WHY ESCHATOLOGY IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL

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The following article is by Michael J. Vlach, Professor of Theology, at The Master’s Seminary. The Master’s Seminary opened its doors in 1986 to provide post-graduate theological training on the campus of Grace Community Church. He specializes in the areas of Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Apologetics, and World Religions.

It is concerning that some churches today don’t take eschatology seriously. The very fact that God has revealed so many details about events to come in both testaments tells us that it is important. At the center of biblical eschatology is the blessed hope of the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). Not only should we be interested in prophetic events to come but, we are also looking for our Savior, with whom we will spend eternity.

Why do some churches neglect serious study of eschatology? One issue is complexity. There are many eschatological details in the Bible to work through and harmonize. So there is hard work to do in this area. Also, when we see godly men disagreeing on prophetic issues, it can be disheartening. Another reason might be that some don’t want to be linked with those who have abused eschatology. There are those who have become obsessed with the end times by offering a date for Jesus’ return, or treating many current events as fulfillments of biblical prophecy. Thus, some have swung from the abuse of eschatology to no interest whatsoever.

But these are not good reasons to avoid the study of eschatology. Here are 7 reasons churches should take eschatology seriously:

1. Eschatology is a major part of the Christian storyline

Eschatology is a major part of the Bible’s story. By “story,” I’m not talking about fiction. I’m talking about the narrative of the Christian worldview. Since Christianity is rooted in history and real historical events, God’s story includes past, present, and future events. All should be taught. We simply should not ignore prophetic events that are future from our standpoint—events such as the Rapture, the Day of the Lord, the Second Coming, the Millennium, and the Eternal State. We must also talk about heaven and hell, and the coming New Earth. To avoid discussion of eschatology is to avoid an important part of the Christian worldview.

2. We are called to preach and heed the whole counsel of God

There are large sections of Scripture devoted to prophesy, many of which still need to be fulfilled from our current standpoint. For example, the events of Ezekiel 36–48 still need to occur. In the New Testament, passages like Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, much of Luke 21, 1 Thess. 4-5, 2 Thess 1-2, 2 Peter 3, and Revelation 6-22 describe events that still need to happen. We cannot ignore these passages. Paul says in Acts 20:27, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”

If your church does not teach what the Bible says about the future, the whole counsel of God is not being taught.

3. People are interested in the future

Christians are interested in what the future holds. But if we do not teach eschatology, we are denying important biblical information for those who want to know what the Bible has to say about the future. We are also withholding a major source of the hope that the Scripture wants us to have.

4. Eschatology is a motivation for believers

Eschatology changes our lives because what we do now impacts our future. Paul viewed everything he did in light of his standing before Jesus someday. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

5. Eschatology has a purifying effect on the believer

Eschatology is meant to transform our lives in the present. Why should we live sensibly, righteously and godly? Because Jesus is coming again. 1 John 3:2-3 states, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

James 5:8-9 also says, “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord, is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”

The study of biblical eschatology is a motivation for godly living

6. Eschatology gives perspective to the troubles and trials of this age

We live in a fallen and tragedy-soaked world. We are all physically decaying and dying. Evil seems to triumph. Without Jesus, there is no hope, only despair. But for the Christian, there is the hope of resurrection and the restoration of all things (1 Cor. 15:20-28; Acts 3:21). Romans 8:18 states, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

The sufferings of this present time are real, but they are not comparable to the glory that is to come.

2 Peter 3:13 says, “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

The coming of Jesus and the restoration of all things are future realities that give Christians hope and the joyful realization that the turmoils and trials of this age will not last forever. Righteousness and goodness win in the end. Christians need that message.

7. Eschatology warns the unbeliever of coming judgment

Biblical eschatology does not teach that the story ends well for everyone. It exists as a frightening warning to those who have not believed in Jesus. Eschatology warns all people that there is eternal punishment and banishment from God’s kingdom and the presence of God for those who do not repent. We should do what John the Baptist did—warn people to flee the wrath that is to come (Luke 3:7-8). Just as there is both judgment and resurrection for the righteous, there is also resurrection and judgment for the unbeliever.

In sum, biblical eschatology is an important part of Christianity. For these reasons, all true churches should embrace the importance of biblical eschatology and share its truths with Christians and unbelievers alike.

