Category Archives: Unfulfilled Prophecy

Common Pitfalls in Interpretation, Part 13

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Misunderstandings can cause confusion.

Now saints and the holy ones are a big subject in Scripture. The main Hebrew word is qodesh. It has the idea of setting something apart, dedicating it to a special service, or work. It can refer to special day that is set aside, as the Sabbath day, Ex 20:8. It can refer to a spirit, the living God, of whom it is said,

“Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders? ”
Ex 15:11 WEB

It can refer to an assembly for a holy purpose (Ex 12:16), or a holy place (Ex 3:5), or even a holy nation, the people of God (Ex 19:6). It is the Old Testament word for the saints, those purified by the Lord,

“As for the saints who are in the earth,
They are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.”
Psa 16:3 WEB

And there is the phrase “holy ones.”

It might refer to a place or a thing that is holy, or even a person or an angel that is holy. The New Testament word is hagios, and it has the same range of meanings.

And certain beings come with God, both in history,
and at the Second Coming.

It is clearly angels which are spoken of iater times.

“ …Yahweh came from Sinai, …
He came from the ten thousands of holy ones:”
Deut 33:2 WEB

It is clearly not talking about men. There are “holy angels,” and one appeared to Cornelius in Acts 10:22.

But who does Jesus come with at the end of our age?

And there are some startling passages.

“… Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, ”
Jude 14 KJV

The Lord is coming with His “saints”? How does this come to be? When Paul discusses this he says that those who are alive will arise to meet Jesus in the air, 1Thes 4:17, preceded by the resurrected saints of old, 1Thes 4:16. But in Jude 14 KJV it has Jesus coming with saints! What is going on here? How can this be? I never stopped to study it out as a young man, but this greatly mystified me.

Qodesh or hagios can mean EITHER a holy person
(a saint), OR a holy angel, OR
a holy thing or place.

The phrase is often just the word “holy” by itself, with the context left to determine if it is a holy thing, or person, or angel. Sometimes translations simply say “holy ones,” as many translations have it Jude 14.

So who does Jesus come with at the end?

He comes with his holy angels, and can be easily proved from verse after verse.

“… the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mk 8:38 WEB

And when Jesus comes again He will send out his angels to gather His elect, Mtt 24:31. When even some translators confuse the issues, it can muddle the thinking of many.

KJV is the King James Version, 1611.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

Mountains in Scripture

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An audio lesson.

Mountains have commonly been associated with high and exalted worship. Take for instance the Greek “gods” were associated with Mount Olympus. This association also exists in Scripture, both Old Testament and New Testament. Jesus told the Samaritan woman,

“Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father”
Jn 4:21 WEB World English Bible

Of course the ultimate mountain for worship is Mount Zion in the heavenly Jerusalem, of which the earthly is only a type, Heb 12:22-24. It is NOT “a mountain that might be touched,” Heb 12:18.

Listen to this audio lesson here, or click on the Audio Player to download as an MP3 file.

Most History and Most Prophecy is not Strictly Chronological!

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An audio lesson.

Scripture is often unfairly criticized for not being strictly chronological. Actually the basic format of much of prophecy bears it greatest resemblance to human converstions. God is having conversations with us about the future. And the truth is that even most of the secualar histories which we read, are not strictly chronological!

Listen to this audio lesson here, or click on the Audio Player to download as an MP3 file.

You Cannot Die by “Accident.” Even from Covid-19!

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The prophet David says.

“5 I laid myself down and slept.
I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.
6 I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me on every side.”
Psa 3:5-6

Again he says,

“1 Yahweh is my light and my salvation.
Whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is the strength of my life.
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil-doers came at me to eat up my flesh,
Even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host should encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear.
Though war should rise against me,
Even then I will be confident. ”
Psa 27:1-3

Not even a bird can die apart from
the Father’s will.

