Posted on 02/21/2009 6:09:00 AM PST by kindred
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. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. This is done by faith (or trust).
Let's prove the Bible is true and we are nearing the end of the last generation before Christ returns.
1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That’s 1 out of 1. Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn. The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here. Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God’s Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah’s time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times.
2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 2 out of 2. Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People’s Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People’s Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces.
3. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) "out of the nations"-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 3 out of 3. Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"—the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland.
4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That’s 4 out of 4. Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel’s rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel’s rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel’s rebirth and the signs of the times— that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready?
5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That’s 5 out of 5. Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us—you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don’t know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today’s church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don’t even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived.
6. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit the people of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some:
A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect.
B. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18.
C. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—"I do it for me"?
D. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2.
E. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2.
F. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27.
G. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation?
H. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Our American motto "In God we trust" has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end.
I. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God’s Word is 100% right on every one. That’s 6 out of 6. How could you have any doubts at this point? Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.
7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That’s 7 out of 7. Note: It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2004) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over.
8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8. Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world.
9. In the "latter days" when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That’s 9 out of 9. Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN.
10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That’s 10 out of 10.
11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is an exact description of the European Economic Community today (the EEC), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That’s 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible—11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago—with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end.
About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and get baptized by full immersion. Read and obey the Gospel. God loves you. He is not willing that any should perish, yet many do. The Rapture is close. Most people are not ready and will not be taken. However, "YOU" cannot say you did not know. Know and understand, Mt 16:26-WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN
A man with many interesting theories. Sadly, he was totally sold out for the failed dispensational system. Most of his theories came about by applying the system to interpreting the Bible, not vice versa.
Bullinger's theology was extreme dispensationalism on which he wrote numerous articles which appeared in his Monthly Journal Things to Come . His name has become virtually synonymous with Hyper-dispensationalism. (Theopedia)Yah'shua is coming at the end of the sixth millennia (day)
Another interesting theory, lots of speculation, but not really supported directly from the Bible.
for the 1000 years (day) of rest and peace
Followed by an eternity of rest and peace?
My recommendation is that if you want to study a Bullinger, try Heinrich Bullinger. Much better theology.
” Why do you have to be so negative? Why do you mock and belittle your brethren? Where is your humility and patience?
Why can’t we all just get along? I think you need to check your motives, my friend.”
You will be contacted by my copyright lawyer.
I believe it also removed God’s hand of protection over America. One prophecy I read said that they saw an evil spirit in back of obama after he was elected and the spirit said, ‘now I have access.’ I believe also that as long as George Bush was in the White House, satan didn’t have access. Now he has access to all. PRAY.
Well, I’m almost 70 and it’s increased by sooo much since I was young.
I think that to mean that Israel will not cease to be again until that time. I could be wrong, but if I recall correctly “generation” meant something different from what we, today, take it to mean.
Perhaps someone whose Latin is a bit better than mine can explain how or if the meaning was lost in transliteration.
One prophecy I read said that they saw an evil spirit in back of 0bama after he was elected and the spirit said, ‘now I have access.’
Should I even bother to ask for book, chapter and verse?
The low hit rate of the modern soi disant "prophets" calls into doubt whether they have been called into God's presence and commissioned with a message for his ekklesia.
Just have them file it under "pot calling kettle black".
One prophecy I read said that Mussolini was the antichrist. Go figure.
Where do I file my complaint with the Prophets (Profits) Guild?
The word generation (Greek, genea) in the Bible means roughly what it means today; a people then living.
Jesus often addressed the “generation” of His contemporary Jews.
"But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.’" (Matt. 12:39) {The sign of Jesus’ resurrection was directly given to the generation of 1st century Jews.}
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." (Matt. 23:36) {Jesus was speaking about that contemporary generation of Jews.}
This is confirmed in the Old Testament:
"So the Lord's anger was aroused against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord was gone." (Numbers 32:13) {It took forty years for that generation who disobeyed God to die off in the wilderness.}
Perhaps someone whose Latin is a bit better than mine can explain how or if the meaning was lost in transliteration.
Latin??
From a biblical perspective, the “rapture” is simply the resurrection and changing of the body at Christ’s Second Coming from the believer’s standpoint. Those who have trusted in God’s Messiah from all time will be raised from the dead or changed in the twinkling of an eye at His appearance. Unbelievers will also be resurrected/changed at the same time, and so all men will change before the judgment seat of Christ, aka, the white throne judgment. At this time the sheep and goats will be separated. The sheep will enter into the eternal state in the blessing of their redemption through Christ. The goats will enter into an eternity of pain and suffering.
The corruption of the “rapture” doctrine came about when folks started teaching this it was a separate event chronologically from the Second Coming.
Um, no. It was a word from the Lord to this person, not written in the Bible. Duh.
Ohmigawd. People are really going to church without bringing their six-pound show bibles with them? Indeed, we ARE lukewarm.
Ohmigawd. People are really going to church without bringing their six-pound show bibles with them? Indeed, we ARE lukewarm.
BTW, if you want to see how confused folks are about the “rapture,” just ask them if Abraham, Moses, or David will be “raptured”.
Um, no. It was a word from the Lord to this person, not written in the Bible. Duh.
Lots of people hear voices. Why should I believe this one, especially at second (or farther) hand?
Repeat after me; modern Israel is not biblical Israel. Demonstration of that truth is trivial using the Bible alone.
I once owned a car called a “Cougar”. When I examined it I saw it did not have four legs and fur. I knew then it was not a real cougar. The only thing the cat and the car had in common was the name.
I think you meant to address grumpa.
