Daniel 8:23-26, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Daniel 8:24 is referring to the Anti-Christ who derives his power from Satan himself. The Anti-Christ “shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” is referring to that period known as “The Great Tribulation” or “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble. This is the last three and a half years of the 70th week of Daniel. At that time the Anti-Christ breaks the seven year covenant he made with Israel. At that time he will make Hitler look like a choir boy as he hunts down and kills Jews. This follows the abomination of desolation that Jesus warned of in Matthew 24:15-16, “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
“Are the Saints in the Tribulation?” By Tom Stephens
This well documented article addresses the question of who are the saints mentioned in Revelation.
http://www.raptureready.com/soap/stephens34.html
Mr. Stephens makes a good case for the fact that the Church will be rapture before the start of seven-year tribulation period, or more properly called the 70th week of Daniel. Some prophecy experts believe that the Church will go through at least part of the tribulation because saints are mentioned in the book of Revelation several times. However, one of the mentions of saints is referring to those who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb during the tribulation period. They are the martyrs that were murdered for their beliefs. Had they developed a personal relationship with Jesus a few years earlier they would be, as CM says, “Watching the proceedings from the mezzanine.” Unfortunately, through their earlier lack of belief they been left behind and they're in the middle of the tribulation.
In his article Mr. Stephens makes several scriptures that definitely lean towards a rapture of the church before the start of Daniels 70th week Including:
Ephesians 1:5; 1:13; 1:20; 2:16; 3:10; 4:30
2 Corinthians 11:2; 1:22
1 Thessalonians. 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:17
1 Peter 2:9
Added Later:
To further flesh out this DQ and for my own understanding, I copied and pasted the verses cited above by Mr. Stephens. We are sealed and adopted by Jesus and I would think therefore under His protection and will be removed before those horrific days.
Ephesians 1:5, "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will"
Ephesians 1:13, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise"
Ephesians 1:20, "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places"
Ephesians 2:16, "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby"
Ephesians 3:10, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"
Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
2 Corinthians 1:22, "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."
2 Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
1 Thessalonians. 4:18, " Wherefore comfort one another with these words"
2 Thessalonians 2:17, "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
1 Peter 2:9, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"
Friday, June 14, 2013
There are many different “saints” described in Scripture. Please name four of these “saint” categories with Scriptural references. 522 - 14-6
Believing Old Testament saints, Daniel 12:1-2a, “ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life”
Dead in Christ saints who will be raptured before those still alive, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
The believers (Church) are called saints, the elect and partakers. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
As an aside, Jesus called His contemporary believers “those whom thou hast given me.” John 17:11-12, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Tribulation saints, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 17:6, “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” Revelation 7:14, “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Dead in Christ saints who will be raptured before those still alive, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
The believers (Church) are called saints, the elect and partakers. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
As an aside, Jesus called His contemporary believers “those whom thou hast given me.” John 17:11-12, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Tribulation saints, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 17:6, “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” Revelation 7:14, “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Compare and contrast the different “judgments” that will occur in the future. Use scriptures to support your response. 534-2 -17-4
Bema Seat Judgment starts with the house of the Lord after the Rapture. Those facing this judgment include:
The Raptured Church : 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Those who passed believing in Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
Tribulation saints raised at Christ’s return, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Believing Old Testament saints, Daniel 12:1-2a, “ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life”
The Bema Seat Judgment determines rewards and inheritance. To quote CM there will be “a difference between ‘Entering’ Heaven and having an ‘Inheriting’ when you get there.” “An invitation to my home allows you to enter it, but not to rearrange the furniture. You can ‘enter’ a hotel; but that doesn't mean you ‘inherit’ it. Inheritances (privileges) will be widely variable, as rewards… And many, when they ‘get to heaven,’ will be disappointed! (Glad to be there, of course, but upset because they will realize the opportunities that they have missed…).”
The “Sheep and Goat Judgment” will come after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation.
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” And Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The White Throne Judgment occurs at the end of the Millennium and will include all the wicked dead to be judged.
Daniel 12:2b, “and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
There will be numerous judgments during the Tribulation.
