I reread some older files on Simon Magus from you and Uncle Chip. The meaning is hitting home now, more than earlier. I have a busy weekend but I look forward to looking at this in depth.
Because I already had a preconceived idea it is difficult to replace....things keep running through my mind on what you are saying about the "man of sin" and what, who and where he is representing and also....how?
Thank you Diego,
.......Ping
I need to clarify this statement as after reading it I realize It's not exactly what I meant to say.
The "Abomination of Desolation" [Daniel 11:31][Daniel 12:11] has occurred already occurred twice. Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the Temple (Jerusalem 168 B.C.) by dedicating it to Jupiter and even sacrificed pigs on the altar. Titus desecrated it in 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed. Prophecy is sometimes dual in nature and we definitely see that exhibited here......but I did not mean that the False Prophet would not also desecrate a "New Temple" in Jerusalem in the future. What I was attempting....(clumsily) to say.... was that for 2000 years now desecration of "A" sanctuary has been an ongoing thing.
Our Lord said [Matthew 24:15] "When you see it (the Abomination of Desolation) standing in the Holy place" & [Luke 21:20] "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies Desolation will be near" & [Mark 13:14] "When you see it (Abomination of Desolation standing where it does not belong.....then let those in Judea flee to the mountains." The fact that Jerusalem is being surrounded.....and folks are to flee from Judea to the mountains indicates a Jerusalem locale for the desecration of the Temple.
The problem here is that there is currently no Temple in Jerusalem. That does not mean one will not be built!
The Papacy has called for Jerusalem to become an "International" city for sometime now and an open city for folks of all religious persuasions. The leadership of Israel, for the most part, has always said that "Never Again" will Jerusalem be a divided city. It will always be the Capital of a Jewish state. There is obviously much pressure from the surrounding Arab countries to insure that this policy does not prevail.
The next big war will probably tell the tale....if there is intervention from Europe (probably will be) you can bet your bottom dollar that the Vatican will be involved. If the armies surrounding Jerusalem are European Armies think of the possible misconceptions the world may have! If there is a Temple built at that point, and we see a Papal delegation, in the interest of Ecumenical cooperation....visiting that New Temple.....as the armies of Europe do indeed surround the place, giving off the impression of providing security, and whatever Pope it might be....performing miracles to millions via satellite television......well, read [2 Thessalonians 2:4] again! Maybe his personal intervention has brought "Peace" to the middle East????? You can see the ramifications!
Most folks would be deceived that this could be anything but God sanctioned....after all, European Armies protecting Israel. C'mon now....what's the problem with that? If they were Arab.....we would be concerned....but Armies of Europe and the Pope himself! Not to worry!
Do you see what I'm getting at? The Pope could claim that "THE CHURCH" was returning to its roots......and the "Abomination of Desolation" would be in place!
Everything hinges on when.... and if a new temple is built in Jerusalem. But the desecration of New Testament Christianity has been going on for two thousand years. I think the Prophecy in [Mark 13:14] is the most apropos: But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: