A Study Of

Premillennialism

Bob Harding

Table of Contents

Lesson LESSON TITLE Page

1 The Test Of A True Prophet…………………………………………….. 3

2 What Is Premillennialism? ...................................................................... 23

3 The Rapture …………………………………………………………….35

4 Daniel’s Seventy Weeks And Tribulation …………………………….. 43

5 The Great Tribulation And The Destruction Of Jerusalem In 70 AD … 54

6 Who Is The Antichrist ………………………………………………….72

7 The Battle Of Armageddon …………………………………………….78

8 Thousand Year Reign On Earth (Rev 20) ……………………………...84

9 Destruction Of Satan (Rev 20) …………………………………………91

The Test of a True ProphetINTRODUCTION

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A. A “prophecy” in the Bible always meant any message claiming to be miraculously inspired of God. A false prophet merely claimed to be inspired of God. 1. It may concern duties or events of the past, present, or future.

1) In Ex 4:12, Moses was instructed to be God's “mouth”, that is, God's SPOKESMAN.

2) Later, God instructs Moses saying that Aaron would be Moses' prophet (Ex 7:1).

3) Therefore, a “prophet” served as the “MOUTH” of God.

B. Oftentimes, when there is trouble in the world, there is someone trying to sell a new book claiming the recent events are signs that the end of the world is at hand. 1. It is obvious that each day that passes brings us a little closer to the end.

1) This obvious truth does not mean that every new crisis that comes along is evidence that the return of Jesus is imminent.

2. What should our reaction be when we hear news of another war, earthquake or famine somewhere in the world? 1) Does this mean the end is near? Not necessarily. 2) There always have been and always will be difficulties and tragedies in

this fallen world.

3. Christians need to be discerning and not be deceived by every sensational claim that some self-proclaimed prophet announces. 1) A little understanding of history will go a long ways in helping us better

understand the present in which we live. 

C. The Bible itself proposes the acid test for all men who claim to speak for God and foretell future events. 1. Every false prophet must live in dread of the future because man cannot

accurately forecast the details of history.

I. THE TRUE TEST OF A TRUE PROPHET

A. Israel had to deal with false prophets in ancient times.

1. God gave them a test to use so they could discern between a false or true prophet. 1) Moses told his followers how to expose lies about powers of the

occult, magic, enchantment, witchcraft, mediums, palmists, and other self-acclaimed false prophets: Deut 18:20-22: “But the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My name, which I have not commanded him to

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speak, or which he shall speak in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And you may say in your heart, ‘How shall I know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid of him.”

2) This passage not only states how to test a false prophet, but also how to test a true prophet.

2. God also warned the false prophets. Jer 23:25-32: “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’ 26 How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart, 27 who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal? 28 The prophet who has a dream may relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain? declares the LORD. 29 Is not My word like fire? declares the LORD, and like a hammer which shatters a rock? 30 Therefore behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who steal My words from each other. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who use their tongues and declare, 'The Lord declares.' 32 Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams, declares the LORD, and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit, declares the LORD.” 1) Lying prophets are sometimes specific in their predictions, but more

often vague. 2) The more specific they are, the more vulnerable they are to

exposure. 3) Even a little investigation exposes the following so-called “prophets”

as MASTERS OF DECEIT. 4) They made predictions by claiming to have divine insight and

FAILED!

B. Background to false prophets from Old Testament times to New Testament times.(The following history is taken from a book called The Prophet Motive, by Kenny Barfield)

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1. From the eighth century BC onward, clients by the 1000’s—rulers and peasants, the rich and the poor, politicians and lovers—crowded the dusty highways to sites like Delphi, Olympia, Dodona, Didyma, Lebadea, Oropus, and Ephyra. They came to learn the future and how to pattern their lives accordingly.1) Known as “oracles,” they stood at the entrance to the future,

claiming to pry information from both the dead and the gods.2) Their pronouncements created and legitimatized rulers and empires.3) Their words called armies into battle.4) Their flair for the spectacular charmed both kings and peasants.5) If anyone could compete with the biblical prophets in influence and

predictions, surely the oracles had the best opportunity.<> The ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Didyma in Turkey reveals

that this was where one of the most well-known oracles offered advice for the future.

