Waiting in the wings of the forthcoming global turmoil is the Man with a Plan--the one whom the world will welcome to resolve its many problems. The Bible gives us many provocative clues to his identity1, and from many prophetic glimpses his genealogical line may prove to be traceable.
Daniel Chapters 7, 8 and 11 describe the career of Alexander the Great and his successors so vividly they constitute some of the most remarkable prophecies in the Bible. We also find that Alexander's four generals--Lysimachus, Cassander,Ptolemy, and Seleucus--divide the empire after his death just as the passages indicated.2
As Israel is sandwiched by the subsequent tensions between Ptolemy (Egypt) to the south and Seleucus (Syria) to the north, it is also amazing to note the precision with which Daniel records their respective successors in Chapter 11.3
Antiochus Epiphanes
The Seleucid ruler that figures so prominently in Biblical studies is, of course, Antiochus IV, who also adopted the label Epiphanes or Coming One. Committed to crushing Judaism, he outlawed the keeping of the Torah, persecuted the Jews, and confirmed his place in history by having a sow sacrificed on the sacred altar in the Temple in Jerusalem and placing an idol to Zeus inside the Holy of Holies itself. This desecration is known specifically as The Abomination of Desolation.
The consequent outrage led to the famed Maccabbean revolt which success fully threw off the yoke of the Greek rulers and ushered in the Hasmonean period of Israel's history. On the third anniversary of the Temple's desecration, on the 25th of Kislev, 165 b.c., the Temple was rededicated. This rededication is celebrated to this very day as Hanukkah.4
This historical event took on additional prophetic significance two centuries later when four disciples received a private briefing by Jesus Himself on the Second Coming, in which Jesus alluded to a future reoccurrence of a similar desecration as the key to all end-time prophecy.5 This repetition of the Abomination of Desolation is the central milestone in the middle of the climactic seven-year period comprising the Seventieth Week of Daniel Chapter 9.6
However, as so often occurs in Biblical prophecy, many times the immediate, local application of a passage clearly transcends the context to yield a glimpse of a larger, more climactic application.7 While the passage in Daniel 11--up to verse 35--has clearly been historically fulfilled, verses 36-45 seem to strangely overlap both the career of Antiochus Epiphanes of the past and also the final world ruler, portrayed as the Willful King.8
After the horrible reign of Antiochus IV, the Seleucid line continued under the same title, with Antiochus V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XIII. The Seleucid dynasty came to an end in 63 b.c. when Pompey declared that Syria would become a Roman province. However, the descendants of the Seleucids continued in importance and became intertwined with the Herodians and the royal houses of Rome.9
The Prince That Shall Come
The Coming World Leader--commonly known as the Antichrist - has 33 titles in the Old Testament and 13 in the New Testament. One of these, The Prince That Shall Come, comes from Daniel 9:26-27 in which the people of the Prince that shall come would destroy the city and the sanctuary. The fulfillment occurred in history when the Roman legions under Titus Vespasian destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D.10
This reflexive reference to the Romans in Daniel 9:26 is one of several reasons why most Bible scholars view the future Prince that shall come as a Roman, or European.
A Continuous Genealogy?
A genealogical link between the original Antiochus Epiphanes and Titus Vespasian would not be surprising, and yet it is very provocative. But there may be more.
In the fifth century the royal line of the Franks intermarried with the Merovingian dynasty, which ultimately links with the family trees of the Habsburgs, the House of Lorraine, Plantard, Luxembourg, Pont‚zat, Montesquieu, Sinclair, Stuarts, and most of the royal families of Europe. Among contemporary luminaries are Otto von Habsburg of Austria and his son, Karl, and King Juan Carlos I of Spain and his son, Felipe.
[It is from this type of background that some consider King Juan Carlos of Spain or his son Felipe as possible candidates. The lineage of the son includes 2 German emperors, 8 kings of Denmark, 5 kings of Sweden, 7 Czars of Russia, 1 king and 1 queen of Norway, 1 queen of England and 5 kings of Greece.]
The Magdalene Blasphemy
There are a number of occultic groups that hold to the outrageous suggestion that the Merovingian line is directly linked to offspring from Jesus and Mary Magdalene.11 While obviously a blasphemous lie, it is interesting that there are people who take this seriously. Could this Satanic delusion have an end-time purpose?
A Candidate on the Horizon?
History is littered with speculations as to the identity of this final Coming World Leader. While there still remains a 378-year void in the span between Vespasian (69 a.d.) and the reign of Merovee (beginning in 447 a.d.), there may be dusty documents lying in some library that might validate the implied linkage. Let's watch and see.
The more one studies the numerous references to this Man of Destiny in the Scriptures, and the more one examines the many details of the scenario that surrounds his career, the more it appears that the world is plunging into the period in which he will become the man of the hour. Many of the most knowledgeable commentators believe he may be alive today.
He will be the master of deceit (even more than the politicians who presently dominate the District of Corruption!). Jesus warned us that if it were possible he would deceive the very elect.12 Our protection must be spiritual, not just intellectual.
However, we don't believe that the Coming World Leader will be revealed until after the Rapture of the Church.13
It certainly is an exciting time to find out what the Bible really says about the times in which we live! Scripture tells us not to be ignorant of Satan's devices,14 so for more see our Briefing Package, The Coming World Leader.