Jesus argues we should not fear those who can kill the body, but after that can do nothing. Rather, fear God who can kill the body and after that throw us into hell itself. Sparrows are sold for next to nothing, yet,

“… Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, 30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.”
Mtt 10:29-31

It is NOT that you cannot die.

Jesus spoke of many things, including that special time of persecution just before the end of the age, which will be worse than all persecutions up to that point. Some will be put to death.

“16 You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you they will cause to be put to death. 17 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake.”
Lk 21:16-17

Now “hated by all men” has never happened so far. Many have had compassion for the sufferings of Christians throughout history. At times the saying was that “the blood of the saints was the seed of the church.” But not at that end time! However even of those special persecutions at the end, even if you die … Jesus says of those who even suffer death in verse 17,

“18 And not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will win your lives.”
Lk 21:18

You will be saved entirely, wholly! God’s protection is beyond even the grave. Like Jesus we will be saved, not FROM death, but IN SPITE OF death!

Jesus was “protected,” but yet he died. How is that? Peter put it this way:

“27 For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.”
Acts 4:27-28

So this was all planned by God. Things may be out of your control or my control, but they are not out of God’s control. No one or thing can snatch you out of God’s hands, Jn 10:29. Do not walk in constant fear! Not even for a corona-virus.

Scriptures are from the World English Bible (WEB), a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

Keys to Prophecy: God Can And Does Often Direct Our Thinking

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We are but creatures and are by no means omnipotent. I have heard many preachers say that God would never violate our “free will” as they put it. He will never “make us” do something. What foolishness. The truth is that He makes us do or say or think things everyday, that we had no intention of doing or saying. God often overrules us.

Actually many may manipulate our thinking.

Including moms and dads, and “friends,” and announcers and ads. Because of the limitations on our earthly life and our knowledge, we from time to time become the victims of counsel that at best misguided, or at worst is manipulative. Sometimes even from those we love, and who also love us. And Satan! He can do such things,

“After supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,”
Jn 13:2

And of Mystery Babylon the Great, it says

“… for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived.”
Rev 18:23

So here is a human entity, which by “sorcery,” can alter the thinking, manipulate/deceive the entire world at some future time. (You don’t suppose God actually foresaw modern mass media do you? I jest!).

So do you suppose that “many” can and do “manipulate” our thinking: mom, dad, friend, announcer, ad, movie, Satan … and God could not, would not?

God can and does influence the thinking of men.

It is both and little things and big things. God speaks of what He will do to His people in foreign lands, if they are not faithful to Him.

““‘As for those of you who are left, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies: and the sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they shall flee, as one flees from the sword; and they will fall when no one pursues.””
Lev 26:36

God can help us, or if we oppose God, He can harden us in bad thinking.

“But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for Yahweh your God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as at this day.”
Deut 2:30

And so it will be even with God’s enemies
(Rev 17:13-14) near the end.

Mystery Babylon the Great has near the end deceived the nations and come to commercially dominate the world, ruining the nations with wars and sexual immorality in order to better exploit men (Revelation 18). She deserves to be punished, but she is too powerful to resist.

So God puts together a coalition of ten kings (“horns,” see for instance Dan 8:20-21), who for “one hour” had the resources to destroy Mystery Babylon all the way down the ground.

“For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, and to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.”
Rev 17:17

Scriptures are from the World English Bible (WEB), a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

Keys to Prophecy: There is More Than One Wide Spread Tribulation.

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It is sometimes missed but there are actually several periods of extreme trouble in the Christian Age. This is the way Paul describes the issues.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
2Tim 3:1 KJV

It is not just a single perilous or difficult or harsh time, but perilous timeS, plural.

Russia, China, and Eastern Europe had an anti-Christian
blood baths in the 20th century,
France in late 18th century.