8. I would add to Michael’s reasons, an eighth, Apocalyptic Evangelism.

There are more prophecies about Jesus second coming than there were of His first coming and yet there were many of those. Christians who understand the prophetic events that are to unfold prior to Jesus return, first to rapture the church, and then after God’s wrath has been poured out on the earth with the Scroll, Trumpet and Bowl judgements, He will return to this earth and rescue Israel. He has unfinished business with His nation. All the O.T. prophets prophesied their Messiah would rule the nations from Jerusalem. Jesus will rule and reign with the resurrected saints on this earth for 1000 years. Obviously, we are in a unique position to use this knowledge in evangelism. To explain to unbelievers what is unfolding in our day and to warn the church of the coming tribulation, even great tribulation. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:8-13. Jesus spoke these words and Mark recorded them as follows ” For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. Mark 13:19-20

JESUS SECOND COMING

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There is arguably more about the glorious return of Jesus in our Bibles than there is about His earthly ministry from 27-30 AD. Moreover, many people are surprised to learn that the Bible is made up of roughly 27% prophecy, the large majority of which have not yet been fulfilled.

For this reason, it is not even possible to understand large portions of Scripture until we begin to seriously engage with the topics related to eschatology. If we claim to be Bible-loving believers, we should view Biblical prophecies, even if they are about still future events, as a critical part of the message God wants to communicate to us today. Even more important the second coming of Jesus is a central part of the Gospel message. It is not complete unless it includes the triumphant end of the story with Jesus ruling and reigning this earth in Jerusalem.. The more we understand Bible prophecy the more equipped we are to effectively share the Gospel with others. Good Biblical eschatology should always deepen our faith in Jesus, fortify our resolve to obey Him, and create a greater longing in our hearts for His kingdom.

“LAST DAYS” BIBLE PROPHECY – SURROUNDING ARABIC NATIONS WILL ATTACK ISRAEL

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Turkish newspaper’s illustration of “Army of Islam” attacking Israel. Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)

Turkish newspaper's illustration of "Army of Islam" attacking Israel. (MEMRI)

A Turkish newspaper with close ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for the formation of a joint Islamic army to fight Israel. Is this a fulfilment of Biblical prophecy?

“For behold, Your enemies make a tumult;
And those who hate You have lifted up their head.
They have taken crafty counsel against Your people,
And consulted together against Your sheltered ones.
They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation,
That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
For they have consulted together with one consent;
They form a confederacy against You.” Psalm 83:2-5

On Dec. 12, 2017, ahead of the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, the Turkish daily Yeni Şafak, which is close to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling AKP party, published an article titled “A Call for Urgent Action,” which also appeared on the paper’s website under the title “What If an Army of Islam Was Formed Against Israel?”

PROPHECY WATCH: 57 Muslim nations urged to besiege Israel

The article called on the 57 member states of the OIC to form a joint “Army of Islam” to besiege and attack the state of Israel. It notes that such a joint army will greatly exceed the Israeli army in manpower, equipment and budget, and presents statistics to prove this.

It also advocates establishing joint bases for the army’s ground, air and naval forces that will arrive from all over the Muslim world to besiege Israel, while noting that Pakistan, as the only nuclear country, has “a special status” among the OIC countries. An interactive map provides information on military forces stationed in various locations and the role they can play in the potential joint Muslim attack on Israel.

The following are excerpts from the Yeni Şafak article:

“If the OIC member states unite and form a joint military force, it will be the largest army in the world. These countries’ total population is 1,674,526,931. The number of soldiers in active service in these countries is at least 5,206,100. Their [overall] military defence budget, of $174,728,420, is also worthy of emphasis.

“As for Israel, it is significantly inferior. The population of this country, which attempted to occupy Jerusalem while surrounded by Muslim states, is 8,049,314. Note that the population of Istanbul alone exceeds 14 million. The number of soldiers in active service in the [Israeli] occupation forces is 160,000, and [Israel’s] defense budget is approximately $15,600,000,000.

“Defence Budget: OIC: $174,728,420,000; Israel: $15,600,000,000. Population: OIC: 1,674,526,931; Israel: 8,049,314. Soldiers: OIC: 5,206,100; Israel: 160,000″

“In a possible military operation, the first step is expected to involve 250,000 soldiers, and the establishment of joint land, air and naval bases for use in the short term. 500 tanks and armored vehicles, 100 war planes, 500 attack helicopters and 50 warships and submarines can be mobilized.”

“The war planes that will be dispatched to the region from greater distances will be stationed in airbases [closer to Israel]. Israel will most likely to be besieged by the naval fleets that will be sent to the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

“Turkey will serve as an important headquarters during the operation, due to its land, air and naval infrastructures. The Turkish army, which carried out ‘Operation Euphrates Shield’ [in Syria in 2017] with great success, is now ranked the world’s seventh strongest army, and the second largest army among the NATO powers. Turkey has approximately 4,000 tanks and 1,000 war planes and other aircraft. Its navy made significant progress during the last years, with 194 vessels at its disposal.