Added Later:
More about “The “Sheep and Goat Judgment:"
This judgment will occur after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation and will deal with their treatment of Jesus’ brethren.
Matthew 25:32-34, “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
Matthew 24:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
No one can claim that he or she was not warned thousands of years ago. Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
The Raptured Church : 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Those who passed believing in Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
Tribulation saints raised at Christ’s return, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Believing Old Testament saints, Daniel 12:1-2a, “ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life”
The Bema Seat Judgment determines rewards and inheritance. To quote CM there will be “a difference between ‘Entering’ Heaven and having an ‘Inheriting’ when you get there.” “An invitation to my home allows you to enter it, but not to rearrange the furniture. You can ‘enter’ a hotel; but that doesn't mean you ‘inherit’ it. Inheritances (privileges) will be widely variable, as rewards… And many, when they ‘get to heaven,’ will be disappointed! (Glad to be there, of course, but upset because they will realize the opportunities that they have missed…).”
The “Sheep and Goat Judgment” will come after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation.
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” And Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The White Throne Judgment occurs at the end of the Millennium and will include all the wicked dead to be judged.
Daniel 12:2b, “and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
There will be numerous judgments during the Tribulation.
Added Later:
More about “The “Sheep and Goat Judgment:"
This judgment will occur after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation and will deal with their treatment of Jesus’ brethren.
Matthew 25:32-34, “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
Matthew 24:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
No one can claim that he or she was not warned thousands of years ago. Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Twelve areas of judgment are mentioned in this study. Pick 5 and discuss what “grade” you might get in those areas at the Judgment Seat. Concerning these areas, what can you do to improve your “final grade?” 534-2 - 17-5
2) How we exercise our authority over others
The verses cited were little different than what I expected. I thought this would have more to do with how I would treat a subordinate. Back in my working days I treated those reporting to me with respect and all progressed in their jobs. Grade a B+.
The verses cited were little different than what I expected. I thought this would have more to do with how I would treat a subordinate. Back in my working days I treated those reporting to me with respect and all progressed in their jobs. Grade a B+.
3) How we employ our God-given abilities
1 Corinthians 12:11, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
I used to be very proud of my accomplishments such as graduating from college while a divorced mother of two toddlers and always holding down pretty decent jobs. Actually I was not giving credit to whom it was due, the abilities that God gave me. Now I give God the glory for everything I accomplish. So I think I moved up to a C+.
4) How we use our money
While I was still working I started investing in Native American crafted jewelry. I was already beginning to see fleamarkets and swap meets as a kind of 401 plan for after retirement. So I laid up stores where moths could get them and people could steal them. In this economic downturn moderately priced jewelry is not selling very well. So here I am with thousands of dollars of inventory that is like an albatross around my neck. It's worth much too much money to ignore so wherever I go I have to drag my inventory around with me. I'm still selling some jewelry and buying far less inventory. Today I'm working much harder on storing my inventory of good works with God including tithing. B-
9) How many souls we witness to and win to Christ
Daniel 12:3, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever”
Although I'm still a reticence about witnessing to people, I try to whenever the opportunity presents itself. I maintain a blog that is seems to be getting a few thousand page views a month. As for how many individuals are brought into the Kingdom, I'm not sure but it's then read virtually throughout the world. Grade B.
11) How much the doctrine of the Rapture means to us
2 Timothy 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. “
Here I would have to give myself an A+. I go to sleep in the hope of being caught up during the night. When I wake in the morning I'm disappointed because I'm still in my bed on planet Earth.
As for improving my "final grade," I just want to please God and be a light and never a stumbling block to others.
As you studied this session, what feelings and thoughts came up as you considered the detail and the fact that Daniel 11 was written before any of this had taken place? 522 -13-7
It always amazes me just how amazed people are by the workings of God. And yes it is fascinating that the book of Daniel 11 is history written in advance about the so called silent years between the old and New Testament.
However can this foreknowledge on the part of God be amazing when one considers that God spoke the world into existence? That God knows the beginning from the end in the end from the beginning. God is omnipresent, Omniscience and omnipotent.