There have been multiple attempts to bull-doze away Christianity and prepare the way for the worship of Satan and his special seed. Rome and the caesars were so used, until Christianity outright conquered Rome, as in Dan 2:44, and other passages. Islam was used in this way. The French Revolution was another attempt, and was intended to spread from nation to nation, but didn’t have the impact desired. The Communists also attempted world revolution, and did conquer one-third of the world before imploding. Communism still shows some lingering signs of life even in the United States in the early 21st century, and many of the old Communist organizations now seem to want to carry a banner of environmental emergencies to drive the destruction of any who might oppose them.

It seems from Scripture that two special times of tribulation/stress will come.

One is the times of stress in when the Jews turn
to Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth in faith.

And yes, Jesus is called “Rabbi” some thirteen times in the gospels, but it is sometimes translated as “Master” of “Teacher.”

It is clearly prophesied in the Old Testament that this will happen, and is verified in the New Testament, but many gloss over the texts. Moses, after denouncing the stubbornness and sins of Israel, is the first to announce it.

Coming in September, 2020, Jewish Chronicles will be an overview of Jewish history and Scripture as it pertains to these things.

“When you are in distress, and all these things are come on you, in the latter days you shall return to Yahweh your God, and listen to his voice:”
Deut 4:30 nf

This will be an extreme period stress for many nations. It appears to begin with a world-wide persecution of Christians. It is dealt with in detail in Ezekiel 37 and 38, and Zechariah, and also in my forthcoming book, Jewish Chronicles. It will be so severe that is seems it will become yet another “type,” symbolic of the end of this present universe.

The greatest tribulation will be right at the end.

It is literally called “the great, the tribulation” in Greek.

… “These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.”
Rev 7:14 WEB

This time Christianity will be “overcome”/conquered.

“It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. ”
Rev 13:7 WEB

The Greek word is nikao, to conquer, to overcome, to have the victory.

Never yet has any one government had authority over every nation. Never yet has Christianity been “overcome” world-wide. But it will happen, for a short while … just before Jesus intervenes.

KJV is the King James Version, 1611.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

nf is my own translation based on the WEB.

Keys to Prophecy: The Kingdom will come!

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Even now the kingdom exists and Jesus has ALL authority, Mtt 28:18. Even now He rules over all of the kings of the earth, Rev 1:5, and if they do not serve His purposes, He may shatter them, Psa 2:9; or He may destroy in their way, Psa 2:12.

Just the same, there are future aspects to the
kingdom which are yet unseen.

Mankind has yet to see the kingdom in its fulness. So near the end of his life, Paul says,

“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2Tim 4:18 WEB

There is a future sense to this kingdom which is yet unseen, and Paul expects to be there. These things are to happen when Jesus comes again.

“20 and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, 21 whom heaven must receive UNTIL the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.”
Acts 3:20-21 WEB

So there are times of restoration which are yet to come. It is also called “times of refreshing.

“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,”
Acts 3:19 WEB

When does this restoration, this renewal happen. At the Second Coming of Christ, as seen above in Acts 3:21.

Then this present universe will pass away.

“… ”the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”
2Pe 3:10 WEB

Then a new universe will come, a new universe where sin and death and entropy (things run down!) are no longer operating principles. So Peter notes,

This universe will pass away, and a new universe not subject to death and decay will be created.

“But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which dwells righteousness.”
2Pe 3:13 WEB

So also it says in Revelation that the apostle John says,

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.”
Rev 21:1 WEB

“He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.””
Rev 21:5 WEB

It is called “heaven,” or a new heavens and a new earth. It is called the heavenly kingdom. It will be an everlasting rule.

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end …”
Isa 9:7 WEB

At that time, Jesus will say to
one Christian,

““‘Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’”
Lk 19:17 WEB

And to another, “‘And you are to be over five cities.’” Lk 19:15. There will be cities there. This will be a real place. These things have not happened yet, but they will.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

Keys to Prophecy: The Kingdom is Growing Even Now

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The kingdom has been established, that is not a this-earth kingdom, Jn 18:36, and as discussed in the previous post.

Jesus has all the attributes of a king.

He has sat down on His Father’s throne in heaven.