“As the only country which possesses nuclear weapons, Pakistan has an important status among the 57 Muslim [OIC] countries… Those who believe that they are the owners of Jerusalem today will not find a single tree to hide behind tomorrow.

“In a statement, Malaysian Defence Minister [Hishammuddin] Hussein described Trump’s recognition [of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital] as a blow to Muslims, and added: ‘The Malaysian armed forces are ready to fulfil their duty regarding Jerusalem.’

God has brought Trump in to support Israel at a critical time in its history. Also, Biblical prophecy tells us that we will see a Shia/Sunni battle for dominance play out before an attack on Israel and this already seems underway, as presented in recent posts.

 

WRATH OF GOD & THE RAPTURE

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Another great teaching from Nelson Walters on the timing of the Rapture. Not date setting, but examining all the Scriptures  particularly Daniel with regard to understanding the 70th week. Search the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit will reveal more of His truth to you.

Jesus said, at His second coming, and before the wrath of God is poured out on the world, it will be as in the days of Noah before the flood came. People would not believe Noah until it will be too late. God’s wrath was poured out “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men”.

“Knowing this first; that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” What is God speaking to you to do in these last days? How many in your family and how many of your friends are facing an eternity in Hell? Are you pleading with God to use you, to do what ever is necessary to get them into the Kingdom of God?

PROPHETIC END TIMES SPEECH BY NETANYAHU AT THE U.N.

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Netanyahu ends his powerful speech at the UN on September 19th, 2017 with these words:

“As the prophet Isaiah said, ‘I’ve made you a light unto the nations, bringing salvation to the ends of the earth.’ Today, twenty seven hundred years after Isaiah spoke those prophetic words, Israel is becoming a rising power among the nations, and at long last, its light is shining across the continents, bringing hope and salvation to the ends of the earth.”

I don’t believe Netanyahu understood the prophetic significance of those words nor understood how God has orchestrated the following events that he outlined.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in this year of historic visits and historic anniversaries, Israel has so much to be grateful for. One hundred and twenty years ago, Theodore Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress to transform our tragic past into a brilliant future by establishing the Jewish state. One hundred years ago, the Balfour Declaration advanced Herzl’s vision by recognising the right of the Jewish people to a national home in our ancestral homeland. Seventy years ago, the United Nations further advanced that vision by adopting a resolution supporting the establishment of a Jewish state. And 50 years ago, we reunited our eternal capital, Jerusalem, achieving a miraculous victory against those who sought to destroy our state.”

We are watching Bible “end times” prophecy unfold in our time. Listen to what Netanyahu says about Iran invading Syria, Iraq – go to YouTube and type in Netanyahu speech at UN on September 19th, 2017.

gsi-ch3-6

The Bible tells us that Iran will invade its surrounding neighbours seeking to advance its influence in the region; “I saw the ram (Iran – Media & Persia)) pushing westward, northward, and southward, so that no animal could withstand him” Daniel 8:4. Moreover, Daniel tells us that Iran’s time of dominance is short lived as Turkey (prophesied revived Ottoman Empire) crushes Iran ” suddenly a male goat (Turkey) came from the west… then he came to the ram that had two horns… and ran at him with furious power… There was no power in the ram to withstand him… Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in its place four notable ones came up… and out of one of them came a little horn (Antichrist) which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land… He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary cast down” Daniel 8:5-11.

Daniel clearly tells us that the Antichrist will come out of this revived Ottoman Empire. He will be their expected Messiah, the al Mahdi. Note the % of Muslims that believe the Mahdi’s return is imminent. 

Watch for the next prophesied events to occur, the rebuilding of the temple. We know Israel is ready, watch this one minute video by the Temple Institute. Also, watch for the two prophesied wars: Iran (Shia) pushing westward, northward and southward and then Turkey (Sunni) retaliating to reestablish its dominance (revived Ottoman Empire).  

 

 

FOR CHRISTIANS & JEWS, VICTORY IS NOT TOO DISTANT

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In a few days, we will be celebrating the Feast of Trumpets, and Jews—along with a growing number of Christians—will gather together to observe this biblical holy day.

On Rosh HaShanah, a prayer called Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father Our King) is recited. Yet His Kingship is relegated only to the His ability to forgive His people. He is much more than a forgiver; He is a redeemer and deliverer. He is strong in mighty and strong in battle. This shofar blast is not simply to call us to repentance. It is to remind us of why we are called to repentance. It is a reminder of what comes after repentance: victory.

Defeat is swallowed up by victory. This, in essence, is what the sound of the shofar should do for those hearing it.

