, will see the Kingdom. Maybe this is to be taken literally; there may be a literal gap of a few weeks/months (as between Spring and Summer) between the first signs of Jewish repentance, and all being fulfilled. It may well be that the "all" which will be fulfilled in Lk.21:32 is to be equated with "the times of the Gentiles" being fulfilled (Lk.21:24). "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles" for three and a half years, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 'Jebus', the old name for Jerusalem, means 'downtrodden'.
This hints that the liberation of Jebus at the beginning of David's reign was seen by Christ as typical of the time when He would liberate Jerusalem from downtreading, at his return. This suggests that the times of Gentile domination of Jerusalem are to be ended by the establishment of the Kingdom at Christ's second coming; we are yet to see, therefore, a Gentile domination of Jerusalem before Christ's coming.
"The times of the Gentiles" are often taken to have finished in 1967. But at least three major problems arise with this:
1) The temple site, Biblical 'Zion', is still not totally under Jewish control due to the presence of the Mosque there.
2) "Trodden down" has clear links with Dan.8:13 and Rev.11:2, which describe the temple being blasphemously desecrated for certain periods of time. How can they have ended in 1967, seeing the 'Dome of the Rock' still stands there? And 1967 minus 2300 day/years (Dan.8:13) or 1260 day/years (Rev.11:2) do not appear to yield any significant starting points.
3) The times of Gentile opportunity, as some read it, are still with us now as much as they were in 1967. If anything, numbers of baptisms have mushroomed since 1967, notably in distant Gentile lands.
The Blossoming Of The Fig Tree
More attention now needs to be paid to the other references to the blossoming of the fig tree. Between them they build up a strong case for the suggestion made earlier- that the fig tree parable refers to the beginnings of Jewish repentance in the last days, which will herald the establishment of the Kingdom at Christ's return.
- Lk.13:6-9 records another parable of the fig tree, upon which that in Lk.21 is based. Jesus, the dresser of God's vineyard of Israel, came seeking spiritual fruit on the fig tree, for the three years of his ministry. Because of the lack of it, the tree was cut down. Christ said "Now (i.e. towards the end of the tribulation period?) learn a parable of the fig tree" (Mt.24:32). It is tempting to read this as 'Now learn the parable of the fig tree', seeing that the parable of the Olivet prophecy is so similar to the previous fig tree parable.
- "Ye shall know them (primarily referring to the Jewish false prophets who dressed up as lambs/Christians) by their fruits. Do men gather...figs of thistles?" (Mt.7:15,16). Thus the fruit of the fig tree is associated with signs of true spiritual development among the Jews. For confirmation of this, see comment on Mic.7:1 later.
- The prophecy of Habakkuk is concerning the coming judgment upon Israel unless they repented. In the last few verses the prophet reflects that even though Israel would not repent as a result of his preaching, he personally would rejoice in the Lord and maintain his own spirituality. He describes this in the language of the fig tree: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom (i.e. put forth leaves), neither shall fruit be in the vines (notice the equation of fruit and just blossoming)...yet will I rejoice in the Lord" (3:17,18).
- Jer.24:2-5 describes the Jews who repented during their 70 year captivity in Babylon as "good figs...that are first ripe". In the same way, good figs will start to be developed on the Jewish fig tree as a result of their passing through the tribulation of the last days, which will lead to their repentance. The arrogant Jews who were taken into captivity by Babylon learnt humility and repentance, thanks to the words of the prophets who underwent the same tribulation as they did. This points forward to the Jews of today undergoing a similar captivity and conversion as a result of the preaching campaign during the tribulation. Thus Lk.21:25,26 describes the Jewish sun, moon and stars being shaken, (Jewish) men's hearts failing them for fear because of the tribulation that is breaking over the land (A.V. "earth") of Israel. Then there is the fig tree parable; the repentance of Israel comes about as a result of the traumas in the land described in the previous verses.
- Micah laments the lack of spiritual fruit amongst the Jews: "My soul desired the firstripe fruit (fig)...(but) there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood...the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge" (7:1,2,4). This is probably the basis for Christ's parable about the Jews being thorns instead of figs (Mt.7:15,16).
- God recalls how originally the Jews had borne spiritual fruit, especially amongst the generation that entered the land (the most spiritually fruitful of all the generations of Israel?): "I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baal-peor" (Hos. 9:10).
- The fig tree was to shoot forth tender branches. Is.30:17 implies that the fig tree being without branches symbolizes Israel under domination by the Gentiles: "One thousand (Jews) shall flee at the rebuke of one (invader)...till ye be left as a tree bereft of branches" (A.V.mg.). The repentance of Israel- the tender growth of the branches- will therefore come at a time when they have no branches, i.e. at a time of Gentile domination of Israel.
Both vine and fig trees are used as symbols of Israel. It seems likely that the Lord had in mind the figure of Is. 18:5 in mind when constructing this parable. Here we are told that the vine must be pruned and some branches “cut down” (RV)- exactly the language of trial and tribulation which Jesus uses in Jn. 15. The result of this will be that “the flower becometh a ripening grape”(RV)- i.e. spiritual fruit is brought forth by tribulation (the same figure is found in Is. 17:6-8). And out of all this, “a present shall be brought unto the Lord of Hosts of a people scattered and peeled...whose land the rivers [Babylon, Assyria, in Isaiah’s symbology] have spoiled, to the place of the Name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion” (Is. 18:7). The fruit on the vine corresponds with the repentant latter day remnant of Israel; and the pruning of that vine to their sufferings during the final tribulation.
