QUESTIONS/ANSWERS FROM THE QUESTION FORUM
Group Number 111
Some
are reporting that America's banking system is about to collapse, and that the
American dollar will soon be obsolete, causing all Americans to without any of
their money. Can these statements be true?
Are the banks going to collapse? Is the American dollar on the way out, as some
allege? I have no idea if the statements being set forth by the fear-mongers are
true or not. And, frankly, I do not care.
However, I am persuaded that something of significance is in the offing, but I
have a different view of it. My persuasion is that God is going to bring down
spiritual Babylon -- the false church. He charges her with not only being a
"whore," and promoting fornication (Rev 17:1-5 -- something that is never said
of the world itself), but also with being "the mother of harlots AND the
abominations of the earth (Rev 17:5), That is, the world itself is worse because
of fraudulent religion. The epitaph of her deception is that she had brought
into the world an ineffective form of Christianity -- a religious form without
power (1 Tim 3:1-5). That text tells us to have nothing to do with such people:
"from such turn away" (1 Tim 3:5). If what this man has said is true, it will
bring false religion down with an instant crash, for it relies almost solely
upon money and what money can procure.
God has also made certain commitments to His people, that if they seek His
Kingdom AND His righteousness "first," they will have what they need (Matt
6:33). The Psalmist also declared a God whose eye is upon those who fear Him and
hope in His mercy. He affirms that God will "keep them alive in famine" (Psa
33:19). Even if this man has said something that is true, his time ought to be
spent reminding us of the superiority of the God of heaven, who REALLY "does
what He wills with the host of heaven AND the inhabitants of the earth. There is
no one who can stay His hand or say to Him, "What are you doing?" (Dan 4:35).
This is a time for all believers to distance themselves from any and every form
of religion that tolerates or excuses sin -- any approach to life in Christ that
is forced to explain the prevailing presence of sin among professing Christians.
It is a time for men to obtain a deeper and more insightful understanding of
Jesus and His great salvation -- two subjects that the people with whom I have
been identified have historically and contemporarily spent very little time.
This is not a time to fear, but to trust. It is not the time to listen to the
merchants of fear, but to those who remind us of the King of kings and Lord of
lords. Perhaps you already know this, but it is something that must be
constantly affirmed. Be of good cheer, dear brother, He that is in us is really
greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). It is God that controls the
world, not the governments or the banks.
I
was trying to find out why the tribe of Dan was not mentioned in Rev. 7.
I have searched to find out why the tribe of Dan lost their inheritance
as being a part of the 12 tribes, if you know why could you drop me a line and
let me know, it would be much appreciated. Text:
Revelation 7:4-8
There are 12,000, a perfect and thorough number sealed
from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The listing of the tribes is very
precise, and falls into harmony with God's dealings with this people. The tribes
are not listed as they are elsewhere, or in the same order. In the original
listing of the sons of Jacob, the order is as follows. Reuben, Simeon, Levi,
Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin (Gen
49:1-28). When Israel's camp was set up around the tabernacle, another order of
priority was established. As may be seen in the accompanying table, this differs
significantly from listing in Revelation. The listing in Numbers involved the
consideration of the various ministries of the tribes relating to the
tabernacle.
Without becoming unduly distracted at this point, it will be helpful to show why
there is a difference in the listings. God always works in accordance with His
pre-determined will, and in concert with the various judgments made known in
previous periods. Judah, according to Jacob's prophecy, assumed the preeminent
place among his brethren, thus displacing Reuben, who was "unstable as water"
(Gen 49:3-48-10). Simeon and Levi moved back four positions, in keeping with the
judgment pronounced upon them because of their fierce anger (Gen 49:5-7).
Dan is completely omitted, because it gave itself wholly to idolatry (Judges
18:30- 31). Gad moved up to third place because of his overcoming nature (Gen
49:19). Asher and Naphtali also moved up because their character (Gen 49:20-21).
