Who directs that the Temple be rebuilt for the time of the last seven years of the 490 years promised the Israelites in Daniel’s prophecy? Never before have the Israelites worshiped any other but God when following the Temple worship per God’s instructions. At the midway point of the Tribulation the anti Christ STOPS the sacrifice. If they were worshiping him why would he do that?
>> We also know from Revelation that there will be martrys for Christ and they are called 'saints' as well.
I don’t think anyone disputes that. There were those in the Old Testament also who were martyred for their faith in God and adherence to His laws.<<
>>If we look at Revelation 11 on the two witnesses it says they will give "testimony." Testimony to what? Given the large amount of OT and NT evidence that message or testimony will be the same one proclaimed at Pentecost, to Cornelius, and in all the epistles. <<
That would be speculation of course. As a matter for consideration the two witnesses prophesy as opposed to proclaim “the same one proclaimed at Pentecost”. By definition it would seem to me they are prophesying what is to befall the world rather than proclaim the gospel.
REVELATION 11: 3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
I agree we are not certain 100% exactly the point. My point originally is we should not be using eschatology to draw a conclusion that Peter preached a different Gospel than Paul. I don't think it was you I responded to perhaps smvoice.
How this conversation started between Christ Blood bought Christians was the article at hand. The article emphasized if we abide in Christ we obey Him. If we love Him we will obey Him. That is true for all ages going back to Adam and Eve. Being saved by Grace through faith does not exempt us from obeying Him.
Now we all know saving faith produces an obedient heart and mind. Romans 7 Paul tells us we will not be perfect, however our mission is obey Him, share Him with others, and do His Will. When we fall short we have Him as a Advocate to the Father.
If we think JMac is giving a legalistic sermon then perhaps I will post a few from Spurgeon, Gill and Henry. They make the same points a believer being obedient. When we say we have faith, that implies in our English language there is faithfulness from the person. I am not promoting a monastic life in the desert, or saying those saved lose their salvation, or only the saved sin no more...No way, and neither is JMac. I am not perfect, none of us are and through God conforming us to His Son's Image we are works in progress. No doubt.
On the prophecy end of this discussion? We all seem to have different varying understandings of eschatology. I think that is fine because although we have much to study, we cannot be 100% certain on many things. We know for certain what Jesus and the apostles gave us. We are to be expectantly waiting in all ages for the immediate return of Messiah Jesus, and keep doing the things He told us to do which the crowning jewel is the Great Commission.
In my opinion we do well to read the first three chapters of Revelation closely because it applied to the churches then as it does today. I might add Jesus was very directive to those churches and emphasized endurance.
I truly believe God revealed a lot of prophecy to us to be used to witness to unbelievers. Prophecy shows there is an end game and all will have to answer to God.