CHAPTERS

Introduction

The Bible is a message from God to His creation. The New Testament is an unveiling of mysteries written throughout the Old Testament. It is God, who reveals His mysteries to those of His choosing, in an appointed time and season. When Christ spoke to the crowds in parables, he was uttering things (unveiling the mysteries) hidden since the creation of the world (Matthew 13:35). In order to understand and interpret Bible prophecy, one must be able to comprehend both the literal translation and the accompanying implied personifications.

The Old Testament was veiled to all, except to the most honorable among men. The mystery of the salvation of our souls was well hidden in the Old Testament. Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. (1 Peter 1:10,11) The unveiling of mysteries preached in the Gospel was given to us, by the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us, when Jesus Christ is revealed (which he was), we are to set our hope fully on the grace to be given. Even angels long to look into these things. (1 Peter 1:12)

Today we hear a lot about Bible prophecy. Prophecy can be found throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament. Prophecy is a foretelling of future events. When God revealed to men prophetic truths, it was a statement of future events, instruction, warnings and doctrine. Prophecy is a revelation of God's will in relation to man. Those whom He communicated with and revealed His purpose to in the Old Testament, are called prophets.

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:20) Prophecy is a light shining in a dark place because it is revealing. Until the day dawns is the light before the sunrises or is the day the Lord returns. The morning star is our Savior and the morning star rises in your hearts represents a resurrection. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20,21) God says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." (Isaiah 46:10) Those who apply their minds to God's prophetic word will have insight and foreknowledge of the present times. The Gospel is filled with God's promises (prophecy) and His intentions for all generations including this one.

Not all messengers of God are human. In the end time events, His messengers will include the winds (hurricanes), lightning and thunder (storms), rain (floods), the sea (tidal waves), the ground (earthquakes), and whatever else He chooses. The media announces nature is breaking all kinds of records as, coming in Biblical proportions.

The Old Testament includes history, the prophecies and the rehearsals of future events. God says, "Remember the former things those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." (Isaiah 46:9-10) Hidden within the Scripture are deeper truths and insights of understanding. We don't have to be a Bible scholar, a minister or the Pope to have discernment. To understand the Spiritual teaching, the help of the Holy Spirit is necessary (2 Corinthians 2:1-5).

All the prophecies written in the Bible have occurred except the end time events. Our generation will be witnesses to the end time prophecy being fulfilled. We are all participants in the end time events, no nation or race of peoples will be excluded. It will be devastating for some and glorious for others; nevertheless all will participate, the living and the dead. Jesus gives us foresight to the end time events, "For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now -- and never to be equaled again." (Matthew 24:21)

The plan of salvation is in place, everyone is given the opportunity to be a part of that salvation. By doing so there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. The consequence of not living the life outlined in the Bible is eternal damnation. Who can afford to take that chance? It is better to live a life that will guarantee you eternal life than eternal damnation. God's Word tells us there will be a separation into these two groups as part of the end times prophecy (Matthew 25:31-46).

Mysteries Unveiled is beneficial for all. It unveils the mysteries written in the Bible pertaining to eternal life and eternal death. The reader will have a full understanding of the events taking place now in the world, as well as the events leading up to and beyond the Second Coming of Christ. Scripture tells us, God will not have us ignorant (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We can look to the Old Testament and see our past, present and future times: What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. (Ecclesiastes 1:9,10)

This book is based on the testimonies of the Prophets in the Old Testament, Christ Jesus, the Apostles, and the Disciples of Christ. They are quoted throughout this book because their works are untainted from false representation and false interpretation. There are excerpts from early church manuscripts written by Clement, Justin Martyr and Methodius, John Chrysostom and others, to elaborate on particular subject matters.

Who Is The Chosen Race

The Clementine Homilies are writings attributed to Clement. To recap history, Barnabas (Matthias) was the twelfth apostle chosen by lots. He was chosen to replace Judas Iscarlot, who committed suicide. This was done so that the Apostles number remained as twelve (Acts 1:26). Barnabas became Paul's traveling companion. Barnabas met Clement and introduced him to Peter. Clement traveled with Peter. He compiled books of Peter's teachings. Before Peter's death, he appointed Clement as the first Bishop of Rome. He was Bishop of Rome from A.D. 68 - A.D. 71. The Clementine Homilies gives us first hand conversations between Peter with his disciples and his adversary, Simon Magus.

Here is an excerpt from the Clementine Homilies, (Homily VIII). It tells us Peter's view on the called and chosen people of God. Then Peter, wondering at the eagerness of the multitudes, answered, You see, brethren, how the words of our Lord are manifestly fulfilled. "For I remember his saying, Many shall come from the east and from the west, the north and the south, and shall recline on the bosoms of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. 'But many,' said He also, 'are called, but few chosen.' The coming, therefore, of these called ones is fulfilled. But inasmuch as it is not of themselves, but of God who has called them and caused them to come, on this account alone they have no reward, since it is not of themselves but of Him who has wrought in them. But if, after being called, they do things that are excellent, for this is of themselves, then for this they shall have a reward."

"For even the Hebrews who believe Moses, and do not observe the things spoken by him, are not saved, unless they observe the things that were spoken to them. .... Since, therefore, both to the Hebrews and to those who are called from the Gentiles, believing in the teachers of truth is of God, while excellent actions are left to every one to do by his own judgment, the reward is righteously bestowed upon those who do well. For there would have been no need of Moses, or of the coming of Jesus, if of themselves they would have understood what is reasonable. Neither is there salvation in believing in teachers and calling them lords."

"For on this account Jesus is concealed from the Jews, who have taken Moses as their teacher, and Moses is hidden from those who have believed Jesus. For, there being one teaching by both, God accepts him who has the things spoken by God. ... Thus God Himself has concealed a teacher from some, as foreknowing what they ought to do, and has revealed him to others, who are ignorant what they ought to do."

"Neither, therefore, are the Hebrews condemned on account of their ignorance of Jesus, by reason of Him who has concealed Him, if, doing the things commanded by Moses, they do not hate Him who they do not know. Neither are those from among the Gentiles condemned, who know not Moses on account of Him who hath concealed him, provided that these also, doing the things spoken by Jesus, do not hate Him whom they do not know. .... Moreover, if any one has been thought worthy to recognize both as preaching one doctrine, that man has been counted rich in God, understanding both the old things as new in time, and the new things as old."

The Clementine Homilies can be backed up throughout the New Testament by Christ and the Apostles. Christ says, "The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do because they do not practice what they preach." (Matthew 23:2,3) Jesus tells the teacher of the Law if you love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul, and love your neighbor as yourself, making that more important then burnt sacrifices... "You are not far from the kingdom of heaven." (Mark 12:34) When an expert of the Law asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus replied, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" (Luke 10:26)

Christ says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17) John says, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) This means grace and truth came through Christ regarding the Law of Moses, because the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ is one in the same. The Law although it was taught by the Pharisees and teachers, was not taught by example. Christ came as an example of the Law in the flesh. In the Book of Acts we read: "--- you who received the Law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." (Acts 7:53) Here is the problem and Christ came as the solution. Furthermore to eliminate any argument about those who continue to follow the Law it is written: Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. (Romans 3:19) Paul states very clearly: "Do we then, nullify the Law by faith? Not at all! Rather we uphold the Law." (Romans 3:31)

This is what the New Testament tells us about the Law. The Law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. (Romans 7:12) The Law is spiritual. (Romans 7:14) Jesus calls the Old Testament a treasure (Matthew 13:52).

Irenaeus Against Heresies

Book IV

But since the writings (litera) of Moses are the words of Christ, He does Himself declare to the Jews, as John has recorded in the Gospel: "If ye had believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, neither will ye believe My words."He thus indicates in the clearest manner that the writings of Moses are His words.

(Chapter II) There is but one author, and one end to both the Old and New Testament Covenants.

Now the question for the Hebrews is this, how many can live by the Law aside from Christ and is righteous? The Law wages war with the law of the mind, which makes one a slave to sin. By believing in Christ as your Lord and Savior brings forth the law of the Spirit. Receiving the Holy Spirit will set you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 7:23, 7:25, 8:2).

Not believing Jesus is our Lord and Savior gives the devil confidence in his present and future working. He will sway the promised flock even further from the Lord. Satan will enter the antichrist and come with full persuasion as being the Christ. As the time draws near for Christ's return remember before Christ comes again, the antichrist will come. He will come with a familiar custom, and with a familiar name, and you will be deceived. And your deception has been prophesied (John 5:43). Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior and receiving the Holy Spirit, will open your eyes to revelation and knowing the truth of all things. But you may say "we have seen the antichrist, our temple was destroyed." And indeed this appeared most prevalent during Nero, Vespasian and Titus reign. But the Lord gave us his Word. He told us if they say "Christ is in the secret chamber"... this is not true... if they say "Christ is in the desert"... do not go and see and if they say "look Christ is in the temple"... do not go and be deceived. For when Christ returns everyone at once will know. His entrance from the heavens will be seen by all. He will be revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7). And the devil is forbidden to display an imitation of Christ in this manner.

Surrounding the events of the antichrist will be signs, wonders and miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9). But know this, if the miracles do not profit man they are of the antichrist. For example healing the sick profits man, but the fact that idols drink milk profits nothing (in the news 1995).

Barnabas tells us two nations are chosen. Rebecca went forth to inquire of the Lord; and the Lord said to her, "There are two nations in thy womb, and two people shall come from thy body; and the one shall have power over the other, and the greater shall serve the lesser." (Barnabas XII:4) Another example is Jacob when speaking to his son Joseph during the blessing of his two sons. Joseph says to Jacob: "Put thy right hand upon the head of Manasseh, for he is my first-born son." Jacob crossed his hands placing the blessing on Ephraim the younger child saying, "but the greater shall serve the lesser; though he also shall be blessed." (Barnabas XII:6,7) Barnabas says: "What then saith the Scripture to Abraham, when he believed, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness? Behold I have made thee a father of the nations, which without circumcision believe in the Lord." (Barnabas XII:11) The two nations are the Christians and the Jews. [Excerpts from Barnabas are taken from The Lost Books of the Bible, © 1926 by Alpha House, Inc.]

The Old Testament makes it clear that more than one nation is part of God's plan. The Lord speaks to Abram and tells him: "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations." (Genesis 17:4) This is further verified in the New Testament. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." (Galatians 3:8) If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29) The Lord spoke to Isaiah and said, "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6) So as you can see, including the Gentiles as part of the Divine Plan of the Lord was not a New Testament teaching but rather a revealing. The Gentiles are legitimate successors of the Old Testament Church (Israelites) of God. Does this mean we are suppose to go back to the Old Testament Church ways? No! We are now gathered together under a new covenant. The enactment of salvation is now a spiritual one (as it was in the beginning), not a physical one. Do we no longer abide by the Law? Paul tells us, do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:13,14)

This is what Scripture says about the Sons of God. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

An excerpt from The Second Apology of Justin For The Christians Addressed To The Roman Senate. Chapter. II. Urbicus Condemns The Christians to Death. We have become a consecrated offering to God for Christ's sake: we are the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nations, the peculiar people, who once were not a people, but are now the people of God; who, according to John, are not of those who are beneath, but have learned all from Him who came from above; who have come to understand the dispensation of God; who have learned to walk in newness of life.

What Roles Has Christ Played In History

How many times have you heard "I believe in God, but I don't believe in Jesus"... Or "Jesus was a prophet and a teacher but not the Savior." I am hearing these comments more now in the 90's than previous years.

Jesus is mentioned 1,251 times in the New Testament and Christ is mentioned 545 times. Over a hundred references are mentioned of Christ in the Old Testament. It was prophesied that Christ would come, which he did and it was prophesied that he would come again, which is soon.

This is an selection taken from The Constitutions of the Holy Apostles, chapter heading A Prophetic Prediction Concerning Christ Jesus. But after ten days from the ascension, which from the first Lord's day is the fiftieth day, do ye keep a great festival: for on that day, at the third hour, the Lord Jesus sent on us the gift of the Holy Ghost, and we were filled with His energy, and we "spake with new tongues, as that Spirit did suggest to us;" and we preached both to Jews and Gentiles, that He is the Christ of God, who is "determined by Him to be the Judge, of quick and dead." To Him did Moses bear witness, and said: "The Lord received fire from the Lord, and rained it down." Him did Jacob see as a man, and said: "I have seen God face to face, and my soul is preserved." Him did Abraham entertain, and acknowledge to be the Judge, and his Lord. Him did Moses see in the bush; concerning Him did he speak in Deuteronomy: "A Prophet will the Lord your God raise up unto you out of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall be, that every soul that will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among his people." Him did Joshua the son of Nun see, as the captain of the Lord's host, in armour, for their assistance against Jericho; to whom he fell down, and worshipped, as a servant does to his master. Him Samuel knew as the "Anointed of God," and thence named the priests and the kings the anointed. Him David knew, and sung an hymn concerning Him, "A song concerning the Beloved;" and adds in his person, and says, "Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Thou who art mighty in Thy beauty and renown: go on, and prosper, and reign, for the sake of truth, and meekness and righteousness; and Thy right hand shall guide Thee after a wonderful manner. Thy darts are sharpened, O Thou that art mighty; the people shall fall under Thee in the heart of the king's enemies. Wherefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." Concerning Him also spake Solomon, as in His person: "The Lord created me the beginning of His ways, for His works: before the world He founded me, in the beginning before He made the earth, before the fountains of waters came, before the mountains were fastened; He begat me before all the hills." and again: "Wisdom built herself an house." Concerning Him also Isaiah said: "A Branch shall come out of the root of Jesse, and a Flower shall spring out of his root." And, "There shall be a root of Jesse; and He that is to rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles trust." And Zechariah say: "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, just, and having salvation; meek and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass." Him Daniel describes as "the Son of man coming to the Father," and receiving all judgment and honour from Him; and as "the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, and becoming a great mountain, and filling the whole earth," dashing to pieces the many governments of the smaller countries, and the polytheism of gods, but preaching the one God, and ordaining the monarchy of the Romans. Concerning Him also did Jeremiah prophesy, saying: "The Spirit before His face, Christ the Lord, was taken in their snares: of whom we said, Under His shadow we shall live among the Gentiles." Ezekiel also, and the following prophets, affirm everywhere that He is the Christ, the Lord, the King, the Judge, the Lawgiver, the Angel of the Father, the only-begotten God. Him therefore do we also preach to you, and declare Him to be God the Word, who ministered to His God and Father for the creation of the universe. By believing in Him you shall live, but by disbelieving you shall be punished. For "he that is disobedient to the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." (c. XX)

Jesus is the Word made flesh who was with God in the beginning and was God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.... And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. (John 1:1-3,14) God's Word is true and by denying Christ, we are in essence calling God a liar.

The unbelief was expected by God. That is why He made it known to us without a doubt Christ was His Son. God said, He would give us a sign so that people would know without a doubt Christ was His Son (Isaiah 7:14). It is further written a sign would be given; Christ would be born of a virgin and the mother would call him Immanuel, meaning God is with us (Matthew 1:23). It was prophesied and it happened. If you are in doubt about the virgin birth know this, with God all things are possible (Matthew 10:26). Did He not create the Universe and all things visible and invisible in six days?

Christ came and changed the lives of many then and continues to change the lives of many daily. No one before or since him has come with a message and works that has affected lives and nations. He told us that he and the Father are one (John 10:30), and those who have seen him have also seen the Father (John 14:9). Most importantly, he tells us that no one goes to the Father except through him (John 14:6). Your salvation depends on your believing in him.

Jesus came and will come again. He died, resurrected and ascended into heaven and no other facts say or can say otherwise. These things were written in the Law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms concerning him. When he comes again, every knee will bow whether you are a believer or a unbeliever (Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11). Jesus is Lord.

Irenaeus Against Heresies

Book III.

Christ is man, the formation of God; and thus He took up man into Himself, the invisible becoming visible, the incomprehensible being made comprehensible, the impassible becoming capable of suffering, and the Word being made man, thus summing up all things in Himself: so that as in super-celestial, spiritual, and invisible things, the Word of God is supreme, so also in things visible and corporeal He might possess the supremacy, and, taking to Himself the pre-eminence, as well as constituting Himself Head of the Church, He might draw all things to Himself at the proper time. (Chapter XVI)

For in the name of Christ is implied, He that anoints, He that is anointed, and the unction itself with which He is anointed. And it is the Father who anoints, but the Son who is anointed by the Spirit, who is the unction, as the Word declares by Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me,"--pointing out both the anointing Father, the anointed Son, and the unction, which is the Spirit. (Chapter XVIII)

But again, those who assert that He was simply a mere man, begotten by Joseph, remaining in the bondage of the old disobedience, are in a state of death having been not as yet joined to the Word of God the Father, nor receiving liberty through the Son, as He does Himself declare: "If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."But, being ignorant of Him who from the Virgin is Emmanuel, they are deprived of His gift, which is eternal life; and not receiving the incorruptible Word, they remain in mortal flesh, and are debtors to death, not obtaining the antidote of life. (Chapter XIX)

Even our calendar date acknowledges the Lord..., BC meaning before Christ and AD Anno Domini meaning "the year of our Lord." There is overwhelming evidence of his existence and indisputable evidence Jesus Christ was the Son of God. There were witnesses of these events who testified to the birth and life of Christ, his death, his resurrection and ascension. His followers believed in him and his enemies believed in him (John 11:47,48). Your eternity is effected by your believing or not believing in him. You cannot find understanding of the truth if you do not believe.

What Are God's Appointed Feasts

The day and the night were created by God. By the Lord's decision some days were made exalted and hallowed over the other days (Sirach 33:7-9 RSV). These exalted days became the beginning of seasons and feasts. The feast became an everlasting decree (Tobias 1:6 RSV). He arranged their times throughout the year for a specific purpose (Sirach 47:10 RSV). God's feasts became ordinances and are to be observed from generation to generation (Exodus 12:14,23:14). God's feasts are to be proclaimed as Holy convocations (Leviticus 22:2). Any man made feast outside these ordinances the Lord hates (Amos 4:21 and Isaiah 1:14). The feasts days and the seasons play a big part in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. They tell a story of things to come. The importance of the feast days will be demonstrated throughout this book.

The feasts were given to the Jews by God. God told Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.'" (Leviticus 23:2)

God does not only give his callings to individual people but also to nations. He gives tasks to individual people and nations to fulfill the prophecies. The laws, judgments, festivals are given to Israel by God to set an example for other nations. God says, "do not add to or take from the commands," (Deuteronomy 4:2), Israel will set an example for other nations by the commands He gives. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." (Deuteronomy 4:6)

Jesus addresses the Jewish people during his Sermon on the Mount, "You are the salt of the earth." (Matthew 5:13) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

(Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus verifies Israel is the example given for all nations to see. Jesus tells them the law should not be abolished. He says, "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:19)

The feasts in Book of Leviticus, define, explain and show God's plan. God says, 'These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.' (Leviticus 23:2)

The Sabbath:

"There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the Lord." (Leviticus 23:3) The Fourth Commandment says: Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy. The Sabbath is traditionally on a Saturday and the day of rest should not be acknowledged any other day.

The Spring Festivals

The Passover and Unleavened Bread:

"The Lord's Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of that month the Lord's Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. For seven days present an offering made to the Lord by fire. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work." (Leviticus 23:5-8)

Firstfruits of the Barley Harvest:

The Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. He is to wave the sheaf before the Lord so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.'" (Leviticus 23:9-11)

Feast of Weeks:

"'From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.'" (Leviticus 23:15-16) This feast is also called the Shavuot or Pentecost.

The Fall Festivals

Feast of Trumpets:

The Lord said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites: 'On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts. Do no regular work, but present an offering made to the Lord by fire.'" (Leviticus 23:23-25) This feast is called the "Head of the Year" or the Jewish New Year.

Day of Atonement:

The Lord said to Moses, "' The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the Lord by fire. Do no work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the Lord your God.'" (Leviticus 23:26) "It is a Sabbath of rest for you, and you must deny yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to observe your Sabbath." (Leviticus 23:32) Day of Atonement is considered to be the holiest day of the Jewish year and is called the Day of Redemption (Yom Kippur).

Feast of Tabernacles: The Lord said to Moses "Say to the Israelites: 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present offerings made to the Lord by fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to the Lord by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work.'" (Leviticus 23:33-36)

God's feasts days play a historic role and a prophetic role. God has a plan for restoration for man and the earth. His plans in the past are the same as in the future and will occur during these feasts. To get a better understanding when the festivals took place by our calendar today, see the Bible Calendar.

The Bible Calendar

1st Month Nissan (Aviv) March - April

2nd Month Iyar (Zif) April - May

3rd Month Sivan May - June

4th Month Tammuz June - July

5th Month Av (Ab) July - August

6th Month Elul (Ellul) August - September

7th Month Tishri (Ethanim) September - October

8th Month Cheshvan (Bul) October - November

9th Month Kislev (Chisleu) November - December

10th Month Tevet (Tebeth) December - January

11th Month Sh'vat (Shebat) January - February

12th Month Adar February - March

The spring festivals celebrated in the time of Moses are rehearsals to the month and day and hour of the first coming of Christ, his death and resurrection, told to us in the New Testament. The fall festivals are rehearsals of the "Second Coming of Christ," prophesied in the Book of Revelation.

The Constitution of the Holy Apostles lists festivals and fasts to be observed after the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord. The dates are according to the Bible calendar. The first date mentioned is the twenty-fifth of the ninth month, which later became known as December 25, as the birth of Christ. (This day coincided with many pagan festivals, particularly one called Saturnalia. Saturnalia was time of merrymaking, exchanging gifts and time off from the routine of living.) Sec. III. -- On Feasts Days and Fast Days. After which let the Epiphany be to you the most honoured, in which the Lord made to you a display of His own Godhead, and let it take place on the sixth of the tenth month; after which the fast of Lent is to be observed by you as containing a memorial of our Lord's mode of life and legislation. But let this solemnity be observed before the fast of the passover, beginning from the second day of the week, and ending of the day of the preparation. After which solemnities, breaking off your fast, begin the holy week of the passover, fasting in the same all of you with fear and trembling, praying in them for those that are about to perish. He therefore charged us Himself to fast these six days on account of the impiety and transgression of the Jews, commanding us withal to bewail over them, and lament for their perdition. For even He Himself "wept over them, because they knew not the time of their visitation." But He commanded us to fast on the fourth and sixth days of the week; the former on account of His being betrayed, and the latter on account of His passion. But He appointed us to break our fast on the seventh day at the cock-crowing, but to fast on the Sabbath-day. Not that the Sabbath-day is a day of fasting, being the rest from the creation, but because we ought to fast on this one Sabbath only, while on this day the Creator was under the earth. (The Sabbath is Saturday.)

