Chapter 10

Chapter 10
The Son of Perdition

“I am God!” I expect to hear this statement coming out of the mouth of the man that will be the first and last human ruler of the entire world—the antichrist. And, believe it or not, many will believe his words and fall for his deception, and he will be heralded as the greatest man to ever live as he brings peace to a worn-torn, tumultuous world. Yes, there is coming a day when the world will cry out for someone to bring peace to the world and rule over them. After the chaos of the first four seals unfolds upon the earth—financial collapse, WWIII, famines, plagues, and death — and the desperation during the aftermath; the world will unfortunately turn to a man filled with satan to solve its problems — the false messiah, the son of perdition, the antichrist.

Since authority over the world will be given to him for the last 3.5 years of the 70th Week, his actions will affect every person living on the earth at that time. With the opening of the fifth seal, no one on earth will be able to buy or sell without taking his mark (Rev. 13:16,17) and he will wage war against Christians and Jews and they will suffer severe persecution at his hands: “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Rev 13:7) Here is what the illuminati plan revealed in the “Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion” say about his reign of despotism “and our kingdom will be distinguished by a despotism of such magnificent proportions as to be at any moment and in every place in a position to wipe out any ... who oppose us by deed or word."

We have briefly discussed the antichrist throughout the book, but since he will hold such a prominent position—the head of the NWO—and will affect so many, I believe that we should examine the biblical facts and other pertinent information about him. Exposing him may also help some avoid the trap of his deceptions.

What the Prophecies Reveal

One of the most prominent, easily recognized, and most likely public actions of the antichrist prophesied in scripture, which we have already discussed in detail, is that in the midst of the 70th Week, he will strengthen the seven-year peace treaty that was made with “the many.”

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Dan. 9:27)

Not only will he strengthen the peace treaty that will have already been in existence before he comes on the scene, but also this verse tells us another prominent action of the antichrist—that he will perform the abomination of desolation. This is when he will enter the temple and stop the sacrifices and proclaim to the entire world that he is god.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2 Thess. 2: 3,4)

Of course this cannot happen until there is a temple, which will most likely be rebuilt during the first half of the 70th Week after the Dome of the Rock is destroyed by his henchmen. Daniel gives us more insights about the antichrist and his religious beliefs.

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. (Dan. 11:37-39)

Some interpret this verse to mean the antichrist will worship a god of forces/science and that he will set himself above all gods. The phrase “nor the desire of women” could refer to the fact that he will not worship a female god or could be in regards to his sexual orientation...

 

 

Know Fear -- No Fear

When the world enters into the end times it will be one of the most tumultuous periods in its existence. The sorrows and tribulations that will be coming upon the world in that time are going to be intense. I must admit that thinking about the future has brought fear into my heart and may have brought fear into yours. Some do not even want to talk about the end times because it frightens them too much.

I know this; God does not want you to be afraid and God does want you to know the truth about the end times--for "the truth will set you free."

So how can we not be afraid? The answer; by fearing God.

For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, 12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. 13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; Isaiah 8:11-14

If we fear God by acknowledging who He is, the infinitely powerful creator who holds us accountable for our sins, and call out to Him to be saved we become one of His children. Just as parents have a desire protect their children, God will protect His in an infinitely greater way.

So the fear of the Lord brings protection and with protection comes the removal of fear. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: Prov 1:7a and that knowledge will vanquish fear.

What will God specifically do for His children? Job 5 gives a good summary: Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: 18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. 19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword. 21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. 22 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 23 For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. 24 And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. 25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. 26 Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. 27 Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

If we fear the Lord and are saved and become His child He will protect us and He will only allow times of tribulation and anguish to come upon us if it is for our good. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28. Problems can also come upon us for chastisement because of our disobedience. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1Cor 11:30.

To sum it all up: Knowing fear leads to no fear. Let us rest securely in our Father's hands.

Visit our salvation page and be saved today. Learn the truth about the end times, read The Coming Epiphany before it is too late.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9
The Fourth Beast

Have you ever heard the term “New World Order?” That is the term given to the coming one world government. Former President Bush made reference to the NWO in several speeches. The Washington Times recently reported on the fact that President George Bush called for just such a New World Order while giving a speech in Canada:

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — President Bush yesterday challenged international leaders to create a new world order, declaring pre-September 11 multilateralism outmoded and asserting that freedom from terrorism will come only through pre-emptive action against enemies of democracy.[1]

In his inauguration speech, President Bush also acknowledged that the United States is going forward with the plan set about to bring in the “new order of the ages” or in other words the New World Order.[2] This coming one world government, NWO, was foreseen by Daniel thousands of years ago in a vision.

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:7-8)

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast…Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. (Dan 7:19-27)

The apostle John also saw a vision of the end times demonic world kingdom in Revelation 13.

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:1-8)

This most dreadful world empire represented by the fourth beast will be controlled by the devil himself, of which the antichrist will be the leader for the last 3.5 years of the 70th Week. The NWO, the final world kingdom, will be the supreme entity on the earth during the end-times, and this final world kingdom will directly and indirectly affect many people’s lives. They will be responsible for much of what occurs on the earth during the 70th Week and directly responsible for the first 5 seals. I feel it is necessary for people to know about the NWO so that people would not be caught off guard by their actions. The more you know about the NWO, the more you can help others avoid the great deception that is coming and that is already at work in the world today.

What Is the New World Order?
Throughout the ages many people—starting with Adam and Eve—have been deceived into following satan and doing his bidding. For the last couple of hundred years, satan has gathered a group of people whose goal has been to take over the world and form a one-world government. This group of people could best be called ”the illuminati.” And can refer to any group which has “seen the light” and been “illuminated” in the satanic way described above. This would include Masons, Theosophists, Knights Templar, satanists, pagans, and New Age adherents. All of these groups are very similar in belief.[3]

Here is a quote from New Age adherent and promoter David Spangler that shows the satan/Illuminati/New Age connection.

Lucifer is the angel of man’s inner light….Lucifer, like Christ, stands at the door of man’s consciousness and knocks….If man says, ‘Come in,’ Lucifer becomes….the being who carries…the light of wisdom….Lucifer is literally the angel of experience. He is an agent of God’s love…and we move into a new age…each of us in some way is brought to that point which I term the Luceriferic initiation….It is one that many people now, and in the days ahead, will be facing, for it is an initiation into the New Age.[4]

In recent years, Illuminati have risen to the top of world and national politics. Here is a list of a few of the reported modern day Illuminati groups: The Carnegies, The CFR, The Bilderbergers, The Rothschilds, and the Tri Lateral Commission. Illuminati are in key world positions and control much of what happens in the world. Listen to what Jim Searcy has to say about the power and control of the Illuminati:...