But let us remember to focus our attention on our Blessed Hope, our reigning King, and not on the imposter who is destined for destruction.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
While I appreciate the "dusty document" hypothesis in the article, I prefer to rely on Scripture to determine the genmeology of the antichrist.
Because this spawn of hell imitates the real Christ the bible shows several signs.
1. He has a human and a supernatural parent. The antichrist is not possessed by Satan, but is the physical son of satan. Genesis 3 makes this clear. Jesus is the seed oft he woman, and the antochrist is the seed of the serpent.
2. His mother will be of "Roman" origin (Dan 9). Now whether this means Italian or a ethnicity of the Roman empire form the time of Daniel or the time of Titus or when He makes the scene we do not know.
In revelation we see Satan (father) Antichrist(son) and false prophet (counter Holy Spirit) just as we saw the true trinity at Jesus' baptism. Click here to reply to this post
Spirit or Person
Posted On: 05/24/08 07:38:20 AM
Age 40, MI
As I read the Scriptures and know that we should test one another to see if we are in fact Christians. Check out 1 John 4. It tells us how to test for the Holy Spirit in a person or the AntiChrist. The Antichrist is a spirit that will manifest itself in a man. I witness to a woman just the other day. She admitted to Christ that he was a great guy, but the comfession out of her mouth was that He is not God in the flesh. Out fo the abundence of the heart the mouth speaks. So judge for yourself what spirit is she of? Pray the Lord open her eyes and grant her repentence.
Be Blessed
Walt Click here to reply to this post
Ramadan Christianity
Posted On: 05/23/08 01:29:04 PM
Age 52, IL
Its the new religion created in the Netherlands where Roman Catholics celebrate Moslem holidays and wed both religions together. Bush celebrated Ramadan in the White House October 2007. Bush is tutoring McCAIN to become a Ramadan Christian. Obama raised in Indonesia by a Moslem mentor who converted to Roman Catholicism is a Ramadan Christian. World Council of Churches April 15-18 met in Beirut, Lebanon. Members of WCOC promote more Moslem immigration into Europe & USA with support from pope Benedict whom prayed at the blue mosque in Turkey eastward towards Mecca. World Council of Churches 540 million members = Ramadan Christians! Click here to reply to this post
THE RAPTURE
Posted On: 05/22/08 12:04:01 PM
Age 64, OH
Dear friend Chuck; You mention that the church will be raptured before the antichrist is revealed. I would like to offer this scripture of The Lord's own words to shed light on that very "rapture". Matthew 13:
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together UNTIL THE HARVEST. AT THAT TIME I will tell the harvesters: FIRST COLLECT THE WEEDS and tie them in bundles to be burned; THEN GATHER THE WHEAT and bring it into my barn.' "- We can see here that the lost are carried away first and then the church is gathered to Jesus. Years ago I had this question about the rapture and asked Jesus about it. I had to first be aware that I did not know the answer by Our Lord did. As I would read the scriptures Jesus has pointed out hundreds of scriptures just like this one in Matthew. Grace and peace to you. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Did Jesus Teach a Rapture?
Posted On: 05/27/08 09:03:11 AM
Age 51, VA
IF we begin with the premise that God has revealed Himself "dispensationally" throughout human history, then we recognize that in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24 & 25) Jesus was describing the events that will occur at His return at the end of the Tribulation as He prepares to usher in His millennial reign. This includes the separation of the goats (who go into the everlasting fire) from the sheep (who enter the Kingdom). This lines up remarkedly with the harvest in the Parable of the Soils in Matthew 13:30 where that separation is seen. Dispensationally, the Church is not in view. The Church (& the teaching of the Rapture) will be revealed later, through the Apostle Paul. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus was addressing his disciples as the remnant of Believing Jews as He described the fullfillment of God's plan for Israel. The culmination of the Tribulation would be as in the days of Noah ...a time of tremendous judgement (harvest) where the unGodly will be removed (as in the Flood) and the Godly will remain to enter the Millennium with Christ. Click here to reply to this post
A COLORED LENS
Posted On: 06/02/08 09:23:18 AM
Age 64, OH
You say; IF we begin with the premise that God has revealed Himself "dispensationally" throughout human history,- However if we DO NOT begin with this premise, a whole different scriptures open up to us. Should we assume when we read the scriptures OR ask the Holy Spirit what He means by them. If we look at the scriptures through a colored lens then our view will be colored. Lou Click here to reply to this post
GENTILES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INCLUDED
Posted On: 05/27/08 04:57:26 PM
Age 64, OH
Here is some food for thought. Paul was not the one who brought the gentiles into the picture instead of only the Jews being seen as the children of God. The Book of Daniel shows dreams and visions from God that are about the gentiles and not just Jews. Jesus Himself had to be rejected by the Jews to be crucified by them. But the gentiles accepted Jesus, like the whole town of the woman at the well. God has never excluded the non Jews as is shown by God including Tamar,Rahab, and Ruth as the very people who brought Jesus Christ forth into this world. After the Jews were given the opportunity to accept or reject Jesus; Paul was then told to preach to the gentiles. This was only because the Jews had to crucify Jesus first. Lou Click here to reply to this post
THANKS PATRICK
Posted On: 05/22/08 04:50:55 PM
Age 64, OH
I got a phone call from a person in need and forgot to finish this post when I returned. I wanted to add that this was sent to me by Patrick Burwell about a year ago. Lou Click here to reply to this post
THE ANTICHRIST WITHIN US ALL
Posted On: 05/22/08 10:48:43 AM
Age 64, OH
Chuck, thank you for your article. I do not think we should worry much about who the antichrist is or will be. We know something much more important, and that is we know who the Lord of all Creation is today, yesterday, and tomorrow. I want to focus on who Jesus is so I can know and follow Him. The "beast" that I am most concerned about is the "beast" that is in me. All Glory to The Lord Jesus Christ for shedding His blood for us, for we now can confess that we have this beast within us and Jesus will forgive us and then give us power over this "beast" within us. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Huh?
