What Will It Cost?

In keeping with my previous post, I would like to share a few more thoughts on being prepared for the final days. Again, whether we live to see the last days and return of Christ or not, we will all appear before God anyway, so we must be ready for that day 

Jesus tells us to count the cost in Luke 14:25-33. I think this is foundational for us. Just like the individual in Christ's example could not finish what he started, we need to be aware of what it means to follow Jesus. I am afraid that many make a quick decision that does not last when the going gets tough. What will you or I do when our world falls apart around us? If we have truly counted the cost, we should not be surprised when difficult times come 

I would like to focus on five things that Jesus touches on concerning the cost of discipleship.

1. Our wills

2. Our comfort 

3. Our possessions 

4. Our families 

5. Our lives 

In Mark 8:34-38 we read this,

And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, " If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?

"For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

                                Mark 8:34-38 NASB

1. If we are to follow Jesus, and make it all the way to the end, our wills must be surrendered to Him. We can't have a divided allegiance. Jesus won't take a part of us, and let us have the rest. There is a saying, and I don't know who said it, but it goes like this, "Either Christ is Lord of all, or He isn't Lord at all."

That is hard. But to deny ourselves means literally that. We say no to our plans, purposes, comforts, in order to follow, and do what Jesus desires us to do. To enlist in the army involves a giving up of a right to yourself to do what your commander asks of you. Likewise, we are in God's service, and it's not about us. 

In the New Testament we run into the idea of a "bond servant." Someone who had entered into this was now no longer their own. They had no plans of their own, no will of their own, no purpose other than to do their masters bidding. Ideally their master took care of their needs, but they lived for him. Likewise, a man carrying his cross is a "dead man walking." He no longer has any will of his own. It is completely out of his hands now. All of his plans are gone.

So, our wills must be surrendered. It is Jesus who is in charge, it is His will that we obey, no matter how hard it is. Of course, we can trust Him completely, as He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our helper, so we do not need to be afraid of what man may do to us (Hebrews 13:5-6).

2. Our comfort can hinder our following Jesus. Imagine being without electricity, plenty of food, a good vehicle, a nice house. You fill in the blank. What if Jesus called you to go to a place where those things were unavailable? Imagine the hardships that people all over the world now suffer for the sake of Christ. We have so much here in America. It can be hard to fathom what others go through who lack many of the things we take for granted. What we enjoy today here in the land of plenty might be gone someday. We have no guarantee what the future holds for us. Then what? 

In response to a scribe who told Jesus that he would follow Him wherever He went, Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head (Matt 8:18-21).

To follow Jesus we must expect hardships. We cannot let our comfortable lifestyles hinder us from going wherever Jesus leads us, and enduring whatever He allows in our lives as His disciples.

3. Our possessions can become great stumbling blocks as we follow Jesus as well. In Luke 14:33 Jesus demands the forsaking of our possessions if we are to follow Him. If we are not our own, it follows reason that our things are not our own either. How many people will turn back over a treasured possession that they refuse to give up? 

In Matthew 24:15-18 Jesus warns about the coming abomination of desolation. At that point in time in Judaea, everyone must flee, there will be no time to get your things before you go. I remember years ago, before I was saved, trying to figure out how I could last through the tribulation while holding on to some of my most treasured items. I thought Jesus command here in these verses seemed a little ridiculous. That in a nutshell is the foolishness of covetousness. Preserving your things will cost you in the end. 

There was a fire a century or so ago that wiped out several towns, not far from where I live, killing many people. The story is told of a train waiting on the tracks to take fleeing people to safety. People were coming with their things. One lady pushing a treadle sewing machine, another a piano. The fire was literally right behind them, the rails were red hot from the heat. When the abomination of desolation occurs the last thing on our minds at that point should be our possessions. Don't let your stuff anchor you to this earth.

4. We love our families, and for most of us we would do anything for them. But Jesus warns us not to let family keep us from following Him (Luke 14:26). 

This verse seems harsh to many, and Jesus doesn't want us to literally hate our families. He is making a point. Who does our allegiance belong to? A disciple wanted to bury his father first. Jesus told him to "Let the dead bury the dead. You come follow me." (Matt 8:21-22). Again, Jesus is making a point about our allegiance to him. Remember the command to honor our parents? Jesus upheld that command. We are expected to love our enemies, how much more our families! How many people have refused the call of God on their lives because they put family ahead of God? That is the point. To follow Jesus will naturally bring division to many families (Matt 10:34-39). Again, in these verses we see the concept of carrying the cross, and losing our lives for Christ. Jesus here states that if we love family more than Him we are not worthy of Him. And back up a few verses and we find that in times of persecution betrayal will come from the members of one's own household (Matt 10:21). 