[1] Curl, Joseph, Bush Calls for Global Cooperation. Washington Times, December 2, 2004.
[2] Bush transcript, Fox News;
http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,144976,00.html
[3] Hitler was an illuminati who masqueraded as a Christian and was part of a satanic group called the Thule Society. Here is what he said: “I got Illumination…from the Freemasons….There is one dangerous element…I have copied from the Freemasons. They form a sort of priestly nobility. They have developed an esoteric doctrine….imparted through the medium of symbols and mysterious rites in degrees of initiation…by working on the imagination through magic and symbols of a cult —all this is the dangerous element that I have taken over. Don’t you see that our party must be of this character?…. An order, the hierarchical Order of a secular priesthood.” (Morals and Dogma. p.60.) Beware of leaders who proclaim to be Christians but their actions speak differently, especially if they have associations with the illuminati or veiled satanic groups and especially if they make statements like “we all worship the same God.” Christians are to obey the government (Rom 13:1) and “honor the king” (I Pet 2:17). But that does not mean that Christians should blindly follow leaders or the government in disobeying the Lord.
[4] Ibid. p.140
[5] Searcy Jim. The Who, What, and Why of the Illuminati.
[6] http://www.conspiracyarchive.com/NWO/Illuminati.htm
[7] http://www.rense.com/general83/13h.htm
[8] “Let’s Talk Illuminati 2000,” http://hometown.aol.com/ncscia/politics/
[9] Cuddy, Dennis. p.20, Now is the Dawning of the New Age New World Order. 2000, Hearthstone publishing, Oklahoma City.
[10] Bay, David. Freemasonry—Two Organizations, One Visible, The Other Invisible. Cutting Edge Newsletter.
[11] Hall, Manly. Lectures on Ancient Philosophy. P. 433.
[12] Pike, Albert. Morals and Dogma. P. 103.
[13] Ibid, p.33
[14] Ibid, p.33-34
[15] Cutting Edge News Article, #1756
[16]http://lasttrumpetnewsletter.org/2009/02_09.html
[17] Fitzpatrick, John Clement. The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript George Washington.. p.453
[18] Rainbowlt, p.16
[19] Cutting Edge News Article, #1756
[20] Rainbowlt, p.14
[21] Bailey, Alice. Externalisation of the Hierarchy. P.511
[22] http://www.cuttingedge.org/detail.cfm?ID=1984
[23] http://www.greatdreams.com/political/invasion_of_america.htm
[24] Ibid,
[25] Wallace, Henry A., 1934. Statesmanship and Religion. New York, Round Table Press, Inc, pp 78-79.
[26] If you would like to see some more evidence of the NWO on our money Google “twenty dollar bill twin towers”
[27] http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/chapter3/index.htm
[28] Makow, Henry. Illuminati Defector Speaks of Pervasive Conspiracy.
http://www.rense.com/general30/Illuminatidefector.htm
[29] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/3521671/US-will-collapse-and-break-up-Russian-analyst-predicts.html
[30] Meyer, David. Last Trumpet Newsletter July 2004.
http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/2004/July2004.html
[31] Cutting Edge News Article #1002
[32] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAs7XZVgKhI&feature=related
[33] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hiPrsc9g98
[34] http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080226.html
[35] Icke, David. The Plan is to Use America to Break America.
[36] “Who Was Albert Pike?” http://www.threeworldwars.com/albert-pike.htm
[37] Ibid
[38] Cutting Edge Newsletter. 7/5/2003.
[39] Who Was Albert Pike?
[40] Cooper, Behold a Pale Horse. p. 167, 177
[41] Some have cited Luke 21:12-24 as evidence that WWIII occurs after the Abomination of Desolation. One reason that they surmise this is because the passage says; “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.” Thus, they assert that the things mentioned above all happen after Seal 5. If you just take the Luke passage alone, that is a logical conclusion, but taking into account the Matthew and Mark passage, which places the “nation arising against nation” before the Abomination of Desolation, this creates a contradiction. Scripture cannot contradict scripture; thus there has to be another interpretation for the Luke passage. The other interpretation is that the persecution that would happen before all these sorrows is the persecution that the first century Christians endured. Here is what Ryrie has to say about this in his Study Bible. “Luke 21-7 when …will these things happen? There is a dual perspective in Christ’s answer—the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and the tribulation days just prior to his Second Coming.” So I believe that the persecution that will occur before the great wars mentioned in the Luke passage is in reference to the persecution that the first century Christians endured.
[42] http://www.examiner.com/x-18425-LA-County-Nonpartisan-Examiner~y2010m2d18-British-military-insider-World-War-III-is-being-staged-starting-with-Israel-and-Iran
[43] http://projectcamelot.org/anglo_saxon_mission_interview_transcript.html
[44] Cutting Edge news article #1864
[45] Cutting Edge news article #1842.
[46] Ibid.
[47] It is interesting to note that a day and a year after the “birthing ceremonies” was the infamous 9/11 tragedy. The time span of “A day and a year” is significant to illuminati. This, among other things, is one of the indications that 9/11 was part of the illuminati plan to establish the NWO.
[48]http://www.rightsidenews.com/200901093251/editorial/chorus-call-for-new-world-order.html
[49]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/5051075/A-world-currency-moves-nearer-after-Tim-Geithners-slip.html

3 Lines to Israel; One for Life, Two for Death

There are three lines; 2 are for death and one is for life. What will you choose America? What will you choose Israel? Here is the rest of the story...

The other night as I was reading my Bible for my nightly devotions I randomly turned to 2 Samuel 8. The second verse hit me like a ton of bricks.

And after this it came to pass that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines. 2And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. (2Samuel 8:1,2)

Let's investigate the passage and see what it means. The phrase "with a line" only occurs once in the KJV. Strong's defines the word like this.