Posted On: 05/24/08 08:01:57 AM
Age 51, GA
There is NO antichrist "beast within me" and if you have accepted Gods, more than adequate plan of redemptive salvation, you have no beast within you either. This suggestion was not made to you by God. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. A liar is trying to manipulate you with fear and guilt. You talk of being covered by the Blood but seem to question its adequacy. It angers me to see the enemy be successful when all he has is smoke and mirrors. It angers me because the church has done NOTHING to help equip Gods children to know the benefits of being adopted by Him. It would be foolish (and the Bible warns us not to do it) to go pick a fight with satan but please search Gods word concerning the order that He has made for all of creation. Please understand how demons lie to you-You have probably never been in satans presence. He is NOT omnipresent and he spends his time working on people that are much more important to him than you are. Yes, there are spirits of antichrist (demonic fallen angels) that are probably assigned to torment you but they can NOT read your mind. They know your weaknesses, custom make temptations for you and then lurk about watching for you to open a door (sin) for them. Before these angels fell, they were created with awesome abilities and specialties. They are still subject to ther Creators final word but they still move in powerful abilities that have been corrupted. They claim that they are equal with God but they can create nothing but havock. They are still controlled by God Almighty or they would succeed in their desires and attempts to kill you every day. Jesus said that He came to destroy the works of the devil. If He is your Lord, please speak things that would remind yourself and devils that it really was "finished" and a Blood-stained cross and an empty tomb prove it. If you believe this, it's the Holy Spirit that is "within" you, not the spirit of a nasty fallen angel. Click here to reply to this post
I think you misunderstood
Posted On: 05/25/08 06:23:48 PM
Age 47, MO
Friend: Your Spirit has been born again but your soul and your flesh is still sinful. Daily we say not my will but thy will be done. Paul said in Romans that he still does the things he wish not to do, yet not he but sin that dwells within. I believe this is what Lou was speaking about. John Click here to reply to this post
OUR MOST RIGHTEOUS DEED IS FILTHY
Posted On: 05/24/08 10:07:18 PM
Age 64, OH
Dear friend, you misunderstand. I did NOT say that any spirit but the Holy Spirit is within me. My spirit is made perfect by His Spirit and it always want to obey Jesus Christ. But the problem is my flesh that always wants it own way and never wants to obey Jesus. Our flesh is so corrupt that no flesh will ever enter heaven. That is why Jesus is coming back to give us new bodies that will desire to do His will. Our flesh never wants to obey Jesus, does that not make our flesh enemies of Jesus. Or are you saying that you have no sin within you as I confess I do. Sin is a beast within us is it not. 1 John 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.-- So the Holy Spirit tells us if we claim to be without sin we do not even know The Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit also tells us that the most righteous deed we have ever done is filthy. If your most righteous deed is filthy what does that make some of the things you have done or thought today. Our righteousness is The Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ and we have NO righteousness except for Him. Contrary to what you say I am saying; I say the blood of Jesus is not only adequate to save us, but the blood of Jesus is our ONLY HOPE. I put no hope in any thing except the blood of Jesus Christ. I would think next time you would be better off asking a question instead of accusing a person of extreme error, when it is just that you have misunderstood. Lou Click here to reply to this post
What is Lawlessness?
Posted On: 05/22/08 09:58:52 AM
Age 46, MN
The Antichrist is also known as the Man of Lawlessness (2Thes. 2:3). If Antiochus Epiphanes is a forerunner of the Antichrist to come, then it would behoove us to examine what it was that he did. As stated in this article, he "committed to crushing Judaism, he outlawed the keeping of the Torah, persecuted the Jews, and confirmed his place in history by having a sow sacrificed on the sacred altar in the Temple in Jerusalem and placing an idol to Zeus inside the Holy of Holies itself. But there is more - Antiochus IV in 168 or 167 BCE issued decrees prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion: the Scriptures were to be destroyed, the Sabbath and festivals were no longer to be observed, kosher diets were to be abolished, and circumcision was no longer to be practiced (1 Macc. 1:41-64).
If the Maccabees had lost, and the Jewish people and their religion had been destroyed in 165 BCE, there would not have been a religious context for a special Jewish baby named Jesus to have been born into some 160 years later.
Hanukkah must have been important for Jesus too, because He was in Jerusalem for its observance (John 10:22), where He issues a definitive proclamation of His Messiahship - "I and the Father are one.”