It is therefore your duty, brethren, who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, to observe the days of the Passover exactly, with all care, after the vernal equinox... Keep it once only in a year for Him that died but once. Observe carefully the vernal equinox, which occurs on the twenty-second of the twelfth month, which is Dystros (March),... Celebrate the day of the resurrection of our Lord on a Sunday.... Because Jesus Christ, the pledge of our resurrection, is risen from the dead. And let this be an everlasting ordinance till the consummation of the world, until the Lord come. After eight days let there be another feast observed with honour, the eighth day itself, on which He gave me Thomas, who was hard of belief, full assurance by showing me the print of the nails, and the wound made in His side by the spear. And again, from the first Lord's day count forty days, from the Lord's day till the fifth day of the week, and celebrate the feast of the ascension of the Lord, whereon He finished all His dispensation and constitution, and returned to that God and Father that sent Him.

Are The Old Testament Events A Rehearsal

Exodus is a key rehearsal, not only of the life of Christ, but also end time events. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. (Isaiah 46:10) God, from the beginning has kept His people informed of His plan concerning them. This plan affects every generation until Judgment Day. When you know His Word, you will know His plan. God's plan can be easily understood when you know:

(1) His creation in six days represents six thousand years for the people born since the creation of Adam.

(2) God chose worthy men to reveal the mysteries of Him. Those men were called prophets.

(3) The prophecies of these faithful men come true because the writings are of God and His Word is infallible. The prophecies are an announcement of coming events and the first event is called a rehearsal.

The Old Testament is filled with rehearsals. There are approximately 1270 years between Exodus and the first coming of Christ. Exodus was a rehearsal of the birth and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. This is not coincidence but God's plan. We are given rehearsals to know God's plan and the outcome. The following is a parallel between the time of Moses and the time of Christ.

The killing of male children

During the time of Moses:

The Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly many, so that the land was filled with them. (Exodus 1:1) The king being aware of this, was afraid these people would go against him in war. He hired slave masters over them with forced labor. The midwives are told to kill all the male children. The midwives did not because they feared the Lord. The Pharaoh gave this order to all his people, "Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live." (Exodus 1:22) Moses was born during that time. His mother put him in a basket and placed him among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Moses was found by the Pharaoh's daughter and she called him her son.

During the time of Christ:

After Jesus was born, Herod in the year 4 A.D., asked the Magi to find the Christ so that he may go and worship him also. The Magi found Jesus and presented their gifts. Because of a dream, they went home another route and did not say anything to Herod. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. (Matthew 2:16)

People in slavery

During the time of Moses:

The Israelites were in slavery and cried out to the Lord. During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:23-25)

During the time of Christ:

The people were also in slavery. They were in bondage because of sin.

Preparation from slavery

During the time of Moses:

The Lord appears to Moses in a burning bush, (Exodus 3:2). God tells Moses he has come to rescue the Israelites from the hand of the Egyptians (Exodus 3:8).

During the time of Christ:

God rescues man from the slavery of sin, when He brought into the world His only begotten son Jesus Christ. When John saw Jesus he said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

Miracles performed

During the time of Moses:

In order for the people to believe Moses was sent by God, God showed Moses miracles to perform. One miracle was when Moses threw his staff to the ground and it turned into a snake (Exodus 4:2-4). In another miracle Moses stuck his arm in his cloak and when pulling it out, it was leprous like snow. When he put his arm back into his cloak and pulled it out it was normal flesh (Exodus 4:6-7). Moses obeying God's command, brought ten plagues against the Pharaoh and Egypt (Exodus 7:14-12:30).

During the time of Christ:

Jesus throughout the four gospels did many miracles, turning water into wine, healing the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. Jesus did these miracles so that the people would believe. Jesus says, "...even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." (John 10:38)

The Lamb is selected and killed

During the time of Moses:

The Israelites prepare for the last plague. This is the beginning of the Passover. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, on the 10th day of Aviv get a lamb to hold for four days. God says to be sure the lamb is spotless and without a blemish.

The lamb was slaughtered at 3:00 p.m. on the 14th Day of Aviv. "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb..." (Exodus 12:2-3). "The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight." (Exodus 12:5-6)

During the time of Christ:

Jesus enters the city on the 10th Day of Aviv. Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived. (John 12:1) Jesus is in the temple court yard for four days for all to examine. The chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders questioned him. The Sadducees questioned Jesus. No one could find a flaw in his answers or in him (Mark 11:27, Mark 12:18).

Jesus died on the cross at 3:00 p.m. on the 14th Day of Aviv, a Thursday. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" (Matthew 27:45) And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. (Matthew 27:50) The sixth hour of the day would have been noon and the ninth hour would be 3:00 in the afternoon.

An oath was made concerning Joseph

During the time of Moses:

On the 15th day of Aviv Moses takes his people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. Moses takes the coffin of Joseph's bones with him out of Egypt, because of an oath. Joseph prophesied the events in Exodus.

During the time of Christ:

After the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus asks Pilate's permission to take the body (John 19:38). He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.... Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. (John 39-40) Joseph is mentioned on the 15th Day of Aviv in the time of Moses and Christ.

A day of rest

During the time of Moses:

On the 16th day of Aviv the Israelites camp at Etham (Exodus 13:20).

During the time of Christ:

The 16th Day of Aviv, Saturday was a Sabbath day. The women prepared spices, but did not go to the tomb because it was a day of rest (Luke 23:46).

Resurrection from the depths

During the time of Moses:

On the 17th Day of Aviv, Moses parts the Red Sea. The Pharaoh's heart is hardened and he goes after the Israelites. He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. (Exodus 14:7) The Israelites are terrified by the Pharaoh and his army. Moses calls out to the Lord. The Lord said: Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (Exodus 14:16) Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. (Exodus 14:21-22) The Egyptians followed the Israelites into the sea. When the Israelites were safely on the other side Moses reached out his hand and the sea swallowed up the Pharaoh and his army.

The Israelites went through the depths of the Red Sea and came out victoriously, on the 17th of Aviv. The death of Pharaoh ended his ownership over the children of Israel.

During the time of Christ:

On the same day over a thousand years later Jesus rose from the dead victoriously and sins no longer have ownership over us. On the 17th Day of Aviv, on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" (Luke 24:1-6)

Fifty days to Pentecost

During the time of Moses:

From the Red Sea, the Israelites traveled forty seven days until they reached the mountain of God. This plus the three days of separation equals fifty days.

During the time of Christ:

People saw Jesus after the resurrection for more than forty days (Acts 1:3).

The day of Pentecost

During the time of Moses:

After the Passover, fifty days from the Feast of Firstfruits, the 17th of Aviv, is the Feast of Weeks or the first day of Pentecost. The Israelites reached the mountain of God on this day. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like a smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Then Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. (Exodus 19:16-19) On the first day of Pentecost the Lord descends and speaks to Moses first and then to all the Israelites, in tongues they could understand.

During the time of Christ:

Over a thousand years later to the day the Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles and they spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4) When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. (Acts 2:7) The people thought these men speaking in tongues were filled with sweet wine. Peter stood up from the Eleven and said it is 9:00 in the morning, "we are not drunk as you suppose" (Acts 14:15). This is a prophecy being fulfilled spoken by the prophet Joel. " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.'" (Acts 17:16)

In summary the parallel between Moses and Christ reveals to us that the festivals are important appointments in God's plan. We can also conclude that if the first coming of Christ was during the Spring festivals, then the "Second Coming of Christ" would be during the Fall festivals. A reason to look to the fall festivals for the "Second Coming of Christ" is this: Yom Kippur was the only day of the year the priest could go into the inner portion of the Temple and come face to face with God. It is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year. Yom Kippur traditionally taught as the Day of Redemption and the Day of Judgment. The day and month each year vary because of the new moon cycles.

What Time Table Determines This Earth Age

Starting with Genesis 1:3, God created all things on earth and man in six days. On the seventh day was a day of rest. God could have created all things in a second of the first day if he wanted to. This shows us there is a prophetic plan laid out for all people to see, from the very beginning. Six days, God used in the creation of the world and on the seventh day he rested. This day of rest is very significant. This day of rest is a day that we will be brought to God according to Scripture. The seventh day is "The Day of Our Lord."

Each day of God's creation represents a thousand years. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that just gone by, or like a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4) Peter describes a time of impatience when people will say, "when will this "Second Coming of Christ be?" Peter says, But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

In Genesis God rested on the seventh day. The seventh day of rest is a thousand years (not one day) Christ will rule. The thousand year reign with Christ is spoken of by John, I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4-6)

What do we know about the day of rest as being the Day of The Lord? In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10) In Hebrews it talks about this day of rest that has not yet come. So this is a day that was set in a later time after the first coming of Christ. Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (Hebrews 4:1) Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11) He is speaking of the forefathers God lead out of Egypt, who did not remain faithful (Hebrews 8:9).

When Jesus went out to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee he commented, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28)

The Epistle of Barnabas comments, And even in the beginning of the creation he makes mention of the sabbath. And God made in six days the works of his hands; and he finished them on the seventh day, and he rested the seventh day, and sanctified it. Consider, my children, what that signifies, he finished them in six days. The meaning of it is this; that in six thousand years the Lord God will bring all things to an end. For with him one day is a thousand years; as himself testifieth, saying, Behold this day shall be a thousand years. Therefore, children, in six days, that is, in six thousand years, shall all things be accomplished. And what is that he saith, And he rested the seventh day: he meaneth this; that when his Son shall come, and abolish the season of the Wicked One, and judge the ungodly; and shall change the sun and the moon, and the stars; then he shall gloriously rest in that seventh day. (Barnabas VIII: 3-6) Barnabas tells us the millennium will be called the blessed rest, when the righteous will receive their promise and all things will be renewed by the Lord. He continues on then to tells us lastly about the eighth day: When resting from all things I shall begin the eighth day, that is, the beginning of the other world. For which cause we observe the eighth day with gladness, in which Jesus rose from the dead; and having manifested himself to his disciples, ascended into heaven. (Barnabas XIII:9,10) [Excerpts from Barnabas are taken from The Lost Books of the Bible, © 1926 by Alpha House, Inc.]

In the writings of Methodius, in 300 A.D., From The Discourse On The Resurrection, can be found a reference to the Feast of Tabernacles, "For since the six days God made the heaven and earth, and finished the whole world... and blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, so by a figure in the seventh month, when the fruits of the earth have been gathered in, we are commanded to keep the feast [of Tabernacles] to the Lord, which signifies that when this world shall be terminated at the seven thousand years, when God shall have completed the world, He shall rejoice in us... Then, when the appointed times shall have been accomplished, and God shall have ceased to form this creation, in the seventh month, the great resurrection - day, it is commanded that the Feast of our Tabernacles shall be celebrated to the Lord."

Justin Martyr from The Second Apology Of Justin For The Christians Addressed To The Roman Senate, Chapter LXXX.-- The Opinion Of Justin with Regard To The Reign Of A Thousand Years. And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, that those who believed in our Christ would dwell a thousand years in Jerusalem; and that thereafter the general, and, in short, the eternal resurrection and judgment of all men would likewise take place. Just as our Lord also said, 'They shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but shall be equal to the angels, the children of the God of the resurrection.'

Adam is the first creation, nearly six thousand years ago of an era prior to the flood. You might ask what about man living a million plus years before the creation of Adam? The answer can be found in Genesis 1:2. We are told in Genesis 1:1, he created heaven and earth in its beginning, this is an open and shut case. In Genesis 1:2 hear what it says. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep..., which means the earth existed and had gone through a catastrophic condition that had made it void. All things that were on earth before the creation which began in Genesis 3:3 was destroyed. A renewal of the earth simular to that degree was during the Flood took place prior to Genesis 3:3. Therefore we are able to find existence dating well before Adam and Eve because there was existence before then. It should be no surprise the constant renewal of the earth because of the circumstances not pleasing to God. The earth is very old in origination and man is young since the creation of Adam. The timetable for this age is 6000 years.

Are Parables Secrets Of The Kingdom

When the Apostles asked Jesus why he spoke in parables, he answered, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'" (Matthew 13:11-15), (Isaiah 6:9,10) Christ spoke the dialect of the language at that time, however the meaning and the message given by him were personified.

Jesus tells the crowd The Parable of the Weeds: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. "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?' " 'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' " 'No' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let 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.'" (Matthew 13:24-30) The Apostles understood the deeper meanings of the parables. But if there was one they did not understand they spoke to Christ privately and asked him to explain. The above parable is one they asked Christ to explain to them. He replied: "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 1:37-43)

The Lord calls the sons of the kingdom seeds planted in a field and the fruit of the field is the wheat. In a worldly sense, among the fruit of the earth are the sinners. In this parable they are called the weeds. But this parable also applies to ourselves. As a Christian, we bear fruits, which are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Once we have become established as the fruit of the field, we should not allow the Evil One to sow tares within us. Throughout the gospels, our Lord gives us continual instruction, preparing us for him. Within every parable is instruction.

While we wait for the Lord's return let us continuously seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. Let us think upon the heavenly things and forsake the world that is not ours, that we may arrive at the place promised to us. Let us be lifted up on eagles wings that we may see clearly, so that we become desirable fruits for our Lord. Let each of us be watchful and careful so that our body hears the trumpet call, summoning us to him. Let us put on the holy raiment, that we may to be with the elect in His Holy City. Whoever does not bear fruit in the field will be rooted up and cast out to torment.

Throughout the parables the following instructions are given: When we receive a blessing of increase from the Lord, then return it to him with its increase (Luke 12:42-48). When it is given us good seed to plant within our hearts, let us purge from ourselves the weeds and the thorns (Mark 4:46-49). In order to gain the crown, we must run as a winner in the race (1 Corinthians 9:24). Our battles are won, when we put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). If we cleanse ourselves from the ways of the world, we will become prepared to do good works pleasing to the Lord (2 Timothy 2:20). If we participate in the feasts of the world, we will not be invited to the marriage feast of the bridegroom (Luke 14:15). If it is our hope to be gathered to Christ, let us not make ourselves heavy with the burdens of the world (Hebrews 12:1). When we beg forgiveness of the Lord, let us also forgive our debtor (Matthew 18:23-34). We are the temple of God, let us purify and keep our body from uncleanness (1 Corinthians 3:16). When we cast off the old man, let us not return to our former works (Ephesians 4:22).

We are all sinners, let us not blame the world. To blame the things of the world for our downfall is like saying God's creations before the creation of man is evil. In wisdom God made all things. The creation was set before us as the teacher of the knowledge of God. Let us not look to God's creation as the cause of impiety but rather to our own members. The eye was given to behold the creation and glorify God, but the eye became a minister of adultery. The tongue was given to sing praises to the Lord, but from it has come blasphemy. The hands were given to be outstretched to Lord in prayer, but they became stretched out to covetousness. The feet were given in order to run unto good works, but carelessness brought the feet to evil works.

When the Lord said to his apostles: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." What does this mean? It means the senses of the soul have become dull. Through this dullness if left to continue will effect our spirit and that is why Paul said, "hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 5:15)

The Lord is coming soon. He will come as a thief in the night. Do not waste your hours away on slothfulness. Let us know ourselves. Let us know our wounds, so that we may apply the medicines needed. When we do not know our disease, we will give no care to our weakness. Do not put off one day in turning to the Lord. Do not say "I am young I have plenty of time to make that decision." "Do not say I am wealthy and secure I do not need to worry of such matters." Hear Paul's words, "when they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them." St. John Chrysostom gave us good sound advice when he said, "We are not masters of our end, so therefore let us be masters of our virtue."

What Does Scripture Say About The Rapture

The word rapture is not in the Bible. The word rapture is used among Christians when speaking of Christ's return for his church. Jesus mentions a gathering in his Olivett Discourse, "and he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (Matthew 24:31)

The following are views when the rapture (gathering) occurs:

(1) The pre-tribulation rapture view is the rapture of the church taking place before the tribulation. The church returns with Christ at the Second Coming.

(2) The mid-tribulation rapture view is the rapture of the church taking place at the midpoint of the tribulation period. The church returns with Christ at the Second Coming.

(3) The post-tribulation rapture view is the rapture taking place before the plagues. The church returns with Christ at the Second Coming.

There are different ideas on the sequence of events, from the beginning of the tribulation period to the millennium. What God's plan is, is what Scripture tells us.

The words caught up and taken up can be found throughout the Bible and the Apocryphal / Deuterocanonical Books (RSV Bible). In Wisdom 4:10 (RSV) is written, Enoch was taken up and in verse 11(RSV) says, he was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceives his soul. It is written that Enoch did not see death. This is also verified in Hebrews 11:45 that Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. In the Book of Acts, we read the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip and the eunuch saw him no more (Acts 8:39). In verse 40 it says, he was found at Azotus preaching the Gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesarea. Although Philip was caught up, he did remain on earth for many years afterwards. We can read in 2 Corinthians 11:3, about a man caught up into Paradise. Paul was speaking of himself and said he did not know whether he was in or out of the body. Although Paul was caught up into Paradise, he did remain on earth preaching the Gospel. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we who are alive until the Lord comes will be caught up together with them (the dead) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. We will all rise to the throne of God on Judgment Day. Revelation 12:5 tells us Christ was caught up to God and to his throne. In 4 Ezra 6:26 (RSV) states "And they shall see the men who were taken up, who from their birth have not tasted death; and the heart of the earth's inhabitants shall be changed and converted to a different spirit." We know from Bible Scripture two of those men are Enoch and Elijah. Ezra was taken up, (4 Ezra 8:19 RSV). Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire. He will return at the appointed time to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury (Sirach 48:9,10 RSV). Jesus was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19, John 21:2, Acts 1:11, 1 Timothy 3:16). Habakkuk was in Judea and Daniel in a lion's den in Babylon. With the great blast of an angel's breath, Habakkuk was carried to the lion's den to bring Daniel a meal. The angel carried Habakkuk back in a moment to his own country (Daniel 14:36,39 Jerusalem Bible).

Listen I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed -- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." (1 Corinthians 15:51-54) This Scripture can be taken literally. But if taken literally, you will not see the mystery. Several Scriptures from the Old and New Testament tell us there will be a Judgment Day and we will all stand before the throne of God. And not until that Judgment Day (Revelation 20:14), will Death be swallowed up in victory (literally). The conversation surrounding the above Scripture was about the resurrection, which will occur prior to Christ giving back the kingdom to God (1 Corinthians 15:24). This would be the Final Judgment. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:24-26)

But there is a mystery to behold: "Listen I tell you a mystery." The mystery is, we can be made imperishable now. Those who have part of the first resurrection (after the tribulation period), the second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6). Listen carefully to Peter: Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:22) When we are born again, we are born of the imperishable seed. Jesus tells us: "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." (John 3:5) For salvation today there is one, and only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5) for Christians. Paul describes that one Spiritual Baptism in 1Cor. 12:13. We are saved by hearing and believing in the saving power of Christ's shed blood (Ephesians 1:13,14 and 2:8,9,13). Paul's words are the Lord's commandment for Christains today (1Cor. 14:37,38).

When Christ said you can not enter the kindom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit he was speaking to a Jewish audience. Christ was not dead/raised yet and Paul's mystery for the Gentiles had not yet been revealed. Born of water is a washing. It was necessary for the Bride (Israel to be washed of her sins. This was also required during the time of Exodus. Christians are washed in the blood of Christ. Therefore, we have been washed by his crucifixion on the cross and the water baptism is no longer required.

The rehearsal prior to the gathering of all nations to Christ shows us, we will be here and protected during the plagues -- if we obey the commands of God. The rehearsal was during the time of Moses when the Pharaoh would not let him take the Israelites out of Egypt. The Lord announced the tenth and final plague to Moses. The tenth plague was the death of all the first born of people and of animals in Egypt. It did not affect the first born of the Israelites if they followed the command of the Lord. According to God's command the angel of death came and did not enter the homes where the lambs blood was on the sides and the tops of the door frames (Exodus). The blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the angel of death. Christ became the lamb and his blood has protected us from death. John referring to Christ says: "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, ..." (Revelation 1:5) Paul tells us: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment -- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." (Ephesians 1:5-10) In Hebrews it says, Christ cleansed our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14) Spiritually, death no longer reigns for the believers in Christ. Jude gives a warning to those that do not believe. Though you already know this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 5) This Scripture is also a rehearsal. Because sin and death remain in the Millennium, there will be descendants who will not believe and will be destroyed. They will perish forever in eternal hell.

Timothy tells us through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus who destroyed death has brought life and immortality. Christ has brought these things to light through the gospel (1 Timothy 1:10). The mystery is unveiled by the resurrection of Christ.

Immortality is spoken of in the Clementine Homilies, (Homily XVII). And Peter said: For I maintain that the eyes of mortals cannot see the incorporeal form of the Father or Son, because it is illumined by exceeding great light. Wherefore it is not because God envies, but because He pities, that He cannot be seen by man who has been turned into flesh. For he who sees God cannot live. For the excess of light dissolves the flesh of him who sees; unless by the secret power of God the flesh be changed into the nature of light, so that it can see light, or the substance of light be changed into flesh, so that it can be seen by flesh. For the power to see the Father, without undergoing any change, belongs to the Son alone. But the just shall also in like manner behold God; for in the resurrection of the dead, when they have been changed, as far as their bodies are concerned, into light, and become like the angels, they shall be able to see Him. Finally, then, if any angel be sent that he may be seen by a man, he is changed into flesh, that he may be able to be seen by flesh. For no one can see the incorporeal power not only of the Son, but not even of an angel.

Bodies being transformed into light and becoming like angels, can be verified by Scripture. After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. (Matthew 17:1-3) There is another account of this written by Peter in more detail in The Apocalypse Of Peter: And as we prayed, suddenly there appeared two men standing before the Lord towards the East, on whom we were not able to look; for there came forth from their countenance a ray as of the sun, and their raiment was shining, such as eye of man never saw; for no mouth is able to express or heart to conceive the glory with which they were endued, and the beauty of their appearance. And as we looked upon them, we were astounded; for their bodies were whiter than any snow and ruddier than any rose; and the red thereof was mingled with the white, and I am utterly unable to express their beauty; for their hair was curly and bright and seemly both on their face and shoulders, as it were a wreath woven of spikenard and divers-coloured flowers, or like a rainbow in the sky, such was their seemliness.

Seeing therefore their beauty we became astounded at them, since they appeared suddenly. And I approached the Lord and said: Who are these? He saith to me: These are your brethren the righteous, whose forms ye desired to see. And I said to him: And where are all the righteous ones and what is the aeon in which they are and have this glory?

And the Lord showed me a very great country outside of this world, exceeding bright with light, and the air there lighted with the rays of the sun, and the earth itself blooming with unfading flowers and full of spices and plants, fair flowering and incorruptible and bearing blessed fruit. And so great was the perfume that it was borne thence even unto us. And the dwellers in that place were clad in the raiment of shining angels and their raiment was like unto their country; and angels hovered about them there. And the glory of the dwellers there was equal, and with one voice they sang praises alternately to the Lord God, rejoicing in that place. The Lord saith to us: This is the place of your high-priests, the righteous men. Peter tells us this is a very great country outside of this world. The place Peter saw was the unveiling, a glimpse of the New Jerusalem.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) We are further told "for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4) Those who are living at the time of the resurrection will be caught up - meaning gathered together to witness this event. This event ushers in the Millennium. Not until after the Millennium will the Final Judgment occur spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 which says, the perishable will be clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality (to be taken literally).