5. And finally we must embrace the fact of martyrdom. We may be called to physically lay down our lives for the cause of Christ. Jesus assures us that persecution goes with discipleship (Matt 10:22-23, John 15:18-21). Millions of Christians have suffered and died for the sake of Jesus, and multitudes are yet to die in His service. In Revelation we read of "souls under the altar" who were slain because of the word of God, and the testimony they maintained (Rev 6:9). The truth is there will be a number too large to count, of people from every tongue, tribe, and nation, who will suffer and die for Jesus during the great tribulation (Rev7:9-17). Popular teaching denies this, but scripture paints a picture of those who are victorious over the beast through death, and how do they overcome this onslaught instigated ultimately by Satan?

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

                        Revelation 12:11 NASB

That is key. They did not hold their lives so dear as to renounce their faith, even when faced with death. Countless Christians have made this same choice between life and death. Compromise or faithfulness. 

It is a trustworthy statement:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

If we endure, we will also reign with Him; 

If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

                       2 Timothy 2:11-13 NASB

Here the choice, in the greater context of the hardships suffered by the apostle Paul, is set before us. 

So this is hard. Remember Peter? His bold declaration to die with Jesus, only to deny Him a short time later. We need to make a firm choice, but not a rash choice. Our sufficiency is not of ourselves, but our strength comes from God. 

Again, do not fear what man can do, but rely upon God. Remember that this life is temporary, and death is the doorway into the eternal. To die in Christ is to enter into an eternity with Him in glory. To live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21-23).

To sum up, now is the time to count the cost, to make our resolution to follow Christ, by God's grace, no matter what may come. When dark days are upon us, will our lamps be full, or will we be out of oil (see Matt 25:1-13). It will be hard to stand strong then, if we are not prepared now 

Our Response

I have written several posts recently about the last days. While I believe this is important information, and people need to hear it, what good is it if we don't prepare for it now? And even if this generation does not live to see these events take place, we will all eventually stand before God anyway.

Peter tells us that the day of the Lord will bring sudden destruction upon the world as we know it. In view of that, how should we be conducting ourselves now (2 Peter 3:10-11)?

We find an answer a few verses later,

But according to His promise we are looking for a new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.

                          2 Peter 3:13-14 NASB

First, let's get our focus on the eternal. This world we live in is temporary. Ever since the fall it's been wearing out. We read in Romans that the whole creation is groaning for deliverance (Romans 8:19-22). Our possessions are temporary. Nothing lasts forever, and we can't take it with us anyway. So we must come to an understanding about this reality, and look forward to a new heavens and earth, and even more than that, long for Jesus to return. Jesus is coming for those who eagerly look for Him (Heb 9:27). 

Just like a child who eats a candy bar just before supper, our hunger for Jesus can be ruined by our possessions. We can get to a place where our happiness and security is all bound up in what we have here and now. Jesus warns about this, telling us that our treasures will steal our hearts

(Matt 6:19-21).

Then, we must be found by Jesus in peace. We must be at peace with God, and also with one another. Romans 5:1 tells us that we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. He is our justification, we appropriate it through faith. However, we can get complacent and neglect keeping short accounts with Him. In 1John 1:9 we read, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If you are aware of sin in your life confess it, turn from it. Be diligent to be found in Him at peace, spotless and blameless. It's easy to get dirty in this life, therefore we are told to be diligent. Make every effort, by God's grace and strength, to live in conformity to His will and word! 

And we cannot neglect peace with our fellow man. That involves love, forgiveness, overlooking things that really don't matter. Jesus finds this so important that He has this to say about it, 

Therefore, if you presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

                            Matt 5:23-24 NASB

And in Hebrews we read this,

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

                        Hebrews 12:14 NASB

Again, peace with our fellow man is not an option. We must do what we can to maintain it. Our brother may refuse, but we need to do as much as possible on our part (Romans 12:18). 

And sanctification is another way of saying holy living. It's our growth in godliness. We who have found salvation in Christ, now must grow in that grace. We learn what pleases the Lord, and we act accordingly. 

There is so much more I could say here, but I think it will be better to take several posts and discuss how we can live now in preparation to someday meet Jesus.

Two Opposing Mysteries (part 2)

In this post I would like to continue from where I left off in my previous post. You can read that one here.

 We have been looking at the Abomination of desolation as the event that signals the start of what is known as the "great tribulation." This event was foretold by the prophet Daniel, Jesus in the Olivet discourse, and Paul the apostle in his second epistle to the Thessalonian Church.

It is at this point that the Wicked is revealed: the man of lawlessness or Antichrist. Previously, he has subtly risen to a place of power (Daniel 11:21-23). He confirms a covenant of some type with many (Daniel 9:27). This is probably something that will allow a temple to be built on the temple mount in Jerusalem. Quite possibly a temple alongside the dome of the rock, and the Al Aqsa mosque.

I have had people ask me why would God want a temple? After all, Jesus has procured salvation for us by His sacrificial death and resurrection. The short answer: the Jews have been without a temple and sacrifices for close to two thousand years now. They desire it, as they cannot practice Judaism without it. Remember, outside of their Messiah Jesus, they are still under law. It is prophecied that this temple will be desecrated by the Antichrist when he breaks this covenant, starting his assault upon Israel. So if scripture is right (of course it is),  a temple will someday exist again. Ultimately, God will use all of this to turn the hearts of His chosen people (Israel) back to Him.