“He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Rev 3:21 WEB

The “sat down with my Father” is a Greek aorist-active-infinitive, and is correctly translated as “sat down,” a past event.

Besides having a throne over Israel, and indeed over the entire earth, Jesus has all of the authority He needs.

“… “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.””
Mtt 28:18 WEB

This power is verified in more than one place. The Father has given Jesus authority over ALL flesh, Jn 17:2. Further, “The Father loves the Son, and has given ALL things into his hand,” Jn 3:35 He can do anything He wants with anyone or anything.

He rules NOW until …

“24 Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”
1Cor 15:24-26

The phrase “must reign” is a Greek present-active-infinitive, indication actions going on continuously in the present, until all of His enemies have been put down.

And Jesus making men citizens of His
kingdom NOW.

We Gentiles were at one time alienated from this kingdom.

“that you WERE at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, …”
Eph 2:12

The word translated as “ commonwealth” in many translations, is the word politeia, which is talking about citizenship, being part of a certain political unit. We gentiles (the nations) are now a part of the political unit, this kingdom of which Christ is the King, this commwealth if you will.

“13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, 15 having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments …”
Eph 2:13-15 WEB

Jews and Gentiles in Christ are now citizens
of the same political unit.

“19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;”
Eph 2:19-20 WEB

Jesus is leading all of his sheep to be part of one flock, Jn 10:16.

You “are” “Fellow citizens” sum-polites a word that is a combination of sum with, and the word for citizen polites.

The kingdom is NOW!

Men are getting in on the ground floor of the only eternal kingdom. The kingdom which will rule over ALL of the New Heavens and New Earth, Isa 65:17, Rev 21:1-2, 2Pe 3:13.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

Keys to Prophecy: The Kingdom is NOT of this World

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Jesus avoided a kingdom in this world,
even at the “right” time!

Jesus was performing some very powerful actions in John chapter 6, and He fed a crowd of thousands with one little boy’s lunch. Then it says,

“When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, “This is truly the prophet who comes into the world.””
Jn 6:14 WEB

So people were believing in Him. However, was this to be about a kingdom in this world?

“Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”
Jn 6:15 WEB

Jesus did NOT want a kingdom in this world. He could have had it in the first century, during His first coming. But that was not the plan. And what was planned was accomplished!

He announced it was not a “this earth” kingdom.

Really, this is reflected in His parables about “the kingdom of heaven.” Some would say that is about the heaven ruling over this earth, but heaven, and God on His throne, has always ruled over this earth (cf. Dan 4:17, and many other passages).

Then Jesus got very specific when being questioned by Pilate during that farce of His trial. Pilate asked Him directly during His trial. “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jn 18:33. Jesus then asked Pilate if he were asking this on his own or did someone else say that about Jesus. Pilate then responded, “I am not a Jew am I? … What have you done?” Jn 18:34.

Jesus then gave a succinct answer.

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here.”
Jn 18:36 WEB

Not of this earth, not a this creation, but part of a new glorious creation when God makes all things new, Rev 21:1.

Pilate realized Jesus was NOT a contender for
an earthly kingdom.

So then he said to the Jews and the mob, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” Jn 18:38 WEB

“I find no basis for a charge against him.” Jn 18:38 WEB

This world is in the process of passing away.

“… For the form of this world is passing away.”
1Cor 7:31 nf

Some want a worldly kingdom HERE, with their own
messiah ruling over all.

But that was NOT what was promised. Rather God said.

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
Isa 65:17 WEB

That is to say, a new universe where righteousness dwells, and of which sin and decay and entropy have no part. Jesus will not come to rule at some special time on earth. Rather He rules heaven and earth NOW, and will continue until all of His enemies are put down, 1Cor 15:24-26!

The premillennialist are confusing prophecies of heaven with prophecies of this present world.

WEB is the World English Bible, a copyright free revision
of the original ASV American Standard Version 1901

nf is my own translation based on the WEB.