Strong's H2256 - chebel

1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company

a) a rope, cord
b) a measuring-cord or line
c) a measured portion, lot, part, region
d) a band or company

2) pain, sorrow, travail, pang

a) pains of travail
b) pains, pangs, sorrows

3) union

4) destruction
Matthew Henry comments on the passage;

God had given David rest from all his enemies that opposed him and made head against him; and he having made a good use of that rest, has now commission given him to make war upon them, and to act offensively for the avenging of Israel’s quarrels and the recovery of their rights; for as yet they were not in full possession of that country to which by the promise of God they were entitled...

He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel, v. 2. He divided the country into three parts, two of which he destroyed, casting down the strong-holds, and putting all to the sword; the third part he spared, to till the ground and be servants to Israel. Dr. Lightfoot says, "He laid them on the ground and measured them with a cord, who should be slain and who should live;’’ and this is called meting out the valley of Succoth, Ps. 60:6. The Jews say he used this severity with the Moabites because they had slain his parents and brethren, whom he put under the protection of the king of Moab during his exile, 1 Sa. 22:3, 4. He did it in justice, because they had been dangerous enemies to the Israel of God; and in policy, because, if left in their strength, they still would have been so. But observe, Though it was necessary that two-thirds should be cut off, yet the line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Be sure to give that length enough; let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost in favorem vitae—so as to favour life. Matthew Henry Commentary

In the post "A-lining" With Israel it was shown that there are three lines that align with prominent locations in the United States and Israel. One that goes through the capital in Washington D.C., the first capital in New York, and the Golan Heights. The second goes through the capital in Washington D.C., the second capital in Philadelphia, and the Gaza Strip. The third goes through Independence Hall and the Temple Mount and aligns with "interesting" locations in the USA. It was also shown that these lines have profound prophetic implications.

So we have 3 prominent lines between the USA and Israel and 2 days after the study was posted as I randomly open my Bible God brings me to the only passage in scripture that contains the phrase "with a line," and a passage that references three lines! I find this highly significant and beyond coincidence.

Here are the implications as I see it. First; I take this occurrence as a confirmation from God for the information in the "A-lining" With Israel post. Secondly; I believe that the 2 lines of death are the lines that point to the Golan Heights and the Gaza Strip, and that if we force Israel to divide her land and give back these territories as is being promoted by many, that God will allow satan to destroy our land. I also believe that it is highly possible that just as David divided the land of the Moabites and killed those who lived within certain boundaries divided by the lines that God will allow satan to destroy portions of our land divided by those lines--possibly New York, Washington, Philadelphia or even the areas between them. Third our line of life is our supporting Israel's right to her land, our "chevron" of protection. We are in "dainger" if we choose to force her to divide it.

God brought another thought to my mind; check where Katrina made landfall.


Look how close the line between the Temple Mount and Independence Hall is to where Katrina made land fall. As a matter of fact all three lines come close to this area.


Look at the proximity of the line to what counties were declared Federal disaster areas.


Many think that Katrina was a direct result of the USA pressuring Israel to remove settlers from the Gaza Strip as outlined in this article by World Net Daily.

JERUSALEM – While most religious authorities seem to agree one cannot discern the intentions of God, there has been talk in some circles here and on the Internet that the storm that turned parts of the Gulf Coast into a disaster zone, prompting hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes and possibly causing upwards of 10,000 deaths, was thrust upon the U.S. for its support of the Gaza evacuation.

"Katrina is a consequence of the destruction of [Gaza's] Gush Katif [slate of Jewish communities] with America's urging and encouragement," Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Lewin, executive director of the Rabbinic Congress for Peace, told WND. "The U.S. should have discouraged Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from implementing the Gaza evacuation rather than pushing for it and pressuring Israel into concessions..."

The article goes on to describe similarities between the two events. This all brings me to repeat what I said before in the "A-lining With Israel" post; AMERICA DO NOT DIVIDE THE LAND OF ISRAEL!

Today in my devotions the Lord brought me to a passage which I believe is a message for Israel, who is not innocent in her dealings.

1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. 5For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; 6If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: 7Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. Jeremiah 7:1-7

Do you, O Israel, want to dwell securely and peacefully in your land and prosper? Then turn to Jesus and accept Him as your Messiah. One day after you have been deceived and ravaged by the antichrist one third of you, O Israel, will and you will be saved and dwell in the land peacefully and you will prosper.

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. (Zech 13:8–9)

7Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. 8For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: 9But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. 10Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. 11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. Jeremiah 30:7-11.

There are three lines; 2 are for death and one is for life. What will you choose America? What will you choose Israel?

God's day of wrath will one day be here. He offers all a life-line in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you saved from your sins? Read here to find out how.

Learn the truth about the end times, read The Coming Epiphany today for FREE!

Chapter 8

Chapter 8
O America!

O beautiful for spacious skies,

for amber waves of grain,

for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

America is the greatest most blessed nation in all the earth. Where does America fit in the prophetic scheme of things? Is America mentioned in the Bible? Will it have a role to play in the end-times scenario? Many say that America is not mentioned in the Bible. I disagree and strongly believe that America has been prophesied about in the Bible and that it will play a major role in the end times. How could the greatest nation in the world, the only super power, not have a role to play? Of course, it will. America has been mentioned many times in scripture. The clearest mention is found in Revelation 18. This chapter describes the end-times Babylon and the judgment that it will receive. I believe America is the end-times Babylon talked about in this chapter. Let us examine this chapter to find out why I believe America is the end-times Babylon, and what will happen to her.

The main reason why I — along with many others — believe that America is the Babylon talked about in Revelation 18 is because of several verses that, when considered collectively, lead us to conclude that America is the only country that fulfills all of the parameters listed in the verses. Let us examine what the scriptures say about this modern day end-times Babylon and see how they undeniably point to America.

1. End-times Babylon is a great nation that receives judgment for its many sins.

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (Rev. 18:2)

2. This nation is a superpower and has world dominance and importance. It has also spread its corruption to the world.

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her. (Rev. 18:3)...

 

 

[1] Floyd, Charles. Dark Matter. The Moscow Times. April, 9 2004. http://context.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2004/04/09/120.html
[2] Wolf, Jim. U.S. Deploys Satellite Jamming System. Science Reuters.
[3] Coombes R. A. America, The Babylon: America’s Destiny Foretold in Biblical Prophecy. P. 26.
[4] Best, Stewart. Is America Babylon? http://www.markswatson.com/BAB.htm
[5]http://cust.idl.net.au/fold/New_studies/The%20Blood%20of%20the%20Saints.html (No longer online.)
[6] Best, Stewart
[7] Dankenbring, William F. Is the Statue of Liberty Pagan? http://yahushua.net/babylon/liberty/pagan_statue.htm
[8] Coombes R.A. USA to Outlaw Christianity. Alpha Omega Report.
[9] http://www.rense.com/general57/ywe.htm
[10] Ibid. p.47
[11] Ibid. p. 48.
[12] Ibid. p. 61.