The rehearsal for 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 can be found in the Old Testament Book, Exodus. While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud. (Exodus 16:10) God called the Israelites his bride, they are the ones who followed Him through the desert. "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: " 'I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.'" (Jeremiah 2:2) Moses led them (the bride) to Mt. Sinai where they were to wait for the Lord. The Lord told Moses " 'You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.'" (Exodus 19:4) God continues his conversation with Moses telling him: " 'Although the world is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'" (Exodus 19:6) He came to them in a thick cloud (Exodus 19:16). At His coming, there was lightning and thunder, and a loud trumpet blast. The mountain trembled violently and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder (Exodus 19:19). Can anyone enter into the Cloud of the Lord? Yes, Moses entered the cloud (Exodus 18:19), Aaron entered the cloud (Exodus 19:24), Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and seventy elders went up and saw the Lord at one time (Exodus 24:9). Peter, John and James in the New Testament experienced being enveloped in the cloud when Christ was speaking to them. While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. (Luke 9:34)

The Lord said, He carried the Israelites on eagles wings (a promise) and brought them to Him. They left a prosperous community of people in Egypt and was taken back and forth through the desert. They had to rely completely on the Lord or they would have perished. After the appointed time in the desert (which was their form of repentance), the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. Several people entered the cloud and talked with God. The Book of Revelation says: The woman (the Israelites mentioned in Exodus) was given two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert (Revelation 12:14). When the Lord appears in the clouds at an hour we do not know, the dead in Christ will rise. The believers who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. Meaning we will be gathered to him on eagles wings. We will be in flight to a chosen place as the Israelites were in flight to meet the Lord on Mt. Sinai. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 does not mention our bodies (the living who are gathered) will be changed at this gathering to our Lord. Spiritually, our bodies are already changed from corruption to incorruption when we are baptized in the Spirit. We have been made ready and prepared for the Coming of Our Lord. Paul writes a second letter to the Thessalonians and again assures them when the Lord comes, we will be gathered to him (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

Our gathering to him will not take place until after the plagues. Those who obey God's precepts will be protected from the seven plagues. Once again we can look to the rehearsal of this in the Old Testament book, Exodus. The Pharaoh rejected God's command and did not allow the Israelites to leave Egypt. The Pharaoh's rejection to the Lord's command brought upon Egypt ten plagues. The first three plagues affected everyone. The last seven plagues affected everyone but the Israelites. Paul tells us exactly what will happen when the Lord appears: This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) Isaiah tells us, "he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a Spirit of judgment and a Spirit of fire." (Isaiah 4:4)

Some of the believers in Christ will see death before Christ returns, because of the persecutions of the antichrist, or the wrath of Satan or possibly old age. We (God's church) are made up of two groups, we will either be part of the rapture (gathering of the living) or we will be part of the resurrection (gathering of the dead). Either case, the righteous will be with the Lord when he returns.

Jesus does give us a clue when the resurrection and gathering before the millennium will happen. This can be found in The Parable of the Wheat (the sons of the kingdom) and Tares (sons of Satan) and in The Parable of the Net. Jesus tells us when the wheat was sown, the enemy (Satan) planted weeds. When it is time to harvest (gather) the wheat, Christ will send the harvesters (angels). This is your first clue: The time of the harvest is at the end of this age when Christ returns. The angels are commanded to bundle the weeds first (which means seal them for eternal damnation), before gathering the wheat. The wheat is then gathered and then the weeds are destroyed. We are presently in the Lord's Kingdom with weeds (the unrighteous) in it. When the weeds are thrown into the fiery furnace... then the righteous will shine like the sun (Matthew 13:42,43). Jesus says, "Let 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." (Matthew 13:24-30) The Lord says, "at the renewal of all things,"... "many who are last will be first." (Matthew 19:28,30) Therefore those who wish to be taken before the return of our Lord, before the millennium comes which is the renewal of all things, will be taken in by the antichrist.

It is important to know what God's Word says, so that you are not deceived. This means you, as individuals need to be in your Bible and have God's truth planted deeply in your heart. You will be hearing some very believable -- lies. And the lies will be more prevalent and more convincing now, because the day is dawning of our Lord's return. God sends the world a powerful delusion and the unbelievers will believe the lie. All will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness (2 Thessalonians 2:11,12).

We are told in Revelation those who have died and had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4) This is the first resurrection. Those who have part of the first resurrection will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6) True repentance is necessary for that privilege. The thousand years is called the millennium.

The second clue given to us is in The Parable of the Net: Jesus says, "This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace." (Matthew 13:49,50) The Parable of the Net reads, the fishermen (angels) pulled the net of fishes out of the water, up onto the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. (Matthew 13:48) Once again, we see the righteous are collected before the final judgment has been executed upon the unrighteous.

Don't be misconceived what God's wrath is: The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding his servants the prophets and his saints and destroying those who destroyed the earth. (Revelation 11:18) The purpose of God's wrath is to purify. The purpose of Satan's wrath is to destroy.

Scripture tells us there will be a gathering of all nations to Christ (Matthew 25:32). We know he will not come until after the antichrist is revealed. It is written that no one will know the day or the hour (Matthew 34:36). It is like a woman who is pregnant. She gets a confirmation (foretold ahead of time) from the doctor she is pregnant and the due date is within nine months. She does not know the day or the hour her child will be born. Her baby could come at seven months or nine months. When she is pregnant there are signs and warnings of this. There is a period of morning sickness, a period of blues, swelling of her womb, contractions and finally labor pains. She could go into contractions and think it is time for the baby to come. But when she gets to the hospital the doctor tells her she is only in false labor and sends her home. The doctor may tell her it could be another couple of weeks. Without warning in the middle of the night, she is awaken abruptly from her peaceful sleep to the contractions prior to delivery. The earth travails like a woman ready to deliver. But only God knows the day and hour. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. (1 Thessalonians 5:4,5) The signs will be evident but the day and hour our Lord returns is imminent so, Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42)

It is further verified in Scripture when the Lord comes, it will be like the time of Noah. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:37-39) If you are expecting the Second Coming of Christ when all hell is breaking out on earth, Scripture tells us otherwise.... for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:2,3) The armies of the world will be gathered together in one place (Armageddon) and they will say "who can defeat us," "who can come against us," "look at our great power." Satan will say "who can make war with the beast?" And as the saints are in fervent prayer for the coming of our Lord, the world will say "where is your Lord?" The unrighteous will be merry, confident and going on with their plans with boldness. In the most peaceful time of the night the heavens will begin to rumble, the earth quakes and the sky parts giving glimpse to the throne of our God and our Lord. The angels are sent out by the command of our Lord to seal the unrighteous. After the gathering and demise at Armageddon, the righteous (dead and the living) are gathered to our Lord. The unrighteous are cast out of the kingdom. Before Christ comes again it will already be decided who are his and who are not (Isaiah 62:11).

Christ speaks to his apostles at the last supper regarding the gathering coming in a future time. He tells them two things: (1) "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." (John 13:36) (2) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3) Everything belongs to God, therefore these rooms Christ mentions are dwelling places prepared for the righteous and unrighteous. The Land of Promise has been prepared for us, with the Word of God it will be revealed. After the gathering, we will follow Christ and dwell there with him. In The Vision Of Paul an angel tells Paul, "When the Christ, whom thou preachest, shall come to reign, then, by the sentence of God, the first earth will be dissolved and this land of promise will then be revealed, and it will be like dew or cloud, and then the Lord Jesus Christ, the King Eternal, will be manifested and will come with all his saints to dwell in it, and he will reign over them a thousand years..." (21)

When the angel said the first earth will be dissolved means that the earth as we know it will come to an end. This earth will not be the same because (1) the devil is thrown into the abyss and it will be locked and sealed over him for a thousand years (Revelation 20:3).

(2) The unrighteous are cast out from the promise land to eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46).

(3) The earth will become renewed (Isaiah 65:17, Matthew 19:28). Besides, the Lord tells us, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." (Isaiah 46:10). The earth in the beginning was a living paradise as recorded in Genesis 1 and 2. The earth will be renewed to its original form, for the righteous under Christ's reign. The Lord tells us the earth was formed to be inhabited. For this is what the LORD says-- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited--. (Isaiah 45:18) The Lord also tells us that Christ, the Redeemer is the God of all the earth. For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. (Isaiah 54:5)

Those of you who say, "what matter is it what happens in this world... we will be raptured before the tribulation and not have to deal with the antichrist or persecutions!" The Lord's own words in a prayer specifically says, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:15) Christ's prayer was for the Apostles and for those who will believe in him through their message (John 17:20). Also, for those who believe the rapture is a secret gathering, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 specifically says, for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.

Is The Rapture A New Concept

The following examples allow us to see a gathering of the Apostles, who were snatched up in the clouds. They were transported in a cloud in the body, from several different cities to Bethlehem, for a wonderful working of our Lord. When they were being gathered together, they were being held by the Holy Spirit in the air between the heaven and the earth. Once their purpose was completed, they returned from where they came in the cloud. It also mentions Thaddaeus who had fallen asleep (dead) and also others were also brought in a cloud to the assembly in Bethlehem. They were also told by the Holy Spirit this was not the resurrection spoken of by Christ.

When Mary, mother of Jesus knew that her time had come to leave this earth, she summoned John, the apostle. The events that took place surrounding her death are written by John and also by Joseph, who laid the Lord's body in his sepulchre. The following excerpts come from, The Book Of John Concerning The Falling Asleep Of Mary, The Account Of St. John The Theologian Of The Falling Asleep.

And while she was praying, I John came, the Holy Spirit having snatched me up by a cloud from Ephesus, and set me in the place where the mother of my Lord was lying. It further says: And the Holy Spirit said to the apostles: Let all of you together, having come by the clouds from the ends of the world, be assembled to holy Bethlehem by a whirlwind, on account of the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ; Peter from Rome, Paul from Tiberia, Thomas from Hither India, James from Jerusalem, Andrew, Peter's brother, and Philip, Luke and Simon the Cananaean, and Thaddaeus who had fallen asleep, were raised by the Holy spirit out of their tombs; to whom the Holy Spirit said: Do not think that it is now the resurrection; but on this account you have risen out of your tombs, that you may go to give greeting to the honour and wonder-working of the mother of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, because the day of her departure is at hand, of her going up into the heavens. And Mark likewise coming round, was present from Alexandria; he also with the rest, as has been said before, from each country. And Peter being lifted up by a cloud, stood between heaven and earth, the Holy Spirit keeping him steady. And at the same time, the rest of the apostles also, having been snatched up in clouds, were found along with Peter. And thus by the Holy Spirit, as has been said, they all came together. In the Joseph manuscript, The Passing Of Mary, First Latin Form, Concerning The Passing Of The Blessed Virgin Mary of the same account it says: Then at the third hour there were great thunders, and rains, and lightnings and tribulation, and an earthquake, while queen Mary was standing in her chamber. John the evangelist and apostle was suddenly brought from Ephesus, and entered the chamber of the blessed Mary... It further names the disciples of the Lord who were brought thither in the cloud. Look at the order of events before John was gathered to Mary's chamber. It says there were thunders, rains, lightnings, tribulation and earthquake... then John was gathered and brought to her. Mary's tribulation was the hour of her death. No one was gathered to her until the cause and she was not gathered to the Father until after her tribulation.

When the heavens received the soul of Mary and then received her body, Joseph says: And the same cloud by which they had been brought carried them back each to his own place, just like Philip when he baptized the eunuch, as is read in Acts of the Apostles; and as Habakkuk the prophet carried food to Daniel, who was in the lions' den and quickly returned to Judaea. And so also the apostles quickly returned to where they had at first been, to preach to the people of God. There is also a third manuscript I read called the Second Latin Form, Here Beginneth The Passing Of The Blessed Mary. This manuscript says: And, behold, suddenly, while St. John was preaching in Ephesus, on the Lord's day, at the third hour of the day, there was a great earthquake, and a cloud raised him and took him up from the eyes of all, and brought him before the door of the house where Mary was. And, behold, on a sudden, by the command of God, all the apostles were snatched up, raised on a cloud, from the places in which they were preaching the word of God, and set down before the door of the house in which Mary dwelt.

At the very end of this manuscript it reads: Christ says to the apostles, Come up to me. And when they had come up He kissed them, and said: Peace be to you! As I have always been with you, so will I be even to the end of the world. And immediately, when the Lord had said this, He was lifted up on a cloud, and taken back into heaven, and the angels along with Him, carrying the blessed Mary into the paradise of God. And the apostles being taken up in the clouds, returned each into the place allotted for his preaching, telling the great things of God, and praising our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Spirit, in perfect unity, and in one substance of Godhead, for ever and ever. Amen.

With this information, we can have a better understanding what will take place when our Lord returns for us. We also have a better understanding what it means when the righteous is gathered in the clouds, the living and also those who are asleep (dead). Being taken up in the clouds is a gathering and a transport to a particular place. It is not a "yo yo affect" as some say. The Post-Tribulation "yo yo affect" depicts after the tribulation, the righteous will be gathered to heaven with the Lord, and then returning with him immediately. The error of thinking, is when you assume the righteous are gathered to heaven and returning with our Lord to do battle against the unrighteous nations at Armageddon. The gathering to our Lord will be after the demise at Armageddon.

Being taken up in the clouds merely means to be gathered to the Lord and they (the gathered) will all together be taken to a chosen place. This chosen place will be where the Lord reigns from the earth. Peter informs us of the Second Coming of Christ: He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3:21) "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days." (Acts 3:24)

In summary (according to Scripture), this is what will happen after the close of Daniel's prophecy (seven year tribulation period) regarding the resurrection and rapture (gathering). Many events during that time are happening simultaneously because of the working of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

(1) The Lord will cause men to hear his majestic voice and will make them see his arm coming down with raging anger and consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail. (Isaiah 30:30) His breath is like a rushing torrent, rising up to the neck. He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; he places in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray. (Isaiah 30:28) By the hand of God, the most devastating hurricane the world has ever seen will come down upon us.

(2) See, the Lord is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire (judgment of eternal hell) and with his sword (by his command) the Lord will execute judgment upon all men (the harvest), and many will be those slain (cast into the eternal flame) by the Lord. (Isaiah 66:15,16) This Scripture does not say the Lord will execute judgment on those left behind after the resurrection/rapture, suggesting some were raptured already. Scripture says, the Lord will execute judgment upon ALL men.

(3) This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:7,8) The Pre-Tribulation theory describes the resurrection/rapture taking place before the tribulation. When the Lord appears in the heavens he will not be coming with the resurrected and raptured as some believe, because the event will not have happened yet. Scripture is very clear about his appearance and with whom.

(4) "For the lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:27) The Lord will return as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16). The Lord comes to strike down the nations with his heavenly armies (Revelation 19:14,15). The armies of Satan will gather to make war with him at Armageddon (Revelation 19:19). The beast and the false prophet are thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (Revelation 20). The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider... (Revelation 19:21) Death of the unrighteous upon the earth by the command of our Lord will bring the vultures to gather for a feast of flesh. Satan's wrath has defiled the earth in bloodshed. Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:2).

(5) "According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "Immediately after the distress of those days" (Matthew 24:29), Christ will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, which means by his command... "and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (Matthew 24:31)

Jesus says, "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out -- those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." (John 5:28)

(6) The resurrection and gathering of the righteous to Christ occurs. And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel. (Isaiah 30:29) The unrighteous have now gone through their judgment of eternal damnation. The righteous will be gathered to the Rock of Israel who is our Lord and Savior. The righteous gathering are believers in Christ, who have obeyed God's Precepts.

(7) God tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8) Although we are given knowledge, we are not always given full understanding. The above Scripture tells us, understanding the thoughts and actions of God fully is beyond our comprehension. A good example of this is, we understand God created all things in six days, but how He did this remains a mystery. Scientific explanations are limited, God ways are unlimited. God is able to speak things into existence. After the gathering God will renew the earth to the time of beginnings.

(8) At the Last Supper Jesus told his apostles, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." (John 13:36) Christ then tells them in his Father's house are many mansions and he is going there to prepare a place for us. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (Matthew 14:3,4) There is a preparation being made for a new heaven and a new earth. Due to some cataclysmic destruction to a similar degree as in the time of Noah's flood, the earth will be renewed to paradise as it was in the beginning. The righteous who is gathered to our Lord in the resurrection and gathering will witness a changing of the heaven and earth by the command of God.

(9) "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy." (Isaiah 65:17) As we are gathered with the Lord in the air, behold we will see created, a new heavens and a new earth. We will be carried through the gates of the holy city by the breath of God. It was a promise given to us, But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)

(10) The righteous who is resurrected (the dead) and the living who are gathered to the Lord will receive, a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3-6)

(11) This is what the Lord tells us about this newly created place. "Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain," says the Lord. (Isaiah 65:17-25) We will be as the days of a tree meaning this time period is the millennium with our Lord.

(12) After the thousand years with our Lord, the devil will be released from his prison. He will gather the resurrected (those who were not part of the first resurrection) mentioned in Revelation 20:5. He will gather the unrighteous living during the millennium to war against God's people. They will proceed to surround the city of God. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. (Revelation 20:9,10) And the Lord informs us we will not be harmed from Satan's gathering. "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares the Lord, "so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me," says the Lord. "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind." (Isaiah 66:22-24)

We will be witnesses of the wonderful working of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit -- as we are gathered to the Son by the lifting of the Holy Spirit taken to a place of rest created by the Father. And His world is a world with out end. Amen

Will There Be A Resurrection Of The Dead

During the time of the Apostles and their teachings, questions were raised and doubts about the resurrection of the dead. Paul tells us, But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. (1 Corinthians 15:1-19) We know that the Apostles were not false witnesses and Christ did raise from the dead. If we do not believe this, then we are told we are lost forever.

This is what the Bible says about the resurrection of Christ. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) This Scripture is quite clear in explaining that Jesus died and resurrected and was seen by many. Who are we to doubt countless witnesses to this truth? Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. (Mark 16:14) When Jesus first saw the Apostles they were afraid and thought they were seeing a ghost (Luke 24:37). Jesus opened their minds so they could see and understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Jesus told them, You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:48) Thomas was not there during that time but later saw him and believed. Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

If we die and are believers in Christ, we are in essence only asleep. When do they, who are asleep in Christ have their resurrection day? We are told, But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. (1 Corinthians 15:23) Scripture says the order of resurrection is:

(1) Several witnesses verify the resurrection of Christ. Christ has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20) The firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep were the Old Testament Saints (Matthew 27:52).

(2) When he comes those who belong to him those who were washed in the blood of Christ. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:6,7)

(3) The living also, who are baptized in water and the Spirit, will be gathered to him. Paul writes to the church of Rome and tells them, We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22,23)

The final instructions while we are waiting for this glorious day is... Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-24) Make a special note, this Scripture tells us to keep our whole spirit, soul and body blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. First we become imperishable through being born again from being perishable. Being perishable allowed death, being imperishable frees us from death, obtaining eternal life. Our God is the God of the living, not the dead (Matthew 22:32). Secondly our soul is immortal and the flesh is mortal, therefore if we do not submit to the fleshly desires, we maintain immortality of the soul, this is self-control. Thirdly we become filled with the Holy Spirit through the baptism of the Spirit. In order to be blameless we need to cultivate fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

The following is taken from the Fragments Of The Lost Work Of Justin Martyr On The Resurrection [translated by the Rev. M. Dods, M.A.]:"Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness." What kind of man? Manifestly He means fleshly man, for the word says, "And God took dust of the earth, and made man." It is evident, therefore, that man made in the image of God was of flesh. Is it not, then, absurd to say, that the flesh made by God in His own image is contemptible, and worth nothing? But that the flesh is with God a precious possession is manifest, first from its being formed by Him, if at least the image is valuable to the former and artist; and because, its value can be gathered from the creation of the rest of the world. For that on account of which the rest is made, is the most precious of all to the maker. (c. VII)

Yet is it not absurd, that that which has been produced with such circumstance, and which is beyond all else valuable, should be so neglected by its Maker, as to pass to nonentity? Then the sculptor and painter, if they wish the works they have made to endure, that they may win glory by them, renew them when they begin to decay; but God would so neglect His own possession and work, that it becomes annihilated, and no longer exists. Should we not call this labour in vain?

But, in truth, He has even called the flesh to the resurrection, and promises to it everlasting life. For where He promises to save man, there He gives the promise to the flesh. And by God and His proclamation, not only has your soul heard and believed on Jesus Christ, and with it the flesh, but both were washed, and both wrought righteousness. They make God, then ungrateful and unjust, if, while both believe on Him, He desires to save one and not the other. (c. VIII) Justin Martyr is referring to the body and the soul. Both the body and the soul incorporate man. Both the body and soul through the cleansing of baptism become righteous. Why would God save the soul and not the body? God did not say the soul would resurrect but man will resurrect meaning body and soul. Christ is our example the first of the resurrection. He died and was raised in the flesh. The flesh became changed. Christ spoke and the apostles heard him, they felt his flesh and Christ asked for food to eat. He not only showed them there was a resurrection of the flesh, but he also showed them the flesh could ascend into heaven. The resurrection is established by faith and seen in works.

Tatian the Assyrian in his "Address To The Greeks" regarding the resurrection, [translated J.E. Ryland]. Tatian [A.D. 110-172.]: Being born, after a former state of nothingness, I have obtained through my birth a certainty of my existence; in the same way, having been born, and through death existing no longer, and seen no longer, I shall exist again, just as before I was not, but was afterwards born. God the Sovereign, when He pleases, will restore the substance that is visible to Him alone to its pristine condition. (c. VI)

God exhibits many proofs that we may believe in Him concerning the resurrection. We have proofs in the seasons. The fall harvest precedes the winter. In the fall the trees leaves turn brilliant colors of reds and orange and fall to the ground. The trees go from being abundant with fruit and leaves to being bare. Come spring, the trees begin to bud. The seeds planted begin to sprout. Spring is a resurrection of winter. Another example is the fruit trees. The fruit resurrects from the blossoms. According to the appointment of God they produce their fruit in due season. Then we can look to the heavens and see signs and proofs of the resurrection. The sun rises from the blackness of the night. The sun cannot rise unless it sets and the same applies to man. We show many signs of a resurrection going on within ourselves. When man is born again, he is resurrected from the corruptible to the incorruptible. When he is sick, from God's mercy he becomes healthy. The strength he may have lost from his illness, will have been regained. The deathly pale look he may have had from his illness is replaced with hints of color. Even the caterpillar sleeps in his cocoon and awaits the glorious moment when he is transformed to a beautiful butterfly. If God arrays wonders to His heavenly bodies, the seasons, the plants, He would not ignore giving these gifts to man. We are his creation, made in His image. From the beginning, He has set in motion a plan for our salvation. And for those who are blind and cannot see the wonders of His hand upon the earth, he has given us His son to show us examples and speak God's truths. And these truths were recorded so no one can be blind if they will to see. Christ showed many forms of resurrections from his miracles. An example of this was Lazarus. He raised him from the dead, after four days laying in a tomb.