2 Thes. 2:7 states that the spirit of lawless was already at work when Paul penned his words to the Thessalonians. John states in 1 John 3:4 “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness." And Jesus rejects the lawless in Matt. 7:21-29 (quoting Psalm 6:8).
This is remarkably surprising, because the Church, early in her history rejected the religion of Jesus and his Apostles - Judaism, and started a new religion. They abandoned God's Torah (God's Word) in favor of the New Testament and the "Church Father's" interpretation of these words. They persecuted and murdered the Jews for centuries. They confirmed a place in history by having a church built on the site where the Temple had stood (until the Dome of the Rock was constructed). They adorned it with icons. They outlawed the 7th day Sabbath, and instituted a "new" day of rest. They conceived of alternate festivals and holidays. They abrogated God's dietary instructions, and prohibited circumcision amongst their congregants. The Church in essence became, in many ways, the purveyor of lawlessness.
Is it any wonder then that so many believers are at a loss as to what lawlessness means and what the plan of the Antichrist entails? Is the Church today looking for the "Jesus" who did away with the Law of His Father, or the Jesus Who said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets...” (Matt. 5:17)
Jesus clearly taught His disciples that even the smallest stroke of the Torah was to be kept and taught to others as the very commandment of God-
"Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:19)
But to whom were the disciples of Jesus to teach the commandment of God? Was Jesus telling them to teach only Jewish people the commandments of the Torah? The answer to that question is clearly given to us in Jesus’ final commission to His disciples-
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations (the Gentiles)…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” (Matt 28:19–20)
The word translated "observe" is the Greek verb tereo, "to guard" or "to keep," the same word found in Jesus’ statement in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep (tereo) My commandments." There can be no doubt that when Jesus instructed His disciples to teach others the Law of God, this included the Gentiles. Click here to reply to this post
Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets
Posted On: 05/25/08 04:37:40 PM
Age 61, MO
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized (repented and surrendered) into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:24-29). George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Forgetting the Schoolmaster's Word
Posted On: 05/27/08 12:59:58 PM
Age 46, MN
I don't follow your logic here George. I assume that by quoting a verse or two of Paul's epistle to the Galatians, you imply that God's instructions have been invalidated by Christ's coming? Do we forget and then not do what our teachers taught us? Did Jesus forget and then not do His Father's Word when He came? If we claim that Jesus is our teacher, do we say that now that we know him we forget what he taught and do something other than what He did? Faith does not invalidate the Word of God in the form of His commandments, "Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law." (Romans 3:31)
Simply quoting Paul out of context does not invalidate the Word of God either. Galatians 3 also states, "Is the Law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!" (vs. 21). Remember what the brother of Jesus said, "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:12) And, "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect Law, the Law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:23-25) Paul also says of the Torah, "So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good." (Romans 7:2)
Paul is a hypocrite and false teacher if he teaches the abrogation of God's eternal Torah.
I earnestly suggest that you examine the context of Galatians (as well as the rest of Paul's epistles), and examine the entire context of his testimony regarding the appropriate handling of God's Word, i.e. Torah. Click here to reply to this post
THE SONS OF GOD FOLLOW THE SPIRIT
Posted On: 05/28/08 01:12:29 PM
Age 64, OH
You speak as though Jesus and The Word of God are two separate things. The Holy Scriptures tell us that The Word of God is The Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God is NOT a Book but The Author of the Book. The law of liberty is just what it says,"where there is Christ there is liberty". His yoke is easy and His burden is light. The sons of God follow The Spirit of God" not a Book. The Book was for the people who did not know Jesus. If we follow The Holy Spirit of The Lord Jesus Christ we will be obedient, for that is The Law. How could any man know if he should turn left or right by a Book, but the Holy Spirit can lead us perfectly IF we will follow. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Romans 8:14
Posted On: 05/28/08 09:24:41 AM
Age 47, MO
Indeed, Our liberty in Christ is to no longer be under the weight of the law. The law has no consequence to the Christian because Christ paid the price for our sins. However, the law of rightousness is still valid to those who are called saints. We can no longer live a selfish sinful life if we claim to walk with God. If we are baptised in Christ's death and raised anew, then His rightousness becomes our own, our filthy deeds become white as snow, our innocent transgressions are of no consequence, and our willful sins become repented. If we don't repent then we are no longer living by faith and we should question our walk and obedience. The reality is that if we walk by faith not by sight, we keep the law. John Click here to reply to this post
JESUS IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST
Posted On: 05/22/08 12:22:01 PM
Age 64, OH
Yes we should obey all the laws of The Lord Jesus Christ. Even the laws Jesus gave us in the OT. Of course all the laws of shedding blood for sin have been fulfilled and it would be an insult to Jesus to shed the blood of animals for our sin now. Here is an OT law that God Almighty spoke: Isaiah 43: 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;---
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior. -- We can see by what God had written that God Almighty is The Savior Himself and The Chosen Servant who is Jesus Christ, God proclaims here, "That I Am He". There was no god before God Almighty and no god after God Almighty. The Lord Jesus Christ was from the beginning The First and The Last. There was no god before Jesus and there is no god after Jesus. Jesus is THE FIRST and THE LAST. Don't you agree. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Title confusion
Posted On: 05/27/08 01:10:35 PM
Age 46, MN
I'm not following you Lou. I never mentioned sacrifices in my post above, but I will address your confusion. You say, "All the laws of shedding blood for sin have been fulfilled?" I would ask - where is it written? You say, "It would be an insult to Jesus to shed the blood of animals for our sin now?" That is not what the Prophets say.
