Posted on 10/17/2009 9:12:18 AM PDT by kindred
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 2007) 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 Union today (the EU), 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.
EXCELLENT POST, AS USUAL.
THX.
I read those scriptures as indication of when Christ returns, not a rapture. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think I am. There is scripture that says the whole earth will be destroyed upon Jesus’ return. I don’t see how anyone can continue to live here if that’s the case.
Where is the Church found in each event?
Where does Jesus appear in each event?
Who is taken and who is left behind?
What will Jesus do at each event?
When does the Marriage of the Lamb take place?
How long will each event be?
Who will see Jesus at each event?
Will Jesus shout?
Will there be a resurrection at each?
What about the timing of each event?
What role will the angels of Heaven have?
What about the resurrected bodies?
White horse for Jesus or no white horse for Jesus?
What is the message each event will bring for mankind?
a TRUISM
I don’t know that it’s a great descriptor of this situation.
I think you’re mangling the language a bit.
IIRC, The timing may be close on the heels of or years off from that moment . . . I don’t recall it being instantaneous with.
VERY EXCELLENT POST. GOTTA COPY THAT OFF.
some times you need to know whe to speak up and when to shut up.
Hey are you a prophet???? I'm making chili tomorrow! How did you know?! ;-O
thanks...I’ll read through this thoroughly. I’ll post this from another thread that does take the other side of the equation and I found it interesting. The thing is, I’m just grateful I belong to Christ. I really don’t know what will happen and would certainly love to escape the wrath but I do believe that even if we DON’T escape the wrath God will protect us, as he has done through the ages for his people, even though they never left.
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Unfortunately, for myself anyway, one scripture, or even a few, didn’t resolve the rapture issue, I had to have a massive amount of proof. I suppose the following had more effect on me that anything else.
That is the fact that the book of Revelation is supposed to be just that, a revelation. What does it reveal on this issue? Well, it clearly sets forth Two resurrections, the “first resurrection” closing out the tribulation, beginning the millennial, with another resurrection at the end of the millennial.
A resurrection of righteous before the millennial, and a resurrection of “the rest of the dead” after the millennial. This is what is revealed. Now, if a pretrib coming of Christ was truth, with another coming of Christ after the tribulation, why was this not just as clearly revealed?
Two resurrections are revealed...in plain language, we should just as clearly expect to see two second comings revealed. But we see no such thing.
On the contrary, the book of Revelation, at the outset, only claims to reveal one second coming...
Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
And it is obviously not the “secret” pretrib rapture of Dispensational theology.
The book of Revelation flows forward to that singular event, which takes place in chapter 19, and chapter 20 when the first resurrection takes place. No second coming until then, no resurrection until then.
“First” really means first, if there were a pretrib resurrection taking place some seven years prior to this, it would be the first. This one, however, is at the end of the tribulation.
Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
10 posted on Tuesday, October 06, 2009 6:35:25 PM by sasportas
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Quite true.
Quite true.
Remember, there is a difference between Satan's wrath and God's wrath.
Mankind has been suffering the wrath of Satan, for about 6000 years now, because of man's own sin. Christians are never promised by God that He will always protect us from Satan's evil and the evil of a fallen human race. He chose to protect Daniel, and his friends, from Satan's wrath in the furnace, but we are never promised that we will be immune from the consequences of living in a sin-sick, fallen, evil world.
However, as the examples of Noah and Lot show, God will always remove His people from the scene before He sends judgment. We also have Enoch, whom God "raptured" off the face of the earth-Enoch was here one second and gone the next. He never experienced death.
So God has provided us with assurances through His Scriptures and through His historical dealings with those who trusted Him and lived their lives in His will and in obedience to Him, that those who will be in the generation during which the end-time signs would be occurring would be removed before He judges and cleanses this earth. That generation is the one we're living in; it's our generation.
Don't get Satan's wrath and God's wrath confused. They are like apples and oranges.
•At the Glorious Appearing, Jesus comes WITH His Church. (Zech 14:5, Col 3:4, Jude 14, Rev 19:14)
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in reviewing these scriptures, this is talking about His ANGELS, not us. It interchanges saints with angels. But we know that as His saints on earth, we are NOT angels, meaning different beings altogether, are coming with Him.
I absolutely believe God will remove us before the judgement but NOT before the tribulation necessarily. The tribulation is NOT the judgement.
The tribulation will be the ultimate set of plagues to make the remaining unbelieving people turn to Him, just like in Egypt. If you read about the time of Pharaoh, God did NOT remove the children of Israel but He did shelter them from the plagues.
I don’t think we’re removed during the tribulation though, but we are removed before the wrath.
And there are two different groups of "saints". There are the Christians who, since the death of Christ, have accepted Christ's atoning death on the cross as payment for their sins, have received His free gift of salvation, and are counted in the "Body of Christ", or His true Church.
Then there are those people, left behind on earth at the Rapture because at that time they did not know Christ as Savior. The Bible tells us that multitudes of these people will be saved during the Tribulation because of the work of the 144,000 Jews who are sealed by God and go throughout the earth spreading the Gospel. Those people are referred to as "Tribulation Saints" and the ones who survive the Tribulation without being killed by the Antichrist will be here on earth when Christ makes His bodily, physical return to earth with His raptured Church.
Those who were caught up in the Rapture are Christ's Church, not the angels, and will return with Him at the end of the Tribulation.
Paul articulates that the revealing of the Anti-Christ to the world cannot happen until the restrainer (The Holy Spirit) is removed. Consistently throughout Scripture and history, the Holy Spirit and His restraining influence is through God's People (Matthew 13,14; John 16:7, 11).
Paul makes it very clear that the Anti-Christ will be restrained until the Holy Spirit and the Church are removed. Due to the Anit-Christ' nature of administering Satan's will by signs and wonders, and successfully deceiving the unbelieving world by promoting idolatrous worship and possessing the power of death. and having all authority over commerce, and having an identifying physical mark; he cannot be revealed until after the rapture of the Church.
So Christians are gone before the Antichrist is revealed and the Scriptures tell us that he will rule the earth for seven years.
Christians will not be here for any of the Tribulation.
I have an application study bible (NKJV), and in the notes of Jude 14 it says:
“Other places where Jesus is mentioned as coming with angels (”His saints”) are Matthew 16:27 and 24:31. Daniel 7:10 speaks of God judging humanity in the presence of 10,000 times 10,000 angels.”
It’s interesting that in the scripture it references Saints in my Bible but in the notes it says it’s referencing Angels.
Odd, isn’t it?
Very well stated.
...and if you look up the word ‘Saints’ in your concordance, it does say that they are also Angels. Saints are any being ‘sanctified’ or set apart as holy.
Satan is also mentioned in the Bible. Being mentioned is not always a good thing.
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