2. In each of the locations mentioned above, like many others, representatives of the gods were thought to possess the gift of prophecy.1) Some prophets were men; some were women; some were young;

some were old.2) Some prophesied by dreams; some studied entrails of animals.3) Some worked themselves into a frenzy; some prepared by

consuming human blood.4) Some used clever deceptions in their work.5) Some appear to have been devoutly honest.6) Some were well-known; others were obscure.

<> Yet, what means were used, evidence supplies no proof that any held a hot-line to the supernatural.

3. Writings of ancient historians bubble with rich, detailed information.1) Archaeology also adds to the knowledge of these ancient prophets.2) The result paints a familiar picture of deceit and fraud.3) Scandals in the name of religion infested ancient religion as easily as

they do today.4) Like a well-fitting jigsaw puzzle, an insightful pattern emerges:

Greek oracular establishments mastered the art of deception.

4. On the shore of the Bay of Naples near ancient Baiae, in the 1960’s the location of the Oracle of the Dead was discovered. Using historical and archaeological data, researchers established several facts:

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1) Inquirers visited the oracle at a complex underground location (the oracle lived “far below” the surface and that oracular priests used a series of subterranean passageways).

2) Before presenting an inquiry, visitors faced a month of mind-altering experiences. This included solitary confinement in a room plastered with dreadful pictorial representations of the underworld.

3) Visitors lived for a month in extremely cramped quarters, shut off from natural light.

4) The only light came from lamps probably burning hashish.<> This setting would guarantee hallucinations.<> The oracles used evasive answers (only “yes” or “no”).

A million mitigating circumstances could be invented to “explain away” failures (even a “yes” answer, no one could ever prove the oracle wrong.

<> Even when oracles offered more than a single-word response, we know that responses were often garbled, capable of multiple meanings and easily misinterpreted. EX: Perhaps the most famous oracular response of all time came from Apollo’s Oracle at Delphi in response to an inquiry by Lydia’s King Croessus. When Croessus attempted to learn the outcome of a battle with Persians, he was informed that such a war would destroy a great empire. Regardless of the outcome, the Oracle was protected. Croessus did attack and he was defeated.

5. Unlike biblical prophets who gained little if anything financially from their predictions, the classical oracles built a thriving monetary empire through their work.1) Their lifestyle, and it was often plush, depended upon their success.2) One example of the enormous economic power they possessed

comes from the story of Croessus. He invested his wealth and modeled his life and decisions around advice from oracles.

3) Entire communities profited from “the oracle business,” much like many who exploit religion for profit today.

4) Many of those who became rich in the process would be willing to do whatever was necessary to protect their investment.<> The famous fable-writer Aesop made the mistake of belittling

the profiteering at Delphi. His criticism was not well received. The priests “slipped a gold dish…into his traveling pack, and spread the rumor that the Temple of Apollo had been robbed. The dish was found, and Aesop punished with death. The priests threw him from the Hyampeian cliff.

<> This event reminds us of Paul’s encounter with a “fortune-teller” in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24).

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6. At times the oracles were put to the test.1) Croessus definitely needed wise counsel (shaky kingdom). To his

credit, he attempted to check the validity of the information he received. So he proposed a challenge. Couriers were dispatched to seven antiquity’s leading oracles. They were to consult the oracles 100 days after leaving Sardis and inquire as to what Croessus was doing at that moment in his palace. The king had carved a tortoise and a lamb with his own hands and boiled them in a bronze cauldron with a bronze lid. Only the oracle at Delphi accurately answered the couriers. Croessus was convinced. The Oracle at Delphi became his chief adviser.

2) How was Apollo’s Oracle at Delphi able to correctly answer the king?<> Possible to delay the answer until after the event. Then try to

learn of what the king was doing at that particular time.<> Delphi’s Oracle is suspected of developing one of the more

intricate information-gathering networks in antiquity.<> A sizable amount of evidence implies that many oracles

employed carrier pigeons (can fly 100’s of miles in a day) in order to speed messengers throughout the empire.

II. FALSE PROPHETS PREDICTING THE END OF THE WORLD

A. False prophets predicting the end of the world are nothing new. They have been around for many centuries. Below is a list of some of the false prophets who have deceived multitudes. Over 200 predictions and counting! Yes the end is coming, but all human predictions are wrong!