There is one soul assigned to only one body. The soul retains memory of its flesh until the resurrection hour. It does not matter if the dead returned to dust, God will lift it up and clothe the soul with a garment for eternal life or eternal damnation. For we know God created Adam from the earth and he lived upon the earth for nearly a thousand years. In the millennium with Christ, man will live hundreds of years again upon the earth, as in the beginning. Those who are raised from the dead that are His will be raised to live for all eternity. They will be like angels. We will not be clothed with the same garment as angels but we will be immortal like angels.

The resurrection was an Old Testament teaching. But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. (Isaiah 26:19) In Psalms we read: you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. (Psalm 71:20)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 3-5)

In Revelation 20 it speaks about a first resurrection and then of another after a thousand years. The first resurrection mentioned here are those who have died since the resurrection of Christ until the present time. There was however, another resurrection. This is mentioned in Matthew 27:52. It sounds as though this happened immediately after he died, but the following Scripture does say after Jesus' resurrection. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:52,53) You may wonder what this means, they were raised from their tombs and went into the holy city. The present gospel translation of the Gospel of Nicodemus is published by Grynaeus in the Orthodoxographa, vol. i. tom. ii. p. 643. The Lost Books of the Bible, © 1926 by Alpha House, Inc. Chapter XII:13-19. Then Joseph rising up said to Annas and Caiaphas, Ye may be justly under a great surprise, that you have been told, that Jesus is alive, and gone up to heaven. It is indeed a thing really surprising, that he should not only himself arise from the dead, but also raise others from their graves, who have been seen by many in Jerusalem. And now hear me a little. We all knew the blessed Simeon, the high-priest, who took Jesus when an infant into his arms in the temple. This same Simeon had two sons of his own, and we were all present at their death and funeral. Go therefore and see their tombs, for these are open, and are risen; and behold, they are in the city of Armimathaea spending their time together in offices of devotion. Some, indeed, have heard the sound of their voices in prayer, but they will not discourse with any one, but they continue as mute as dead men. But come, let us go to them, and behave ourselves towards them with all due respect and caution. And if we can bring them to swear, perhaps they will tell us come of the mysteries of their resurrection. This was a statement made by Joseph, who laid Christ in his tomb.

Charinus and Lenthius, Simeon's sons agreed to go into separate rooms and write what they had seen. Their writings were exact word for word to the letter. Pilate wrote down all these transactions and made them in the public records of his hall. In their writings, they stated Christ came to them in the darkness of hell and raised the souls of the (Old Testament) saints to Paradise. They were greeted by Enoch and Elijah. They also wrote, the thief that was on the cross at the same time as Jesus also entered into Paradise, which was Christ's promise to him (Luke 23:43). After three days Charinus and Lenthius were no longer seen. In the Vision of Paul, he also said he saw the Old Testament saints in Paradise.

What Are The Early Church Teachings

Methodius From The Discourse On The Resurrection He (God) who created and set in order the universe out of nothing, ordained the nature of immortal beings to be distributed not only among angels and ministers, but also among principalities, and thrones, and powers. For the race of angels is one order, and constitution, and tribe, and family, but there are differences of race and tribe. And neither do the cherubim, departing from their own nature, assume the form of angels; nor, again, do angels assume the form of the others. For they cannot be anything but what they are and have been made. Moreover, man also having been appointed by the original order of things to inhabit the world, and to rule over all that is in it, when he is immortal, will never be changed from being a man into the form either of angels or any other; for neither do angels undergo a change from their original form to another. For Christ at His coming did not proclaim that the human nature should, when it is immortal, be remolded or transformed into another nature, but into what it was before the fall. For each one among created things must remain in its own proper place, that none may be wanting to any, but all may be full: heaven of angels, thrones of powers, luminaries of ministers; and the more divine spots, and the undefiled and untainted luminaries, with seraphim, who attend the Supreme Council, and uphold the universe; and the world of men. (X)

Methodius also addresses the issue of some who do not believe the flesh rises but only the soul. He says the resurrection is not applied to that which has not fallen, but to that which has fallen and rises again. He therefore says: Now the much-desired tabernacle of the soul is fallen, and sunk down into "the dust of the earth." For it is not that which is not dead, but that which is dead, that is laid down. But it is the flesh which dies; the soul is immortal. So, then if the soul be immortal, and the body be the corpse, those who say that there is a resurrection, but not of the flesh, deny any resurrection; because it is not that which remains standing, but that which has fallen and been laid down, that is set up; according to that which is written, "Does not he who fills rise again, and he who turns aside return?" (XII)

Since flesh was made to border on incorruption and corruption, being itself neither the one nor the other, and was overcome by corruption for the sake of pleasure, though it was the work and property of incorruption; therefore it became corruptible, and was laid in the dust of the earth. When, then, it was overcome by corruption, and delivered over to death through disobedience, God did not leave it to corruption to be triumphed over as an inheritance; but, after conquering death by the resurrection, delivered it again to incorruption, in order that corruption might not receive the property of incorruption, but incorruption that of corruption. Therefore the apostle answers thus, "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (XIII)

The Word of God became flesh to show us two things. The flesh can be subdued from sinning by faith, after receiving the baptisms of water and Spirit. Also the second thing he showed us was, as an example the flesh which lays in the tomb raises from the dead. If there was no purpose of the flesh than Christ would not have come for the purpose of saving it or raising it. Christ was the first begotten from the dead changing the earthly into the heavenly, which is the mortal to immortal.

Now the passage, "The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive, "St. Methodius thus explains: Those are our bodies; for the souls are we ourselves, who, rising, resume that which is dead from the earth; so that being caught up with them to meet the Lord, we may gloriously celebrate the splendid festival the resurrection, because we have received our everlasting tabernacles, which shall no longer die nor be dissolved. (VII) When all things are overwhelmed by fire, the bodies which are endowed with chastity and righteousness shall pass through it as though it were cold water. (VIII)

VI.--From The Book On The Soul. Maximus and Antonius Melissa. Souls that breathe free of all things, possess life, and though separated from the body, and found possessed of a longing for it, are borne immortal to the bosom of God: as in the winter season the vapours of the earth attracted by the sun's rays rise to him.

Without interjecting thought listen to the Scriptures 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 14:50-54. Read the Scriptures slowly. One is autonomous of the other. Paul was speaking two separate times and to two different groups. I underlined part of the Scripture to emphasize a point.

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not preceded that who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians. 4:13-18)

Listen carefully, Paul is speaking of two physically dead groups here, those who are asleep in Christ and those who are dead in Christ with no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The believers when they die are called asleep or alive in Christ and the unbelievers are called dead in Christ. Christ is bringing them who have fallen asleep (physically dead) with him (1 Corinthians 15:23) into his Kingdom (new earth). After that he continues, we who are alive (physically living) will not precede those who have fallen asleep (those who are asleep in Christ). (1 Thessalonians 4:15) The physically living Christians in due time will be raised also after they have fallen asleep.

With the trumpet call of God, the dead in Christ will rise first (who are dead in Christ with no hope) and they who rise next are alive in Christ (who are asleep in Christ). Paul is speaking of an order of physically dead people, who are asleep and dead regarding the resurrection. The main event mentioned in 1 Thessalonians is not concerning the physically living Christians, non-Christians, or the unrighteous on the earth.

We will be raised also at the time of the resurrection. We will be raised from the old earth and will be part of the new earth.

I declare to you, brothers, the flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed -- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)

Now we know these Scriptures in Corinthians are about the resurrection only. The surrounding Scripture proves it is a resurrection topic. So see what Paul says: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). You must die as Christ died to be raised as Christ was raised.

Some might say two did not see death and was raised, concerning Elijah and Enoch. There was a purpose for knowing two were raised without seeing death. The reason is, if God can raise the whole body than for certain he can raise that which has rotted away for thousands of years.

Now to the Corinthians he says, he will reveal to them a mystery. We will not all sleep (speaking of the dead) but we will all be changed -- in a flash, twinkling of an eye - the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed (still speaking of the dead).

It is foolishness to conclude, we the physically living Christians will be raised alive without seeing death. Why? Christ showed us we must die in order to be raised.

Again, I would like to stress we will be raised in the twinkling of an eye the dead who are asleep in Christ. The living also will be raised and as quickly and a twinkling of an eye, the Lord will command the old earth to be changed by the new earth. God can speak things into existence, therefore do not doubt that he can do this.

So therefore, the resurrection in the above Scriptures encompasses two groups of physically dead people. Paul is speaking of those who are dead in Christ with no hope and those who are asleep yet alive in Christ with hope of being with him.

Those who are physically living Christians will be gathered as a witness to the resurrection event at the Second Coming of Christ. When Christ returns, the physically living Christians will know after witnessing this event, they also will be with the Lord at the Final Resurrection (Revelation 20:11). The physically living Christians will remain on this earth during Christ's reign on this earth. The resurrected will go to our Lord in heaven. The unrighteous will perishes at his coming and the righteous will shine upon the earth. Who is the righteous? They are the Jews who follow Moses and the Christians who follow Christ. Both taught the same teaching. One was by Law and one was by example. Both teach we receive the kingdom by Faith. The Jews are the bride of Christ. The Christians are the body of Christ, and Christ is the head. We are heirs with Israel, therefore we also are in part the bride and they also are in part the body. Together we are the bride and the body of Christ.

Christians are not going to be raised off this earth to the Kingdom of God. Flesh and blood will not enter the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of Christ is the earth during the millennium. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven -- both Kingdoms will have the imperishable and the incorruptible. Sin and death will not affect those who have been raised to the Lord in heaven but sin and death will still be a part of the earth until the Final Resurrection after the millennium. The new earth is called the Heavenly Kingdom and the place where God reigns is called the Kingdom of God.

The people back then were concerned about the resurrection and this topic was addressed and taught often in the early church. They were very interested in what Paul (the Gentile teacher) had to say to them. There were different religions at the time concerning life after death. People are drawn to the unknown and have always been curious or intrigued or concerned about what happens to them after death. The above Scriptures are how Paul addressed the issue on the resurrection.

Do We Go To Heaven When We Die

When God created the heavens and the earth and every living thing, among all His creations the human race is the only one that sins. In the vast regions of the visible and invisible, God created heavens and hells. The Lord tells us in his Father's house there are many mansions. In hell there are likewise many mansions (John 14:1-3). Whether they are heavens or mansions of heaven or hells or mansions of hell, there is a place we go when the Lord summons us. The Vision Of Paul, attributed to the Apostle Paul writes about his journey to the different heavens and hells.

Paul tells us the Lord grieves unceasingly because of our sins. At the appointed hour, the angels proceed from earth to heaven to worship God and to present to him the works of men. Whether these works are good or evil they are presented to the Lord. It doesn't matter what you do, say or think, the angels residing over you presents it to the Lord.

A selection from The Vision Of Paul: And the angel answered and said unto me: Follow me, and I will show you the place of the just where they are led when they are deceased, and after these things taking thee into the abyss, I will show thee the souls of sinners and what sort of place they are led into when they have deceased. And I proceeded back after the angel, and he led me into heaven, and I looked back upon the firmament, and I saw in the same place power, and there was there oblivion which deceives and draws down to itself the hearts of men, and the spirit of detraction, and the spirit of fornication, and the spirit of madness, and the spirit of insolence, and there were there the princes of vices: these I saw under the firmament of heaven: and again I looked back and I saw angels without mercy, having no pity, whose countenance was full of madness, and their teeth sticking out beyond the mouth: their eyes shone like the morning star of the east, and from the hairs of their head sparks of fire went out, or from their mouth. And I asked the angel saying: Sir, who are those? And the angel answered and said unto me: These are those who are destined to the souls of the impious in the hour of need, who did not believe that they had the Lord for their helper, nor hoped in him (11). And I looked on high and I saw other angels whose countenance shone as the sun, their loins girded with golden girdles, having palms in their hands, and the sign of God, clothed with garments in which was written the name of the Son of God, filled moreover with all meekness and pity; and I asked the angels saying: Who are these, Lord, in so great beauty and pity? And the angel answered and said unto me: These are the angels of justice who are sent to lead up the souls of the just, in the hour of need, who believed that they had the Lord for their helper. And I said to him: Do the just and sinners necessarily meet witnesses when they have died? And the angel answered and said to me: There is one way by which all pass over to God, but the just having their helper with them are not confounded when they go to appear in the sight of God (12).

Paul wanted to know in what manner the soul leaves the body. He asked the angel to show him the souls of the just and sinners when they died. The angel shows him first a just man.

The just man was about to die. From where Paul stood as an observer, he could see the just man. He was able to look upon him and see his works and all he done for the sake of the Lord. Paul saw all the just man remembered and did not remember and all his desires. The just man advanced with refreshment and confidence. Attending him was a holy and the impious angels. The impious angel found no place of habitation in him. The holy angel took charge guiding the soul from the body. The angel aroused the soul saying: "Soul, know thy body whence thou goest out, for it is necessary that thou shouldst return to the same body on the day of the resurrection, that thou mayest receive the things promised to all the just" (14). The soul was received by the angel, who watched him every day. The spirit, his helper gave him strength as the soul proceeded to the throne of God. Michael with his army of angels stand before the Lord announces to the soul: "This is the God who created you in his image." The angel who gave God a report daily about the just man stands before the Lord giving him a summary of the just man's life. The spirit witnesses the report of the angel before the Lord. The Lord after hearing full report said: "Let him therefore be handed over to Michael, the angel of the Covenant, and let him lead him into the Paradise of joy, that he himself may become co-heir with all the saints" (14). After God made his decision, the multitude of angels, archangels, cherubim, and the twenty-four elders glorified the Lord.

The angel told Paul he would show him the places of the just. The angel raised Paul up to the third heaven. There before Paul was an entry door. The door was gold with two gold columns. Written on the columns were the names of the just serving God with their whole heart, who dwell on the earth. Paul did not enter through the golden door. Paul was taken to the interior of the gate of Paradise and was met by an old man. His countenance shone as the sun. He knew Paul and greeted him. When Paul asked the angel who this man was the angel answered, "he is Enoch, the scribe of righteousness" (20).

Paul was lead to the second heaven. He led Paul on to the firmament and from the firmament was led over the doors of heaven. The beginning of its foundation was on a the river which waters all the earth. Paul saw the light of heaven which lightens all the earth. Paul says, "For the land there is seven times brighter than silver" (21). When Paul made an inquiry of this place, the angel told him it was the land of promise. The angel said, "The souls therefore of the just, when they have gone out of the body, are meanwhile dismissed to this place" (21). The angel tells Paul "When Christ, whom thou preachest, shall come to reign, then, by the sentence of God, the first earth will be dissolved and this land of promise will then be revealed, and it will be like dew or cloud, and then the Lord Jesus Christ, the King Eternal, will be manifested and will come with all his saints to dwell in it, and he will reign over them a thousand years, and they will eat of the good things which I shall now show unto thee" (21).

The Apostle Paul was shown the Promise Land by an angel. The following is an excerpt from The Vision Of Paul: And I looked around upon that land and I saw a river flowing of milk and honey, and there were trees planted by the bank of that river, full of fruit: moreover each single tree bore twelve fruits in the year, having various and diverse fruits: and I saw the created things which are in that place and all the work of God, and I saw there palms of twenty cubits, but others of ten cubits: and that land was seven times brighter than silver. And there were trees full of fruits from the roots to the highest branches, of ten thousand fruits of palms upon ten thousand fruits. The grape-vines moreover had ten thousand plants. Moreover in the single vines there were ten thousand thousand bunches and in each of these a thousand single grapes: moreover these single trees bore a thousand fruits. And I said to the angel, Why does each tree bear a thousand fruits? The angel answered and said unto me, Because the Lord God gives an abounding flood of gifts to the worthy, because they also of their own will afflicted themselves when they were placed in the world doing all things on account of his holy name. And again I said to the angel, Sir, are these the only promises which the Most Holy God makes? And he answered and said to me: No! there are seven times greater than these. But I say unto thee that when the just go out of the body they shall see the promises and the good things which God has prepared for them. Till then, they shall sigh, and lament saying: Have we emitted any word from our mouth to vex our neighbor even on one day? I asked and said again: Are these alone the promises of God? And the angel answered and said unto me: These whom you now see are the souls of the married and those who kept the chastity of their nuptials, containing themselves. But to the virgins and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness and those who afflicted themselves for the sake of the name of God, God will give seven times greater than these, which I shall now show thee.

And then he took me up from that place where I saw these things and behold, a river, and its waters were greatly whiter than milk, and I said to the angel, What is this? And he said to me: This is the Acherousian Lake where is the City of Christ, but not every man is permitted to enter that city; for this is the journey which leads to God, and if anyone is a fornicator and impious, and is converted and shall repent and do fruits worthy of repentance, at first indeed when he shall have gone out of the body, he is led and adores God, and thence by command of the Lord he is delivered to the angel Michael and he baptizes him in the Acherousian Lake--thus he leads them into the City of Christ alongside of those who have never sinned. But I wondered and blessed the Lord God for all the things which I saw. (22)

And the angel answered and said unto me: Follow me and I will lead thee into the City of Christ. And he was standing on the Acherousian Lake and he put me into a golden ship and angels as it were three thousand were saying hymns before me till I arrived at the City of Christ. Moreover those who inhabited the City of Christ greatly rejoiced over me as I went to them, and I entered and saw the City of Christ, and it was all of gold, and twelve walls encircled it, and twelve interior towers, and each wall had between them single stadia in the circuit: And I said to the angel, Sir, how much is a stadium? The angel answered and said to me: As much as there is between the Lord God and the men who are on the earth, for the City of Christ is alone great. And there were twelve gates in the circuit of the city, of great beauty, and four rivers which encircled it. There was, moreover, a river of honey and a river of milk, and a river of wine and a river of oil. And I said to the angel: What are these rivers surrounding that city? And he saith to me: These are the four rivers which flow sufficiently for those who are in this land of promise, of which the names are: the river of honey is called Fison, and the river of milk Euphrates, and the river of oil Gion, and the river of wine Tigris, such therefore they are for those who when placed in the world did not use the power of these things, but they hungered for these things and afflicted themselves for the sake of the Lord God: so that when these enter into this city, the Lord will assign them these things on high above all measure. (23)

I indeed entering the gates saw trees great and very high before the doors of the city, having no fruit but leaves only, and I saw a few men scattered in the midst of the trees, and they lamented greatly when they saw anyone enter the city. And those trees were sorry for them and humbled themselves and bowed down and again erected themselves. And I saw and wept with them and I asked the angel and said: Sir, who are these who are not admitted to enter into the City of Christ? And he said to me: These are they who zealously abstained day and night in fasts, but they had a proud heart above other men, glorifying and praising themselves and doing nothing for their neighbors. For they gave some friendly greeting, but to others they did not even say hail! and indeed they shewed hospitality to those only whom they wished, and if they did anything whatever for their neighbor they were immoderately puffed up. And I said: What then, Sir? Did their pride prevent them from entering into the City of Christ? And the angel answered and said unto me: Pride is the root of all evils. Are they better than the Son of God who came to the Jews with much humility? And I asked him and said: Why is it that the trees humble themselves and erect themselves again? And the angel answered and said to me: The whole time which these men passed on earth zealously serving God, on account of the confusion and reproaches of men at the time, they blushed and humiliated themselves, but they were not saddened. nor did they repent that they should recede from their pride which was in them. This is why the trees humble themselves, and again are raised up. And I asked and said: For what cause were they admitted to the doors of the city? The angel answered and said unto me: Because of the great goodness of God, and because there is the entry of his holy men entering into this city: for this cause they are left in this place, but when Christ the King Eternal enters with his saints, as he enters just men may pray for these, and then they may enter into the city along with them: but yet none of them is able to have assurance such as they have who humbled themselves, serving the Lord God all their lives. (24)

But I went on while the angel instructed me, and he carried me to the river of honey, and I saw there Isaiah and Jeremiah and Ezekiel and Amos, and Micah and Zechariah, the minor and major prophets, and they saluted me in the city. I said to the angel: What way is this? And he said to me: This is the way of the prophets, every one who shall have afflicted his soul and not done his own will because of God, when he shall have gone out of the world and have been led to the Lord God and adored him, then by the command of God he is handed over to Michael, and he leads him into the city to this place of the prophets, and they salute him as their friend and neighbor because he did the will of God. (25)

Again he led me where there is a river of milk, and I saw in that place all the infants whom Herod slew because of the name of Christ, and they saluted me, and the angel said to me: All who keep their chastity with purity, when they shall have come out of the body, after they adore the Lord God are delivered to Michael and are led to the infants and they salute them, saying that they are our brothers and friends and members; in themselves they shall inherit the promises of God. (26)

Again he took me up and carried me to the north of the city and led me where there was a river of wine, and there I saw Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, Lot and Job and other saints, and they saluted me: and I asked and said: What is this place, my Lord? The angel answered and said to me: All who are receivers of pilgrims, when they go out of the world, first adore the Lord God, and are delivered to Michael and by this way are led into the city, and all the just salute him as son and brother, and say unto him: Because thou hast observed humanity and the receiving of pilgrims, come, have an inheritance in the city of the Lord our God: every just man shall receive good things of God in the city, according to his own action. (27)

And again he carried me near the river of oil on the east of the city. And I saw there men rejoicing and singing psalms, and I said: Who are those, my Lord? And the angel saith to me: Those are they who devoted themselves to God with their whole heart and had no pride in themselves. For all those who rejoice in the Lord God and sing psalms to the Lord with their whole heart are here led into this city. (28)

And he carried me into the midst of the city near the twelve walls. But there was in this place a higher wall, and I asked and said: Is there in the City of Christ a wall which in honor exceeds this place? And the angel answering said to me: There is a second better than the first, and similarly a third than the second, as each exceeds the other, unto the twelfth wall. And I said: Tell me, Sir, why one exceeds another in glory? And the angel answered and said unto me: All who have in themselves even a little detraction or zeal or pride, something of his glory would be made void even if he were in the city of Christ: look backward!

And turning round I saw golden thrones placed in each gate, and on them men having golden diadems and gems: and I looked carefully and I saw inside between the twelve men thrones placed in another rank which appeared of much glory, so that no one is able to recount their praise. And I asked the angel and said: My lord, who is on the throne? And the angel answered and said unto me: Those thrones belong to those who had goodness and understanding of heart...