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7
The Millennium and Beyond

Have you ever tried to imagine what it would have been like to have been one of the disciples, and to have been able to spend time with, talk to, and interact with Jesus? I have and I think it must have been fantastic! Some day that will be a reality for all God’s children, we will be able to dwell with the Lord. That is the greatest aspect of the greatly anticipated Millennium kingdom—God dwelling with man. Right after the battle of Armageddon, Jesus will set up His Millennial Kingdom. Several events will take place during this time of transition. At this point, we will examine the order in which the events after the battle of Armageddon occur and concern ourselves with a more exact timing in the next chapter.

Let’s start this discussion with what happens after Armageddon. Immediately after the battle of Armageddon, the Lord will come from Bozrah to Jerusalem. Zechariah 14 speaks of this battle and then shows the Lord returning to Jerusalem:

Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up…And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth…And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of tabernacles. (Zech 14:1-16)

This lengthy passage brings out several important facts. First we see the nations gathering against Israel, and from our discussion in the last chapter, we saw that Israel has been hidden and protected by God in Bozrah (Petra). Then, as the armies descend upon her, Jesus comes to the rescue of Israel and destroys the gathered armies. After the battle, He stands on the Mount of Olives, which splits and a great valley is formed. At this time, living waters will flow out of Jerusalem and the Lord will be anointed king over all the earth and all the land be turned into a plain and lifted up. The living waters are mentioned in Ezekiel and are seen to be coming from the throne of God and will bring blessings to the whole earth:

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward…Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed….And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. (Ez 47:1-12)

In the passage above, the prophet Ezekiel sees a vision of this great river of life. It has as its source the house of the Lord and goes “out toward the east country, and goes down into the desert, and goes into the sea.” This indicates that the river of life will flow into the Dead Sea and restore and purify its waters and then flow to all the earth. Zechariah tells us that the river will divide into two parts. One part of the river will flow toward the Dead Sea and the other to the Mediterranean. “And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.” (Zech14:8) It also was noted by Ezekiel that there were trees for food and medicine that grow along side this river.

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine. (Eze. 47:12)

The river will also bring life and healing with it. Remember that after the bowl judgments, all living things in the ocean were destroyed. This river will restore life wherever it flows, and will bring an abundance of fish.

So when Jesus returns to Jerusalem after the battle of Armageddon, the river of life will start flowing from the throne of God. This implies that the throne is there and further implies that the temple has been restored, because the temple is the place of God’s throne.

Ezekiel shows us these exact things in his description of the millennial temple:...

 

"A-lining" With Israel

You are about to embark on an astounding journey that has profound prophetic implications. I take no credit for these findings but humbly thank God for the privilege of being shown these things through the infilling, controlling, and empowering of His Spirit. The Journey begins...

Recently it was brought to my attention by Ultraguy in his post "As the Sand on the Seashore..." that there is a great circle on the sphere of the earth that goes through the White House and Independence Hall and other noteworthy locations. I extended his line and found that it also passed through Israel. I then decided to investigate the matter further and I made a few more lines. I connected the three official capitals of the United States to see where they would lead. Some very interesting things occurred.

First I connected the capital building in Washington D.C. (the third official capital of the USA) to the Federal Capital building in New York City located on Wall st. (the first official capital of the United States) and extended the line and it continued through Europe and intersected Israel at the Golan Heights as pictured below.

Next I connected the capital building in Washington D.C. (the third official capital of the USA) to Congress Hall in Philadelphia (the second official capital of the United States) and extended the line and it continued through Europe and intersected Israel at the Gaza strip as pictured below.

I find it very interesting that these lines both intersect the land of Israel, and not only just the land of Israel, but some of the land that Israel gained in the 1967 six day war and that she is being pressured by the USA and the world to give up as outlined below.

In 1979 the UN declared settlements in these areas to be illegal.

UN Security Council Resolution 446 (March 1979), declared settlements on the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights to be illegal. While most of the 65 Security Council and General Assembly resolutions passed against Israeli actions (and the 41 Security Council resolutions vetoed by the United States) have had near universal support in the UN (often with the United States and Israel alone among the dissenting), supporters of Israel claim that the resolutions often misconstrue International Law, that their supporters selectively apply them, and that the assemblies themselves are biased.

As you can see in the past we stood with Israel vetoing the measures but as you will see below our stance is changing. The world's effort to divide the land of Israel has continued and one of the plans that has gained widespread acceptance is the Geneva accord which would create a Palestinian state and force Israel to essentially go back to its borders before the six days war.

The Geneva agreement provides in great detail for an independent and demilitarized Palestine living alongside Israel. Borders between the states would be based on the 1967 lines with slight modifications, giving Israel the Gush Etzion settlements, Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, the Jewish quarter of the Old City and the settlement of Ma'aleh Edumim. An international religious authority would control central holy sites, with the Temple Mount officially under Palestinian sovereignty and the Western Wall and Jewish Quarter of the Old City under Israeli sovereignty. Israel would decide how many Palestinian refugees would be admitted to Israel. Other refugees would get compensation from international funds and would be accepted either into Palestine the countries in which they are currently residing or other countries.

And then we have this recent development from the Obama administration.

JERUSALEM - President Obama was expected to pressure visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting the Middle East Quartet's two-year timetable for formal Palestinian statehood in 2011. Though members of Netanyahu's inner cabinet advised the Israeli leader to resist any attempt by the White House or the so-called Middle East Quartet to put a stopwatch on "final status" negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, Obama and Secretary of State Clinton have thrown their support behind the 2011 statehood initiative. The Post reported that if PA-Israel peace negotiations are still deadlocked by 2011, Fayyad, with the encouragement of the White House, the Quartet and the Arab League, will formally announce Palestinian statehood in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem, calling on Israel to immediately withdraw to the 1949 UN armistice lines. http://www.jewishpress.com/pageroute.do/43072

And the latest; an an international summit to divide the land.