1. 44 AD – Theudas declared himself the Messiah, taking 400 people with him into the desert (Acts 5:36-37).1) Josephus records that he was beheaded by Roman soldiers.

2. 52 AD – Even before all the books of the Bible were written, there was talk that Christ’s return had already taken place.1) The Thessalonians panicked on Paul, when they heard a rumor that

the day of the Lord was at hand, and they missed the rapture.

3. 156 AD – Montanus appeared in a small village, fell into a trance, and began prophesying in what he claimed was the voice of the Holy Spirit. 1) With two young women, Prisca and Maximilla, he traveled

throughout Asia Minor teaching that Christ was going to appear very soon.

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2) Maximilla claimed: “After me there is no more prophecy, but only the end of the world.” (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. II, 5th ed. p. 423).

3) Montanism finally disappeared in the sixth century.

4. 400 AD – Hippolytus calculated that 5,500 years separated Adam and Christ and that the life of the world was 6,000 six full ‘days’ of years until the seventh the day of rest.” 1) His calculations in 234 AD indicted there were still two centuries

left. (A History of the End of the World, Rubinsky and Wiseman, 1982). 

5. 410 AD – Jerome (347-419) translated the Greek New Testament into the Latin Vulgate. 1) He believed the capture of Rome by the Vandals in 410 AD and

signs of the end of the empire were omens of the approaching end of the world. (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. III, 5th ed. p. 86.

6. 540 AD – 604 AD – Gregory “the Great”1) Gregory “the Great” was convinced that the troubles in the world in

his lifetime (540-604 AD) was proof that the end of the world was near.

2) “Of all the signs described by our Lord as presaging the end of the world some we see already accomplished… For we now see that nation arises against nation and that they press and weigh upon the land in our own times as never before in the annals of the past. Earthquakes overwhelm countless cities, as we often hear from other parts of the world. Pestilence we endure without interruption. It is true that we do not behold signs in the sun and moon and stars but that these are not far off we may infer from the changes of the atmosphere.” (Quoted in T. Francis Glasson, His Appearing and His Kingdom, pg. 45).

7. 950 AD – “Treatise on the Antichrist” by Adso of Montier-en Der1) A response to a variety of crises at mid-century that provoked

widespread apocalyptic disquiet, and rapidly become a central text in the European eschatological literature.

8. 999 AD – Europe in the Middle Ages1) “As the last day of 999 approached, the old basilica of St. Peter’s at

Rome was thronged with a mass of weeping and trembling worship-ers awaiting the end of the world, believing that they were on the eve of the Millennium. Land, homes, and household goods were given to

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the poor as a final act of contrition to absolve the hopeless from sins of a lifetime. Some Europeans sold their goods before traveling to Palestine to await the Second Coming. This mistaken application of biblical prophecy happened again in 1100, 1200, and 1245. Prophetic speculation continued. In 1531, Melchior Hofmann announced that the second coming would take place in the year 1533.... Nicholas Cusa held that the world would not last past 1734.” (Gary DeMar, Last Day Madness, pg. 14.* Churches in France gave their land to monks – explosion of

church buildings.  2) Both Halley’s comet in 989 AD and a supernova in 1006 AD were

interpreted as signs of the end.3) 1005-1006 AD – Terrible famine throughout Europe, associated

with apocalyptic portents in several texts.4) May 1006 AD – New star sighted (Super Nova of 1006), at same

time a chaplain of the Emperor converts to Judaism.5) 1009-1010 AD – Destruction of Jerusalem, apocalyptic reaction in

the West including violent anti-Jewish outbursts.6) 1009 AD – Rain of blood, sun turns red and fails to shine for 3 days;

plague and death follow.7) 1022 AD – Burning of heretics at Orleans, France described in

several texts in apocalyptic tones.8) 1024? AD – Letter from heaven calling for Peace Councils circulates

throughout northern France.9) 1026-1027 AD – Large collective pilgrimage to Jerusalem led by

Richard of St. Vaast.10) 1028 AD – Rain of blood (classic apocalyptic sign) on the

Aquitanian shore provokes letters on its interpretation.11) 1033 AD – Beginning of millennium because it marked 1000 years

since Christ’s crucifixion.* Mass pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

9. 1100’s AD – Peter Waldo1) In the 12th century, Peter Waldo, the founder of the Waldenses,

taught that the Pope of Rome was the Antichrist. 2) The Waldenses rejected the Catholic clergy system and taught

people did not have to possess any special education or ordination to teach the Bible.