I consider God's dictating history in advance through His messengers to Daniel as almost a so what. This is such a minor thing in the scope of who God really is. As an aside, perhaps when God considered that fallen man would someday read His history written in advance He presented several renderings of the same events elsewhere in Daniel 7 and in His Word so we would get it.
It's almost humorous that so many people will profess to be Christians and yet doubt the prophetic word of God. How often have these arrogant people said “I believe in most of the New Testament but the Old Testament is allegory?" And of course people have disputed that Daniel was written hundreds of years before the events he prophesies actually happened. They say “Surely the book of Daniel was written after the fact.” Of course this whole argument falls apart when one picks up a copy of the Septuagint Bible, the Old Testament written in the very concise language of the Greeks. The Septuagint Bible was commissioned by King Ptolemy Philadelphia and was completed nearly 300 years before the birth of Christ. This would have been during the not so silent years between the Old and New Testaments.
When I think of those who dispute the Word of God I’m reminded of the first four verses of Psalm 2, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”
However can this foreknowledge on the part of God be amazing when one considers that God spoke the world into existence? That God knows the beginning from the end in the end from the beginning. God is omnipresent, Omniscience and omnipotent.
I consider God's dictating history in advance through His messengers to Daniel as almost a so what. This is such a minor thing in the scope of who God really is. As an aside, perhaps when God considered that fallen man would someday read His history written in advance He presented several renderings of the same events elsewhere in Daniel 7 and in His Word so we would get it.
It's almost humorous that so many people will profess to be Christians and yet doubt the prophetic word of God. How often have these arrogant people said “I believe in most of the New Testament but the Old Testament is allegory?" And of course people have disputed that Daniel was written hundreds of years before the events he prophesies actually happened. They say “Surely the book of Daniel was written after the fact.” Of course this whole argument falls apart when one picks up a copy of the Septuagint Bible, the Old Testament written in the very concise language of the Greeks. The Septuagint Bible was commissioned by King Ptolemy Philadelphia and was completed nearly 300 years before the birth of Christ. This would have been during the not so silent years between the Old and New Testaments.
When I think of those who dispute the Word of God I’m reminded of the first four verses of Psalm 2, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”
What is the difference between an "abomination" and the "abomination that make desolate?" 522 - 13-6
As I understand it an abomination would be the false worship of idols rather than of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Idols would include anything/ anybody such as power, money, lust and sexual perversion sought after rather than God. Abomination that make desolate would be where these “idols” were brought into the “Holy of Holies.”
Antiochus IV scored the trifecta of insult to Jewish beliefs:
Antiochus IV scored the trifecta of insult to Jewish beliefs:
· He made it a capital crime to read the Torah as well as the observance of all Jewish laws, especially those relating to the Sabbath and to circumcision
· He had a pagan altar built on the Great Altar of Burnt Sacrifices and there slaughtered a pig
· He erected an idol to Zeus in the Holy of Holies and called it the “Temple of Jupiter Olympius” (Abomination that make desolate)
This was a bridge too far for a family in the village of Modein where an old priest named Mattathias lived with his five sons. Mattathias killed both the first Jew who approached the pagan altar to offer a sacrifice and the official sent to preside over the observation. Mattathias and his sons fled to the hills and with a growing band of rebels initiated the rebellion that finally threw off the Greek rule. Under Mattathias’ son Judah Jerusalem was recaptured. After the defiled altar had been demolished and rebuilt there was a re-dedication of the Temple celebrated as Hanukkah. John 10:22, “At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter.”
Jesus used the example of the abomination that make desolate as a future warning to the Jews at the end of days. Matthew 24:15-16, "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." Jesus was speaking to Jewish Matthew as he was to a Jewish Mark, Mark 13:14, “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." In other words, at the end of days run for your life!
When Jesus spoke to Luke He was speaking to a Gentile. Luke 21:20, "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near." Here the warning was for a few decades in the future and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
The abomination of desolation should serve as a warning to anyone/ any country into extreme false worship. In this country millions of babies are sacrificed on the altar of choice. Contemporary idols are greed, thirst for power, homosexuality and many perversions. Our children are being corrupted with non-Biblical teachings. Our churches are so far removed from the teachings of Jesus that they are becoming, IMO, an abomination for which God will hold them responsible.
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