U.S. President Barack Obama has told several European leaders that if Israeli-Palestinian talks remain stalemated into September or October, he will convene an international summit on achieving Mideast peace, senior Israeli officials told Haaretz on Thursday.

The officials said the conference would be run by the Quartet of Middle East peacemakers - the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia - in a bid to forge a united global front for creating a Palestinian state. The summit, they said, would address such core issues as borders, security arrangements, Palestinian refugees and the status of Jerusalem. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-officials-obama-to-call-world-summit-if-mideast-peace-talks-fail-1.287469

So these lines that align with capitals of the United States intersect land in Israel that they gained in the six days war and are being pressured to give up. What is significant about these occurrences? I do not know for sure but I do know, as has been stated by many, that what we do to Israel God will do to us. This is called the scriptural principle of sowing and reaping. You sow a corn seed and you get back hundreds of corn seeds.

In my devotions yesterday morning as I randomly opened my Bible God brought me to the story of Haman in Esther. Most of us are familiar with the story; Haman was planning on killing all the Jews and hanging Mordecai on a gallows. But as it turned out Haman was hanged on his own gallows, what he sowed he reaped.

So what is significant about these lines and Israel and the USA? I can only speculate but based on the principal of sowing and reaping I have a sense that if we force Israel to give up her land that God might just allow satan to destroy our land that aligns with it--Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. Or maybe He will allow the whole area from Washington, D.C. to New York to be destroyed.

After writing the above I had a sense that there was more to the story so I did a little more a-lining. What I found is astounding. I connected the Temple Mount in Jerusalem with Independence Hall in Philadelphia and continued the line to the Gulf of Mexico. The places that line hit left me awestruck to say the least. The first place it hits in the United States was in Massachusetts and believe it or not the first road it crossed was named Jerusalem Rd!

Here is the spot--Jerusalem rd.

Following the line South it goes through Washington, D.C. and intersects with an Island on the Potomac river named Daingerfield Island.

Following the line to the Gulf of Mexico the last place it hits in the United State is Chevron Rd in Lafourche Parish Louisiana.

Wow this is truly mind boggling! We have a line drawn from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem to Independence Hall and the first road it crosses in the USA is Jerusalem Rd it then hits Daingerfield Island in Washington, D.C. and then the last road it hits in the USA is Chevron Rd. in La Fourche Parish. To me this was astounding and I find it loaded with symbolism.

Here is what is says to me; First the definition of La Fourche is "Fork" as associated with "fork in the road." "The name, “Lafourche” comes from the Cajun French “Lafourche” meaning a “fork” in a river or path, he added." Houmatoday.com

A Chevron has various meanings "The chevron represents the roof of a house, derived from the French word "chevron" meaning rafter. It signifies protection. The Chevron was granted to those who had participated in some notable enterprise."House of Names

So what does this say to me? In the past the United States has been granted protection because we have supported Israel's right to her land--Chevron rd. The United States is now at a fork in the road; We have a choice to support Israel's right to her land or force her to divide it--La Fourche. The present administration is indicating that they are going to force Israel to divide her land and thus we are in great danger--Daingerfield Island.

Today the Lord brought me to this passage as I randomly opened my Bible.

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 6But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand. 7So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. (Ezek 33: 1-7)

In response to that I say this; Listen America you are being warned. DO NOT DIVIDE THE LAND OF ISRAEL. If you do God will do to you as you have done to her. Take her cities and He will take your cities. Split her land and He will split yours. This has been said by many.

I know that as a nation we will reap what we sow and we have sowed many seeds of destruction. My hope is that we as a nation would support Israel's right to her land and that our nation would repent of her many sins before it is too late. However I know her fate ,and it is not good.

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The Story continues...

"3 Lines"

There are three lines; 2 are for death and one is for life. What will you choose America? What will you choose Israel? Here is the rest of the story...

The other night as I was reading my Bible for my nightly devotions I randomly turned to 2 Samuel 8. The second verse hit me like a ton of bricks.

And after this it came to pass that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines. 2And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. (2Samuel 8:1,2)

Let's investigate the passage and see what it means. The phrase "with a line" only occurs once in the KJV. Strong's defines the word like this.

Strong's H2256 - chebel

1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company

a) a rope, cord
b) a measuring-cord or line
c) a measured portion, lot, part, region
d) a band or company

2) pain, sorrow, travail, pang

a) pains of travail
b) pains, pangs, sorrows

3) union

4) destruction
Matthew Henry comments on the passage;

God had given David rest from all his enemies that opposed him and made head against him; and he having made a good use of that rest, has now commission given him to make war upon them, and to act offensively for the avenging of Israel’s quarrels and the recovery of their rights; for as yet they were not in full possession of that country to which by the promise of God they were entitled...

He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel, v. 2. He divided the country into three parts, two of which he destroyed, casting down the strong-holds, and putting all to the sword; the third part he spared, to till the ground and be servants to Israel. Dr. Lightfoot says, "He laid them on the ground and measured them with a cord, who should be slain and who should live;’’ and this is called meting out the valley of Succoth, Ps. 60:6. The Jews say he used this severity with the Moabites because they had slain his parents and brethren, whom he put under the protection of the king of Moab during his exile, 1 Sa. 22:3, 4. He did it in justice, because they had been dangerous enemies to the Israel of God; and in policy, because, if left in their strength, they still would have been so. But observe, Though it was necessary that two-thirds should be cut off, yet the line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Be sure to give that length enough; let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost in favorem vitae—so as to favour life. Matthew Henry Commentary

In the post "A-lining" With Israel it was shown that there are three lines that align with prominent locations in the United States and Israel. One that goes through the capital in Washington D.C., the first capital in New York, and the Golan Heights. The second goes through the capital in Washington D.C., the second capital in Philadelphia, and the Gaza Strip. The third goes through Independence Hall and the Temple Mount and aligns with "interesting" locations in the USA. It was also shown that these lines have profound prophetic implications.

So we have 3 prominent lines between the USA and Israel and 2 days after the study was posted as I randomly open my Bible God brings me to the only passage in scripture that contains the phrase "with a line," and a passage that references three lines! I find this highly significant and beyond coincidence.