For Israel, the King is coming with His army (Saints) to bring total victory against their enemy. Every year when the shofar blasts on Rosh HaShanah, their hearts are reminded that with every year that passes, the King riding upon His white horse is getting closer and closer and one day soon they will hear the Great Shofar sound and the enemy will be vanquished.

For Christians, we are reminded that our King will appear with His angels in the clouds to gather the elect at the Rapture. We also get to ride with our King, to deliver Israel, and defeat the enemy. For both Israel and Christians, Rosh HaShanah is not intended to remind us of our defeats; it is intended to keep us watching for His deliverance as we are set free.

The GOSPEL is as much Jesus Second Coming as it is His First Coming. There are more prophecies about Jesus Second Coming and The Day of the Lord than there were about His First Coming. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not get His First Coming and sadly the church is asleep about His Second Coming. In the Olivet Discourse Jesus tells us to WATCH and gives six signs to watch out for prior to His coming on the clouds with His angels to gather His church. We are in the “last days” when these signs are beginning to manifest.

Rapture: Case Closed?: Enhanced Edition by [Walters, Nelson]

Let me give a plug for Dr Nelson Walters book Rapture case Closed? It does a great job of revealing when the Rapture will take place.

A special edition of this book has just been sent free to a thousand Christian leaders in the USA in an effort to alert the church to coming prophesied tribulation.

Christians will not be on earth when the wrath of God is poured out, but the big question is, when is the wrath of God poured out on the earth. Nelson shows clearly that the wrath of God is poured out in the trumpet and bowl judgements.

Yes! Christians will be on earth during the tribulation and will see the Antichrist. Get the book, you will be glad you did.

WHAT/WHERE IS OUR END TIMES FOCUS?

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If time is short, our end times focus must be on the Great Commission. This is what I like about Joel Richardson, his focus is on getting Muslims into God’s Kingdom. I met Joel at the Understanding the Times Conference in Tyler, Texas. This video will give you “his heart for the lost” as well as the role of Islam in Biblical prophecy of the last days.

KEY QUESTIONS ON A PREWRATH RAPTURE

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Alan Kurshner of Eschatos Ministries on the Prewrath Rapture.

What are key passages that best represent the Prewrath Rapture position?

I think the strongest passage is 2 Thessalonians 2, where Paul reassures Thessalonian believers that they are not experiencing the day of the Lord’s wrath. Paul explains that they are not experiencing the day of the Lord’s wrath because two discernible events must happen first—the revelation of Antichrist and the apostasy. Since they have not happened, Paul argues, the day of the Lord has not materialised. This passage eliminates the possibility of a  Pretribulation Rapture.

Image result for pictures of the rapture of the saints

I also see Jesus’ Olivet Discourse as a key passage that supports the Prewrath Rapture position. It depicts all the key elements: the Antichrist’s great tribulation, cutting short of the great tribulation, celestial disturbances, Son of Man’s return to the clouds, rescue of God’s people, and the impending wrath of God.

I would argue, as well, from the book of Daniel and Revelation, but the former two passages, in my view, form a strong case for the pre-wrath position.

What role does Daniel 9 have in your understanding of the timing of the rapture?

I do not see Daniel 9 informing a particular eschatological sequence vis-à-vis the rapture question (but I do in Daniel 11:36–12:4). There are at least two points that Daniel 9 informs us on: (1) There will be a future seven-year period during which time key events will unfold, and (2) the fulfilment of the salvation of Israel will happen when the seven-year period is complete.

How does your understanding of the rapture affect your life?

Jesus ominously warns believers, “See, I have told you beforehand” (Matt 24:25). This is not a cliché, but a real warning to God’s people. The great tribulation will be a concrete event occurring in the future just before the Lord returns. Jesus says it will be characterised by martyrdom, hatred, apostasy, betrayal, deception, and lawlessness. So much so that he says, “such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be” (Matt 24:21).

To be sure, if we do not experience this event in our lifetime, there are still important faith-principles that we can use to apply to our lives in the present time.

Since God has ordained that the last generation of church will experience tribulation before she meets her Rescuer bride-groom, should this not be an urgent warning for the church? The temptation during the great tribulation to capitulate to persecution, false teaching, and slothfulness will be intense. There will be two imperative duties for the believer during the great tribulation: to overcome the adversity through faith and to encourage the fellow believer to do the same.

One final implication is saliently portrayed in the angelic warning not to take the beast’s mark, lest they suffer eternal punishment in hell (see Revelation 14:9–12).

God perseveres the faith of his people through concrete warnings, so it is incumbent on Christian leaders not to dismiss these eschatological warnings for their people that God has entrusted to them. So the practical implications for the basic correct interpretation are sober for the believer.

This information is taken from Alan Kurshner’s book Antichrist Before the Day of the Lord: What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Return of Christ.