10. 1183 AD – Calabrian monk, Joachim of Fiore (1135-1202) on Easter Sunday claimed he was inspired to write his massive Exposition of Revelation. He stands out as a key figure in medieval apocalypticism.1) Later, near the end of his life, he summarized his prophetic

knowledge in the Book of Figures.

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2) His writings influenced a wide range of medieval events.3) The Franciscan order was founded on the basis that they would be

the spiritual elite described in Joachim’s “Age of the Spirit,” a future time when God would send revelation directly to believers. Using Joachim’s hints, writers concluded that the “Age of Grace” would end and the “Age of the Spirit” would begin in 1260 AD. This prophecy mixed with German social unrest, created a myth surrounding Frederick II. Having ruled from 1220 to 1250, many believed that Frederick was the “Emperor of the Last Days” who would usher in the new Millennium. The myth gained force when Frederick would return from the dead. Two pseudo-Fredericks were burned at the stake by his successor to the throne. The Book of a Hundred Chapters stated that the returned Frederick would lead a fight against corruption in the state and the church, and that he will instruct his followers to “Go on hitting them,” (referring to the Pope and his students) and to “kill every one of them!”

11. 1500’s AD – Martin Luther and John Calvin1) Both Martin Luther and John Calvin taught in the 1500’s that the

Pope of Rome was the Antichrist.2) “The last day is at hand. My calendar has run out. I know nothing

more in my Scriptures.” (Martin Luther, January 1532).3) 8:00 AM, October 19, 1533 – Michael Stiefel & Martin Luther,

Christ’s Coming & Judgment.

12. 1533 – 2 Anabaptists – End of the world, preceded by 3 ½ years of apocalyptic tribulation

13. Easter: April 5th, 1534 – Jan Matthijs. “a prophet”, Return of Christ  14. 1600’s – The Presbyterian Church

1) “There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be the head thereof; but is the Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God.” (Westminster Confession of Faith in the 17th century).

15. 1666 – London 1) An outbreak of the bubonic plague killed 100,000 and the Great Fire

of London struck the same year. Many thought that the year with the beast’s number (666) must be the end of the world.

16. 1836 – John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church

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1) John Wesley claimed the “time, times and half a time” of Revelation 12:14 fulfilled between 1058-1836.

2) He predicted the Millennium would begin in 1836.

17. 1843-1844 – William Miller and Ellen G. White1) William Miller, a Baptist preacher, was the founder of an end-times

movement that was so prominent it received its own name—Millerism (Millerites).

2) He prophesied in 1831 that Christ would return between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. Prior to the 1843 date various events helped the people to think that Miller was right.<> The greatest meteoric shower of all time lit skies for 6 hours.<> Violent shocks from earthquakes in India, Mexico, England and

West Indies.<> Followers disposed of their property; put on white ascension

robes.3) When Jesus did not return, he recalculated and claimed the real date

was October 22, 1844. <> 7 more months – Began an intensive campaign to win more

converts.<> Fear and panic, excitement and enthusiasm steadily increased.<> Many committed suicide.<> 100’s of Millerites marched the streets, going from house to

house seeking unbelievers, pleading with them to repent.<> As the appointed day approached, personal matters were settled.<> Personal belongings were given away or destroyed.<> Storekeepers opened their doors to the public and abandoned

their merchandise.<> Farmers left their fields with their crops to rot.<> Oct 22, 1844 came – The day was dark and gloomy. Rain

clouds were heavy overhead. Surely this would be the day.<> Dressed in white robes, left homes, gathered on hilltops.<> Some went to cemeteries where they expected to rise with the

resurrected dead.<> The shadows of the night gathered – great bond-fires were built

to light the sky.<> There were shouts of joy and sobs of sorrow. Midnight came.<> The Lord didn’t come – anxious and disappointed they looked

at each other. Jesus must come because their preacher, Miller said he would come!

<> Miller’s prediction was a mockery of God.<> The gloom of Miller’s followers was beyond words to describe.<> There was anger, weeping and shamefacedness.

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<> The groups disbanned with their white robes wrinkled and soiled. With empty hearts they crept back to empty homes.