Here are the implications as I see it. First; I take this occurrence as a confirmation from God for the information in the "A-lining" With Israel post. Secondly; I believe that the 2 lines of death are the lines that point to the Golan Heights and the Gaza Strip, and that if we force Israel to divide her land and give back these territories as is being promoted by many, that God will allow satan to destroy our land. I also believe that it is highly possible that just as David divided the land of the Moabites and killed those who lived within certain boundaries divided by the lines that God will allow satan to destroy portions of our land divided by those lines--possibly New York, Washington, Philadelphia or even the areas between them. Third our line of life is our supporting Israel's right to her land, our "chevron" of protection. We are in "dainger" if we choose to force her to divide it.

God brought another thought to my mind; check where Katrina made landfall.


Look how close the line between the Temple Mount and Independence Hall is to where Katrina made land fall. As a matter of fact all three lines come close to this area.


Look at the proximity of the line to what counties were declared Federal disaster areas.


Many think that Katrina was a direct result of the USA pressuring Israel to remove settlers from the Gaza Strip as outlined in this article by World Net Daily.

JERUSALEM – While most religious authorities seem to agree one cannot discern the intentions of God, there has been talk in some circles here and on the Internet that the storm that turned parts of the Gulf Coast into a disaster zone, prompting hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes and possibly causing upwards of 10,000 deaths, was thrust upon the U.S. for its support of the Gaza evacuation.

"Katrina is a consequence of the destruction of [Gaza's] Gush Katif [slate of Jewish communities] with America's urging and encouragement," Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Lewin, executive director of the Rabbinic Congress for Peace, told WND. "The U.S. should have discouraged Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from implementing the Gaza evacuation rather than pushing for it and pressuring Israel into concessions..."

The article goes on to describe similarities between the two events. This all brings me to repeat what I said before in the "A-lining With Israel" post; AMERICA DO NOT DIVIDE THE LAND OF ISRAEL!

Today in my devotions the Lord brought me to a passage which I believe is a message for Israel, who is not innocent in her dealings.

1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. 5For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour; 6If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: 7Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. Jeremiah 7:1-7

Do you, O Israel, want to dwell securely and peacefully in your land and prosper? Then turn to Jesus and accept Him as your Messiah. One day after you have been deceived and ravaged by the antichrist one third of you, O Israel, will and you will be saved and dwell in the land peacefully and you will prosper.

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. (Zech 13:8–9)

7Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. 8For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: 9But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. 10Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. 11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished. Jeremiah 30:7-11.

There are three lines; 2 are for death and one is for life. What will you choose America? What will you choose Israel?

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Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6
The Great Day of His Wrath is Come

The Day of the Lord has begun! Christians, having been rescued from the wrath to come via the rapture, are with God in heaven. The peoples of the world, after realizing their error in following the antichrist, will be in a fear stricken panic. They have seen Christ in the clouds, and they have had an epiphany and are scared to death. The big question is what will happen next?

After the rapture occurs, many other catastrophic events—all part of the Day of the Lord—will occur during this time. These events are succinctly listed in Revelation and will encompass the seventh seal and the trumpet and vial (or bowl) judgments. We will examine these events individually, so we can get a feel for what this time will be like.

The Seventh Seal

The first judgment of the Day of the Lord is the seventh seal:

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. (Rev. 8:1-6)

When the seventh seal is opened, the first thing that we notice is that there is a time of silence in heaven. This silence indicates to me that something very important and sobering is about to occur. It is plausible to theorize that there may also be a great silence in the hearts and minds of the people left on earth after the rapture, after having just seen Christ in the clouds and witnessing the disappearance of millions of people. I am sure that they will be pondering the events that just took place and the events that are about to unfold. The next thing we see is that fire is cast to the earth. This may indicate a meteor shower or horrific lightning storms. There is another earthquake and the seven trumpet judgments are permitted to begin.

Scripture tells us that this pouring out of wrath is the result of the prayers of the saints in connection with the persecution they have suffered at the hands of the antichrist and his followers (Rev. 6:10-11). God’s vengeance is a just recompense for the wickedness that the world has committed. So the seventh seal consists of “fire” cast to the earth, a great earthquake, and seven more judgments known as the trumpet judgments.

The First Trumpet
The first trumpet judgment is found in Rev. 8:7:

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Several interpretations have been offered as to what this judgment entails, including a meteor shower, fire and brimstone literally falling from heaven, and severe thunderstorms with huge hail and catastrophic lightning. Although we cannot be sure, I feel that the language of the text lends itself to the latter interpretation. That is, the judgment consists of horrific thunderstorms with devastating hail and fire. One of the main reasons leading me to this conclusion is that the language in the passage is very similar to the language in Ex 9:22–23:

And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

We see here a local judgment on the land of Egypt consisting of horrific thunderstorms with devastating hail and fire. It is interesting to note that the hail caused fire to run upon the ground. This may be what is known as ball lightning, which has been observed frequently in modern times. This phenomena is caused by the air being super-charged with static electricity. I remember as a boy at scout camp a thunderstorm came across the bay toward where we were standing. As it approached, ball lightning eerily sizzled as it moved erratically about fifteen feet above our heads. It could have just as easily occurred on the ground. Another possible cause is electrically charged hail lying on the ground. While I feel the most likely scenario is horrific thunderstorms with hail, whatever this judgment is, it will result in one-third of all the trees on the earth being burnt up and all the grass being burnt up.

The Second Trumpet...

 

Chapter 5

Chapter 5
Why Does It Matter?

Why does it matter what you believe? Why be concerned with when the rapture will occur? Furthermore why should I risk my reputation in promoting this idea about the rapture after the sixth seal? In fact because I do not believe in a pre-trib rapture, some may consider me to be denying the faith, deceived by the devil, and even some of you may consider me to be a heretic. Let me share a little of my background with you. I became a Christian, by grace through faith, about 29 years ago. And for about 23 of those years, I was taught and believed in the pre-trib rapture theory. I have sat under some very influential and famous preachers and teachers, have read many pre-trib books, and have a Master of Divinity degree from a well-known conservative fundamental Christian university that teaches the pre-trib view. I have been a Bible teacher for 20 years and I have personally preached and taught the pre-trib theory for many years. I may also lose all of my current ministry positions for not believing the pre-trib view and for writing this book. The point is that, even though I have been taught this view for many years, and even taught it myself for many years, and could suffer in loss of finances and relationships because I do not hold this view anymore, I count it but loss for the cause of Christ because I want to be pleasing to God and adhere to what the scriptures alone teach and not what a theological system dictates. And the scriptures show that the rapture will not occur until after the sixth seal is opened.