Manasseh, the firstborn of Joseph, took the place of Dan, in keeping with the
prophecy that Joseph's bough would run "over the wall," signifying unusual
expansion (Gen 49:22
Someone
told me that the tribe of Dan set up Baal in Shiloh the place where God's
tabernacle was, and they worshipped Molech, and sacrificed their children to him
by making them pass through the fire.
And they told me about a plan unveiled in the 1800's by an act of God who struck
down the carrier by lightning who was taking this plan to someone for a new
world order, the maker of this plan was someone from the tribe of Dan, then they
sent me the utube, 16 parts I am not sure if you care to listen to it and let
me know what you think, but if you do here is the link.
I do not care to listen to things like this. They are skewed toward the earth,
and promote fear. I am a stranger and pilgrim in this world, and know that it is
destined for destruction, regardless of its governments (2 Pet 3:10-13). We do
know that the Lord is going to destroy the greatest despot among men, doing so
with "the brightness of His coming," and in an instant of time (2 Thess 2:8).
Both of us can shout, "The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall
do unto me" (Heb 13:6) -- 1800's prophecy or not.
What do we have to fear from human governments -- any of them. We are serving
the King of kings, and the Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:15). He is the One who has the
government upon His shoulder -- not them (Isa 9:6). It is still true, "For the
kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations" (Psa 22:28).
Joseph served under one global empire. Moses did also, as well as Daniel, John
the Baptist, and all of the Apostles. Daniel prophesied of four global; empires,
and said they were all going to fall -- and they did (Babylon, Medo-Persian,
Greece, and Roman (Dan 2:31-45).
I have no tolerance of these fear-mongers who put Jesus off to the side so they
can chronicle their distorted views. God has spoken to us in these last days
through His Son -- and he is better than angels, to say nothing of puny man (Heb
1:2-4). If men want to preach about a ruler, let them speak of Jesus. If they do
not want to do this, they should get a job as a greeter at Walmart and get out
of the preaching business. God does not have any other message -- 1800's or not.
The relative unimportance of this world is seen in the fact that Jesus left it
when His work of dying and being raised from the dead was finished. Now we are
admonished to set our affection on things above, and to seek them (Col 3:1-2).
It will be glaringly obvious that none of these worldly kingdoms can be found in
those lofty realms. All of the past ones are in the ash-heap, and all future
ones will be also.
There
is a lot of debate on once saved always saved and tribulation, some think
according to the bible they will be taken out of that time and some think God
will keep His people through it.
If you have time to give me your thoughts on this I would appreciate it..
Most of these people do not have the faintest idea what they are talking about.
They have filtered their views through the theology that makes comfort and
wealth in this world the main thing. Tribulation, whatever the level of its
experience, is an integral part of spiritual life. We "enter into the kingdom of
God” “through much tribulation” (Acts 14:22). Tribulation works patience, or
endurance, in the believer (Rom 5:3). Tribulation cannot separate us from the
love of God – which statement would make no sense if saints were delivered from
it (Rom 8:35-39). Believers are admonished to be “patient in tribulation” (Rom
12:12). Paul taught the believers that “we should suffer tribulation; even as it
came to pass, and ye know” (1 Thess 3:4). John, exiled on the Isle of Patmos,
referred to himself as a “companion in tribulation” (Rev 1:9). When John saw
the great throng of the redeemed, and asked who they were, he was told they had
“come out of great tribulation” (Rev 7:14). It was also revealed to John that
those who overcame the devil did so “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word
of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev 12:11).
God has taught people to think within the context of suffering in this world. He
even assures us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution” (2 Tim 3:12). Now, exactly what is there to debate about? And why
are men so foolish as to do so? God has spoken on suffering, tribulation, and
persecution. He has nowhere said salvation is intended to exempt men from such
things. God is glorified when men pass through the suffering – like Job did –
not when they are excused from it.