I would like to now look at some scriptures describing similarities between the Antichrist and Satan.

In the previous post we looked at Daniel 8. I would like to quote a few verses from there once again.

And out 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.

                                Daniel 8:9-10 KJV

Those two verses apply to the Antichrist. Now compare this to Revelation 12, where we read of a war in heaven,

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.

And prevailed not; neither was there place found any more in heaven.

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which decieveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhibiters of the earth and if the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

And the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

                      Revelation 12:1-17 KJV

A brief description is needed here. I think a lot of people are confused by a few things in this passage. 

The woman represents Israel, the dragon represents Satan, and the man child is the Messiah, Jesus.

The vision tells of Satan's desperate attempt to thwart God's plan to bring forth one who would reverse the curse of Genesis chapter three. This is the one who would ultimately crush the head of the serpent (see Genesis 3:15).

So when is Satan cast out of heaven? Many believe this must have happened some time in the pre- creation past. But if you carefully look at this, he has access to heaven where he is accusing the brethren even now ( see also Job 1:7-13, 2:1-7). The context of verse 10 makes it impossible for this to have occurred some time in the past. The reference to Israel's flight into the wilderness for 1,260 days in Revelation 12:6, and again in verse 14, where it is referred to as a "time, times, and half a time" place this at the mid point (3 1/2 years in, and 3 1/2 years left) of the seventieth week of Daniel. This is when the abomination of desolation occurs, this is when Jesus says to flee, as the time of great tribulation is now here.

Compare the dragon who sweeps a third of the stars to the ground, with the little horn who is said to cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground and stamp on them, before magnifying himself and removing the daily sacrifice (Daniel 8:19-11). They are both described as casting these stars to the gound. Now compare the dragon who is described as a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns with the description of the beast found in Revelation 13:1-3,

And I stood up on the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth if a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

This beast is a composite of the beasts of Daniel's vision recorded in Daniel 7:3-8. It is made up of the kingdoms represented by a lion, bear, and a leopard. This is the dreadful beast with iron teeth that was diverse from the first three, and it has ten horns (Daniel 7:7).

Notice the similarities between this beast and the dragon. Seven heads, and ten horns. Also, in Revelation 17:3 we see this same beast again. This time we are also told it is a scarlet beast. Now, one thing should be noted here. When the Bible refers to the beast, it can refer to either the kingdom, or the head of the kingdom, the Antichrist. For example the seven heads stand for seven mountains (mountains represent kingdoms), but also refer to the seven kings of those kingdoms (Rev 17:9-10). So this seven headed beast with ten horns, that comes out of the sea, is the unification of ten kings under the rule of the little horn, or Antichrist. In other places, we will see the Antichrist himself refered to as "the beast".

Throughout history, Satan has used kingdoms to thwart God's plan of redemption: specifically seven are represented by the seven heads of this beast. The crowns on the seven heads of the dragon signify this. When we see the beast rise out of the sea, the crowns are now on the ten horns, this shows us that this is the final end time assault of Satan, through this beast. Compare this with the ten toes on the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream  in Daniel 2,

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

                                Daniel 2:44 KJV

When this kingdom is destroyed, that is it. Jesus is back, and His kingdom will endure forever.

It gets interesting as we continue on. Strangely, non of this ever makes a Sunday morning sermon, or a mid week Bible study. For whatever reason, people tend to leave much of this alone, but I think it's vital for us get a grasp on these things. Someday these things will begin to occur, and I wouldn't want to be taken by surprise if they were to happen in my lifetime. So I would encourage everyone to get into the Bible and begin to study these things for themselves.

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 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? 

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and faith of the saints.

                    Revelation 13:3-10 KJV

Apparently something happens to this individual. It would seem that he is killed, and then supernaturally raised from the dead. It must be pretty spectacular, as we see the world go after this man with amazement. In fact, he will be worshipped by all, that is, those whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life.

The timing of this event has to be somewhere around the middle of the final seven year period that starts with a covenant made with this man. So he rises from the dead, invades Jerusalem, puts a stop to the daily sacrifice, takes his seat in the temple, and declares himself to be God. The text tells us that Satan gives this beast his power. We are also told that his authority will last forty two months, or three and one half years. Just as Jesus has warned us, now there will be tribulation such as has never been, nor will ever be again. 

And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake like a dragon.

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and then which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

And decieveth 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 the 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 would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

                       Revelation 13:1-15 KJV

We are introduced to another beast, one who has the same authority as the first beast or Antichrist. This beast is elsewhere called the "false prophet" (Rev 19:20). This beast directs the worship of everyone towards the Antichrist, who receives the fatal wound but then comes back to life. This, along with all of the miracles and signs this false prophet performs, will be a source of great deception in these days. This is in line with what we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11.

What an unholy trinity we see in these verses. We have the dragon (Satan), the beast or Antichrist, and the false prophet. Satan will always have his counterfeit. We have just read of a man rising from the dead, receiving Satan's power, seat and authority. The Devil will imitate all things holy in order to exalt himself, and deceive the world. 