<> No food, furniture, businesses, crops.<> A DELUDED AND DECEIVED PEOPLE.<> Miller, who remained at home, wept tears of shame.

4) Ellen G. White claimed the prophecy of the 1260 days in Revelation 11:3 was fulfilled in 1798 in The Great Controversy, pg. 304, 1950 text.

5) Those who followed the teaching of Miller and White believed in the eminent “advent” or return of Jesus.

6) They also followed Ellen G. White’s teaching that Christians are to observe the Sabbath instead of the Lord’s Day. Today, they are called, “Seventh Day Adventists.”

18. 1877 – 1916 – Charles Russell, Jehovah Witness1) Charles Russell, after being exposed to the teachings of William

Miller, founded his own organization – the Jehovah Witnesses. 2) 1877 – 'The End Of This World; that is the end of the gospel and the

beginning of the millennial age is nearer than most men suppose; indeed we have already entered the transition period, which is to be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation Dan. 12:3." (N.H. Barbour and C.T. Russell, Three Worlds, and the Harvest of This World, p. 17).

3) 1889 – “The battle of the great day of God Almighty…which will end in 1914…is already commenced. The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God’s word.” (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, The Time Is At Hand, 1889 Ed., p. 101. The 1915 of this text changed “A.D. 1914” to read “A.D. 1915”).

4) 1910-1912 – In 1904: “The stress of the great time of trouble will be on us soon, somewhere between 1910 and 1912…”

5) 1914 – Russell claimed “that six thousand years from the creation of Adam were complete with AD 1872”. And the battle of Armageddon will end in AD 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership. (Watchman Expositor, Vol. 9. No. 6, 1992 pg. 4).“The great crisis, the great clash…is very near. Armageddon may begin next spring.”<> The Jehovah Witnesses (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society)

computed 1914 from prophecy in the book of Daniel, Chapter 4. The writings referred to “seven times”. The WTS interpreted each “time” as equal to 360 days, giving a total of 2520 days. This was further interpreted as representing 2520 years,

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measured from the starting date of 607 BCE. This gave 1914 as the target date.

6) 1915 – "The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures Rev 19:16-20). It will eventuate in the complete overthrow of all the systems of error which have so long oppressed the people of God and deluded the world. We believe the present war cannot last much longer until revolutions shall break out" (C.T. Russell, Pastor Russell's Sermons, p. 676, Sometime during World War I)

19. 1916 – “Judge” Rutherford, Jehovah Witness1) After Charles Russell died in 1916, Joseph “Judge” Rutherford took

over the Watch Tower organization. 2) 1925 – “The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and

since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favor, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth.” (J. F. Rutherford, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, pg. 88).

3) “Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and faithful of prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter eleven, to the condition of human perfection.” (J. F. Rutherford, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, pg. 89-90).

4) Instead of recognizing Russell and Rutherford as the false prophets they are, their followers keep following new modified teachings and now are known as, “Jehovah Witnesses.”

5) 1957 – “Sometime between April 16 and 23, 1957, Armageddon will sweep the world! Millions of persons will perish in its flames and the land will be scorched!” (January, Watchtower Magazine)

6) 1975 - "Just think, 1975 marks the end of 6,000 years of human experience.....Will it be the time when God executes the wicked?....It very well could be, but we will have to wait to see.' (Watchtower, 1/5/1967, p 262)

7) "There is only a short time left before Jehovah will destroy this wicked system of things." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1969)

8) "Shortly, within our twentieth century, the "battle in the day of Jehovah" will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom." (The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah; 1971; 2nd ed.; p. 216)

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9) "Does this admission of making mistakes stamp them [Watchtower] as false prophets? Not at all, for false prophets do not admit to making mistakes." (Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1972, p. 644)

10) 'It also tells us that this millennium must be preceded immediately by the most destructive war in all human history. We can now see the political rulers... being gathered... for that War of all wars....' (Watchtower, July 1, 1974, p 397)

11) "It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for. But they have missed the point of the Bibles warnings concerning the end of this system of things, thinking that Bible chronology reveals the specific date." (Watchtower, July 15, 1976, p. 440)