Now, these people have concocted a view of “the tribulation” that is designed to
frighten the saints. The Lord, however, assures us that all the enemies of the
saints will at last be overcome and cast into the lake of fire – no matter how
much persecuting they have done (2 Thess 2:8; Rev 19:20). These doctrines that
are being taught on the great tribulation are a kind of patchwork theology. No
apostle ever taught that doctrine, or clearly told the saints they would be
removed from the earth before the end of the world. In fact, Jesus said the
saints would be gathered, both from heaven and earth – when He comes (Matt
24:30; Mark 13:26-27). He also taught that the wicked would be gathered together
at the same time to be burned (Matt 13:39-41). “The wrath to come,” from which
we have been delivered, is the wrath of God – the wrath that will be focused
“against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (Rom 1:18) – not the wrath
of men (Matt 3:7; 1 Thess 1:10).
As long as we are in this world, we have God’s promise that He will not allow us
to be “tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a
way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13). He will be
faithful to that word.
"Is
it possible for a Christian to sin without knowing that the behavior or act is
wrong?"
Concerning your question, Yes, it is. I say this with a broader view of sin than
simply doing specific acts that are outlined in the Scriptures. There are some
general statements about sin that require some understanding of unspecified
details: "All unrighteousness is sin" (1 John 5:17). "The thought of foolishness
is sin" (Prov 24:9). There is also the matter of doing something that does not
proceed from faith, for "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom 14:23) – that
is, anything that is not done as unto the Lord, or is done with doubt, is sin.
Coming from an idolatrous background where fornication was part of their former
religion, some Christians in Corinth did not know fornication was sin. Paul had
to give them detailed instructions on the matter (1 Cor 6:15-20), It is also
wrong to become involved in foolish questions, yet some do not know this (Tit
3:9). Some believers do not know that God has commanded His people to withdraw
from those who hold to a form of godliness, yet reject its power (2 Tim 3:5).
Others do not know they are to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18), being unaware that they are not to be
"children" in their understanding (1 Cor 14:20). Others are unaware that when a
person knows the good that is to be done, yet does not do it, he has actually
sinned in that failure (James 4:17).
The above are certainly not ideal circumstances, but they do exist, and the
apostles dealt with them. Some people have been taught that it is not serious to
be at variance with God in the way they think (Isa 55:8-9), or to fail to set
their affection on things above (Col 3:1-2). A Christian who sins without
knowing it is a novice whose understanding and conscience have not yet been
matured. The tragedy is that many professing Christians have been novices for
many years -- which itself is a sin.
I'd
like your thoughts about just how I can effectively "pray" and "supplicate" "in
the Spirit". I recognize that it can and should be done, and that prayer and
supplications are both most powerful and efficatious when uttered "in the
Spirit." How do I do this?
There is no revealed procedure through which prayer and supplication in the
Spirit can be accomplished. If there is a way, it is of the same order as when
we "walk in the Spirit" (Gal 5:16,25), worship God "in the Spirit" (Phil 3:3),
love "in the Spirit" (Col 1:8), and experience righteous, and peace, and joy in
the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Jude also admonishes believers to build themselves
up in their most holy faith, "praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 1:20). The idea
is that we are praying in accord with the Spirit, living lives that do not
quench or grieve Him. There is also the factor of familiarity with the Word,
which was given through the Holy Spirit. Then there is a godly life that results
from being "led by the Spirit," who directs us in mortifying the deeds of the
body (Rom 8:13-14). This involves living a life that is wholly to the Lord.
Jesus "died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves,
but for Him who died for them and rose again" (2 Cor 5:15, NKJV).
When this is actually done, and truth is no longer held only in theory, praying
in the Spirit will be understood. This is because He gives the confirming
testimony to those who so live, that they are, in fact, the children of God (Rom
8:16). It is in the process of living for and unto the Lord that light is shed
on the truth, and spiritual growth in both grace and knowledge are realized (2
Pet 3:18). There is no routine that can accomplish this. Neither is this
something mystical, involving speaking in some unknown language, as some allege.