The truth is, Jesus died for the sins of the world, that includes your sins and mine. He was vindicated by His resurrection from the dead, ascended back to the Father's right hand where he now sits highly exalted, waiting to return and establish His righteous rule. He alone is worthy of our worship.

Meanwhile, for those alive during these days of tribulation, it will take great faith and endurance. Jesus said that the one who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 24:13). Remember, a great falling away is occuring during this time also (2 Thess 2:3). The deception will be strong, and the persecution severe. It is at this time what is known as the "mark of the beast" will be implemented. Without it no one will be able to buy or sell (Rev 13:16-18). There will be a choice to make. And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev 12:11).

There are some teachers who believe that the deadly wound that is healed does not refer to an actual resurrection from the dead, but a "reviving of one of the previous empires that Satan has used in the past. The Bible does indeed teach that the final end times beast empire is a renewed kingdom, a modern version, of a previous kingdom. However, I take the healing of this mortal wound literally. I believe that is what will happen, and that is a huge reason why the world wonders after this beast, as he declares himself God. It is one thing to be shocked when out of the blue a powerful empire comes into existence, and quite another to see a man who has just come up out of the abyss along with all of the other miraculous deceptions, demanding, and receiving worship.

We see this beast again in Revelation 17:1-18. And again, it is a mirror image of Satan the dragon. It is a scarlet beast upon which a great whore sits. The beast has seven heads and ten horns, and it is full of names of blasphemy. The woman that rides this beast has a name written on her forehead,

Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots, and abominations of the earth.

Now here comes the bottomless pit or abyss,

And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

And here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

And there are seven kings: five have fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

 There it is in verse 8. The beast was, is not, and ascends out of the bottomless pit. We read that the seven heads represent seven kings (and their respective kingdoms). John received a riddle, but it can be figured out. Five of these kings had fallen, meaning they were in the past. One existed in John's day. The seventh king was yet to come. They beast that was, and is not, and goes to destruction is the eighth. This is the Antichrist and his empire. He is the king who receives the deadly wound and is resurrected out of the bottomless pit ( Rev 17:9-11). I will place a link to a post where I discuss who these seven kingdoms represent at the end of this post.

So does Satan get cast out of heaven at the same time this beast receives his fatal wound? All of this is happening around the middle of the seventieth week of Daniel. Does he enter the bottomless pit, take possession of the slain Antichrist and come up, take his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God? Is it the Antichrist that does this, Satan that does this, or both of them as one?

There is a passage of scripture found in Isaiah that used to puzzle me. It is speaking about the king of Babylon, but ultimately pointing to Satan and his rebellion. I believe this passage makes the point I am trying to make.

The passage I am referring to is found in Isaiah 14. The previous chapters have been foretelling of the future deliverance of Israel from the oppression of her enemies. Chapter 13 specifically speaks of the destruction of Babylon. The language of 13:6-13 specifically places these events at the time of the end; the day of the LORD. Chapter 14 follows this same train of thought. Remember, originally there were no chapter or verse divisions found in the books of the Bible. So what we are about to read flows seamlessly from the events surrounding the destruction of Babylon at the return of Christ.

For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall rule over their oppressors.

And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,

That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! The golden city is ceased!

The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the scepter of the rulers.

He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger is persecuted, and none hindereth.

The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.

Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? Art thou become like unto us?

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

How thou art fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken nations!

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;

That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

This is not about Nebuchadnezzar, or some other Babylonian king from ancient history. This passage is referring to the end time Antichrist who ruled without mercy. He is the man who caused the earth to tremble and shook kingdoms. At his destruction the whole world is now at rest. We read even the trees rejoice. The devastation at this time will effect everything, and now it is over. The little horn who magnified himself up to the heights of heaven has been brought low to the grave.

Suddenly we see a switch, and it is Lucifer who has fallen. Satan, the one who weakened the nations, who exalted himself, who boasted that his throne would be above that of God's, has been brought down, and hell awaits. This is exactly what the Antichrist does when he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God.

But those that see him ask, "Is this the man that made the earth tremble, that shook kingdoms, made the world a wilderness and destroyed cities?"  Notice how this is going back and forth between this "king of Babylon" and Lucifer. 

This is the mystery of iniquity, Satan taking full possession of a man. This is as evil as it gets. When this has run it's course (42 months), Jesus returns, destroying the Beast, and the false prophet, and binding Satan for a thousand years (Rev 19:19-20:3). Ultimately they will spend eternity in the lake of fire. The mystery of godliness prevails, as Christ sets up His kingdom that shall never be destroyed.

To read my post on the identity of the seven heads click on the link The Beast in Revelation

You can also check out Outline of Daniel (Formation of the Beast Kingdom)

Two Opposing Mysteries (part 1)

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

            1 Timothy 3:16KJV

The incarnation of Jesus Christ was the ultimate display of perfection seen by the world.

The Word that existed with God and as God from eternity past took on flesh and dwelled among men (John 1:1-2, 14). In Christ the fullness of God dwelled in bodily form (Colossians 1:15, 2:9).