Scripture indicates that during the Millennial Kingdom (Millennial Temple
period) there will be sacrifices and offerings including sin offerings. Jesus
indicates in Matthew 5:18 that not a "jot or tittle" will pass from the Torah
until heaven and earth pass away, therefore when the Torah goes forth to all
nations from Jerusalem (Micah 4:2) during His reign, the Temple stipulations
will be fully in effect and carried out by the Levitical priesthood (Jeremiah
33:18). The Temple described by Ezekiel mentions sin offerings, and Isaiah
speaks to the nations that will come to His holy mountain.
Ezekiel 45:17 "And it shall be the prince's part to provide the burnt
offerings, the grain offerings, and the libations, at the feasts, on the new
moons, and on the sabbaths, at all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel;
he shall provide the sin offering, the grain offering, the burnt offering, and
the peace offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel."
Ezekiel 45:25 "In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month, at the
feast, he shall provide like this, seven days for the sin offering, the burnt
offering, the grain offering, and the oil."
Ezekiel 46:20 And he said to me, "This is the place where the priests shall
boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the
grain offering, in order that they may not bring them out into the outer court
to transmit holiness to the people."
Isaiah 56:6 "Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, To minister to
Him, and to love the name of the LORD, To be His servants, every one who keeps
from profaning the sabbath And holds fast My covenant; 7 Even those I will bring
to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt
offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will
be called a house of prayer for all the peoples." 8 The Lord GOD, who gathers
the dispersed of Israel, declares, "Yet I will gather to them, to those
gathered."
Then again, in my humble opinion, I don't think that you fully understand the significance of the word "plerosai." You need to look that up.
Secondly, you attempt to impart your interpretation of Isaiah 43 into the text. This is called eisegesis, and transgresses the most basic of hermeneutical principals. Have you not read that Jesus denied being HaShem (HaShem is a circumlocution for the divine name of God - YHVH - which is Hebrew for "The Name") when He was accused of doing so? Jesus indicated that he was God in the sense of being an elohim - judge, or "son(s) of God" (ben elyown), (see John 10 and Psalm 82). Even Moses, Aaron and Samuel are called Gods (elohim) by HaShem (Exo. 7:1, 1 Sam. 28:11-14). I do however agree that Jesus is the Word of creation, and the Word of HaShem made flesh (John 1). But Jesus is not HaShem, HaShem is incorporeal. HaShem saves through the instrument of His salvation - that being His Messiah (corporeal). Jesus is also subject to HaShem (Matthew 7:21, John 14:24, 1 Corinthians 15:28).
I could go on and on, but understanding is not realized through consensus. Click here to reply to this post
JESUS IS GOD ALMIGHTY - THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD
Posted On: 05/28/08 02:53:34 PM
Age 64, OH
Barry; Notice in Ezekiel 44 that the priests were not to wear wool garments in the inner courts or the temple. This was symbolic of the fact that we are not allowed in the temple (Jesus) if we are going to sweat or try to work for our salvation. They were to wear linen garments that did not make a man sweat. The garments are our covering which some think they are covered by their works as Cain did. But it is the ones who are covered by the Blood of Jesus and nothing else that are allowed in the temple and no one else.- When asked by the pharisees Jesus said "I AM". Where in all of scripture does Jesus deny that He is God Almighty. - Isaiah 43 3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
-------
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together
and the peoples assemble.
Which of them foretold this
and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
so that others may hear and say, "It is true."
10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.
13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?" -- This is not my interpretation but the scriptures that a child can read and see that there is One and Only One God and He says there is no Savior except for Him and no God except Him. grace and peace to you. Lou Click here to reply to this post
THE BLOOD OF JESUS IS ADEQUATE TO PAY FOR ALL SIN FOREVER
Posted On: 05/28/08 02:32:01 PM
Age 64, OH
Ezekiel 45:16 All the people of the land will participate in this special gift for the use of the prince in Israel. 17 IT WILL BE THE DUTY OF THE PRINCE TO PROVIDE the burnt offerings, grain offerings and drink offerings at the festivals, the New Moons and the Sabbaths—at all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. HE WILL PROVIDE the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel.- Isaiah 9:6 tells us who this Prince is: 6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE. - Jesus is THE Prince of true Israel. Israel is the ones who are obedient to God by trusting Him and only Him to save them. They have the same faith as Abraham who trusted God to save him. Jesus has provided the sin offering and it is NEVER to be offered again. Are you saying that the blood of Jesus is not enough, or it is not worthy to pay for sin. Lou Click here to reply to this post
JESUS SACRIFICED ONCE FOR ALL
Posted On: 05/28/08 02:08:35 PM
Age 64, OH
John 2:19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The temple we have now is not made by human hands and imperfect, but is perfect and is the Lord Jesus Christ. You ask where is it written that Jesus was sacrificed once for all; that is in Hebrews Ch 9. 11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and MORE PERFECT TABERNACLE THAT IS NOT MAN MADE, that is to say, NOT PART OF THIS CREATION. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all BY HIS OWN BLOOD, having obtained ETERNAL redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are OUTWARDLY clean.(BUT NOT CLEAN OF THE HEART) 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised ETERNAL inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
16In the case of a will,it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." 21In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself AGAIN and AGAIN, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared ONCE FOR ALL at the end of the ages TO DO AWAY WITH SIN by the sacrifice of himself. 27Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.- IF SIN HAS BEEN DONE AWAY WITH AS THIS SCRIPTURE SAYS, THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY MORE SACRIFICE FOR SIN. THE SCRIPTURE CLEARLY SAYS, JESUS SACRIFICED ONCE FOR ALL. THAT IS WHY JESUS SAID "IT IS FINISHED". Lou Click here to reply to this post
I think you may have a slight problem here...