If any person lacks wisdom, He is to ask of God (James 1:5). If understanding
is earnestly desired, then men are to take David for their example of asking for
understanding concerning what God has actually said (Psa
119:,34,73,125,144,169). Paul admonished Timothy to consider what he had written
to him, and then added, "and may the Lord give you understanding in all things"
(2 Tim 2:7).
So, it all boils down to the level of genuine interest one has in matters
requiring understanding. Jesus has said, "everyone who asks receives, and he who
seeks finds" (Matt 7:8). James says that God gives wisdom "to all liberally"
(James 1:5). No one who engages in such quests will be disappointed. That is how
this subject is approached in Scripture.
I
was saddened today because I was ask what did God need to reconcile in heaven,
and I was not able to answer that, Could you please explain this verse to me, if
you have time.
The verse you cited (Col 1:20), parallels Hebrews
9:23: "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens
should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better
sacrifices than these" (Heb 9:23). These texts have to do with peace being made
with God from whom men had been alienated. There was also a cleansing that took
place because Satan had once been there. There had also been "war in heaven"
when Satan was expelled (Rev 12:7). These were necessary for heaven to receive
the redeemed. God Himself had not been defiled, but the environment apparently
had been in some way.
Reconciliation in heaven involved readying it to receive us. Reconciliation
among men involved preparing them to go there. All of this confirms that much is
involved in men being brought to God than meets the eye.
There
is a situation that i have found myself in this past week that i am not quite
sure how to deal with it.. I have prayed about it several times, but i just am
not sure how to go forward... I see that you are a man of much experience in
matters such as these so i wanted to ask your opinion concerning this, and
wanted to know if you knew what the word of God has to say about it?
There is a brother who attends the same church as i do, who as of late has been
rather discouraged due to his recent divorce from his wife (who was caught
cheating on him with another man), he seemed to me to despite the turmoil
happening in his life to be keeping the faith, he has given a good testimony to
that affect many times in the past few weeks how God has kept his heart and mind
through this time, and our fellowship with him in the things of God, as far as
discussing the word in our times of discussion in bible class has been good.
However, last week as i was on my way to the assembly i stopped at the gas
station to use the restroom before i went to church, and walked into the gas
station just in time to see my brother buying two rather large bottles of beer
(the kind that one buys only if they intend to get drunk).He didn't see me when
he was checking out and when he left the store, and he didn't show up for bible
study... I am very shocked by this whole thing because i would have never
thought that this brother would do such a thing... it just made my heart sink
My question is this... should i just continue praying for him or should i also
say something to him about this? I have been considering writing a letter so
that i might order my thoughts, that i might better express myself, yet i wonder
if I may do more harm then good..... I know that some things are a matter of
people's conscience and cannot be bound upon other people, and were the
situation him choosing to perhaps have one glass of wine at dinner, or something
of that matter i'm not sure if it would require anything more than asking that
the Lord perfect his understanding, But buying that large of a quantity and then
missing the meeting to drink it... seems more serious because of what the Word
clearly says about it being sin.
Because of how discouraged he has been i don't want to drive him away yet at the
same time my heart is heavily burdened for his soul, because i love him as a
brother in Christ. yet on the other hand i am jealous for the name of the Lord,
and want him to understand the seriousness of one who has taken the name of
Christ misrepresenting Christ in the way they live.
I haven't discussed this with anyone else at our assembly simply because i don't
want to cause an occasion for the flesh, and i don't think everyone's sins ought
to be laid out in detail for all to see because it does more to stir up the
flesh than anything else.
Anyways, i would really appreciate your thoughts on this, It has been bothering
me quite a bit lately. >>
I was sorry to hear about this situation. However, you may very well be the one
God will use to correct it. In a gentle way, I suggest you approach the brother,
and tell him what you saw. This is something that will require some direct input
from you, as well as your personal prayers. Your prayers should now include a
petition for both wisdom and insight as you deal with him. You probably do not
know whether or not he carried out what it appears he intended to do. He also
may already have been smitten in his heart. All of this will be made known in
his initial response to your words. If he evidences remorse, and it is apparent
to you that God is working with him, you must major on comfort. If he is
defensive and withdrawn, you must target conviction, remembering that your aim
is to recover him from this setback, not merely to convict him of it.