The apostle Paul writes that Jesus emptied Himself, took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death by crucifixion. As a result, Jesus was highly exalted, given the name above every name (Philippians 2:6-11).

What a mystery. God coming to earth clothed in flesh, living a sinless life, perfect in every way. Facing the things that we face, tempted as we are tempted except for the fact that He never fell, never sinned (Hebrews 4:15 1 Peter 2:22). 

Jesus came and modeled self sacrificial love openly in front of a wicked world. He was the just, righteous one dying for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This is the highest possible act of love that the world has been shown (John 15:13). Jesus, God in the flesh, sinless and undefiled, was betrayed, arrested, faced an unjust trial and put to death in one of the most horrendous ways to die ever invented by cruel men. He went through this for you, for me, because of love (John 3:16).

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

                               Romans 1:3-4 KJV

By His resurrection from the dead, Jesus has been vindicated. Everything He said, everything He claimed is true. He has been exalted to the highest. At His name every knee will one day bow. The gospel has gone out into the world, and millions have surrendered their lives to His service down through the centuries. One day He will return to reign, and judge the wicked. This is where the next mystery will come into focus.

The world has yet to see evil reach it's fullness. While history has recorded horrendous events of man's cruelty to man, what will someday unfold will be something unlike anything we have experienced up to now. This is the mystery of iniquity, Satan taking full possession of a man.

I would like to begin this next section by quoting from Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonian Church. They apparently were concerned that they had missed the second coming of Christ.

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit,  nor by word, nor by letter as from us, that the day of Christ is at hand.

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, shewing himself that he is God.

Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

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 2:1-10 KJV

Paul, in encouraging these believers assured them that two things must happen before the day of Christ, that is, the day of His return and gathering of His saints. A great falling away, and the revealing of the Antichrist must occur before this day comes.

Jesus mentions this in His olivet discourse, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matt 24:12)

"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 

Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Let him which is on the houstop not come down to take anything out of his house:

Neither let him which in in the field return back to take his clothes.

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."

                            Matt 24:15-22 KJV

This event that Jesus refers to as "the abomination of desolation" is the event Paul has in mind in the passage written to the Church in Thessalonica. Jesus refers us back to Daniel the prophet. Daniel has much to say about the coming of the Antichrist, and it makes good sense to study what is prophecied there. 

Daniel refers to this individual as the "little horn." We read in Daniel chapter seven of three beasts (empires) that arise upon the earth. Then a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, quite different from the three beasts that preceeded it. It had ten horns (Daniel 7:1-7).

Daniel continues,

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 a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

                                    Daniel 7:8 KJV

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body was given to the burning flame.

                                   Daniel 7:11 KJV

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which stamped the residue with his feet.

And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgement was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

                           Daniel 7:19-22 KJV

What Daniel sees in this vision is the end times beast empire. A conglomerate of the first three beasts mentioned in this chapter, more fierce and dreadful than the previous three (see Rev 13:1-2).

        

This empire is ruled by the "little horn" who we can also refer to as the "man of lawlessness", or Antichrist. Ten kings give their allegiance to him, three apparently by force (see Rev 17:12-13). 

This man of lawlessness speaks arrogant, boastful words against God Himself, and makes war against the saints for forty two months (3 1/2 years). 

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and the tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

                       Revelation 13:5-7 KJV

Daniel, and the book of Revelation are in agreement. A beast empire led by an individual who has an absolute hatred of God and anything holy. He will unleash a persecution unlike anything the world has ever seen. According to what Jesus states in Matthew 24:15, an event known as the abomination of desolation is what signals the start of this time of unequaled tribulation that lasts for 3 1/2 years.

Back to Daniel we read further,

And out of one of them came 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 a 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.

                                Daniel 8:9-12 KJV

Daniel chapter 8 records another vision that Daniel was given. In it a ram (Medo -Persia) is defeated by a shaggy goat (Greece, the actual word is Yavan, an ancient country including what is known today as Turkey). 

 

This conflict results in the breaking up of an empire into four nations. Out of one of these, a little horn appears. This horn grows strong and eventually conquers the "beautiful land" (Israel). He causes the daily sacrifice to end and somehow defiles the temple. Daniel 7:13 calls it the transgression of desolation. 

Many commentators place the fulfillment of this vision in the past. They apply is to the conquest of the Persian empire by Alexander the great, the subsequent breaking up of the Greek empire into four sections, leading up to the arrival of Antiochus Epiphanes an individual who is no doubt a type of Antichrist. They claim that the little horn of chapter seven is a different little horn from chapter eight.

I disagree with this interpretation for several reasons. First, the visions in the book of Daniel build upon each other. Chapter 7 builds upon Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter two, chapter eight builds upon chapter seven, and chapters nine through twelve build upon that. All of them terminating in this same little horn as the end times Antichrist. To introduce the little horn in chapter seven, and then in the very next chapter introduce a little horn again, but expecting your audience to know they are two different individuals is a stretch in my opinion.