Posted On: 05/23/08 08:55:38 AM
Age 44, KY
Brother, you 2 Thes. 2: 1-5 section is talking about the 2nd Coming and not the Rapture of the Church. The verses in full counsel of the 66 books of the Bible, speaks of an event that is unexpected - no signs preceed it. The 2nd Coming is no suprise and if full of signs pointing to the exact day he will return - 1260 days after the Abomination of Desolation is setup in the 3rd Temple and the Anti-Christ declares himself to be "God". Due to the fact that thre is no direct signs pointing to Rapture, is why Paul referred to it as a "Mystery". I hope this helps clear up any confusion you or the readers of your post might have!
Barukh Attah YHWH! Click here to reply to this post
THE RAPTURE
Posted On: 05/23/08 11:32:40 AM
Age 64, OH
Friend, I think you made a mistake and did not mean to post here but somewhere else. But I will answer you any way. Please read my post on top of page titled THE RAPTURE. Jesus clearly tells us that the lost are removed 1st then the believers are gathered. Lou Click here to reply to this post
sorry lou
Posted On: 05/24/08 09:00:03 PM
Age 46, BAHAMAS
Lou. It looks like your bible has some pages missing.My bible clearly tells me that the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we that remain, shall be caught up {raptured} to meet them in the air. The wicked will go through the tribulation. Please buy yourself a new King James bible, and read the rest of it. Click here to reply to this post
THE LAST TRUMPET
Posted On: 05/27/08 12:10:00 AM
Age 64, OH
Yes we shall be caught up with Jesus in the air but the question is when. It is at the last trumpet, is it not. look in the KJV of The Revelation and see the last trumpet is not the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th trumpet. The last trumpet is the 7th trumpet and after that total victory and the Kingdom is here at the return of Jesus. Look at the 6 trumpets they are the great tribulation. Lou Click here to reply to this post
JESUS SAYS THE LOST ARE GATHERED FIRST
Posted On: 05/27/08 12:05:06 AM
Age 64, OH
Matthew 13 KJV 24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together UNTIL THE HARVEST: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together FIRST THE TARES, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.-- IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHICH TRANSLATION YOU READ. JESUS SAID THE TARES OR THE LOST ARE GATHERED FIRST. Grace and peace to you. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Tare and Wheat...
Posted On: 05/28/08 02:08:47 PM
Age 44, KY
Brother, the Matthew 13:24-30 reference concerning tares and wheat is explaning what will happen during the Millennium Kingdom as it draws to an end, and last generation of gentiles in the kingdom, the off-spring of the gentiles who made it through tribulation and into the Millennium Kingdom in the physical bodies, "the Good Seed". The wicked (non-believers or 'tares') will be those of the last generation of gentiles that rebel against Yeshua Hammashiach, and who are removed (burned up - Rev. 20:9) and only the believers - Jews and gentile alike (Wheat), will be allowed to enter the Eternal Order (Barn). For if these Matthew 13 scriptures were talking about pre-tribulation and the tares "Lost" were removed before the tribulation, then only the believers would have to endure the tribulation, which is not scriptually supported. Nor does a "rapture" of believers at the end of Tribulation make sense, else there would be no one left in the physical bodies to enter into the Millennium Kingdom. You have to look at the full counsel of the 66 books! Sorry brother, but I do believe you have taken Matthew 13:24-30 through the full counsel, or else you would understand where it fits.