Be bold in your approach, yet gentle. Look for good signs, and count on the Lord
working with you.
I
was having a conversation with my granddaughter and she said to me that everyone
was God's child. I told her that God loves everyone and didn't want anyone to
perish but until they are "born again" because they truly believe that they are
a sinner and that Jesus has died for their sins and they are adopted into his
family, they have not become His children.
She believes that we are all His children because He is behind the creation of
all of us and probably because that is what she is being taught at church.
If I am wrong please tell me but if I am not, please try and explain it from
scripture in a way she at age 13 would understand how much God loves us but
wants us to return that love to Him and has provided a way for us to do that.
She needs it to come from someone other that just her grandfather even though we
have a great relationship.
It is true that everyone was created by God, and is the "offspring" of God. Paul
reasoned on this in his presentation in Athens, basing his reasoning on the
premise, "For we are also His offspring. Forasmuch then as we are His offspring
. . ." (Acts 17:28-29). He concluded that those created by God were accountable
to Him, and will be judged by the Man whom God has appointed to execute
judgment. He affirmed that men are now required to "repent" (Acts 17:26-31).
That is he handled the fact that all men were created by God.
In this same sense, and with particular regard to Israel as a nation, the
Psalmist said, "Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and
not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of his pasture" (Psa 100:3).
However, in this reasoning "offspring" and "child" are not synonymous terms.
Jesus said of a particular kind of people, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for
THEY shall be called the children of God" (Matt 5:9). It is said of those in
Christ, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that WE are the
children of God" (Rom 8:16). This is a status that is accomplished through
faith, "For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:26).
Further, the children of God are distinguished from other men who are referred
as children of the devil: "In this the children of God are manifest, and the
children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither
he that loveth not his brother" (1 John 3:10). Therefore, the fact that God made
all men does not constitute them all His children. As used in these texts, the
"children" of God are those who have been "begotten" by Him again to a living
hope (1 Pet 1:3). There is absolute consistency in this teaching throughout the
Gospels and the apostles' doctrine. Paul further adds, "They which are the
children of the flesh, these are NOT the children of God: but the children of
the promise are counted for the seed" (Rom 9:8). In his reasoning, both Ishmael
and Isaac were created by God, as well as Jacob and Esau. But only Isaac and
Jacob were "the children of God."
In speaking of the love of God, the Holy Spirit never affirms "God loves
everyone." God does love the world (John 3:16), but that is a statement of His
love for HUMANITY (as compared with angels), not for individuals. Further, it is
a special kind of love – "SO loved." That love is not said to be an affection
for the people themselves, but is displayed in providing a way for them to be
reconciled to Him. It is interesting that Scripture never records a sinner being
told that God loves him. Additionally, God's love for humanity is always stated
in the past tense ("loved") – John 3:16; Gal 2:20; Eph 2:4; 5:2; 2 Thess 2:16; 1
John 4:10,11. In every case, the reference is not to God's affection for
individuals, but is rather made to His gracious provision in Christ Jesus. Take
Jesus out of the scenario, and there is no love toward humanity at all in any
sense.
So far as the Scriptures are concerned, the love of God is expounded only to
those who are in Christ Jesus. That is because only they are capable of drawing
correct conclusions about that love. Those who are outside of Christ do not have
the faintest notion what Divine love is, and are thoroughly incapable of
perceiving it correctly. That is why the love of God is shed abroad in the
hearts of the saints by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5), so that they can comprehend
the glorious truth of it. In other words, the love of God is an inside view,
intended only for those who are in Christ Jesus. Some reference was made to
God's love to Israel, which accounted for them being a favored nation (Deut
7:7-8; Mal 1:2). There is no record in Scripture of any other people, whether an
individual or a group, being told about the love of God. In fact, the word
"love" is never mentioned in the book of Acts, which contains numerous accounts
of preaching.