And I saw in the midst of this city a great altar, very high, and there was one standing near the altar whose countenance shone as the sun, and he held in his hands a psalter and harp, and he sang psalms, saying Halleluia! And his voice filled the whole city: at the same time when all they who were on the towers and gates heard him they responded Halleluia! so that the foundations of the city were shaken: and I asked the angel and said, Sir, who is this of so great power? And the angel said to me: This is David: this is the city of Jerusalem, for when Christ the King of Eternity shall come with the assurance of His kingdom, he again shall go before him that he may sing psalms, and all the just at the same time shall sing psalms responding Halleluia! And I said, Sir, how did David alone above the other saints make a beginning of psalm-singing? And the angel answered and said unto me: Because Christ the Son of God sits at the right hand of His Father, and this David sings psalms before him in the seventh heaven, and as is done in the heavens so also below, because the host may not be offered to God without David, but it is necessary that David should sing psalms in the hour of the oblation of the body and blood of Christ: as it is performed in heaven so also on earth. (29)

And I said to the angel: Sir, what is Alleluia? And the angel answered and said to me: You ask questions about everything. And he said to me, Alleluia is said in the Hebrew language of God and angels, for the meaning of Alleluia is this: tecel cat. marith macha. And I said, Sir, what is tecel cat. marith macha? And the angel answered and said unto me: Tecel cat. marith macha is: Let us all bless him together. I asked the angel and said, Sir, do all who say Alleluia bless the Lord? And the angel answered and said to me: It is so, and again, therefore, if any one sing Alleluia and those who are present do not sing at the same time, they commit sin because they do not sing along with him, And I said: My lord, does he also sin if he be hesitating or very old? The angel answered and said unto me: Not so, but he who is able and does not join in the singing, know such as a despiser of the Word, and it would be proud and unworthy that he should not bless the Lord God his maker. (30)

Moreover when he had ceased speaking to me, he led me outside the city through the midst of the trees and far from the places of the land of the good, and put me across the river of milk and honey: and after that he led me over the ocean which supports the foundations of heaven. (31)

Paul was then led by the angel to see the hells or the mansions of hell where the impious are sent by God. These hells will be discussed in the next chapter.

What Proof Is There That Hell Exists

Sin is a pleasure cruise to hell. Laughingly many have said their preference was hell because that is where all their friends are. As we continue to live in the world, morals in society decay. The pleasures of the flesh reign with no thought to the consequence. Every person of age sets their course while they are alive on this earth and the course remains throughout eternity. If your course is hell while you were alive, then hell it will be for all eternity.

Man is a spirit who posseses a soul and lives in a body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The soul conscience remains alive after death whether in heaven or hell. See the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-24).

The ascension of the just and the unjust leaving this earth and going to the Father are the same. Michael and his angels lead the impious from the throne of God, to their place of punishment. On Judgment Day the good and the evil will be clothed in a garment to sustain them throughout eternity. The Vision Of Paul tells us about the many hells shown to him, by an angel: And I saw there a fervent river of fire, and in it a multitude of men and women immersed up to the knees, and other men up to the navel, others even up to the lips, others moreover up to the hair. And I asked the angel and said: Sir, who are those in the fiery river? And the angel answered and said to me: They are neither hot nor cold, because they were found neither in the number of the just nor in the number of the impious. For those spent the time of their life on earth passing some days in prayer, but others in sins and fornications, until their death. And I asked him and said: Who are these, Sir, immersed up to their knees in fire? He answered and said to me: These are they who when they have gone out of church throw themselves into strange conversations to dispute. Those indeed who are immersed up to the navel are those who, when they have taken the body and blood of Christ go and fornicate and did not cease from their sins till they died. Those who are immersed up to the lips are the detractors of each other when they assemble in the church of God: those up to the eyebrows are those who nod approval of themselves and plot spite against their neighbour. (31)

And I saw on the north a place of various and diverse punishments full of men and women,and a river of fire ran down into it. Moreover I observed and I saw pits great in depth, and in them several souls together, and the depth of that place was as it were three thousand cubits, and I saw them groaning and weeping and saying: Have pity on us, O Lord! and none had pity on them. And I asked the angel and said: Who are these, Sir? And the angel answered and said unto me: These are they who did not hope in the Lord, that they would be able to have him as their helper. And I asked and said: Sir, if these souls remain for thirty or forty generations thus one upon another, if they were sent deeper, the pits I believe would not hold them. And he said to me: The Abyss has no measure, for beyond this it stretches down below him who is down in it: and so it is, that if per chance anyone should take a stone and throw it into a very deep well and after many hours it should reach the bottom, such is the abyss. For when the souls are thrown in there, they hardly reach the bottom in fifty years. (32)

I, indeed, when I heard this, wept and groaned over the human race. The angel answered and said unto me: Why dost thou weep? Art thou more pitiful than God? For though God is good, He knows also that there are punishments, and He patiently bears with the human race, dismissing each one to work his own will in the time in which he dwells on the earth. (33)

I further observed the fiery river and saw there a man being tortured by Tartaruchian angels having in their hands an iron with three hooks with which they pierced the bowels of that old man: and I asked the angel, and said: Sir, who is that old man on whom such torments are imposed? And the angel answered and said to me: He whom you see was a presbyter who did not perform well his ministry: when he had been eating and drinking and committing fornication, he offered the host to the Lord at his holy altar. (34)

And I saw not far away another old man led on by malign angels running with speed, and they pushed him into the fire up to his knees, and they struck him with stones and wounded his face like a storm, and did not allow him to say: Have pity on me! And I asked the angel and he said to me: He whom you see was a bishop, and did not perform well his episcopate, who indeed accepted the great name but did not enter into the witness of him who gave him the name in all his life, seeing that he did not do just judgment, and did not pity widows and orphans, but now he receives retribution according to his iniquity and his works. (35)

And I saw another man in the fiery river up to his knees. Moreover his hands were stretched out and bloody, and worms proceeded from his mouth and nostrils and he was groaning and weeping, and crying he said: Have pity on me! for I am hurt above the rest who are in this punishment. And I asked, Sir, who is this? And he said to me: This man whom thou seest, was a deacon who devoured the oblations and committed fornications and did not right in the sight of God, for this cause he unceasingly pays this penalty.

And I looked closely and saw alongside of him another man whom they delivered up with haste and cast into the fiery river, and he was (in it) up to the knees: and there came the angel who was set over the punishments having a great fiery razor, and with it he cut the lips of that man and the tongue likewise. And sighing, I lamented and asked: Who is that, sir. And he said to me, He whom thou seest was a reader and read to the people, but he himself did not keep the precepts of God: now he also pays the proper penalty. (36)

And I saw another multitude of pits in the same place, and in the midst of it a river full of a multitude of men and women, and worms consumed them. But I lamented and sighing asked the angel and said: Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are those who exacted interest on interest and trusted in their riches and did not hope in God that He was their helper.

And after that I looked and saw another place, very narrow, and it was like a wall, and fire round about it. And I saw inside men and women gnawing their tongues, and I asked: Sir, who are these. And he said to me: These are they who in church disparage the Word of God, not attending to it, but as it were make naught of God and His angels: for that cause they now likewise pay the proper penalty. (37)

And I observed and saw another old man down in a pit and his countenance was like blood, and I asked and said, Sir, what is this place? And he said to me: Into that pit stream all the punishments. And I saw men and women immersed up to the lips and I asked, Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are the magicians who prepared for men and women evil magic arts and did not find how to stop them till they died.

And again I saw men and women with very black faces in a pit of fire, and I sighed and lamented and asked, Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are fornicators and adulterers who committed adultery having wives of their own: likewise also the women committed adultery having husbands of their own: therefore they unceasingly suffer penalties. (38)

And I saw there girls having black raiment, and four terrible angels having in their hands burning chains, and they put them on the necks of the girls and led them into darkness: and I, again weeping, asked the angel: Who are these, Sir? And he said to me: These are they who, when they were virgins, defiled their virginity unknown to their parents; for which cause they unceasingly pay the proper penalties.

And again I observed there men and women with hands cut and their feet placed naked in a place of ice and snow, and worms devoured them. But seeing them I lamented and asked: Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are they who harmed orphans and widows and the poor, and did not hope in the Lord, for which cause they unceasingly pay the proper penalties.

And I observed and saw others hanging over a channel of water, and their tongues were very dry, and many fruits were placed in their sight, and they were not permitted to take of them, and I asked: Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are they who break their fast before the appointed hour, for this cause they unceasingly pay these penalties.

And I saw other men and women hanging by their eyebrows and their hair, and a fiery river drew them, and I said: Who are these, my Lord? And he said to me: These are they who join themselves not to their own husbands and wives but to whores, and therefore they unceasingly pay the proper penalties.

And I saw other men and women covered with dust, and their countenance was like blood, and they were in a pit of pitch and sulphur and running down into a fiery river, and I asked: Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are they who committed the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah, the male with the male, for which reason they unceasingly pay the penalties. (39)

And I observed and saw men and women clothed in bright garments, having their eyes blind, placed in a pit, and I asked: Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are of the people who did alms, and knew not the Lord God, for which reason they unceasingly pay the proper penalties. And I observed and saw other men and women on an obelisk of fire, and beasts tearing them in pieces, and they were not allowed to say, Lord have pity on us! And I saw the angel of penalties putting heavy punishments on them and saying: Acknowledge the Son of God; for this was predicted to you, when the divine Scriptures were read to you, and you did not attend; for which cause God's judgment is just, for your actions have apprehended you and brought you into these penalties. But I sighed and wept, and I asked and said: Who are these men and women who are strangled in fire and pay their penalties? And he answered me: These are women who defiled the image of God when bringing forth infants out of the womb, and these are the men who lay with them. And their infants addressed the Lord God and the angels who were set over the punishments, saying: Cursed be the hour to our parents, for they defiled the image of God, having the name of God but not observing His precepts: they gave us for food to dogs and to be trodden down of swine: others they threw into the river. But their infants were handed over to the angels of Tartarus who were set over the punishments, that they might lead them to a wide place of mercy: but their fathers and mothers were tortured in a perpetual punishment.

And after that I saw men and women clothed with rags full of pitch and fiery sulphur, and dragons were coiled about their necks and shoulders and feet, and angels having fiery horns restrained them and smote them, and closed their nostrils, saying to them: Why did ye not know the time in which it was right to repent and serve God, and did not do it? And I asked: Sir, who are these? And he said to me: These are they who seem to give up the world for God, putting on our garb, but the impediments of the world made them wretched, not maintaining agapoe, and they did not pity widows and orphans: they did not receive the stranger and the pilgrim, nor did they offer the oblations, and they did not pity their neighbour. Moreover their prayer did not even on one day ascend pure to the Lord God, but many impediments of the world detained them, and they were not able to do right in the sight of God, and the angels enclosed them in the place of punishments. Moreover they saw those who were in punishments and said to them: We indeed when we lived in the world neglected God, and ye also did likewise: as we also truly when we were in the world knew that ye were sinners. But ye said: These are just and servants of God, now we know why ye were called by the name of the Lord: for which cause they also pay their own penalties.

And sighing I wept and said: Woe unto men, woe unto sinners! why were they born? And the angel answered and said unto me: Why dost thou lament? Art thou more pitiful than the Lord God who is blessed forever, who established judgment and sent forth every man to choose good and evil in his own will and do what pleases him? Then I lamented again very greatly, and he said to me: Dost thou lament when as yet thou hast not seen greater punishments? Follow me and thou shalt see seven times greater than these. (40)

And he carried me south and placed me above a well, and I found it sealed with seven seals: and answering, the angel who was with me said to the angel of that place: Open the mouth of the well that Paul, the well-beloved of God, may see, for authority is given him that he may see all the pains of hell. And the angel said to me: Stand afar off that thou mayest be able to bear the stench of this place. When therefore the well was opened, immediately there arose from it a certain hard and malign stench, which surpasses all punishments: and I looked into the well and I saw fiery masses glowing in every. part, and narrow places, and the mouth of the well was narrow so as to admit one man only. And the angel answered and said unto me: If any man shall have been put into this well of the abyss and it shall have been sealed over him, no remembrance of him shall ever be made in the sight of the Father and His Son and the holy angels. And I said: Who are these, Sir, who are put into this well? And he said to me: They are whoever shall not confess that Christ has come in the flesh and that the Virgin Mary brought him forth, and whoever says that the bread and cup of the Eucharist of blessing are not this body and blood of Christ. (41)

And I looked to the south in the west and I saw there a restless worm and in that place there was gnashing of teeth: moreover the worms were one cubit long, and had two heads, and there I saw men and women in cold and gnashing of teeth. And I asked and said, Sir, who are these in this place? And he said to me: These are they who say that Christ did not rise from the dead and that this flesh will not rise again. And I asked and said: Sir, is there no fire nor heat in this place? And he said to me: In this place there is nothing else but cold and snow: and again he said to me: Even if the sun should rise upon them, they do not become warm on account of the superabundant cold of that place and the snow. (42)

After Paul was allowed to see the torments of hell, he was taken by an angel to paradise. There he was greeted by all the Old Testament saints. Each saint walked with an angel. Paul asked about this and the angel responded, each person has an angel that will assist him, and one does not depart from the other.

In The Apocalypse Of The Virgin, Mary was shown the places of hell also. The descriptions of hell and the impious who dwell there are the same as described by Paul. Enoch also gives similar accounts of these places, which will be discussed in the next chapter.

What Did Enoch See In Heaven And Hell

What Bible Scripture says about Enoch: When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch. (Genesis 5:18) When Enoch had lived sixty five years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Genesis 5:21-24) In the Jerusalem Bible, Enoch pleased the Lord and was transferred to heaven, an example for the conversion of all generations. (Ecclesiasticus 44:16) By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5) Jude wrote to warn Christians about false teachers, he calls them wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness had been reserved forever. (Jude 13) Jude then writes and quotes Enoch: Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." (Jude 14,15) Jude could not quote Enoch unless it was word of mouth down through the ages or the manuscript still existed and was available during his time. While Enoch's manuscript was banned by the church fathers, nevertheless Jude quoted from this manuscript to make a point. Therefore, several quotes from the manuscript are in included in this chapter.

Manuscripts of Enoch were found and three copies were brought back from Ethiopia to Britain. Dr. Richard Laurence, a Hebrew professor produced the first English translation in 1821. Another manuscript was found in the Slavonic language found in 1886 by Professor Sokolov in the archives of the Belgrade Public Library. This particular manuscript claims Enoch wrote 366 books. More information on the manuscripts of Enoch can be found in the book, Forbidden Mysteries of Enoch, copyright and published by Summit University Press in 1977, by Elizabeth Clare Prophet. I have also found similar Enoch manuscripts written and translated in other books. The following are parallels between Enoch and Scripture regarding heaven and hell.

From the Slavonic Manuscript

Enoch describes the first heaven:

He saw a sea greater than the earthy sea. The angels and the elders rule the stars in the first heaven. He looked down from the clouds and saw treasure-houses of snow. Enoch saw the angels who keep their terrible store-houses, and the clouds in which they come and go. Enoch was shown the treasure-house of the dew and was shown how the store-house close and open.

Enoch describes the second heaven:

There was darkness, greater than earthly darkness. He saw prisoners hanging waiting for Judgment Day. He said these were angels and they were dark-looking, more than earthly darkness. Enoch said they wept all hours in their torture. The angel with Enoch said these were the angels who did not obey God's commands and took counsel with their own will.

Scripture: For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; ... (2 Peter 2:4).

Enoch describes the third heaven:

There is great produce in this heaven. In paradise, trees are sweet-flowering and bearing fruit. Enoch saw the tree of life which had produce, from all fruits. He said it was gold looking and vermilion and fire in color or likeness covered the whole tree. Its root is in the garden at the earth's end. Two springs flowed honey and milk and their springs sent forth oil and wine. The springs separated into four parts and went down into the Paradise of Eden, which is between the corruptible and the incorruptible. There is no unfruitful tree and every place is blessed. There are 300 angels who keep the garden with singing and never silent voices day and night. The angels said this place is prepared for the righteous, who endure all manner of offence from those that exasperate their souls, who avert their eyes from iniquity, and make righteous judgment, and give bread to the hungering, and cover the naked with clothing, and raise up the fallen, and help injured orphans, and who walk without fault before the face of the Lord, and serve him alone, and for them is prepared this place for eternal inheritance. (9).

Scripture: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know -- God knows. And I know that this man -- whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows -- was caught up to paradise. (2 Corinthians 21:2,3)

Scripture: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)

Enoch is shown a terrible place:

Two angels show Enoch a place of cruel darkness and gloom. There was no light, but murky fire constantly aflame and a fiery river. Enoch said there was fire everywhere and all manner of torture was taking place. There were angels there torturing those that were there mercilessly. In the midst of the fire was frost and ice and shivering and thirst. The angels said this is a place prepared for those who dishonor God, who on earth practice sin against nature, which is child-corruption after the sodomitic fashion, magic making, enchantments and devilish witchcrafts, and who boast of their wicked deeds, stealing, lies, calumnies, envy, rancour, fornication, murder, and who, accursed, steal the souls of men, who, seeing the poor take away their goods and themselves wax rich, injuring them for other men's goods; who being able to satisfy the empty, made the hungering to die; being able to clothe, stripped the naked; and who knew not their creator, and bowed down to lifeless gods, who cannot see nor hear, vain gods, who also built hewn images and bow down to unclean handiwork, for all these is prepared this place amongst these, for eternal inheritance. (10) Enoch tells his sons he saw the guards at the gates of hell. I saw the key-holders and guards of the gates of hell standing, like great serpents, and their faces like extinguished lamps, and their eyes of fire, their sharp teeth, and I saw all the Lord's works, how they are right, while the works of man are some good, and others bad, and in their works are known those who lie evilly. (42)

Scripture: And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet has been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

Scripture: "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)

Enoch describes the fourth heaven:

It is a place of the sun and moon and the rays of both. He was shown how they operate and from them come the seasons, the months, the days and the hours of the day and night. Enoch was shown how the sun and moon travel through gates and their ending becomes their beginning. He saw the elements of the sun that make up the lights of God's creation. He saw angels flying there with six wings. Enoch saw soldiers serving God. Their music and song could not be described because it was so marvelous.

Enoch describes the fifth heaven:

At this level of heaven Enoch saw soldiers with a human appearance. Their sizes were greater than of giants, faces withered having a melancholy look and they were silent. These were once angels of heaven who took human form and lived on earth. They brought unlawfulness to the earth and are waiting here to be judged on Judgment Day.

Scripture: And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home -- these he has kept in darkness, bound with ever lasting chains for judgment on the great Day. (Jude 6)

Enoch describes the sixth heaven:

Enoch saw here seven bands of angels. Their faces showed brighter than the sun. They did not look any different than the other angels in dress or manner. These are the archangels who are above the angels. They are appointed over seasons and years, over grass and seas, and they write all the souls of men and all their deeds before the Lord. Six winged angels sing in one voice constantly before the Lord.

Enoch describes the seventh heaven:

From this heaven he could see the Lord who dwells in the tenth heaven. Within the realm of the seventh heaven he saw fiery troops of great archangels, incorporeal forces, dominions, orders and governments, cherubim and seraphim, thrones and many-eyed ones. The heavenly troop would stand in order of rank and Enoch heard them in praise and song constantly before the Lord. The cherubim and seraphim and many-eyed ones did not leave their stations before the Lord. At this point the two angels that were with Enoch left him and God sent Gabriel to assist him through the eight and ninth heaven to the tenth heaven.

Scripture: In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. (Revelation 4:6)

Scripture: Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around even under his wings. (Revelation 4:8)

The Talmud: The Talmud teaches the seventh heaven stores the souls and spirits. These are the unborn souls that yet need to be united with bodies. The Guph is a celestial store-house where these souls await the time to inhabit a human body. It is a common belief when the last soul departs the store-house, the millennium era will begin.

Enoch describes the eighth and ninth heaven:

Enoch passed through these heavens and saw them briefly. He saw there the changer of the seasons, and the heavenly homes of the twelve zodiac signs.

Enoch describes the tenth heaven.

Gabriel brought Enoch to the tenth heaven and from there Michael brought him to the throne of God. Enoch said the appearance of the Lord's face was like iron glowing in a fire, and emitting sparks. God told Michael to free him from his earthly garments and anoint him with sweet ointment and clothe him with garments of God's glory. Enoch said the ointment was the appearance greater than light and the ointment was like sweet dew with a very mild smell. When Enoch looked at himself, he saw he was radiant like the glorious ones.

Scripture: John's description of God. At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. (Revelation 4:2,3)

Scripture: Ezekiel description of God. Ezekiel says above the expanse high above the throne was a figure that looked like a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. (Ezekiel 1:27)

The Lord sent an archangel to get books from his storehouses for Enoch. Enoch was given knowledge and wisdom and was told by the archangel to write. Enoch wrote 366 books. Enoch was asked by God to sit on his left with Gabriel and God spoke to him secrets about the creation that even the angels did not know. God went through each of the seven days of creation with Enoch.

God told Enoch on the second day of creation Satan and his followers were cast out of heaven. God created ten orders of angels and Satan and his order thought of placing his thrown above God. This is when God cast him and his order out of heaven.

Scripture: The fall of Satan in the Bible. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. (Ezekiel 28:14,15) So I drove you from disgrace from the mount of God and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. (Ezekiel 28:16)

Scripture: You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascent above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High." But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. (Isaiah 14:13-15)

On the third Day God said he planted Paradise and enclosed it and placed armed flaming angels, and said 'thus I created renewal'. On the sixth day God tells Enoch about the creation of man. God said he commanded wisdom to create man from seven consistencies:

(1) flesh from the earth,

(2) his blood from the dew

(3) his eyes from the sun

(4) his bones from stone,

(5) his intelligence from the swiftness of angels and clouds,

(6) his veins and his hair from the grass of the earth, and

(7) his soul from God's breath and from the wind.

God gave man seven natures:

(1) to the flesh - hearing,

(2) to the eyes - sight,

(3) to the soul - smell,

(4) to the veins - touch,

(5) to the blood - taste,

(6) to the bones - endurance and

(7) to the intelligence - sweetness. God therefore created man from the visible and the invisible and placed him on the earth.

Scripture: Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." (Genesis 1:26).

God tells Enoch each day of creation equals a thousand years. God also speaks of the eighth day. God tells Enoch at the beginning of the eight thousand years will be a time of endlessness, there will be no year, month, day or hour. This period will immediately follow the millennium after Judgment Day.

Scripture: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (2 Peter 3:8)

God tells Enoch he is self-eternal, not made with hands and without change. God says his thought is his counselor, his wisdom is his word, and his eyes observe all things. Enoch was then led down to earth by the two angels that led him to God. Enoch was to give the books to his sons and teach them all that God showed him. The books were to be handed down from generation to generation from that day.