May the Father bless you with understanding, brother... Mark Click here to reply to this post
THE FLOOD - A GREAT TRIBULATION
Posted On: 05/29/08 10:16:23 AM
Age 64, OH
Genesis is one of those 66 books. In the flood the believers were not carried away in the air before the flood came. There was great tribulation for 120 years as Noah and his family built the ark while the world ridiculed them. Noah and his family went into the ark (Jesus) on this earth and then the flood came and carried the lost away. The flood that destroyed the lost, saved Noah. The rising waters saved the ark from the earthquakes. Another of the 66 (proverbs) says that the righteous will never be moved. God's people were never saved FROM tribulation but God's people were saved THROUGH tribulation. It was tribulation that caused them to turn to God with all of their hearts and soul. Then Noah remained on this earth with the Lord. The tribulation of Noah was BEFORE the water carried the lost away. After the flood there was peace for awhile. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Ages of Scripture
Posted On: 05/29/08 10:09:41 AM
Age 47, MO
Mark: You think the end of this age is AFTER the Millenium? Wow, I guess a 1,000 years is like a day to God. Seriously, the Millenium age is the age to come. It is after Christ's return, it is after the tribulation Christ cuts short else no flesh will be saved. There are 5 ages that I see in Scripture, Pre- flood where man was shown lawlessness of flesh, Law age where man was shown our need for a savior, Grace age where man was shown the Christ, Millenial age where man will be perfected, and New Jeruselem where Christ will remain with His bride (we are the Jeruselem). Our current age of grace ends at Christ's return. Anyone else have a different take? John Click here to reply to this post
Tribulation
Posted On: 05/28/08 06:57:37 PM
Age 61, MO
The whole Gospel or Church age is great tribulation. Jesus will return only once. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Pre-trib rapture makes ID of AC academic exercise
Posted On: 05/22/08 08:31:16 AM
Age 52, VA
Chuck - I enjoyed reading your article, as well as the other posts, particularly the one that called attention to Recommendation 666 (I looked it up, and it does indeed exist). Your article ran out of steam when you wrote the line "we don't believe that the Coming World Leader will be revealed until after the Rapture of the Church." Please consult II Thess 2:1-5. This scripture is the absolute proof-text that shows that Christians, whom Paul was writing, would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Rapture would not occur until two things had occurred - 1) the great apostasy, and 2) the revealing of the man of sin, the AC. Yes, I am familiar with the tortured arguments that say the great apostasy referred to in II Thes 2 is actually the rapture itsef. So this has Paul saying, in effect, "The Rapture won't come until it comes", a tautology. Regarding the revealing of the AC, others will say that Paul wrote for the Christians who were to be converted after the rapture. This neatly side-steps the reason Paul wrote this in the first place. And why was that? Because the Thessalonians needed to know what would have to happen before the rapture, the Day of the Lord.
This is a good discussion to have, as long as we realize that this is not something to divide over and quarrel. Thank you for your service! Click here to reply to this post
Rapture/Torah
Posted On: 05/27/08 04:55:56 PM
Age 54, TX
I enjoyed your article Chuck but stopped like a brick wall when I hit the rapture statement. When you look at the totality of scripture, God carried His people through not out! Noah was carried through, the Israelites were carried through the time of pharoah, the Jews were carried through Antiocus and Hitler....what makes us so special? That is one reason the church should be embracing and studying the feast of dedication (hanukkah) - history repeats itself. Some will perish and some will make it through this horrific time - not escape.
It's so important as Christians to study this Hebrew book from a Hebrew perspective and know how the culture and language impacts the interpretations. To fulfill in Hebrew culture means to 'interpret correctly'. Did not Jesus do that? to Destroy means 'to interpret incorrectly'. Add that to Matthew 5 and your translation will be 'I came to teach Torah correctly, not incorrectly.
It's also important to embrace the festivals of the Lord (vs Jews) as they are 'appointments with God'. We don't even know His calendar - it was the first instruction He gave to redeemed people - this shall be the first of months to you!! The Feast of Trumpets is also called 'the day that no one knows' in Hebrew culture - ring a bell??? Also playing into the mix is the teachings of the trumpets - the last trumpet and the first trumpets. We HAVE to understand these things to interpret scripture correctly. Too many interpret out of their cultural/doctrine understanding and not that of Jesus! We will be deceived doing that.
Jesus in his own words in Matthew 7 declares after one comes to him saying "Lord I've prophecied in your name.....cast out demons..." His response: Depart from me, I never knew (yada in Hebrew) you, You who practice lawlessness (without Torah). Sadly, the church is teaching the same doctrine (lawless - without Torah) the antichrist will - no wonder there will be so many deceived. Click here to reply to this post
THE ANTICHRIST IS A ROMANIAN PRINCE
Posted On: 05/22/08 07:00:38 AM
Age 48, MA
Romania was one of the 10 countries conquered by the Romans and became a part of the Roman Empire. We gather from the Book of Revelations that the last kingdom when the Antichrist character shall be revealed shall be none other than the re-instated or "revived" Roman Empire under the guise of the European Federation or Union. There are >10 countries represented therein but as we usher into the era of the Antichrist, these nations within the current EU shall ultimately become 10 (how? I don't know). And Romania shall be one of the 10 nations under the EU umbrella. Now..., if I have heard it right or read it right somewhere..., there lived many hundreds of years ago in Romania where one "dark" prince (Vladimir or sth...)made a pack with Satan as he rebelled against the popish religion of Rome. He was reported to have died but ironically there is a place in Romania (where this dark prince lived) that do NOT believe this prince ever died. The say that he possessed some kind of a supernatural power. They still believe he did not die and that one day, this dark prince (who would be king) shall return and rule Roman and probably the whole world.... Coudn't this be the Antichrist that the Bible is talking about? Just a thought though... I remain to be corrected if what I read was a load of trash!