The most compelling reason to look at this as being fulfilled at the very end however, is because the text actually says that.

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell on my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of  man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

                                   Daniel 8:17 KJV

Again, this is repeated in Daniel 8:19, referencing the end times as the time of the indignation. So, however you look at this chapter, it must terminate in the desecration of the temple, by the Antichrist, in the very last days before Christ returns. 

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 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 8:23-26 KJV

Compare to 2 Thessalonians 2:9. He comes by the working of Satan. And in Revelation 13:2 we read that the dragon (Satan) gives him his power, seat, and great authority. This man reaches the culmination of evil as Satan's puppet. In fact, as I will labor to show, he is possessed by Satan himself.

There are a few more mentions of the abomination of desolation found in Daniel 9:27, where we see this man confirm a covenant for seven years. This covenant quite possibly paves the way for a temple to be built in Jerusalem, and the sacrificial system to resume. However, three and one half years into this covenant, he puts and end to the sacrifices and places the abomination of desolation that Jesus refers to in the Olivet discourse.

Daniel 11:31 mentions the desecration of the temple, the end of the daily sacrifice, and the placing of the abomination that makes desolate by the king of the North, who has to be the Antichrist because Daniel 11:40 places these events at the time of the end. And again, in Daniel 12:11 we see this event mentioned one last time. Again, it is placed at the end of time, somewhere in the middle of the final seven years of this present age.

This has been a long post, and I have a lot more to say. Many people avoid this subject for a variety of reasons. However, the Bible gives us great details about these coming events. It is up to us to learn and understand so that we are aware of what is happening when these days come. 

I will continue this post, where I will explore the idea of the "incarnation" of Satan, the mystery of iniquity.

Prophetic Speculation

It is Monday, April 8 2024. It has been rainy and overcast where I live. That probably won't matter anyway, as I do not live in a town named Ninevah, or Salem, Jonah, or Jacob. In fact I am no where near the projected path of today's solar eclipse.

I watched a video presentation by one of these supposed prophecy "experts." While he used a scripture or two here and there, what I heard sounded more like astrology, numerology, and just plain old "divination." None of what this teacher stated could actually be backed up with a sound search of the scriptures. He fired information at you so fast it made your head hurt. There was no way one could possibly remember everything this guy said.

That said, here is the bottom line. If you teach the word, whether it's on a YouTube channel, a blog like this one, or from a pulpit, remember you will be held to a much stricter judgement (James 3:1). Your teaching can and will effect many. If you are in error, remember souls hang in the balance. Do you really want to stand before Jesus with blood on your hands?

If you, as we have seen far too many times, give a sensational, but false, prophecy, you bring a reproach upon the entire body of Christ. The Church is supposed to be the Pillar and ground if the truth (1 Tim3:15). The Bible warns of the time when mockers will come, making jest of the return of Christ (2 Peter 3:3-9). I will not repeat the one comment I read yesterday concerning this latest sensational prophecy surrounding this solar eclipse. It concerned the Bible and the prophecies contained within it. Safe to say, it was vulgar. The world looks at these sensational but false prophecies and makes a mockery out of Christianity. Teachers, make sure your teaching is backed up by the scriptures.

And for those of you who are quick to believe every prophecy you hear, remember no matter how convincing the guy might sound, or how exciting it might be, if it's not backed up by the word of God its not real. A few scriptures might be sprinkled in and make it more believable, but if you don't seriously dig into the Bible for yourself and make sure, it's on you when it proves false.

There is a story of a young shepherd boy who got bored and lonely out with the sheep every night. So, he cried "Wolf! Wolf!" Everyone came running to help him. It was exciting, and this boy got his kicks out of it, so he did it again, and again they came running. Well, he tried it one more time but no one took him seriously. Only this time the wolf had really come.

How many more times can we do this? We have seen 88 reasons why Jesus will return in 1988. When this failed to happen the same individual said he was off by a year, wrote another book and failed again. Harold Camping tried the same stunt a few years back. Of course he was wrong too. And he also claimed to be off, this time by a few months. Well here we are, we lived through the blood moon fad 10 years ago as well. How many more of these things will we run after without actually seeing for ourselves what Jesus says? 

Test all things by the word of God

(1Thess 5:21-22). Don't just accept everything you hear.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Should We Be Concerned?

There has been a lot of talk recently about the solar eclipse that is to occur on April 8, 2024. A lot of people are looking at this as a prophetic sign of the end. In fact, the Internet is buzzing with people claiming prophetic insight into this event. Are they right, should we be concerned about this coming event? 

My short answer is no. What is coming is a scientifically predicted eclipse, just like a host of eclipses that have happened in the past. I remember the "prophetic" world was ready for the end in 2017 when that eclipse was in the forecast.

But what about the signs in the heavens that Jesus mentions? Isn't this that?

Let's look at the passages found throughout the Bible that mention these cosmic signs that will precede the day of the Lord.

Surprisingly these events are mentioned quite often. By comparing these passages we can determine what signs we should be looking for, and when we should expect to see them.