From the Ethiopia Manuscript

Enoch sees those who stand before the Lord who did not die:

What is this World? Of every existing generation those shall bless thee who do not sleep in the dust, but stand before thy glory, blessing, glorifying, exalting thee, and saying, The holy, holy, Lord of spirits, fills the whole world of spirits. There my eyes beheld all who, without sleeping stand before him and bless him, saying, Blessed be thou, and blessed be the name of God for ever and for ever. Then my countenance became changed until I was incapable of seeing. (39:11,12)

Enoch talks about Jesus:

There I beheld the Ancient of days, whose head was like white wool, and with him another, whose countenance resembled that of man. His countenance was full of grace, like that of one of the holy angels. Then I inquired of one of the angels, who went with me, and who showed me every secret thing, concerning this Son of man; who he was; whence he was; and why he accompanied the Ancient of days. He answered and said to me, This is the Son of man, to whom righteousness belongs; with whom righteousness has dwelt; and who will reveal all the treasures of that which is concealed; for the Lord of spirits has chosen him; and his portion has surpassed all before the Lord of spirits in everlasting uprightness. The Son of man, whom thou beholdest, shall raise up kings and the mighty from their couches, and the powerful from their thrones; shall loosen the bridles of the powerful, and break in pieces the teeth of sinners. He shall hurl kings from their thrones and their dominion; because they will not exalt and praise him, nor humble themselves before him, by whom their kingdoms were granted to them. The countenance likewise of the mighty shall He cast down, filling them with confusion. Darkness shall be their habitation, and worms shall be their bed; nor from that their bed shall they hope to be again raised, because they exalted not the name of the Lord of spirits. They shall condemn the stars of heaven, shall lift up their hands against the Most High, shall tread upon and inhabit the earth, exhibiting all their works of iniquity, even their works of iniquity. Their strength shall be in their riches, and their faith in the gods whom they have formed with their own hands. They shall deny the name of the Lord of spirits, and shall expel him from the temples, in which they assemble; And with him the faithful, who suffer in the name of the Lord of spirits. (46:1-6)

Scripture: My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2,3)

Scripture: "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:9,10)

Enoch talks of Paradise and Heaven separately:

After this I beheld the secrets of the heavens and of paradise, according to its divisions; and of human action, as they weigh it there in balances. I saw the habitations of the elect, and the habitations of the holy. And there my eyes beheld all the sinners, who denied the Lord of glory, and whom they were expelling from thence, and dragging away, as they stood there; no punishment proceeding against them from the Lord of spirits. (41:1)

Enoch tells us there are three separations between the spirits of the dead and the spirits of the righteous:

Three separations have been made between the spirits of the dead, and thus have the spirits of the righteous been separated. Namely, by a chasm, by water, and by light above it. And in the same way likewise are sinners separated when they die, and are buried in the earth; judgment not overtaking them in their lifetime. Here their souls are separated. Moreover, abundant is their suffering until the time of the great judgment, the castigation, and the torment of those who eternally execrate, whose souls are punished and bound there for ever. And thus has it been from the beginning of the world. (22:9-13).

Scripture: In the story of the rich man and Lazarus Abraham tells the rich man who is looking up from hell to where Abraham was, And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot nor can anyone cross over from there to us. (Luke 16:26) The rich man called this a place of torment (Luke 16:27).

Why Do Scriptures Tell Us To Be Watchful

The Bible tells us all things and we are expected to listen. The Bible tells us how we can become inheritors of the kingdom, and we are expected to follow. The Lord is our shepherd and we are his sheep (John 10:1-8). Christ is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:1).

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus speaks to the crowds in parables about the kingdom of heaven. The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given in parables (Matthew 13:11-16). Christ is specifically speaking about himself in the parables. Look at the following parables, we can see the kingdom of heaven and the Son of God imply the same thing:

(1) "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field." (Matthew 13:24)

Interpretation: The Son of God is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. His field means ownership of... which means the field is his future kingdom on earth. Christ came and sowed sons of the kingdom in his field. He will return for the harvest, a separation of the unrighteous from the righteous.

(2) "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field." (Matthew 13:31)

Interpretation: The Son of God is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. The first seed planted was Adam the second seed planted was Christ. The mustard seed (Christ) becomes the largest of garden plants because of salvation and eternal life. The seed is the Word of God planted in the heart and becomes the working of the whole body.

(3) "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour..." (Matthew 13:33)

Interpretation: The Son of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour. The Son of God is like the yeast and the flour is like mankind. Yeast makes flour rise and through Christ we become a participant of the resurrection (sons of the kingdom). We are raised up unto life.

(4) "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field." (Matthew 13:44)

Interpretation: The Son of God is like a treasure hidden in a field. The Son of God was a treasure that was hidden in the Old Testament. He was a treasure revealed in the New Testament.

(5) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls." (Matthew 13:45)

Interpretation: Again, the Son of God is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. Fine pearls are those who have treasures of the heart rather than treasures of the world. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2,3).

6) "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish." (Matthew 13:47)

Interpretation: Once again, the Son of God is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. The Son of God is the net, the lake is the world. And all kinds of fish are the righteous and the unrighteous.

When you are good, and are rich in good deeds and are generous and willing to share, you will lay up treasure for yourselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that you may take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:19).

Jesus tells us The Parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable gives us a portrayal of the Old Testament and New Testament bride. "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, our lamps are going out.' "'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13)

The ten virgins are divided into two groups (1st group) is the bride of the Old Testament, who were the Israelites, (2nd group) is the New Testament bride, the believers in Christ. The parable says five were foolish and five were wise. They all had lamps which is the Word of God. The five foolish (Old Testament bride) did not take any oil. The oil is believing in Christ. The five wise had oil (New Testament bride) in their lamps and an extra vessel of oil. The extra vessel of oil is the grace of God and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. The bridegroom was a long time coming and the virgins became drowsy and fell asleep. The parable also gives us this message, the wise will be waiting, prepared and not abandon their faith. They will be allowed into the kingdom of Christ. The foolish who waver an become laxed, do not have their wedding (reunion with Christ) in their hearts. The Lord did not find this behavior acceptable. They will not be allowed into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus tells us he is the Shepherd and we are the sheep. He is the Way and the gate. He is our means to heaven. "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again. "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate: whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:1-10) "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:16)

This story reveals the promise of eternal life is through Christ. He warns us about a false messiah that will come before him, before his Second Coming. He calls the antichrist a thief and he only comes to destroy. Jesus tells us whether we are Jew or Gentile to know his voice. Everyone that accepts Christ as their Savior will be of one flock and of one shepherd. To know his voice is to know God's Word.

This is a story of the wise and the foolish builders. "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." (Luke 6:46-49)

This story tells us that Christ is the true foundation. It is important that we establish Christ as our foundation. If we feel we are striving to have a foundation of worldly things, these things will perish. The people who do not build their house (ones self) with the foundation of Christ will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. To be sufficient in all things is a blessing from God. Placing any one thing before God, makes these things an idol, which violates the First Commandment.

Jesus makes it quite clear that we are to be watchful! "No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back -- whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:32-37)

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36)

Jesus tells us not to weigh ourselves down with dissipation. Dissipation means wasting and misusing our time, to indulge in pleasure, to be loose in behavior and morals. He says the day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. That one moment of dissipation could be eternal damnation for you. When the Lord tells us to be watchful, we are to watch that our life stays in alignment with God's will. He will come like a thief in the night, when you least expect him. Timothy tells us, we will save ourselves if we watch our life and doctrine closely. We are to persevere in them (1 Timothy 4:16).

What Is The Day Of The Lord

While Daniel was praying and confessing his sin and the sin of Israel caused by her disobedience to God, the angel Gabriel came with a message. Gabriel told Daniel there will be seventy 'sevens' (interpreted as seventy multiplied by seven = 490 total years) decreed for Israel, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. (Daniel 9:24) Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes there will be seven 'sevens' and sixty-two 'sevens'. (Daniel 9:25) Seven 'sevens' are seven multiplied by seven equals forty nine years and sixty-two 'sevens' are sixty two multiplied by seven = 434 years. Add forty nine years and 434 years which will equal 483 years. According to the Bible calendar there are thirty days in a month, 360 days in a year. Multiply 360 days by 483 years and that equals 173,880 days. The decree to restore Jerusalem was given to Nehemiah in the month of Nisan or Aviv (March - April), 444 B.C. (Nehemiah 2:1). His appointment to governor under King Artaxerxes I of Persia included permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:6). From Aviv 444 B.C. to 173,880 days later is Aviv (March - April), 33 A.D. In Aviv 10, 33 A.D., you have the Anointed One (Christ) coming into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds took palm branches and went out to greet him saying "Blessed is the King of Israel" (John 12:12-14). On Aviv 14th Christ was crucified and on Aviv 17th he rose from the dead. The calculations I used to verify what Gabriel said to Daniel are:

(1) Add 46 B.C. (calendar changed to the Julian Calendar in 46 B.C.) to Aviv 32 A.D.

(2) Multiply the years times 365 days (in a year) adding twenty leap years. (3) Add ten days into the first month of the next year 33 A.D. Aviv (Palm Sunday).

(4) From 46 B.C. to Aviv 444 B.C., I subtracted one from the other and multiplied those years by 365.25 days and took the total and added it to the first total. Between Aviv 444 B.C. and Aviv 33 A.D. there is a total of 173,880 days. This calculation concludes sixty-nine of the seventy 'sevens' has come to pass.

There is one 'seven' year period left to be fulfilled. This seven year span is called the seven year tribulation period. Gabriel continues with the message to Daniel about the last seven years. The People of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. (Daniel 9:26,27) This Scripture tells us the antichrist will sign a covenant with Israel. During the first three and one-half years there will be a pseudo peace. The temple in Jerusalem destroyed in 70 A.D. may be partially rebuilt. In the middle of the seven years, the covenant will be broken by the antichrist. He will stand in God's temple in Jerusalem and say he is their Savior. Signs and wonders will follow him (he will have the power of Satan) and people will believe he is the Christ. Remember Jesus will not be on earth until after the antichrist is revealed and the plagues have taken place. No time or event yet in history, will be more devastating as the time coming called 'The Day of the Lord'. The rehearsals of the tribulation period took place in the Old Testament during the Antiochus reign and in the New Testament when the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. How do we know in 70 A.D. was indeed a rehearsal? Because the Book of Revelation was not written until after 70 A.D.

During the time of Noah, God saw how great man's wickedness was on the face of the earth (Genesis 6:5). Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord and the Lord told him to build an ark. Around the year 2285 B.C. Noah enters the ark with his family and with a specific number of every creature male and female. The floodgates of heaven opened and the waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days or five months (Genesis 7:24).

The purpose of God's wrath is:

(1) To bring an end to transgressions and sins (Acts 3:13-16, Romans 11:26,27).

(2) Fulfillment of prophecy (Revelation 22:10) and

(3) Renewal (Matthew 19:28).

The Day of the Lord is spoken of by the Old Testament prophets, Christ and the Apostles. In the Old Testament the day assumes the character of a day of salvation for Israel. The threats of Judgment are directed not against Israel, but rather against the nations. In the New Testament the Day of the Lord refers to the Second Coming of Christ, his judgment upon the sins of the world and the salvation of the righteous consummated. Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every man's heart will melt. Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. See, the day of the Lord is coming -- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger -- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinner within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. (Isaiah 13:6-11)

See, the Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; he will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants -- ... The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The Lord has spoken this word. (Isaiah 24:1-3) Most references to earth in the Bible means the nations and or the land (Genesis 8:44, Exodus 20:11, Psalm 136:6, Acts 4:24).

The floodgates of the heavens are opened, the foundations of the earth shake. The earth is broken up, the earth is split asunder, the earth is thoroughly shaken. The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind; so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion that it falls -- never to rise again. (Isaiah 24:18-20)

The Lord is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them, he will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will end up a stench; the mountains will be soaked with their blood. All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. (Isaiah 34:2-4)

Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand -- a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like a dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come. (Joel 2:1,2)

It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. (Amos 5:19)

"I will sweep away both men and animals; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. The wicked will have only heaps of rubble when I cut off man from the face of the earth," declares the Lord. (Zephaniah 1:2-3)

On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great, valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime -- a day known to the Lord. (Zechariah 14:4-6)

See, the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In the days to come you will understand this. (Jeremiah 30:23-24)

The righteous are not subject to God's wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Here are several examples, rehearsals to that fact:

(1) Noah and his family (the righteous), went into the ark . God's wrath came upon the whole earth and the unrighteous perished.

(2) Lot and his family (the righteous) were led out of Sodom and Gomorrah by angels. Once they were safely from the city, God's wrath rained fire and brimstone upon the city and the unrighteous perished.

(3) When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the Red Sea parted and they safely went through to the other side. Pharaoh and his army, who pursued them were swallowed up in the Red Sea. Again the unrighteous perished.

(4) When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels with him (Matthew 25:31), all nations will be gathered to him (Matthew 25:32). He will separate the goats (unworthy) from the sheep (worthy to receive). Christ addresses his sheep first to take their inheritance. Then he addresses the goats on his left and commands them to depart from him into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).

By these examples, we can see the righteous are not subject to wrath. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:9) "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36) But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5) Scripture continues to show us, the day of God's wrath is the day of judgment between the righteous and the unrighteous.

Reading from the Book of Wisdom we are told what the destinies are of the good and bad. But the souls of the upright are in the hands of God, and no torment can touch them. To the unenlightened, they appeared to die, their departure was regarded as disaster, their leaving us like annihilation; but they are at peace. If, as it seem to us, they suffered punishment, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their correction, great will their blessing be. God was putting them to the test and has proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a perfect burnt offering. At their time of visitation, they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they. They will judge nations, rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king forever. Those who trust in him will understand the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy await his holy ones, and he intervenes on behalf of his chosen. But the godless will be duly punished for their reasoning, for having neglected the upright and deserted the Lord. Yes, wretched are they who scorn wisdom and discipline: their hope is void, their toil unavailing, their achievements unprofitable; their wives are reckless, their children depraved, their descendants accursed. (Wisdom 3:1-12 RSV)

The rehearsal of Daniel's prophecy (Daniel 9:27) took place during the first century. In 70 A.D., they saw the destruction of the Temple, the abomination of desolation and persecution. The enactment of the rehearsal will take place in our generation. See the chapter, Who Is The Antichrist The Son Of Perdition for further details.

Let us look at other Scriptures that took place during the first century as a rehearsal. Scripture says, God will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh in the last days (Acts 2:16,17). God did pour out his Spirit upon those at Pentecost, during the first century and still does today. Jesus said the time had come, the kingdom of God is near (Mark 1:15). He said, some will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power (Mark 9:1). And we are told the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:20-21). When Scripture speaks of the power of God and the kingdom of God within, it is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Christ states the kingdom of God (implicating the Holy Spirit) has come upon a person when demons are driven out from that person (Matthew 12:37). Scripture suggested the strong man (Satan) was bound (Matthew 12:29). Satan is bound within the realm of God's command. However, we know he was not bound from the earth during that time. Scripture says, Satan tempted Christ in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11), Satan entered Judas betraying Christ (John 13:27) and Satan entered Peter (Matthew 16:23). We also know Satan was very much alive and participated with the crucifying of our Lord. Jesus said his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:33-37). Then Christ's kingdom was not of this world. Scripture says, he must remain in the kingdom of heaven until God restores all things (Acts 3:21). Presently Christ's kingdom is a spiritual-redemptive kingdom and will become an earthly-political kingdom when he returns. When reading Revelation, it is apparent many parts have not been fulfilled. The parts fulfilled were in a form of a rehearsal.

When Christ said, "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out." (John 12:31) What did Christ mean? Jesus answers, "the Holy Spirit will expose the guilt of the world in regard to judgement, because the prince of this world now stands condemned" (John 16:11). John tells us, The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. (1 John 3:8) And when Christ said, "This generation shall not pass, till all these things have happened" (Matthew 24:34), referring to the sequence of events mentioned in Matthew 24. What generation was Christ talking about? Jesus was talking about the generation who would experience the fulfillment of all things spoken of by him, in Matthew 24. What was the first sign Christ said to his disciples, when he left the temple and was walking away. He said, "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." (Matthew 24:2) The temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. But was every stone thrown down? No, the outer western wall consisting of enormous blocks of hewn stone, one on top of the other, still stands as a physical reminder of the temple.

What Signs Are We Watching For

How do we know that our generation will see the end times? Biblically speaking, a generation is forty years. A generation can represent a people of a particular religion or belief. It is written that the generation that sees Israel blossom will also see the Second Coming. In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit. (Isaiah 27:6) To summarize it simply, it means a blossoming of Christianity. Jesus tells us this generation will not pass away until all is fulfilled (Luke 22:32).

Jesus says to observe the fig tree as an example of his Second Coming. "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near." (Luke 21:29-31) Jesus tells us when we see the blossoms, we know when his return will be. The fig tree represents Israel. "When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree." (Hosea 9:10)

We can now have a better understanding of another passage about the fig tree. Jesus uses the fig tree as an example to the disciples. Jesus Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19) The fig tree (Israel) was cursed for not having fruit on it (excepting Jesus). The Jewish people were scattered and did not have a nation until 1948. Israel becoming a nation was not the blossoming of the fig tree. The people of Israel accepting Christ as their Savior is the blossoming of the fig tree. On June 7, 1967 Israel recaptured Jerusalem in a six day war. Today we can see the blossoming. God is pouring out his Spirit on everyone, Jews and Gentiles.

The outpouring of the Spirit that has spread around the world began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4). This is what the Lord Almighty says: "In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'" (Zechariah 8:23) God is with Israel because he made a lasting covenant with her.

It is also written before the Second Coming of Christ, a full number of Gentiles will be grafted into the holy root. Paul wrote to the church of Rome, I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited; Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25) What was this hardening? Israel's unbelief, the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; But Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." (Romans 9:30-32) Paul writes, In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:4-6)

Jesus tells us about the tribulation period. "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." (Matthew 24:34) The signs given by Jesus are written in all the Gospels. The signs are the descriptions of the Seals in Revelation 6 and 8. The signs and the seals are meant to be viewed as prophecy.

The signs that will appear at the end of this age are:

(1) "For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:5)

(2) "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed." (Matthew 24:6)

(3) "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Matthew 24:7)

(4) There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24:7,8)

(5) "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (Matthew 24:9)

(6) "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, (Matthew 24:10)

(7) and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." (Matthew 24:11)

(8) "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:12)

(9) "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) (10) "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel -- let the reader understand." (Matthew 24:15)

(11) "There will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now -- and never to be equaled again." (Matthew 24:21)

(12) "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect -- if that were possible." (Matthew 24:24) "Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door."

There will be a separation. "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left." (Matthew 24:40) "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42) Remember the antichrist, the lawless one, comes before the "Second Coming of Christ". The "Second Coming of Christ" is Jesus coming to reign on earth from Jerusalem. Peter tells us, First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (2 Peter 3:3-7) "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. (2 Peter 3:10) The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." (Isaiah 65:17)

No one will know the day or the hour the Son of Man will come, it will be like in the days of Noah. "and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." (Matthew 24:39)

The Revelation given to John gives warning to seven churches. The seven churches represent seven classes of Christians. Christ tells John a mystery. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20) The Apostle John was told by Christ to write to the seven churches commending them and warning them of their actions. The seven churches mentioned in Revelation are: (1) Ephesus (2) Smyrna, (3) Pergamum, (4) Thyatira, (5) Sardis, (6) Philadelphia and (7) Laodicea. Christ says if the churches do not heed to the warnings, he will remove their lampstand (Revelation 2:5b).

The message Christ gives to the seven churches or the association of saints is this:

(1) Works of love must be practiced. This is the principal commandment. If this is not done he will disperse the congregation (Revelation 2:1-7).

(2) No idols are to be raised and worshiped or sacrifices made to them. Ministers that participate in idol worship, making offerings to idols is heresy. Acts of fornication is prohibited. There is a danger of those who are poverty stricken falling into the beliefs of the antichrist. Those who do not follow the antichrist will not be chastised in hell. They are advised to be faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:8-11).

(3) To those who are strong in faith and not afraid of persecution he gives praise but, he advises them to watch their unlawful associations. These associations can become stumbling blocks and their doctrines are false and leads to corruption. To those who do not participate in such a doctrine he promises them immortality and becoming an heir to God (Revelation 2:12-17).

(4) The company of saints who are faithful, who labor daily and do great works of the Lord is commendable. He warns the church to be careful of false prophesying. He warns them against their easy disposition. The Lord has given us laws, observances and duties and this is the only burden given to us. Those who hold fast until the Lord comes, he will make them part of the first resurrection (Revelation 2:18-27).

(5) Christ warns those who are called Christians, who have become careless. They carry on in the world other transactions they ought not be doing. They are negligent. He exhorts them to turn away from such behavior. The tree of life that does not bear fruit is the same as a Christian who believes in Christ, and does not do His precepts (Revelation 3:1-6).

(6) Christ promises an open door to his kingdom to those who maintain the proper habits of saints (the will of God). Christ has found those who are lowly in this world with an immovable faith. They do not withdraw from their faith because of fear. This group will not be permitted to be given over to temptation. Christ sees them as being pillars in the temple of God (Revelation 3:7-13).

(7) This group is neither hot nor cold. Christ says, "I will vomit thee out of My mouth." What does being neither hot nor cold mean? They have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but have not made themselves worthy to receive the crown. This group lacks the fruits and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They believe in God but their will is not in alignment with God's will. They will have every opportunity for repentance. Those who are described as neither hot nor cold, who return out of great destruction (the tribulation) to great repentance, will become an advantage to many. They will be tried in the fire. Their success will be greatly awarded. He promises them they will sit on the throne of judgment (Revelation 3:14-21).

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14)

These things happened and they are examples for us to take as a warning. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. (1 Corinthians 10:6-11)

What Is The Sequence Of End Time Events

In the newspaper, every day there is evidence of prophecy being fulfilled. We are now seeing the signs prior to the revealing of the antichrist. I heard a disturbing news report that followed the Oklahoma bombing in April 1995. The news reporter said people were so devastated by what had happened in Oklahoma, they would be willing to give up some of their freedom to insure peace. Would these same people be willing to take the mark of the beast (666) if it insured peace? We are told, For the secret power of the lawlessness is already at work. (2 Thessalonians 2:7) Look at the lawlessness at work in Israel in February and March 1996. During the peace talks between Arafat and Peres, a number of suicide bombers blew themselves up, taking innocent lives with them. These bombings have stirred up strife, anger and hatred in Israel. This is the working of Satan and his unholy host. Satan is establishing unrest in order to establish a pseudo peace.

According to Daniel there is a seven year period of events surrounding the antichrist. There are 1,260 days (3 1/2 years) of pseudo peace before the abomination of desolation. There are 1,260 days (3 1/2 years) following the abomination of desolation (Daniel 12:7), a total of seven years is the fulfillment of Daniel's seventieth week. An angel tells Daniel: "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. (Daniel 11:11) From 1,260 days to 1,290 days is thirty days. During these thirty days, God reclaims the earth from Satan, who presently leads the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9) and who is the ruler of the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2).

Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days." (Daniel 12:12) From 1,290 days to 1,335 days is a forty-five restoration time period. The beginning of the forty-five day period is the 2nd Advent (Revelation 19:11). The beast and the kings of the earth gather to make war with Christ (Revelation 19:19). The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (Revelation 19:20). The remnant of Satan is destroyed at Armageddon (Revelation 19:21). Satan is Bound (Revelation 20:2). Then comes the resurrection and gathering of nations (Revelation 20:4, Isaiah 11:10,11, Matthew 24:31) the Harvest (Revelation 14:14-20, Matthew 13:36-43) and the gathering of the 144,000 (Revelation 14:1-5).

These are the signs that will precede and follow the Son of Perdition:

(1) Jerusalem decreed to the Jews (Daniel 9:24,27). The Jews were scattered during the Antiochus rule. They were scattered again during the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. Israel did not become a State until 1948 and did not have control over Jerusalem until 1967. Once again there is a steady movement of the Jews returning to the promise land.