Mike Samuel Click here to reply to this post
Ten horn kings are generic, not specific
Posted On: 05/25/08 02:04:11 PM
Age 61, MO
The ten horn kings of Revelation 17:7,12 represent all (the #10 for completion) the mighty ones of the earth, and their goal is self fulfillment as opposed to Christ fulfillment. They willingly give their power and strength to the beast, so to reach their goal. "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14). Throughout history, the Lamb always defeats every form of antichristian dominion. For a while, it may seem as if antichristian forces have gained the upper hand, but when antichrist seems to be completely victorious, then his utter ruin is imminent. If the warning to "come out from her" (Revelation 18:4) is not heeded, then God finally hardens their hearts so they choose not to repent. They are then punished by the results of their own foolishness. "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore (Mystery Babylon), and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire." (Revelation 17:16). George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
WEU
Posted On: 05/23/08 04:27:24 PM
Age 30, WA
Just take a look at the WEU and see that it is made up of 10 Nations that were formed after the 1947 Benelux Treaty. These are 10 full member countries that make up the 10 nation Confederacy mentioned in Daniel. The WEU is the military muscle of the EU as well. Click here to reply to this post
IS THE US THE CURRENT DAY BABYLON
Posted On: 05/22/08 12:44:30 PM
Age 64, OH
Hi Mike; Here is some food for thought: The Roman empire has never ended, The ten kingdoms could well be the ten Germanic tribes that were the ones who took over the Roman Empire. These tribes were first recruited as soldiers for the legions of Rome and then conquered Rome. The laws of Rome are still used as the foundation of European and US law. We still use the Roman alphabet and the language of Rome was used by all the rulers of Europe and is still used yet today in our society. Britain, France and Spain were all part of the original Roman Empire and all these nations were taken over by Germanic tribes ( Franks- France, Angles and Saxons - England, Vandels - Spain). The US was settled by Spain, France, and England. So we could be the sons of Tarshish. Babylon is spoke of in The Revelation and it says that Babylon is the jewel encrusted gold cup that God holds in His hand that the whole world flocks to. As far as nations go; is not the US a Gold cup that is jewel encrusted. Did not God hold the US in His hand until of late. Did not all the nations flock to the US. Can you think of any other nation that fulfills this scripture better than the US. It is a simple matter to see that we are a colony of the Germanic tribes that took over the Roman Empire. There was even a nation called The Holy Roman Empire not too many years ago. The antichrist could come from the US. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Mystery Babylon
Posted On: 05/23/08 09:18:39 AM
Age 61, MO
Mystery Babylon is the world's center of anitchristian seduction at any moment in history. She is the great harlot which symbolizes that which allures, tempts, seduces, and draws people away from Christ. She symbolizes a concentration of luxury, vice, and glamor. She is the embodiment of "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the vainglory of life." (1 John 2:16). In the Apostle John's day, she was Rome. Today, she clearly aligns herself with the U.S. In John's day, Rome not only persecuted the Church with the sword, but also tried to entice believers by means of allurement. The same holds true today in the U.S. (but also to a certain extent in other countries). Antichristian governments do not destroy every church building; but have compromised many with 501c3 tax exemptions, and changed many into places of worldly entertainment. Mystery Babylon, the great harlot, is closely associated with the beast (rides on its back). Throughout history the beast changes form, but its essence remains the same. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
BABYLON THE GREAT
Posted On: 05/23/08 11:53:07 AM
Age 64, OH
Thanks for the reply George. To go further there are three Babylons. There is physical Babylon which will never rise again as the scriptures say. This is one of the reasons for the 1st gulf war. Saddam was starting to rebuild Babylon so God put a stop to it. The Babylon of the soulish realm is political and soulish. This was passed from Babylon to Persia to Greece to Rome to Constantinople and eventually to Britain and then to the US. There is also Babylon The Great. Just as Alexander and Alexander The Great are different people so here a different Babylon. This Babylon is the Greatest so it is in the spiritual realm and it covers the whole earth. Babylon went from city to nation to the whole earth. Just as the gospel will cover the whole earth so the counterfeit. Babylon The Great claims to be married to Jesus but is an adulteress. It also says, 6I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.- So we see that she is a woman and is the one who has always killed the saints and the prophets. She also says I will never be a widow or I will never mourn. - This of course is the false church that started with Babylon and then Jerusalem and then Rome and then the whole earth. Lou Click here to reply to this post
regarding the Rapture
Posted On: 05/21/08 10:22:19 PM
Age 52, NE
whether or not there is a pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib rapture..Jesus told us to be ready. In other words, we need to plan like we'll be here for a long time, but act like we won't. Only the Father knows the hour that we'll be taken home! I'm content with that! If the Father should decide that His children will go through the tribulation, so be it! There won't be a thing that we can do about it. Personally, I believe in a pre-trib rapture, but (as I'm only human and the Bible doesn't expound on the timing) I could be wrong! LOL I know that He is getting his children ready for something, so let's get going! Click here to reply to this post
Amen
Posted On: 05/23/08 10:21:05 PM
Age 47, MO
Friend: Good post. I agree that our hope is not in the rapture, it never was. Our hope is in Jesus. He is the reserection. John Click here to reply to this post
DANIEL WAS HUMBLE ENOUGH TO REPENT
Posted On: 05/21/08 07:39:02 PM
Age 64, OH
We can learn much form Daniel 9. Daniel was visited by an angel and received much revelation, but this happened only after Daniel prayed a prayer of repentance to God. Daniel 9: 4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:
"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
7 "Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.
"Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 12 You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. 13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14 The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.-- We do not seem to have many people like Daniel who are humble enough to be able to pray this prayer to God. To those who do there is great revelation in store for them as it was for Daniel. Lou Click here to reply to this post