Another reason I am writing this book is that, since many Christians adhere to the pre-trib view, which is wrong, they are in grave danger of being caught off-guard to the coming sorrows of the 70th Week. I pray that this book would be used to awaken God’s children to these truths so that they can be prepared for what lies ahead. It is not important what man-made theological position you hold. What is important is what the Word of God says. And the scriptures clearly tell us that the rapture occurs after the sixth seal is opened.

Here is a summary of the pertinent facts that lead us to that conclusion:

1. The rapture occurs at the Day of the Lord event (1 Thess. 4:15-5:2, 2 Thess. 2:1–2).

2. The moon must be turned to blood before the Day of the Lord occurs (Joel 3:30).

3. The moon is turned to blood at the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12).

These are three undisputable scriptural facts that can only lead to one conclusion—the rapture occurs at the Day of the Lord after the sixth seal is opened.

This rapture view has been termed the “pre-wrath” rapture view. It is the only view that agrees with all of the prophetic scriptures. In contrast, the pre-trib view contradicts some very critical prophetic scriptures, such as the moon must be turned to blood, the antichrist revealed, and the great falling away all must occur before the Day of the Lord/rapture event. It has been shown that these events all occur during the 70th Week of Daniel and not before. Thus, the pre-trib rapture view does not agree with all of scripture.

Even Walvoord, a strong pre-trib promoter, says this about the pre-trib theory: “The fact is that neither posttribulationism nor pretribulationism is an explicit teaching of the Scriptures. The Bible does not, in so many words, state either.”[1] So Walvoord himself admits that the pre-trib rapture view is not an explicit teaching of scripture.

In fact, if you study the writings of the early church fathers, there is overwhelming evidence to show that the vast majority believed that Christians would not be raptured until after the persecution of the antichrist, which we know would place the rapture after the Abomination of Desolation. H. L. Nigro, in Before God’s Wrath: The Bible’s Answer to the Timing of the Rapture, has an appendix devoted to key passages from the early church writings.

Here are just four of the earliest quotes:

O unreasoning men! understanding not what has been proved by all these passages, that two advents of Christ have been announced: the one, in which He is set forth as suffering, inglorious, dishonored, and crucified; but the other, in which He shall come from heaven with glory, when the man of apostasy, who speaks strange things against the Most High, shall venture to do unlawful deeds on the earth against us the Christians, who, having learned the true worship of God from the law, and the word which went forth from Jerusalem by means of the apostles of Jesus, have fled for safety to the God of Jacob and God of Israel….
—Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho
[150-165 AD]

Those, therefore, who continue steadfast, and are put through the fire, will be purified by means of it. For as gold casts away its dross, so also will ye cast away all sadness and straitness, and will be made pure so as to fit into the building of the tower. But the white part is the age that is to come, in which the elect of God will dwell, since those elected by God to eternal life will be spotless and pure. Wherefore cease not speaking these things into the ears of the saints. This then is the type of the great tribulation that is to come.
—The Pastor of Hermas [160 AD]

It therefore behooves us, who inquire much concerning events at hand, to search diligently into those things which are able to save us. Let us then utterly flee from all the works of iniquity, lest these should take hold of us; and let us hate the error of the present time, that we may set our love on the world to come: let us not give loose reins to our soul, that it should have power to run with sinners and the wicked, lest we become like them. The final stumbling block (or source of danger) approaches.… We take earnest heed in these last days; for the whole [past] time of your faith will profit you nothing, unless now in this wicked time we also withstand coming sources of danger, as becometh the sons of God. That the Black One may find no means of entrance, let us flee from every vanity, let us utterly hate the works of the way of wickedness. Take heed, lest resting at our ease, as those who are the called [of God], we should fall asleep in our sins, and the wicked prince, acquiring power over us, should thrust us away from the kingdom of the Lord.
—The Epistle of Barnabas
[100-120 AD]

Watch for your life’s sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an out-spreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.

—The Didache (The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles) [100-120 AD]

Thus, it is apparent that the early Church fathers expected the Church to be persecuted by the antichrist during the end-times and then rescued via the rapture from the persecution they would undergo. This is what the pre-wrath view also states—that the church will be raptured after the opening of the sixth seal out of the great tribulation, which will be instilled at the hands of the antichrist.

Many modern-day “church fathers” have also believed that the church would be subject to persecution at the hands of the antichrist. One famous one was Spurgeon:

In a recent article published by Dennis M. Swanson entitled “The Millenial Position of Spurgeon,” he concludes that ‘despite claims to the contrary, his [Spurgeon’s] position was most closely identifiable with that of historic premillennialism in teaching the church would experience the tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom would be the culmination of God’s program.’ Later in the text, Swanson goes on to state that the ‘Key features of historic premillennialism are twofold: (1) the kingdom will be the culmination of the church age and (2) the “rapture” will follow the tribulation, with the church going through the tribulation under the protection of God….Spurgeon fits most consistently in the “historic or covenantal premillennial system.’ In other words, Spurgeon too, by definition, ignore [d] the doctrine of imminency of Jesus’ return, seeing the church facing the persecution of antichrist before the return of Christ. In doing this he also ‘rejects the pretribulation rapture of the church.[2]

So if the early church fathers—and even more modern-day “fathers”—did not believe in a pre-trib rapture, when did the pre-trib belief arise? There are three candidates to whom are credited with the origin of the pre-trib rapture theory: John Darby (one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren movement), Edward Irving (thrown out of the Presbyterian Church and started the Apostolic Catholic Church), and finally Margaret MacDonald (a 15-year-old Catholic girl who was supposedly miraculously healed and given a vision of the “secret” rapture so popular with today’s pretribulation rapture teachers.)