(2) A covenant will be signed with Israel (Daniel 9:27). Israel will be deceived in thinking this is a covenant of peace, when in actuality, it will bring them death and destruction. May 14, 1948 Israel was declared and recognized as a State. Since 1948 Israel has sought peace with its neighbors. A Peace Treaty was signed between Israel and Egypt on March 26, 1979. The Israeli-Jordanian Common Agenda was signed on September 14, 1993. The Washington Declaration was signed by Prime Minister Rabin and King Hussein, with President Clinton on July 25, 1994. A Treaty of Peace was signed between Israel and Jordan October 26, 1994. On January 18, 1996 Jordan signed the last four bilateral agreements with Israel. A joint Israeli-Palestinian Declaration of Principles, was signed by both parties in Washington. The Gaza-Jericho Agreement was signed on May 4, 1994. An Agreement on Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities was signed by Israel and the Palestinians on August 29, 1994. On September 28, 1995 the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip was signed in Washington. The negotiations on the permanent arrangements will begin later in 1996. There have been other negotiation attempts for peace treaties since 1994 with Israel and Syria and with Israel and Lebanon.

(3) The fulfillment of the 144,000 servants out of every tribe of the Sons of Israel are sealed with the seal of God (Revelation 4:4). John tells us, that there is no destruction on the land or sea until 144,000 servants of God are sealed (Revelation 7:1-8). These 144,000 is a chosen remnant (Acts 15:17).

In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean upon him that smote them, but will lean upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For the Lord, the LORD of hosts, will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth. (Isaiah 10:20-23) Paul tells us: So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. (Romans 11:5)

(4) Peace and Prosperity (Daniel 11:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:3) for three and one-half years. It will be a pseudo peace. Notice the rise in peacekeepers across the world. Since 1989 the number and scope of peacekeeping operations have increased. Prior to 1989 there were only 13 missions. Since 1948 there have been 39 peacekeeping United Nation operations, 16 currently underway. Peace negotiations and treaties in the Middle East continue. A sign of prosperity would be record highs in the stock market and in gold. The world as a whole is in a period of peace and prosperity.

(5) There is a break down in our society (Matthew 24:10, 24:12). There is a gradual decline in the morals of society. Family values are disintegrating. A night does not go by without hearing about family abuse, rape, crime, or murder. November 19, 1995 the final 1994 crime statistics released by FBI Director Louis, J. Freeh showed that 14 million Crime Index offenses were reported to law enforcement across the Nation. The statistics covers 96 percent of the Nation's population. The following shows the frequency of occurrences by time intervals -- by taking time (seconds) divided by the number of occurrences of a particular crime per the 1994 year. (1) Crime Index Offense = every 2 seconds, (2) Violent Crime = every 16 seconds, (3) Property Crime = every 16 seconds, (4) Arrests = every 2 seconds, (5) Murder = every 23 minutes, (6) Forcible Rape = every 5 minutes, (7) Robbery = every 51 seconds, (8) Aggravated Assault = every 28 seconds, (9) Burglary = every 12 seconds, (10) Larceny-theft = every 4 seconds, (11) Motor Vehicle Theft = every 21 seconds, (12) Arson = every 5 minutes. Think of how many crimes are not reported. The generation prior to the Second Coming will indeed be very money oriented and very self gratifying (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

(6) There is a break down in the churches. Starting with chapter 2 in Revelation, John tells us Jesus gives warning about the decay he sees in the seven churches. It is an analysis of Christians placed into seven groups. The church is very important to God. The church is to preach that the Day of the Lord is near. The church is to proclaim Jesus is Lord. The church is to carry out the teaching of redemption. The church is to be a solid foundation and stay pure in doctrine. Do not neglect the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 4:14). Regarding the church Paul says: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

(7) There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11) All these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8).

(8) God will give power to his two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1,260 days (Revelation 11:3). The 1,260 days is the second half of the tribulation period. They will be given the power to execute every kind of plague (Revelation 11:6). This will also come before God's wrath according to Malachi (Malachi 4:5,6). God's wrath is a time of judging the dead, and for rewarding his servants the prophets and his saints and destroying those who destroyed the earth (Revelation 11:1-10). The two witnesses will come in the spirit of Enoch and Elijah. They walked with God and they were taken by God without seeing death, they were translated to him. "These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth." (Zechariah 4:14) Moses and Jeremiah are also likely candidates other than Enoch because of the roles the played in the Old Testament. The New Testament rehearsal of the witnesses is John the Baptist. John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah and a forerunner to the first coming of Christ and a witness. The two witnesses will be the forerunners of the Second Coming of Christ. There was one witness to the first coming of Christ and there will be two witnesses to the Second Coming of Christ. Because the rehearsal of the two witnesses has taken place, the two witnesses will come with the same ministry as John the Baptist.

The Bible tells us an anointing was given to Aaron (Exodus 29:7). We are told that this is a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants (Exodus 28:42) -- They will serve as priests to the Lord (Exodus 29:1). John the Baptist was a descendant of Aaron (Luke 1:5). The two witnesses will also be the descendants of Aaron.

(9) The antichrist, a master of intrigue will arise at the midpoint of the tribulation (Daniel 8:23). He was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation (Revelation 13:7,8). The abomination of desolation will take place. The antichrist will demand all people to worship him, in the Temple of God. The Dogma of heretics will be introduced in the churches. The antichrist will establish a one world order, a one world monetary system and a one world religion. A mark will be given to his followers. By a decree initiated by the antichrist, those who do not take the mark will be hunted and persecuted. The false prophet will be revealed (Revelation 16:13,14).

What is this mark? Scripture says, he forces everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name (Revelation 13:16-18).

(10) During the seven years of Daniel's seventieth week, we will see the prophecy of the six seals, six trumpets, and the six bowls come to pass. We will see the trumpets and the bowl events happening more so in the second half of the seven year tribulation period.

(11) The revelation of the sixth seal begins the last persecution of saints. They will suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:6,7). The antichrist will try to destroy God's Word and His church (the believers in Christ) (Revelation 6:15-17). He will send out his mercenaries to persecute the 144,000, who wear the seal of God. In the St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 5, 1996 is an article called Evangelical Group Calls For Unity. In this article it says,"We believe there are 160,000 Christians martyred around the world each year." Further in the article it says, "The persecution includes imprisonment and torture, the burning of churches, mob violence aimed at Christian groups, beatings of children, government support of anti-Christian materials, enslaving Christian children and execution for being a worshiping Christian." This number is relatively small compared to what will happen when the antichrist comes into full power. The number of Christians that will be killed during the antichrist reign will exceed the number of Jewish and other minority people, who were killed during mass extermination throughout Hitler's reign.

(12) The antichrist will have the two witnesses killed. While they lay dead in the street, people are rejoicing (Revelation 11:8). They are rejoicing because the warnings and the plagues the witnesses commanded, ceased. But after the three and one half days, the witnesses are raised to life and then raised to the heavens, by the hand of God. This is what the Sovereign LORD says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. (Ezekiel 35:14) This initiates God's wrath upon the earth as mentioned in the Old and New Testament. God's wrath is the reclamation of the earth. Following the reclamation is judgment (Revelation 11:16-19).

The two witnesses are killed, but God raises them to life before they are raised to him (Revelation 11:12). And in that hour will be a great earthquake, a tenth of the city will fall. Seven thousand men are slain, and the remnant will be filled with fear (Revelation 11:13). This is the Second Woe (Revelation 11:14).

(13) The Wrath of God vs Satan's wrath. God's wrath is to purify and Satan's wrath is to destroy. The prophets are all in agreement with this statement: The Lord declared, "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' that have been known for ages." (Acts 15:16-18) The reclamation of the earth is during the thirty days after the seven year tribulation period. During these thirty days, we will see the prophecy of the seventh seal, the seventh trumpet and the seventh bowl. The seventh seal reveals to us, there will be silence in heaven for 1/2 hour followed by peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake (Revelation 8:1, 8:5). The seventh trumpet is an announcement, declaring that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord (Revelation 11:15). The kings are gathered at Armageddon for the final battle of good and evil forces. When the seventh bowl is unleashed there will be storms and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred. The great city will split into three parts, and the cities of the nations will collapse. Babylon the Great receives the fury of God's wrath. Islands and mountains will disappear. From the sky huge hailstones will fall upon the earth. It is prophesied, men will continue to curse God because of these plagues (Revelation 16:18-21).

(14) When the forty-five day period begins mentioned in Daniel 12:11, the heavens will open, we will see our Lord with his heavenly army (Revelation 19:11,14). "'See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him and his recompense accompanies him.'" (Isaiah 62:11) The beast and the kings of the earth and their armies will gather to make war against Christ and his army (Revelation 19:19). The Word of God overthrows Satan's gathering at Armageddon.

(15) Satan is seized for one thousand years. Satan will be bound, thrown into the Abyss and a seal will be placed over him for a thousand years. The thousand years Satan is sealed is the same thousand years Christ will reign upon the earth (Revelation 20:6). The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur and the rest of Satan's remnant will be killed (Revelation 19:20,21).

(16) Christ executes the wrath of God (Revelation 19:15), the Judgment. The nations will gather to Christ (Isaiah 11:10, Matthew 25:31-34, 2 Thessalonians 2:1). All the souls (including those in the first resurrection) of all the nations will be assembled to Judgment (Revelation 20:4). A separation takes place, the evil in the world is separated from the righteous (Matthew 25:31-46).

Christ says the wheat and the tares will grow together until the harvest. The angels are the reapers of the great harvest. The harvest is taking the weeds (unrighteous), first bounding them, which seals them to be cast into the fire. Secondly there will be a resurrection of Saints. Thirdly the wheat is gathered. The Wheat is the believer in Christ and they will be gathered to the Kingdom of Christ. Finally, the weeds are cast into eternal damnation (Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43). Traditionally it is taught on Rosh haShanah, there will be a resurrection. This is the Third Woe (Revelation 11:14,18).

(17) Satan is released after the one thousand years. Satan gathers his flock which is the number of the sands of the sea. Why is the number so great? Because there is another resurrection. Satan's flock is resurrected from the dead... (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) (Revelation 20:5) These resurrected will join the living who did not protect themselves, both in tongue and thought, from wickedness during Christ's reign. They will march across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. Fire will come down from heaven and devour them. And the devil, who deceives them, will be thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown (Revelation 20:7-10).

(18) The Final Judgment. After the sevenfold arrangement will come the future and Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

(19) Timelessness. In the beginning of Eight thousand years after the creation of Adam there will be neither years, nor months, nor days, nor hours.

Our blessed hope is not the rapture -- it is the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior (Titus 2:13). Our living hope awaits an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade -- which is kept in heaven for us until the coming of the salvation. The coming of the salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3,5). Scripture tells us when the coming of the salvation is revealed in the last time. Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10 KJV) The salvation (the reward given to the believers in Christ) will come: (1) after God reclaims the world from Satan (2) The Lord returns (2nd Advent), and (3) after Satan is initially bound (Revelation 20:2).

When Is The Second Coming Of Christ

God's wrath is explained in Isaiah and Zechariah. See, the day of the Lord is coming -- a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger -- to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. I will make man scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the Lord Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. (Isaiah 13:9-13) "In the whole land," declares the Lord, "two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.' (Zechariah 13:8-9)

Jesus tells his disciples about the time shortly after the tribulation period. "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (Matthew 24:29-31) When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (Matthew 25:31-34) "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" (Matthew 25:41)

Daniel saw visions of the end time and received interpretations from angels. Daniel asks an angel, "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?" (Daniel 12:6) The angel answers, "It will be for a time, times a half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed." (Daniel 12:7)

Peter discusses the return of Christ: He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3:21) "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days." (Acts 3:24)

Immediately after the distress of those days, Christ begins his one thousand year reign from Jerusalem. There will be a new (changed) heaven and earth due to some cataclysmic destruction, to a similar degree as in the time of Noah's flood. Heaven and earth will be renewed and altered. The millennium will be a time of prosperity, peace, a longevity of the people. The nature of the animal will be altered. Only two things will remain the same -- sin and death.

Who will reign with Jesus during the thousand year reign in Jerusalem? The answer is the mortal believers, who survived the tribulation period. Included with them will be the immortal resurrected believers. Immortal does not necessarily mean in the spirit and invisible. The immortals are given changed bodies. Christ is an example of this after his resurrection, he talked with his disciples and was seen by thousands. He ate with his disciples (Luke 24:1-43). The disciples saw Jesus ascend (Luke 24:50-51). If Christ was in the Spirit which made him invisible, no one would have seen him. The elders spoken of in Revelation are in Spirit and are sitting on thrones, dressed in robes, and wearing crowns (Revelation 4:4).

The restoration is spoken of in (Acts 3:17-21). "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you -- even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets." The restoration began with the first coming of Christ, the receiving of the Holy Spirit and will be completed with the "Second Coming of Christ."

God promises that with the changes there will be peace and prosperity after the tribulation period. "Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accused. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands. They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's foot. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain," says the Lord. (Isaiah 65:20-25) In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. (Isaiah 4:2)

Satan is bound for the remaining of the millennium age. At the end of the thousand year reign with Christ, Satan is released from his prison. He will have his last rebellion collecting all those who reject the Messiah during the millennium, who will be the descendants of those who survived the tribulation. He will also gather his who are part of the resurrection mentioned in Revelation 20:5. This is why his gathering is like the sands of the seashore (Revelation 20:8). God will crush this rebellion, And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10) Then the final Judgement begins. Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15) In Daniel also, is recorded Judgment Day, But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:1b,2)

1 Corinthians gives us a detailed description of the finality of all things after the millennium. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)

What End Time Sign Is Prevalent Today

Not all messengers of God are human. In the end time events, His messengers will include the winds (hurricanes), lightning and thunder (storms), rain (floods), the sea (tidal waves), the ground (earthquakes), and whatever else He chooses. The media announces nature is breaking all kinds of records as, coming in Biblical proportions.

The World has been experiencing record breaking weather highs, lows, droughts, floods, storms, diseases and more!!! A good number of these you probably don't even hear about, unless it comes with damages or death. The 1990's is bringing devastation around the world.

Floods:

February, 1991 the worst flooding of the century hits southern Iran.

June 1991, 100,000 people are left homeless in Bombay from monsoonal floods.

June 1991, Chile experienced freak storms in their desert region.

June 1991, ten million people are left homeless along the Yangtze River, in China due to floods.

1991, record floods also effected Burma, Cambodia, Egypt and Israel.

July 1992, the United States and China are effected by massive flooding.

Sept. and Nov. 1993, the United States is struck again.

Dec. 1993, Northern Europe has its worst flood in a hundred years.

Dec. 1993, New Zealand declares state of emergency due to flooding. The 90's has not only brought records floods but also record droughts.

Scripture: On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. (Psalms 11:6) There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (Matthew 24:7)

Tornadoes:

Tornadoes are smaller than hurricanes and can last from minutes to 3 hours. They can stretch from 100 feet across to a mile across with wind speed up to 250 mph. In 1992, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six (1,896) tornadoes were reported. In that year the following states reported these numbers: California (19), Delaware (6), Louisiana (77), Maryland (13), Colorado (81), New York (25), Ohio (61) tornadoes. In May 1995 over 400 twisters were reported.

Scripture: The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3)

Blizzards:

January 1996 the United States starts off with record low temperatures in the Northeast. Blizzard conditions bring cities to a stand still, with record snow falls in January and February.

Lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding.. (Psalms 148:8)

Hurricanes:

There were (19) storms, including (11) hurricanes in 1995. The Net Tropical Cyclone Activity scale read there were over 200 tropical storms in 1995, the worst since the late 1800's. Many of the season storms develop in a region West of Africa known as "hurricane alley." Palm Beach Newspapers, Inc., © 1995, Major North Atlantic Hurricanes of the 20th Century. Statistics are hurricanes that made landfall in the U.S. and caused deaths. In 1900 - 1910 there were (2) hurricanes, 1911 - 1920 (4) hurricanes, 1921 - 1930 (2) hurricanes, 1931-1940 (11) hurricanes, 1941 - 1950 (12) hurricanes, 1951 - 1960 (11) hurricanes, 1961 - 1970 (8) hurricanes, 1971 - 1980 (6) hurricanes, and 1980 thru 1995 (hurricane Opal) there were (6) hurricanes.

In 1990 there were (8) hurricanes, but from 1991 - 1994 there were only (3) or (4) hurricanes per year. Then in 1995 (11) hurricanes make it the busiest for hurricanes since 1933.

Scripture: The LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire. (Isaiah 29:6) See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. (Isaiah 66:15) When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. (Proverbs 10:25) Then the LORD will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign LORD will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south. (Zachariah 9:14)

EarthQuakes:

Earthquakes are numerous. We don't hear about them unless there are damages or deaths. On the average there are 14,000 to 18,000 earth tremors around the world per year. To give you an example: March 16, 1996, there were 50 earthquakes the largest one was in the Bonin Islands Region, 5.4 mag. March 17, 1996, there were 43 earthquakes, the largest one was in Eastern New Guinea, 4.9 mag. March 18, 1996, there were 32 earthquakes, the largest was Eastern New Guinea coming in at 5.4 mag. The Aleutian Islands experienced 17 quakes and tremor ranging form a 3.8 - 5.2 magnitude, March 22, 1996 within a 5 hour period.

From 1900 - 1989 there were 1,822 quakes 7.0 or greater in magnitude according to the National Earthquake Information Center, Golden CO.

From 1990 - 1996 there were 456 quakes with a magnitude of 6.5 or greater. A total of 17 earthquakes in January and February 1996 with a 6.5 magnitude or greater.

Scripture: Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. (Revelation 16:18)

Newsweek, Jan. 22, 1996 Summary -- 1995 -- An Extreme Year. Here's a scorecard of climatological extremes experienced in different part of the world:

California -- Heavy flooding in March 1995. Billions of $ in damage.

Mexico -- Coldest weather in 25 years in northern areas.

Midwest U.S. -- Second most active tornado season on record, 1011 reported.

Northeast & Midwest U.S. -- July heatwave killed 800, 100s in Chicago.

East Coast U.S. -- Blizzard of 96 after a hot, dry summer.

Caribbean -- Worst hurricane season since 1933, 8 tropical storms, 11 hurricanes.

Brazil (NE part) -- severe drought, worst of the century.

Argentina -- Worst drought in history on the plains.

United Kingdom -- Extreme summer heat wave. London's hottest summer since 1659.

Central, Northern Europe -- Flooding in France and Netherlands due to above normal rain.

Southwest Europe, NW Africa -- Drought in first half of 95.

West Africa -- Long drought.

Ghana -- Heaviest rainfall in 30 years. Flooding

South Africa -- A late wet season, flooding

Siberia -- The world's largest regional temperature increase, 5 degrees.

India, Bangladesh, Nepal -- Monsoon flooding, 2 million stranded.

NE China, Korea -- Summer rain and flooding. Famine

Japan -- Early 1996 excessive snowfall

Philippines -- Typhoon Angela is the strongest since 1984.

Australia -- Record rainfall in the west. Rainless in the east.

Volcano Eruption or Activity:

Eastern Gemini Seamount, Vanuatu February 23, 1996

Long Valley caldera, Calif. February 15, 1996

Kilauea, Hawaii: February 01, 1996

Karymsky, Kamchatka, Russia January 1, 1996

Shishaldin, Alaska December 23, 1995

Cerro Negro, Nicaragua November 30, 1995

Etna, Sicily, Italy November 14, 1995

Rincon de la Vieja,Costa Rica November 6, 1995

Ruby Seamount, Mariana Is. October 25, 1995

Hosho, Kyushu, Japan October 12, 1995

Bezymianny, Kamchatka October 4, 1995

Mount St. Helens January 1 - September 30, 1995

Ruapehu, New Zealand September 22, 1995

Montserrat, West Indies July 16, 1995

Metis Shoal, Tonga June 6, 1995

Pacaya, Guatemala June 1, 1995

Fogo, Cape Verde April 2, 1995

Fernandina, Galapagos Jan 25, 1995

Popocatepetl, Mexico Dec 21, 1994

Barren Island, Indian Ocean Dec 20, 1994

Merapi, Indonesia Nov 22, 1994

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea Sept 19, 1994

Kliuchevskoi, Russia Sept 15, 1994

Virus Outbreaks:

Baltimore (Feb. 3, 1996 01:11 a.m. EST) -- Some scientist theorize that global warming can be blamed for more than just extreme weather this year. Theoretically, they say it may be the cause of a resurgence of deadly disease. Colwell said, "Unfortunately, there is no reason why a great plague cannot happen again." ©1996 Nando.net, ©1996 Scripps Howard

Jan./Feb. 1996 "World Watch magazine" states the ozone hole last year was 3 x the size of China. Depletion of the ozone layer exposes the earth to the dangers of UV radiation. This can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans, plus immune system damage.

Destroying the rainforest could be very detrimental to our health. The Ebola virus is linked to environmental damage deep in the African forest. Ebola Virus is very dangerous. It makes copies of itself so quickly that it destroys the cells inside a body and the animal or person dies within a few days. Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe said, "In Gabon, gold prospectors went deep into the forest. They cut down trees in all directions, they dug up and destroyed a part of this environment. This gave rise to the emergence of the virus." The virus appeared to lie dormant in the forest, he said, until logging or other disturbance seemed to activate it.

Press release WHO/12 February 1996 The outbreak in Gabon is the second recent outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Africa. In May 1995, the disease struck in Zaire infecting 316 and killing 245 people, a 77% case-fatality rate.

TB (Tuberculosis) has resurrected again in 1995. New York Times (03/19/96) P. A22 In a New York Times editorial, the authors support spending to control tuberculosis (TB), now the leading infectious killer of

adults despite available treatment. TB kills some three million

people a year, and is the leading killer of people with AIDS, the

editors note.

Other disease statistics are: There are 300 - 500 million clinical cases of malaria each year. Our troops over in Bosnia will have to deal with a virus called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. It is less deadly than the Hantaan virus which struck our troops in the Korean War. ProMED, 04-Jan-1996 reports Bosnia MD's stated cases in the military as high as 3,500.

In the fall of 1995 several cases were reported in the United States. A California man and a Nevada man died of the disease. WHO officials reports an outbreak of Yellow fever in Liberia. Updates can be found in the ProMED 2-Feb-1995 issue. Foodborne infections cause an estimated 6.5 million cases of human illness and 9000 deaths annually in the United States. As of mid 1995, it is estimated that around 18.5 million adults, and more than 1.5 million children, have been infected with HIV since the beginning of the pandemic (late 1970s to early 1980s). This is a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention November 24, 1995 (Vol. 44, No. 46) As of October 31, 1995, a total of 501,310 persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had been reported to CDC by state and territorial health departments; 311,381 (62%) had been reported as having died.

Deforestation:

The medicines we may need for our tomorrow's could be found in our rainforest. But at the rate of destruction the rainforest will no longer exists. The rainforest covers less than 2% of the earth's surface. If deforestation continues, scientist estimate the tropical rainforest ecosystems will be destroyed by the year 2030. Destruction also makes many species of plants and animals become extinct.