Once a person comes into Christ, the love of both God and Christ is expounded to
them, for that love accounts for the grace they have received (Rom 5:5; 8:37,39;
2 Cor 13:14; 2 Thess 2:16; 3:5; Tit 3:4; 1 John 2:5; 3:16,17; 4:9,10,11,19; Jude
1:21; Rev 1:5). This is the way the love of God is approached in Scripture, even
though it is in sharp contrast with the way it is being presented today.
Further, the FACT of God's love is not the fundamental point, but rather the
EXPERIENCE of it. Concerning the fact of God's love, "God IS love" – that is,
that is who He is (1 John 4:8,10). However, that is not ALL that He is. He is
also "a consuming fire," or a jealous God (Deut 4:24; Heb 12:29). He is also
"angry with the wicked every day" (Psa 7:11), and is said to "hate all workers
of iniquity" (Psa 5:5), those who sow seeds of discord (Prov 6:19), and to abhor
the covetous (Psa 10:3).
One must ask himself the question, "What does a sinner think I mean when I say
God loves him?" or that Christ died for him? And precisely where do we have a
Scriptural text that affirms that to someone who is lost, or dead in trespasses
and sins? Technically, both of those statements are true, but I do not believe
any person who is alienated from God has any ability to discern their meaning.
In fact, such statements actually tend to tone down, or neutralize, the serious
jeopardy in which all sinners find themselves. When Paul reasoned with Felix, a
heathen, he dealt with "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come" (Acts
24:25). See, the truth of the matter is that no person has ever come to Christ
because they loved him. They rather are said to have "fled for refuge" to Him,
to lay hold on the hope set before them (Heb 6:18). They came trembling for fear
of Him because they sensed their sin had put them at variance with Him (Acts
9:6; 16:30. Of course, because "God is love" He is tender and kind toward such
trembling souls – even though they do not know it at the time (Isa 66:2). When
such poor souls do turn to the Lord, pleading for mercy as that publican of whom
Jesus spoke, they are tenderly told of the love that God had for them in Christ
Jesus.
You are correct in saying God does not want anyone to perish (2 Pet 3:9), and
that He desires "all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth"
(1 Tim 2:4). However, both of those postulate Divine wrath and jeopardy. Apart
from a keen awareness of Divine wrath, I do not believe the love of God has any
effectual meaning.
It is always right to speak of Divine love as the Scriptures do, and to do it at
the times and to the people described in Scripture. It is then, and only then,
that the proclamation will be supported by the power of God.
I have spent some extra time on this because it is a kind of technical point
that has been greatly obscured by overly simplistic teaching. I pray I have not
made the subject more difficult.
Question
1 - “When the rapture happens, do you think people will hear the sound of the
trumpet (or shofar)? Will it be visible for the whole earth? Or will millions of
people disappear at once with silence to leave the world in confusion?
First, the word “rapture” is not mentioned in the Bible. Its use is based upon
a statement made in First Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive
and remain shall be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord
in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Theses 4:16-17). There is
no suggestion in all of Scripture that this is secret, which is the idea that
men have attached to the word “rapture.” In fact, in his Second letter to the
Thessalonians, Paul says that the wicked will be punished “with everlasting
exclusion from the presence of the Lord . . . WHEN HE SHALL COME TO BE GLORIFIED
IN HIS SAINTS, AND TO BE ADMIRED IN ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE” (2 Thess 2:7-10). In
fact, in His parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus said the wicked would
actually be removed first: “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the
time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares,
and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn . . .
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in
the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they
shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do
iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and
gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the
kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mat 13:30,
40-43).
Yes, everyone will hear both the trumpet and the shout – for that is the only
reason to either blow a trumpet or shout – it is to be heard. Revelation 1:7
reminds us that “every eye shall see Him” when He comes. Jesus said He would
raise all of the dead – both the righteous and the wicked – at the same time,
and with a word: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all
that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that
have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil,
unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29).