Hastening The Return
Joel 2:18-20 describes how the northern invader of Israel in the last days will be driven away, and the rest of the prophecy describes the conflicts associated with this and the setting up of the Kingdom. Verses 18 reads "Then will the Lord be jealous for His land, and pity His people", etc. This implies that the previous words of Joel also have a latter day reference; and they describe a massive invasion and domination of Israel because of the Jews' wickedness, which will only be lifted by their repentance. This all describes the latter day holocaust of the Jews, and our calling upon them to repent. There are several links in this part of Joel with the last days- "the day of the Lord cometh" (2:1); "there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it" (2:2). This is the final, unsurpassed "time of trouble such as never was" for Israel. The invasion will be upon the mountains (2:2,5), which is where Gog will invade. "The earth shall quake before them; the hearers shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining" (2:10) is quite clearly Luke 21 language of the last days. During this time of tribulation, "the vine is dried up, the fig tree languisheth" (1:12)- i.e. Israel were spiritually unfruitful (Mk.11:20). But on their repentance, "the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength" (2:22). The generation who see the beginnings of this spiritual revival among the Jews will see the establishment of the Kingdom. As the tribulation gets progressively worse, we will strain our eyes for every sign of Jewish repentance. Those who understand these things will therefore have a verve and fire in their preaching to the Jews because they know that the sooner they are successful, the sooner their Lord will appear in His glory. For the elects' sake the days- i.e. the 42 months, the 1260 days, the three and a half years- of our tribulation, may be shortened. Our present apathy in witnessing to the Jews may need a tribulation to shake off.
When the watchman of Is. 21:11 calls out “What hour of the night [will it come]?” (RVmg.) the answer is “Turn ye” (RV). This is when it will come- when Israel turn again in repentance. This is alluded to in Acts 1:7,8; Mk. 13:28-33, where the answer to the question ‘When will Jesus return?’ is basically: ‘Preach to Israel; lead them to repentance. That’s when the Lord Jesus will return’. When Israel are finally broken in pieces, both literally and spiritually, then “all these things shall be finished” and her invaders will likewise be broken in pieces by the Lord’s return (Dan. 12:7 = Dan. 2:44).
http://www.carelinks.net/14.htm
Thank you for your post. A gentle reminder to all to keep your bibles close to your heart.
It is highly plausible if not an obvious given, that our Lord is working his way into our culturally self-destructive world. How could anyone even dispute the fact that our designer and creator surely must have more control over our lives than most would like to admit. Just as God can create miracles he can just as easily bring us forms of devastation. Checks and balances if you will.
Anyone who has had any unbiased study in historical and recent disasters and is familiar with cultural geography their societal morals, dominating beliefs, or lack of, should be able to identify that these world wide natural phenomenon typically happen in areas where God's teachings are not the primary principle of the land. But yet when these disasters strike, a blessed event takes place in which people who are struggling to comprehend these events, are brought closer to God where their answers can be found and hope restored.
But being sensible doesn't make much money, and talking about end days gets converts fast (that was a Jehova's Witnesses cornerstone for a long time).
Righto. Bible believers also forget that the Gospel has to be preached throughout the world before the end of time and that sure ain't happened.
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I never heard of this guy but this sounds like my kind of book. Anyone here read it?
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Here is a review from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0915815451/qid=1129143094/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-2975855-7787044?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
LOL. If they start, that'll foretell the end of his world....
Mathew 24-31 Jesus gives us signs to look for of the destruction of Jerusalem, of thy coming, and the end of the world.
Mathew 32,Read carefully! Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, YOU KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NIGH:
Likewise when you see ALL THESE THINGS, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Luke, 21:5-28, signs, signs and more signs to look for.
Luke 29, READ CAREFULLY. And he spoke to themn a parable; Behold the fig tree, AND ALL THE TREES;
When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Luke 12, 54. And he said also to the people, When you see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, there commeth a shower, and so it is.
And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, there will be heat; and it commeth to pass.
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Mathew16: 1, The Pharisees also with the sadducees came and tempting desired him that he would show them asign from heaven.
He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say it will be fair weather for the sky is red.
And in the morning, it will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and lowring. Oh ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
What does the red sky signify?
The lowring sky?
The west cloud?
The south wind?
These are merely illustrations of looking for signs. The same is the fig tree. They signify nothing in prophecy.
The Earth WILL be destroyed by fire. But that will not be the "END" of the earth or believers or church, for there will be a new earth. And the church, the believers have everlasting life.
Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
2 Peter 3:6 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. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2 Peter 3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Revelation 21:1 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
***These are merely illustrations of looking for signs. The same is the fig tree. They signify nothing in prophecy.***
Let me clarify one point. I am refering to the fig tree IN THESE VERSES only as no refering to prophecy.
In other verses they do, but not these.
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