Animal and Insect Devastation:

Reuters, LA Times reports there are 300 - 500 million rabbits in Australia. This proposes a threat to the wool industry. Day One, ABC News Broadcast/Time Magazine reports brown tree snakes in Guam are estimated as 13,000 per square mile. They have spread to 8 Pacific Islands including Hawaii. This snake is known to attack animals and babies. It poisonous bite is dangerous to humans. It is more aggressive than a rattle snake.

Scripture: I will send wasting famine against them, consuming pestilence and deadly plague; I will send against them the fangs of wild beasts, the venom of vipers that glide in the dust. (Deuteronomy 32:24)

Killer Bees in the United States? In October 1990 the African Killer Bee reached the southern tip of Texas. Later they appeared in Arizona and New Mexico. October 1994 a swarm was reported in California.

Nov. 1991, white flies attacked California winter fruit and vegetable crops.

Dec. 1992, Australia induces worst locust plague.

1992 - 1993, the bark beetle devastates Austrian and German forests.

July 1993, locust plague in Hungary.

Southern Brazil reports of a killer caterpillar. Its sting can kill and nine people have died from it in the last two years.

Jeremiah tells us: From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. (Jeremiah 28:8) If you are one of the Lord's people, and you provoke the Lord to anger, you will be affected by the plagues (Numbers 31:16, Psalms 106:29). Before the Second Coming of Christ, Scripture says: I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with seven last plagues -- last, because with them God's wrath is completed. (Revelation 15:1) Which means these are the last plagues upon the earth forever more -- that is why it is stressed twice in this Scripture that they are last. We are further told as we await the Second Coming of Christ, if we do not share in the sins of Babylon, we will not be affected by the plagues (Revelation 18:4).

Changes in the Starry Host:

The Great Controversy was published in 1911. The author Ellen G. White. The following excerpt was taken from Chapter 18, An American Reformer, page 334. Said Jesus: "The stars shall fall from heaven." Matthew 24:29. And John in the Revelation declared, as he beheld in vision the scenes that should herald the day of God: "The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." Revelation 6:13. This prophecy received a striking and impressive fulfillment in the great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833. That was the most extensive and wonderful display of falling stars which has ever been recorded; "the whole firmament, over all the United States, being then, for hours, in fiery commotion! No celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since its first settlement, which was viewed with such intense admiration by one class in the community, or with so much dread and alarm by another." "Its sublimity and awful beauty still linger in many minds. . . . Never did rain fall much thicker than the meteors fell toward the earth; east, west, north, and south, it was the same. In a word, the whole heavens seemed in motion. . . . The display, as described in Professor Silliman's Journal, was seen all over North America.... From two o'clock until broad daylight, the sky being perfectly serene and cloudless, an incessant play of dazzlingly brilliant luminosities was kept up in the whole heavens."--R. M. Devens, American Progress; or, The Great Events of the Greatest Century, ch. 28, pars. 1-5.

The Sun danced in Fatima:

The Newspaper, O Seculo, told how the sun danced in Fatima, October 13th, 1917. The following selections come from Meet The Witnesses by John M. Haffert, in 1960. Dominic Reis was in Portugal in 1917, he was 17 years old. He said: "Now it was raining just like you open a faucet at your house. Rain! And then suddenly the rain stopped. The sun started to roll from one place to another, and changed blue, yellow, all colors! Then we see the sun come toward the children, toward the tree." "The people around me were saying they thought this was the end of the world. They were very much afraid." "As soon as the sun went back in the right place the wind started to blow real hard, but the trees didn't move at all. The wind was blow, blow and in few minutes the ground was as dry as this floor here."

Father Joaquim Lourenco, canon lawyer of the Diocese of Leiria was a school boy then and gives this account: "I feel incapable of describing what I saw. I looked fixedly at the sun which seemed pale and did not hurt my eyes. Looking like a ball of snow, revolving on itself, it suddenly seemed to come down in a zig-zag, menacing the earth."

Maria Teresa of Chainca testifies: "The sky was covered with clouds and it rained much. We could not see the sun. Then suddenly, at noon, the clouds drew away and the sun appeared as if it were trembling. It seemed to come down. It began spinning like a fire-wheel in the pagan feasts. It stopped for a few minutes and again started rolling, perhaps in a diameter of more than a meter while we could look at it as though it were the moon. Things all around turned into different colors."

The over all message given at Fatima to the three children was: Men must cease to offend God.

Possible collisions with the Earth:

Astronomers have become increasingly worried by the discovery of these asteroids that come so close to the Earth. Predictions of their frequency are hard to make and so the likelihood of a possible collision of one of these objects with the Earth can not be estimated with any confidence.

Some estimates put the chances of a collision as high as once every 100 years. The only recorded collision of an object with the Earth in recent history was the Tunguska event in Siberia in 1908.

Although the chance of such a collision may be small the effects would be disastrous. For instance, if 1991 BA had hit the Earth travelling at a relative speed of 20 km/s it would have caused an explosion equivalent to about 40 kilotons of TNT (about three times the Hiroshima bomb). There are asteroids in similar orbits to 1991 BA which are far bigger; the effects of a collision with one of these could be catastrophic for the continuation of civilization or even of man-kind. Produced by the Information Services Department of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

1996 Meteor Schedule:

The Lyrids April 22

A medium activity shower active for a few days around maximum. Many meteors in some years.

The Perseids August 12

A strong shower with many bright meteors, nice colours and trains. Active from about July 20. to August 20. Many meteors from August 10-14. , a broad maximum on the nights of August 11-12 and 12-13.

The Orionids October 22

Probably the best of the not so major showers. Active for 3-4 weeks around maximum. Highest activity from October 17. to October 24. Has shown exciting and unexpected variations in activity from one day to the next on several occasions.

The Leonids November 18

The King of the meteor showers. Usually weak to medium activity, but displays thousands of meteors per hour once every 33 years. The next time is in 1998 and 1999, and the activity has already started to increase. Many very bright meteors often with nice colours and impressive smoke trains.

The Geminids December 13

A strong shower with some bright meteors, some with colour and trains. Many meteors from about December 10. to 14. The activity declines rapidly after maximum. A nice shower, but dress well!

The Quadrantids January 3

A strong shower with a short maximum. The activity increases tenfold in about a day, and falls off at least as fast! Some bright, but most weak meteors. An impressive shower if you have good observing conditions.

There are many more meteor showers. The above are amongst the most popular ones. Information from the Norwegian Astronomical Society. By T.E.Hillestad - translated by L.T.Heen

Upcoming Comets:

A list of all comets discovered, recovered or observed for the first time on their present apparition, 1996.

1996A1 P/Jedicke (2) 01/14/1996 Magnitude 17.0

1996B1 C/Szczepanski 01/27/1996 Magnitude 8.6

1996B2 C/Hyakutake 01/30/1996 Magnitude 10.0

1996E1 C/NEAT 03/15/1996 Magnitude 16.3

*125P/Spacewatch 03/21/1996 Magnitude 17.6

Above information taken from the following sources: IAU Circulars, Minor Planet Circulars.

The super star of comets (Hale-Bopp) will be making it's appearance March 1997. This comet was discovered on July 23, 1995 by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp. This comet will make its closest approach to the Earth on March 23, 1997.

Who can predict what the hand of God will do with His heavenly bodies.

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. (Psalms 147:4,5)

At the appointed time the Lord will give His command and All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. (Isaiah 34:4, Revelation 6:13)

"Immediately after the distress of those days" 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' (Matthew 24:29) "...the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken." (Mark 13:25) "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." (Luke 21:25) "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn." (Matthew 24:30)

Who Is The Antichrist The Son Of Perdition

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "if you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' " Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:1-11) Jesus also recognized the devil in his Apostles. Jesus says to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man." (Matthew 16:23) Satan entered into Judas and betrayed Jesus. "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. (John 13:26-27) The reason for mentioning this is, the lawless one, the antichrist will have Satan enter into him. He will exalt himself as if he were God and do all that opposes God. The Bible tells us he will abolish sacrifice in the temple and he will also go to a wing of the temple and set up the abomination that causes desolation (Daniel 9:27). As of 1995 the temple is not rebuilt. It was destroyed in 70 A.D. He is to lead a great rebellion before the coming of the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Satan's imitation of God is exactly opposite of what God is. God's wrath is to purify. Satan's wrath is to destroy. His wrath is the persecution of Jews and Christians. Satan manipulates man if given an opportunity, using him to alter God's plan. God's wrath is against man's wickedness and his corrupt ways. God flooded the earth in Noah's time (Genesis 6-8) and showered Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:1-29). God's son is Christ. Satan's son is the son of perdition.

Satan's wrath is to destroy and kill. We see these accounts during Antiochus, Nero, Vespasian's reign, and Hitler, to name a few. His wrath will be against the righteous during the tribulation period. Why? Because his reign over the earth is short. Because of his pride and arrogance, he will battle for souls to the very end. When Christ returns, he will be bound for the duration of the one thousand year millennium (Revelation 20:1-3).

The rehearsal of the antichrist: The story of Antiochus can be found in Maccabees 1 and 2 in the Catholic and Jerusalem Bibles. His name was Antiochus IV of Syria and his reign began in 175 B.C. A sinful root, a son of a king, who established his kingdom over Jerusalem. He set out to conquered Egypt. He came back to Jerusalem and deceitfully spoke peaceable words to them and the people trusted him. Suddenly he fell upon the city and destroyed many people of Israel. He wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one nation of people and should all give up their particular customs. Antiochus sent out letters to the Jews and said they had to follow the same Greek customs as all nations. He forbade burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary. He defiled the sanctuary and the priests, had altars built to sacrifice swine and other unclean animals. The kings plan was to make the Jews partake in their profane customs or die. Antiochus appointed inspectors over all the people. Many converted and those who did not were killed. The books of the Law were burnt. The wrath which came upon Israel was monumental. The kings officers were enforcing the apostasy. Many fled to the hills and the wilderness. The most blasphemous of all desecrations of the Jerusalem temple occurred. Antiochus ordered swine be offered on the Temple alter. He had the animals offered to a pagan god. He declared himself as a manifestation of this pagan god and demanded that he be worshiped in the place of the Almighty God. In that particular year famines arose, they had no food in storage because it was the seventh year. Wars broke out all around Jerusalem. It is recorded as a great wrath came upon Israel.

Daniel's prophecy about the lawless one came to pass as a rehearsal of one greater to come. Antiochus was a horror of all times. It is written that to himself, he could command even the waves of the seas. He was proud above the condition of man, and bearing witness to the manifested power of God in himself (Maccabees 9:8).

It is prophesied all nations will gather to fight against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-15). The Lord will be against the nations. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. (Zechariah 14:4) Zechariah continues telling us about a plague that will strike all nations that fight against Jerusalem. Their flesh will rot while they are standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. (Zechariah 14:12,13) There is speculation that this would mean the results of a nuclear war or biological warfare. This is making an assumption, that man made destructive devices are more powerful than God's hand in the matter. 2 Maccabees tells us about the death of Antiochus and it tells us he died of this flesh eating plague. But the Lord the God of Israel, that seeth all things, struck him with an incurable and an invisible plague. (2 Maccabees 9:5) I am not going to go into the gore of this disease but it does say: his flesh fell off, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to the army. (2 Maccabees 9:9) Even after all this he lived. Again we see a rehearsal of things to come.

Now we are waiting for one who is of greater evil than this. How do we know that Antiochus is a rehearsal rather than the final prophecy of Daniel? We know this because Paul tells us, the lawless one is coming (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Nero also was an antichrist type who wished to be thought of as a god. Paul was beheaded and Peter was crucified under his reign. Even though Nero is a New Testament rehearsal of the antichrist, Paul did not say it was him, rather it was one coming. We also know he has not been accurately revealed yet, because this will be next biggest event in the sequence of prophetic events -- And if he was here we would all know it! The least likely candidate will be the most likely.

Dan who receives a nation from his father Jacob, is not listed as one of the twelve in Revelation. Jacob gives a description of each of his sons in (Genesis 49:1-27). He describes Dan (the missing son / tribe in Revelation) as; "Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a serpent by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider tumbles backwards." "I look for deliverance, O Lord." (Genesis 49:16-17) Notice first he says Dan will provide justice and then it says, he is a serpent. This could indicate the root of the antichrist comes from Dan. Dan lost his original inheritance and obtained another.

We can look at the devil as a rehearsal to what happens to Dan. The devil lost his original inheritance, which was heaven. The devil receives rule over all the kingdoms of the earth and is called a serpent (Genesis 3:1). Dan's original inheritance was west of Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea. After losing his inheritance, he obtained a piece of land known today as Syria.

The location of Syria is north of Israel. The capital of Syria is Damascus. People of Syria are mostly Arabic-speaking Sunni Moslems. It was once called the melting pot of people. When Syria was not independent, it was ruled by Egypt and many other nations. Syria was the Seleucid Empire until Roman rule in 64 B.C. Antiochus was the King of the Seleucid Empire. Syria was not proclaimed independent with complete independence until 1944. Syria took part in the war against Israel in 1948 and continued to have intermittent border clashes with Israel in 1965, 1966 and 1967. Take notice of any peace agreement (covenant) made between Israel and Syria.

John Chrysostom talks about the antichrist in the Homily III, 2 Thessalonians i. 9,10. Ver. 3,4. "Let no man beguile you in any wise: for it will not be, except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, he that opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God."

Here he discourses concerning the Antichrist, and reveals great mysteries. What is "the falling away?" He calls him Apostasy, as being about to destroy many, and make them fall away. So that if it were possible, he says, the, very Elect should be offended. (From Matt. xxiv.24) And he calls him "the man of sin." For he shall do numberless mischiefs, and shall cause others to do them. But he calls him "the son of perdition," because he is also to be destroyed. But who is he? Is it then Satan? By no means; but some man, that admits his fully working in him. For he is a man. "And exalteth himself against all that is called God or is worshiped." For he will not introduce idolatry, but will be a kind of opponent to God; he will abolish all the gods, and will order men to worship him instead of God, and he will be seated in the temple of God, not that in Jerusalem only, but also in every Church. "Setting himself forth," he says; he does not say, saying it, but endeavoring to show it. For he will perform great works, and will show wonderful signs.

John Chrysostom, Homily IV. 2 Thessalonians ii. 6--9. John tells us about the restrainer that is presently holding back the revealing of the antichrist. "And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall say with the breath of His mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of His coming: even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan."

According to the Greek Version it tells us: Christ's Second Coming depends on the working of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The Restrainer is the One, who holds back the revealing of the antichrist until He comes (2 Thessalonians 2:7). Then he will be revealed and consumed by the breath of God (2 Thessalonians 2:8). Scripture tells us: Because the delusion is sent by God (2 Thessalonians 2:11), Satan will work undetected through the antichrist for the first half of the seven year tribulation period. That is why it is important to know God's truth and know the signs and working of the antichrist according to Daniel. When Satan arrays himself with the workings of power, signs, wonders, falsehood and in all deception of unrighteousness among the ones perishing, then the Lord will come (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The delusion is a test by God, it is an unbelief that will be believed by many and condemning those who do not know the truth. Those who do not know the truth will follow the lie along with the unrighteous.

Everything in this world is done according to pairs. With God the excellent comes before the inferior. For example Heaven was created before Earth. With man evil comes before good and there are many examples. One example is Cain came before Abel. So know this according to the World the antichrist will come before Christ. In the Clementine Writings, Peter says, " The ten pairs of which we have spoken have therefore been assigned to this world from the beginning of time. Cain and Abel were one pair. The second was the giants and Noah; the third, Pharaoh and Abraham; the fourth the Philistines and Isaac; the fifth, Esau and Jacob; the sixth, the magicians and Moses the lawgiver; the seventh, the tempter and the Son of Man; the eight, Simon and I, Peter; the ninth, all nations, and he who shall be sent to sow the word among the nations; the tenth, Antichrist and Christ" (c. LXI).

What Is The Wedding Banquet Of God

An angel says to John "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " (Revelation 19:9) Who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb? The guests are invited. And who are the guests? Jesus calls his disciples, guests of the bridegroom (Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19, Luke 5:34).

Jesus tells us a parable about the wedding banquet: "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

Interpretation: The kingdom of heaven (God) is like a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son (Christ). The wedding banquet is Christ's kingdom on earth. His servants are men who are sealed of God. The first invite is to the Israelites. The Jews are the chosen race (Deuteronomy 7:6, 14:2) and Jerusalem is the chosen city. God will establish Jerusalem making her the praise of the earth (Isaiah 62:7). And your land will be married as a young man marries a maiden (Isaiah 62:4:5). An angel speaks to John and says "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." (Revelation 21:9) John writes, the angel showed him the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:10). Those who enter the Holy City become the bride. The bride believes in Christ, and are clothed with garments of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

"Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'

Interpretation: This is the second invite to the Jews, because it says tells those who have been invited.

"But they paid no attention and went off -- one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

Interpretation: There is a prophecy mentioned here. His Apostles, disciples of Christ were beheaded, stoned, crucified, jailed and beaten. The Scripture says, God sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. In July of 64 AD, two thirds of Rome burned under Nero's reign. Under Nero's reign the Apostle Paul was beheaded and the Apostle Peter was crucified. The city is mentioned again as being completely destroyed before the Lord returns (Revelation 17:9, 18:2).

"Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the streets corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.' So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

Interpretation: The holy root that was invited did not come, they did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. In order to fulfill the number promised to Abraham, the Gentiles became grafted in (Romans 11:17). They were called to baptism, to confess Christ as their Lord and Savior, repent and turn away from sin and to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And if the Jews do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again (Romans 11:23). The wedding hall is now filled with guests.

"But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless.

Interpretation: The king noticed someone was not wearing wedding clothes, the garment of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

"Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

Interpretation: The Lord says those who are not dressed in the wedding garment, you worthless servant (Matthew 25:30). They will be thrown outside into the darkness, a place with the hypocrites (Matthew 24:51).

"For many are invited, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:1-14)

Interpretation: God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." (2 Timothy 2:19)

This Scripture reveals God's plan for us.For the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:4,5)

For the Lord will take delight in you,

Interpretation: Our God chose the Jews as his bride. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. (Isaiah 61:21)

and your land will be married.

Interpretation: The land (Jerusalem) is included in the marriage as the foundation. Melchizedek king of Salem (Jerusalem) brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High (Christ of the Old Testament), and he blessed Abram (Genesis 14:18). God made his covenant with Abraham in Jerusalem telling him, his offspring would be the number of the stars (Genesis 15:5). God told him his descendants, who would be enslaved for four hundred years would return (Genesis 15:13). Moses brought the Israelites back to Jerusalem. They were brought to Mt. Sinai and Moses received the Holy Commandments from God.

As a young man marries a maiden,

Interpretation: The covenant with Abraham is a binding and everlasting covenant and therefore is recognized as a marriage contract.

so will your sons marry you;

Interpretation: The sons represent the builders. Every generation builds a foundation onto the Holy Root as the branches. This building on to the one body is called a marriage. Two becoming one flesh is a profound mystery -- of Christ and his church. Paul tells us the mystery of Christ which was not known to men in any other generation (Ephesians 3:4). He tells us, that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6). Paul writes in a letter to the church of Corinth, "I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds" (1 Corinthians 3:10).

as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,

Interpretation: For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:4-5)

Interpretation: We have finally become a race, a nation pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 3-5)

The church continues to grow in reconciliation to God. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. (2 Corinthians 4:18,19) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 6:21)

We are witnesses to God's true Word, which tells us, God made a Covenant with Abraham. The high priest, Melchizedek brought out bread and wine to seal the marriage agreement.

The first coming of Christ seals the promise for a future marriage: "for I have betrothed to you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:2) Wine guarantees the agreement. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:27,28) When the Apostles drank from the cup they agreed and sealed the marriage contract. Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:20)

Why Do We Need Christ In Our Life

When God created Adam and Eve they were perfect in their being and in harmony with God. Their thoughts were pure. They were holy and walked with God. Because of their disobedience, they became weakened and could not find the strength to resist the power of evil. They became part of Satan's plan of captivity.

There are no plans or schemes, that we can come up with to bring ourselves back in harmony with God (Job 14:4). We could apply human effort, exercise our will and fill ourselves with knowledge, but these things would only correct our behavior, not our heart.

There needs to be a power within, a new life from above to change the heart from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone will quicken the lifelessness in us, attracting it to God and holiness.

Christ said, "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3) This means if you do not receive a new heart -- your purpose, your motives and desires will not change from a life of sin (which brings death), to a life of holiness (which brings eternal life).

About Christ it is written: "In him is life" (John 1:4) and "for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

The Apostle Paul was in anguish and in despair (Romans 7:16). He longed for righteousness and to be delivered from this body of death (Romans 7:24) -- And the answer was given to him and to all: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

Earth has been cut off from heaven. Between the two lies a great (sin made) gulf. Christ has become the bridge that crosses the gulf from earth to heaven. Through Christ the earth once again becomes linked with heaven. He is the mediator between God and man. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Until we are born again and believe in our heart and confess with our mouth, Christ is our Savior, we are under the service of Satan. Until we are born again we are under God's Wrath. Why would anyone want to settle for death and destruction, when they could be transformed in the likeness of God, be restored to the fellowship with the ministering angels and be in communion with God and the Son.

So get out from under the foot hold of Satan and repent (Acts 2:37,38). Repent means turning away from sin. We must turn away from it in our heart or we will see no change in our life. Let's look at David's prayer of repentance: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. (Psalms 51:1-14)

We need Christ in our life to make true repentance (Acts 5:31). We need the Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience. His Spirit moves across our heart and lifts the conviction of sin. Then, sin will no longer be our master. When we are born again, Christ lets us know in our heart, he died for the sins of the world. The mystery of the redemption unfolds to our minds and by the goodness of God, we are lead to repentance.

The power of Christ draws us near to look upon his cross. To see him whom we have pierced with our sins. The deep seeded sins of our soul are revealed. We know his love for laying down his life on the cross for us, his humiliation, his suffering, so that we might have everlasting life.

The unsaved may stand aside and say, "my life is upright," "my morals are good," and "I don't need to humble myself like the common sinner." The veil of flattery will be lifted when the light of Christ shines into your soul. His light shows us how impure we are, our selfishness, our enmity against God and the defects of our human character. Daniel was overwhelmed with weakness when surrounded by a heavenly messenger (Daniel 10:8). He became weak because he saw his imperfections compared to the heavenly host.

Do not put off seeking the purity of heart through Jesus. It will become your eternal loss and places you in danger of eternal hell if you should perish before your commitment to Christ.

No sin is small and the longer it takes for you to overcome it, it obtains the power to overcome you and lead you to destruction. Look at the terrible consequences from Adam and Eve, choosing to be disobedient to God. This one thing separated mankind from God. It opened the floodgates of death upon the generations that followed. Let us not regard sin as a trivial thing.

Christ is ready, to set us free from sin. "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) The Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:7,8) So let this be a part of your prayer, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) Study God's Word, it plainly reveals the way of salvation.