There are two major problems with preterism. First, in order to support the notion of an A.D. 70 fulfillment of the large number of details surrounding the tribulation, preterists must use an unwarranted allegorical interpretative approach.
al•le•gor•i•cal (ăl'ĭ-gôr'ĭ-kəl, -gŏr'-) also al•le•gor•ic adj.Preterism is not based on allegorical interpretation. Anyone who asserts that it is either a) doesn’t understand preterism, or b) doesn’t understand allegories (or both).
- Of, characteristic of, or containing allegory: an allegorical painting of Victory leading an army.al•le•go•ry (ăl'ĭ-gôr'ē, -gōr'ē) n., pl. -ries.
1.
a. The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
b. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby Dick are allegories.
2. A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.
What confuses most people is some variation on definition 2 above, symbolical interpretation. But few people deny symbolical interpretation in the Bible, e.g., the beast and great whore of Revelation are both symbolical representations of something else.
A second major error of preterism is the confusion of judgment and salvation in relation to the nation of Israel.
This has nothing to do with preterism per se. All non-dispensational/futurist views of the end times deny the dispensational view of the Church and Israel, and that there is still some future catastrophic judgment awaiting national Israel where 2/3 of those Jews living in Israel will be killed. That is merely an interpretative fantasy that some folks get to by ignoring the significance of the events of AD70 in God’s covenant program for the nations.
“Why do you have to be so negative? Why do you mock and belittle your brethren? Where is your humility and patience?”
In all seriousness, I didn’t call Lee N. Field an idiot, fool, deceiver, numb scull, etc. for believing preterism (or rather amillenialism). I stated it was his poison.
Do you see the difference? A theology can be poisonous but I don’t have to belittle the person that believes it.
And who has used any of those terms, I'm just wondering?
Then of course there is the fact that you didn’t even take the time to actually figure out whether he was, in fact, a preterist. What that an exhibition of humility and patience, or were you were just looking for an opportunity to attack.
It’s not even clear you know the difference, e.g., “believing preterism (or rather amillenialism)”.
Jesus doesn’t like hypocrites.
It was a word from the Lord to this person, not written in the Bible. Duh.
Could I also suggest that you might to read R. Scott Clark's blog post series The Secret of Knowing God's Will (the most recent of which is linked here).
Much of contemporary evangelical piety (and too much contemporary Reformed piety) is taken up with the Quest for Illegitimate Religious Certainty (QIRC) and the Quest for illegitimate Religious Experience (QIRE—see Recovering the Reformed Confession for more on these two phenomena). In their own ways each is an attempt to know God and his will apart from his ordained means. The result is a two-sided tyranny.The first aspect of this tyranny is the fear that “I haven’t heard the still, small voice of God.” This leads to paralysis. It also leads to doubt. The logic is ruthless:
1. God still speaks outside of Scripture and gives direct guidance and revelation to Christians.
2. Christian X hasn’t received such guidance and revelation.
3. Christian X is either a) not really a Christian or b) doesn’t have sufficient faith or lacks the power of the Spirit etc.
Whatever the cause, the outcome of the logic is unhappy but what if the problem is not the second premise but the first? What if the first premise is flawed? Well, of course, that is what this whole series has been arguing. In fact we do not live in the canonical period, in redemptive history. The Red Sea has been parted. The tomb is empty. The canon is closed. We’ve seen how the Spirit operates through the Word and the sacraments, how he illumines the Word and how he gives wisdom to those who ask but perhaps you’re still in bondage because you’re waiting for the still, small voice? Quoth Bob Newhart: “Stop it!”
What if God’s will for your life was already revealed? Wouldn’t that be grand? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you weren’t trapped in a circle waiting for God to speak but never really knowing if he has “spoken”? After all, how do you know if God has spoken directly to you? Is it an intuition? A hunch? Why does he seem to “speak” to others but not to me? Are there two classes of Christians? (those who receive special, extra-biblical revelations and those who do not?)
There are other questions the answers to which help relieve the crisis. Why is it that what God says so often sounds like what my revelation-receiving friend already thought? It’s remarkable how often God seems to agree with my revelation-receiving, still-small-voice hearing friend. As we read the whole of 1 Corinthians we see that Paul was quite opposed to the idea of two-classes of Christians. This is the problem with all forms of the “second blessing” theology. It necessarily creates two classes of Christians and yet it’s exactly contrary to Paul’s whole argument. All of us are members of the one body. Further, we’re all members of the one body, part of the one loaf of bread, as it were, in the post-canonical period.
The good news is that God has revealed himself in his Word. His will for your life is revealed. I can tell you what it is right now: trust Christ, love God, and love your neighbor (Matt 5).
....
One glorious consequence of the biblical and Reformed doctrine of sola Scriptura is that we don’t have to pay attention either to the upper or lower case prophets. We are free in Christ. This argument goes back to the Reformed rejection of the Anabaptist movement. The Anabaptists replied by calling us “dead orthodox.” Fine. Whatever. Bluntly, if being “led by the Spirit” means running around Europe claiming revelations and starting revolutions (see Münster) then we can live without that thank you very much.
Of course “keeping in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:22) has nothing to do with that sort of fanaticism. It means producing the fruit of the Spirit and we know what that is because God revealed it to everyone in Galatians 5! You don’t need a special gift to read God’s Word, trust it, and obey it. We’re free in Christ to obey God’s publicly revealed will and we’re free to ignore the spurious claims of all sorts of prophets. We’re not missing out. They don’t have anything we need. What we need is the moral will of God which is plainly revealed in the Word. What we need is the work of the Spirit to illumine that Word to us and to give us wisdom and the self-appointed prophets don’t have anything to do with that. You and I are free from the tyranny of human opinion because we are bound to the Word of God.
And a ping to Quixie, who should absorb this too.
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