Isaiah has this to say about the coming day of the LORD,

Behold the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

                        Isaiah 13:9-10, 13  KJV

And the prophet Joel says this concerning the day of the LORD,

The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it.

                               Joel 2:10-11 KJV

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

                                 Joel 2:30-32 KJV

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

                               Joel 3:14-16 KJV

I have just quoted several Old Testament passages that all refer to this same event. We have the cosmic signs, the sun is darkened, the moon turning to blood, and the stars not shining. All of this is happening before the Lord's coming in wrath to destroy the wicked, and to deliver His people.

You may still be thinking that this sounds a lot like a major eclipse. One could make this assumption I suppose, but as I previously stated, eclipses have occurred in the past, and they have had no real significance spiritually speaking.

The New Testament also contains references to these same verses we have just looked at. In these passages we begin to see a timeline that will show us what kind of heavenly signs  we should be looking for.

In the gospels, Jesus references these same apocalyptic signs that we have seen in Isaiah and Joel. But He gives us time markers that should eliminate our speculation. In Matthew 24:29-31 we read,

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Notice that these signs in the heavens that precede the second coming of Jesus follow a time of tribulation. Go back a few verses and see the timeline that Jesus sets forth. The abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet kicks off the great tribulation. This will be a time unlike anything the world has ever seen up until this point. (Matt 24:15-21, Daniel 8:9-12, 9:27, 11:31, 12:1).

A man who the Bible refers to as the Antichrist will invade Jerusalem, pollute the temple, and attempt to annihilate the Jews. Yes, Christians will be persecuted mercilessly at this time as well. This time of trouble preceeds the darkening of the sun and moon according to Jesus. He will not return until the end of this period of time.

Just think for a moment and walk this back a bit. In order for the abomination of desolation to be placed, and the sacrifices ended, a temple must exist in Jerusalem, and sacrifices have to be started. We don't see this today, so any eclipse or "harvest" moon cannot be a sign of the imminent return of Christ at this point in time.

One individual made a video where he quoted Luke 21:25-26. He mentioned the signs in the heavens and made a point to show that the nations today are indeed in distress. But look at the previous verse, (Luke 21:24), the time of the great tribulation, also referred to here as the time of the Gentiles. This is why the nations are in distress. All of the events of the final 42 months of this present world's existence are happening.These things must come first. On April 8, we might see an eclipse, but no second coming will occur yet.

In Revelation we see these signs mentioned again.

And I beheld when he opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became  black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

                      Revelation 6:12-17 KJV

Just as we saw in Matthew 24, the events of the sixth seal are late into the final seven years of this present world. Five seals have already been opened. By this point we have experienced the false peace initiated by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27),  followed by believe it or not, wars and rumors of war (Rev 6:3-4, Matt 24:6-7, Isaiah 28:1-4, Daniel 11:23-30), famine (Rev 6:5-6, Matt 24:7), and the breaking of this seven year covenant paving the way for the great tribulation. The Antichrist has taken his seat in the temple and made himself out to be god (Daniel 11:36, 2 Thess 2:3-4), Christians have been martyred in unheard of numbers for almost three and one half years by this point (Rev 6:9-11), and Jerusalem has been utterly ravaged (Zech 14:1-2). None of these things have occured as of yet. 

The final seven year period before the return of Christ is described in the book of Revelation through the opening of seven seals, the blowing of seven trumpets, and the emptying of seven bowls of wrath. These events are happening concurrently, and terminate at the same point, the return of Christ on the day of the LORD. Here are a few more things that the world will see and experience before the return of Christ takes place.

When the first trumpet is blown hail and fire mixed with blood is cast to the earth, causing a third of the trees and all the green grass to be burned up (Rev 8:7).

At the second trumpet something like a great burning mountain is cast into the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood (Rev 8:9). This is similar to what we read in Revelation 16:3-6, where the second bowl of judgement is poured out upon the sea, and the third bowl is emptied upon the rivers, turning them into blood.

At the blowing of the fourth trumpet a third part of the sun is struck, a third part of the moon, and a third of the stars. This causes a dimness of these heavenly bodies, shortening the days to an eight hour period of light during the daytime, and likewise at night. It is my belief, although I am not dogmatic, that this occurs somewhere near the middle of the final seven year period, perhaps coinciding with the revealing of the Antichrist as he places the abomination of desolation. Imagine living in a time when the sun is dimmed that much, especially if it stays that way for any length of time. 

At some point near the end, another bowl of wrath, the fourth one is poured out upon the sun. The resulting heat scorches men, who blaspheme God in their misery ( Rev 16:9). This is followed by the fifth bowl which, when emptied, plunges the kingdom of the beast into darkness (Rev 16:10).

The sixth bowl is a lead up to the battle of Armageddon, as the nations are being deceived, and gathered unto the great day of God Almighty (Rev 16:12-14). This is extremely late in time, the seals, trumpets and bowls are progressing swiftly to the end. It is at this point that Jesus interjects and says,

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

                      Revelation 16:15 KJV

Now the nations are gathered together at Armageddon and the seventh bowl is poured out into the air, a voice cries out it is finished. There is a great earthquake, the islands flee away and the mountains disappear, and the biggest hailstorm in history falls on mankind (Rev 16:16-21).