In summarizing the development of the pretrib doctrine, H. L. Nigro says this:

The development of the pretribulation rapture is generally attributed to John Darby of the Plymouth Brethren, who formalized the theory around 1830. Prior to this time, the return of Christ was seen as a singular event. Jesus would return to earth once, to rapture His Church, to redeem lost Israel, and to judge the wicked and rebellious world, and this was seen either as a midtribulational or posttribulational event. Darby was the first to formally theorize that Jesus would return in two stages: first in spiritual form to rapture the Church, then in bodily form seven years later to judge the world. This allowed Jesus to return triumphantly at Armageddon while keeping the Church out of the 70th Week..[3]

So it is Darby to whom most attribute the pre-trib position. Another founder of the Plymouth Brethren had this to say about the teachings of Darby as elaborated on by Van Kampen:

It should be noted, however, that Dr. Samuel P. Tregelles, the renowned conservative Greek scholar of the nineteenth century (the author of six separate works on translation), considered one of the founding fathers of the Plymouth Brethren Church, strongly disagreed with John Nelson Darby on the position when it first appeared in England. Dr. Tregelles believed in a face-value hermeneutic, and he knew the original languages like few others of his time. In his book The Hope of Christ’s Second Coming (pp. 74-82), first published in 1864, he denounced the pre-tribulation Rapture position as being sentimental and emotional and without a thread of biblical support. He stated boldly that the pre-tribulation “doctrine of the coming of Christ [is] not taught in the Word of God….This whole system stands in distinct contradiction of what the Scripture reveals” (p. 32).[4]

At the best the pre-trib rapture theory had a dubious beginning and most likely gained in popularity because it was “easy believism” and a lot more pleasant to think about than enduring the sorrows and persecutions of the first five seals.

Even though the pre-trib position is a relatively new teaching and the early church fathers clearly expected the Church to enter the 70th Week and endure the persecution of the antichrist, and even though the pre-trib position is not an explicit teaching of scripture as admitted by Walvoord, and even though the pre-trib position contradicts some of scripture, some will still want to hold onto it. If that is the case with you, I ask you to go back over the scriptures and logic that have been presented. Here are the essential facts we need to keep in mind; Thessalonians equates the rapture with the Day of the Lord event. Joel and Acts says that the moon must be turned to blood before the Day of the Lord. In Revelation 6 we see the moon turned to blood after the sixth seal is opened. These are scriptural facts. If you do not deny any of them, then sound logic dictates that the rapture must occur after the sixth seal is opened. Any other conclusion would be a denial of sound logic and create a contradiction to truth. I encourage you to adhere to what scripture and scripture alone says. We must be faithful and loyal to the Word of God above our alma mater or church. Adhere to what scripture teaches and scripture alone! To make it easier for you to understand these concepts I have summarized, compared, and analyzed the teachings of the various rapture theories and put them into a chart entitled “A Comparison of the Rapture Theories”.

Your Rapture Theology Matters
I am writing this book, not only because I want the truth to be known, but also because it is very dangerous to not have a correct view about the timing of the rapture. Since the rapture does not occur until the sixth seal, then a Christian must prepare for the first five seals. Without proper preparation, one could find themselves and their family in pretty desperate situations. As Jesus said “Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:36-37) How to properly prepare for the first five seals will be the subject of a later chapter. Furthermore, since the rapture will not occur until the sixth seal and the antichrist is revealed and comes to power before the rapture, then all alive at the time will most likely have to decide whether or not to take the mark. And if a person is deceived as a result of not knowing the truth about the prophetic time in which they are living, they will be more easily deceived during the 70th Week.

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Rev. 13:16–17)

Could You Be Deceived into Taking the Mark?

The decision of whether or not to take the mark of the beast will most likely come about after the Abomination of Desolation and shortly after the antichrist takes control of the world. This “mark” will most likely be a small computer chip implanted in the hand or forehead or an invisible tattoo made with RFID ink.[5] Such technology already exists and is being tested in humans now and is available for use now. The World Net Daily has pictures of chips, and even the process of implanting them, and explains how these implantable chips will be used for a cashless society.[6] Mexico has just recently announced that they are going to start implanting chips in children, and the military. Prince Charles is “chipped.” The Department of Defense has just announced that all products sold to them must be “chipped.” It is reported that half of all products sold in the U.S will be “chipped” by the end of 2004. Coke even had a promotion running in the summer of 2004 where they “chipped” some cans of soda and then would find them by satellite and the lucky winners would win a prize. The motto of this promotion was “You can win, but you can’t hide.”

The mechanics and technology of chipping or “taking the mark” are already in place. They even have chip mobiles ready to come to your neighborhood! Having to decide whether or not to take the mark is not a good situation to be in if you do not recognize that you are actually in the 70th Week of Daniel or are not properly prepared for it. You will not be able to buy or sell without the mark, and if you do not realize that you are in the 70th Week because you falsely believe in a pre-trib rapture view, one could easily go along with what the government tells them and be deceived into following the antichrist and taking the mark and ending up in Hell. Of course no true Christian would take the mark.

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (Rev. 14:9-11)

More Dangers of False Teaching
Another reason any false prophetic teaching, including pre-trib, is harmful is that, when the teaching proves to be erroneous, those under that teaching may lose their respect for the things of the Lord and fall away from Him. We know that before the rapture there will be a great falling away, as was discussed earlier. No doubt, the false teaching about the pre-trib rapture probably will, along with other things, be part of why people will fall away from the faith.

Do not be deceived the rapture will not occur before the final 7 years, the 70th Week, but will occur after the sixth seal is opened between the Abomination of Desolation and the end of the 70th Week. The rapture will be a time of great deliverance from the persecution of the antichrist and his followers. The Lord will descend to the clouds and will blow the trump of God and the dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are still alive at his coming will be caught up to the clouds with Him.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thess. 4:16-18)

Oh what a glorious occasion that will be for all the saints who have been awaiting His return! “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). The entire world will see him. “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” (Rev. 1:7). After the world is darkened at the sixth seal, the entire world will be able to see the Lord Jesus Christ shining brighter than the sun as He comes to rescue His children.

In heart-wrenching contrast, those not raptured will at least temporarily recognize their plight and flee from His presence for they will know that the wrath of God is about to be poured out upon the world:

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Rev. 6:15-17)

That is when they will have their epiphany concerning Christ. But it will be too late then. The view you hold concerning the rapture matters. An epiphany will come to all. The sooner you have yours the better.

[1] Walvoord, John F. The Rapture Question, 1st ed. Findlay, OH, 1957, p.148.
[2]Van Kampen, Robert. The Rapture Question Answered Plain & Simple. P. 201–2
[3] H. L. Nigro, Before God’s Wrath: The Bible’s Answer to the Timing of the Rapture. p. 122.
[4] Van Kampen, Robert. The Rapture Question Answered Plain & Simple. P. 193,4
[5] http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=196802844
[6] http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35766