Jesus is going to come in all of His glory, also with the glory of the Father,
and of the angels as well: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his
Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his
works” (Matt 16:27). The Scriptures represent Jesus as coming one more time. We
never read of His comings. That one time will be a grand conclusion of God’s
work on this earth. John said the heavens and earth would flee from before His
face: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face
the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them” (Rev
20:11). That is, when Jesus is seen as He is, the next thing on the agenda is
the day of judgment.
The sons of God have been under cover since Jesus returned to heaven. When He
comes again, they will be revealed, not concealed. Every eye will see Him, which
means the dead will all be raised, in the twinkling of an eye. Paul wrote that
at the resurrection of the dead, the time when believers themselves are all
raised, that at that time, those who are alive, having remained in this world
until that time, will be changed, putting on an incorruptible body. At that
time, it is affirmed death and the grave will have been defeated. “In a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall
have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is
written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave,
where is thy victory? (1 Cor 15:53-55). Death cannot have been defeated if
remain in this world living in the flesh.
Men have so garbled the truth of the coming of the Lord that, to many, these
straightforward statements make no sense at all. However, for those who are
really looking forward to the Lord’s return, which grace teaches us to do (Tit
2:11-12), all of this makes perfect sense, and is good news.
Question: Call you tell me specifics about what the bible says about the
Anti-Christ? What nation does he come out of & how old will he be? Does he have
to have a multi-race & multi-religion backround? Does he have to be jewish or
roman or a middle eastern nation or can it be a nation like the United States?
Is it possible to have a female anti-christ?
ANTICHRIST
First, the word “Antichrist” occurs four times in the Bible – all of them are
in John’s letters.
1. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist
shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the
last time” (1 John 2:18).
2. “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22).
3. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh
is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that
it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:3).
4. “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 1:7).
5. John also says there are “many antichrists: – “Little children, it is the
last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there
many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18).
Now, so far as the word “Antichrist” is concerned, that is all the information
we have to work with.
Second, both the Prophets and Apostles mentioned an evil despot who would
deceive the people, and claim Divine prerogatives. Theologians have associated
these texts with what it said by John concerning “antichrist.” Neither Jesus nor
any of the apostles made such an association. Here are the texts these men say
refer to “the Antichrist.” We only have the words of uninspired men to prove
there is an association of these texts with “the Antichrist.” I personally do
not feel comfortable with that circumstance.
1. DANIEL – “Little horn” –
“I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little
horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots:
and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking
great things” (Dan 7:8).
“And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding
great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. And
it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host
and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself
even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away,
and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against
the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to
the ground; and it practiced, and prospered” (Dan 8:9-12).
2. DANIEL – A “horn,” or ruler that is different from the other rulers –
“And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and
another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he
shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High,
and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and
laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the
dividing of time” (Dan 7:24-25).
3. DANIEL – a “King” –
“And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and
magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the
God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that
that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his
fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify
himself above all. But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god
whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with
precious stones, and pleasant things” (Dan 11:36-38).
4. PAUL – “Son of perdition” –
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except
there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition” (2 Thess 2:3).
5. PAUL – “The man of sin” –
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except
there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of
perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or
that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing
himself that he is God” (2 Thess 2:4).
6. PAUL – “The Wicked One,” or “Lawless One” –
“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the
spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even
him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and
lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be
saved” (2 Thess 2:8-10).
7. JOHN – “The False Prophet” –
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the
dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false
prophet” (Rev 16:13).
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of
the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a
lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Rev 19:20).
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day
and night for ever and ever” (Rev 20:10).
8. JOHN – “The Beast” – “And when they shall have finished their testimony, the
beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and
shall overcome them, and kill them” (Rev 11:7).
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the
feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him
his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it
were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world
wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto
the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast?
who is able to make war with him?” (Rev 13:2-4).