Likewise, in Revelation 11:13-19 we read of the same events at the sounding of the seventh trumpet. Hail, a great earthquake, and the kingdoms of the world becoming the kingdoms of Christ. This is the day of the LORD, the thief like coming of Jesus Christ (1 Thess 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10). It does not happen secretly at some earlier point in time, no, it is a highly visible cataclysmic event preceeded by major events that will be obvious to all.

I mention a lot in this short post to try to show that we must be diligent to try everything by the word of God. Not every "blood moon," is a sign of the times, and likewise not every solar eclipse is forewarning of Christ's return. Much has to happen, and will happen before that day comes. If you are alert you can't miss it. Paul tells us that we as Christians don't belong to the night, we can and should be aware of what is coming so that we are not taken by surprise. The world at large will be deceived and caught unaware when these things begin to happen (1 Thess 5:1-8, Luke 21:34-36).

If talk of next week's eclipse has caused anyone concern about the last days, I urge you to examine yourself and be sure you are right with God. While events like this come and go with no major repercussions, the time will come when the real thing begins to unfold. Make sure you are ready.

The Eschatological Focus of the Church.

I listened to a message given by Art Katz the other morning. It really challenged me to look at my life and what I was living for. In this message Art defined an apostolic Church as one that lives with the end in focus. This gives it a sense of urgency. All of it's efforts are ultimately aimed towards the return of Jesus and His coming kingdom. Like I said, it was challenging to say the least. We say "Lord, Lord," but is He really our Lord? So in turn, I would like to share some thoughts of my own.

It doesn't take long in reading through the New Testament to realize that the early Christians were looking towards the goal. They had their eyes on the end, the return of Christ and the coming of His kingdom, when all things would be made new. 

I think it would be good for us to spend time in the word of God, looking at these things, and allowing the Holy Spirit to challenge us to move up. It can be easy to drift into the every day routine. Many of us spend the week pursuing our careers, hobbies, college educations, and so on, yet faithfully attending church on Sunday. We devote the majority of our lives to temporary pursuits; our focus is in the wrong place.

I understand we have to provide for our families, and work is part of that process. However, there is a point when our focus changes from the eternal, from what is unseen, to that which is temporary in the here and now (2 Cor 4:18).

This is something that by God's grace we must all work out. Jesus tells us not to worry about the essentials of life. Instead, we are to make His kingdom and righteousness our life's ambition, and the things we truly need will be provided us (Matt 6:25-34).

Jesus is showing us where are hearts are at. If we are consumed by life's affairs, that is what we treasure, and that is what has captured our hearts. In the context of His second coming, Jesus warns us not to be weighed down with the worries of life. That day will come upon those who are like a trap (Luke 21:34).

The early Church lived as strangers in this world. They understood that this life with all of its pain and sorrow was only temporary. They looked towards the day when there would be no more pain, no more death,and the curse would be reversed. They understood that God would dwell among them and make all things new ( Rev 21:3-5, 22:3-5). Don't get me wrong, good times can be a blessing, but with the good comes the very real possibility of losing our focus, and slipping into complacency. The danger is real, prosperity breeds self sufficiency, and our focus settles on the comforts of the here and now.

They were citizens of heaven, and as such they eagerly awaited the Savior who would come to bring the final redemption of their bodies, transforming them into His likeness (Philippians 3:20-21, Hebrews 9:28). 

Jesus is coming for those who are eagerly awaiting Him, who love His appearing ( 2 Timothy 4:8). Can we truthfully say we long for His coming? Or are we comfortable and happy with how things are? Of course we might give a mental assent to the fact that someday Jesus will return, but hopefully not now. Understand, I'm not intending to be harsh, but I want to challenge each one of us, myself included, to place our focus where it really belongs.

The fact of Jesus' second coming challenged the first Christians to live in anticipation, to be ready to see Jesus face to face. There was work to be done, and the fact that this world as it is, is only temporary, spured them on. Paul in describing the resurrection of the dead, and the transformation of the saints at the return of Christ, exhorted the Corinthian believers to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Likewise, Peter

Instructed his readers, in light of the end, to eagerly look for the coming day of God. This day will bring about the destruction of this temporal world with all of its sin. But, out of the ashes so to speak, a new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells is coming. So if this is true, how should we live today? If this is a reality in our hearts, we should live holy lives so that when Jesus comes He will find us spotless and at peace (2 Peter 3:10-14). John states that when Christ returns we will be like Him. In the meantime, those who have this hope fixed upon Jesus will purify themselves, just as He is pure (1John 3:2-3). Is this how we are occupying our time?

Again, I only desire to challenge us to examine our hearts, to determine what we are really living for. Our we happy and content with our temporal pursuits? Do our careers or plans consume our lives, leaving very little room for Jesus and His kingdom? Or are we living with a focus on the goal. The end of the temporary, and the ushering in of the eternal?