“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles
which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on
the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a
sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast,
that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would
not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right
hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had
the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom.
Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the
number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Rev
13:14-18).
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man
worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his
hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out
without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with
fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of
the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and
they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and
whosoever receiveth the mark of his name” (Rev 14:9-11).
“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had
gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and
over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God”
(Rev 15:2). “And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and
there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the
beast, and upon them which worshipped his image” (Rev 16:2).
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his
kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain” (Rev
16:10).
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the
dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false
prophet” (Rev 16:13).
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered
together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles
before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast,
and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of
fire burning with brimstone” (Rev 19:20).
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:
and 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” (Rev 20:4).
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day
and night for ever and ever” (Rev 20:10).
You can access my commentary on the book of the Revelation for a detailed
exposition of all of these texts. The link is.
http://wotruth.com/revelationindex.htm
The questions you asked were, “What nation does he come out of & how old will he
be? Does he have to have a multi-race & multi-religion background? Does he have
to be Jewish or Roman or a middle eastern nation or can it be a nation like the
United States? Is it possible to have a female anti-christ?” If we limit
ourselves to the Scriptures, which I do, none of those questions are answerable.
God has not revealed an answer to them, which means they are not even valid
questions. I have given you every verse in the Bible that mentions the word
“Antichrist.” None of them address these questions. I have also given you other
texts that certain teachers say are speaking of the “Antichrist” – even though
none of the texts say that, nor did Jesus of the Apostles refer to them as
speaking of “the Antichrist.” Even those texts do not address the questions you
have asked.
The Word of God exhorts us to “avoid foolish questions” – that is, questions
that cannot be satisfactorily answered (Tit 3:9). They also inform us that such
questions “gender strifes,” or cause needless arguments because they cannot
really be answered (2 Tim 2:23).
Whether we are speaking about the texts that directly mention the word
“Antichrist,” or those texts that men thing refer to such a person, the point of
Scripture is that such an enemy is going to be overthrown. Jesus will destroy
Him “with the spirit of His mouth and the brightness of his coming” – 2 Thess
2:6. The coming of such a person is said to be “after the working of Satan” (2
Thess 2:8).
Jesus said “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall
deceive many. (Matt 24:5). He spoke of “false Christ’s” (Matt 24:24; Mark 13:6;
Luke 21:8). He simply instructed us to pay no attention to them, listen to them,
or follow them.
Question:
Our current president came up from his party virtually unknown. He beat all the
major competition from his party & the other party with ease. I heard his speech
in Germany - the language he used sounds like he wants to rule the world. He
seems to be an agent of peace. He has done nothing major but has a unnatural
following. Women are having dreams about him (if you know what I mean) reported
by major newspaper. (ny times blog) People are worshiping his body. (According
to Fox news) In town hall meetings people are referring to him as God. (a recent
meeting in Florida) His opponents ad campain referred to him as the one (the
messiah) (searchable on youtube, paid for by the person of the other party).
World leaders love him & have high hopes for him even though he hasn't been
office for even a month yet. I noticed he does not tell people to stop refering
to himself as God. He lets people refer to him as God. Could this man be the
anti-christ? Or do you believe he isn't the real anti-christ but is preparing
the world for the real anti-christ? There is many more thoughts & questions
about this topic that bothers me but I think I've asked enough for this email. I
look forward to hearing from a bibically educated man like yourself.
As to president Obama being “the Antichrist,” I do not believe
this is so. He does have a lot of things against him. I question that he is born
again. He has taken some stands that are contrary to
the will of God – but all of that can be said of quite a few presidents.
As you can see, it has taken quite a while to address the matters you mentioned
(previous quesfion). In my judgment, however, all of this time has
yielded no real benefit, because God Himself has not addressed the questions. In
my judgment, it is wrong to pursue this kind of knowledge. I recommend looking
into the Person of Jesus Christ, for that is the One concerning which God has
given a record. When we truly know Him, we will be able to recognize intruders
and avoid them.
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