12) Because of this hope, the "faithful and discreet slave" has alerted all of God's people to the sign of the times indicating the nearness of God's Kingdom rule. In this regard, however, it must be observed that this "faithful and discreet slave" was never inspired, never perfect. Those writings by certain members of the "slave" class that came to form the Christian part of God's Word were inspired and infallible, but that is not true of other writings since. Things published were not perfect in the days of Charles Taze Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society; nor were they perfect in the days of J.F. Rutherford, the succeeding president. The increasing light on God's Word as well as the facts of history have repeatedly required that adjustments of one kind or another be made down to the very present time. But let us never forget that the motives of this "slave" were always pure, unselfish; at all times it has been well-meaning. (The Watchtower; March 1, 1979; p. 24)

13) Some of that "generation (of 1914)" could survive until the end of the century. But there are many indications that "the end" is much closer than that! (The Watchtower, March 1, 1984 pp. 18-19)

14) "These definitions embrace both those born around the time of a historic event and all those alive at that time. If Jesus used 'generation' in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80's or 90's, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive. Some of them 'will by no means pass away until all things occur." (Watchtower, 15 May, 1984, p. 5)

15) "Why Awake is Published" [before Nov 8th 1995] Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the

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events of 1914 passes away." [After Nov. 8 1995 reference to '1914 generation' deleted] "Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things."

20. 1975 – Herbert Armstrong1) In 1934 Herbert Armstrong began the Worldwide Church of God and

published a paper called The Plain Truth. 2) During the 1940’s he predicted that the battle of Armageddon and

the end of the world would occur by 1975.

21. 1976 – 1980 - Jack Van Impe1) “God’s Word is beginning to unfold before our eyes. Judgment is

about to fall for all of the ‘rottenness’ that runs rampant in our beloved land. If it does not commence in 1976, I have no doubt that unbelievable calamities will occur before 1980. It could easily be the predicted Tribulation hour.” (Jack Van Impe, The Energy Crisis, pg. 37, 1976).

2) “The world will literally run out of food by 1984…As the nine planets of our solar system align themselves in 1982, their gravitational pull may cause huge storms on the sun. These could alter wind direction, rainfall and temperature patterns, affect the earth’s rotation and cause great earthquakes.” (Jack Van Impe, Signs of the Times, pgs. 13-18, 1979).

3) “Beloved, there’s no doubt about it The revived Roman Empire (or European Community) comes to power January 1, 1993. The panorama of end-time prophecy is unfolding BEFORE OUR VERY EYES! Get ready for a rapid rush of world-changing developments that begin mankind’s inescapable march to the end of this age!... Yes, the Antichrist will emerge very soon now... In January 1993, the European Community (E.C.) comes to power, bringing with it a unified global monetary system that lacks just one thing more to really prosper - a single leader to direct it.”(Mailer sent out by Jack Van Impe, August, 1992 for a $20 video).

4) “Jesus said, ‘Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled’ (Matthew 24:34)…By comparing Old Testament accounts recording the number of generations between certain events with ancient historical records which give dates for those same events, we can calculate the approximate length of a generation to be almost 48 years. Do you realize what this means? Israel became a nation again in 1948 - 42 years ago! If the generation which witnessed this event will not pass away until the End-Time prophecies are fulfilled - how much time do you think could possibly

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be left? Jesus’ coming is so near... any time now - PERHAPS TODAY!” [1948 + 48 years = 1996] (“Jack Van Impe Ministries International” letter of Sept./Oct. 1990, pg. 2).

5) In a later book, “On the Edge of Eternity” Jack Van Impe makes more predictions.<> The year 2001 will “usher in international chaos such as we’ve

never seen in our history.”<> In 2001, and the years following, the world will experience

“drought, war, malaria, and hunger afflicting entire populations throughout the [African] continent...By the year 2001, there will be global chaos.”

<> Islam will become much larger than Christianity. (Islam is currently followed by 19% of the world’s population vs. 33% for Christianity).

<> A one-world church will emerge; it will be “controlled by demonic hosts.” Temple rituals (presumably including animal sacrifice) will resume in Israel.

22. 1979 – Reginald Duncan 1) Reginald Duncan predicted in The Coming Russian Invasion of

America that the Millennium would begin in 1979.

23. 1980 – Mikkel Dahl1) Mikkel Dahl predicted in The Midnight Cry that the present era

would end by 1980.

  24. 1981 – Emit Gaverluk 1) Emit Gaverluk of the Southwest Radio Church predicted that the

Rapture would occur by 1981.

25. 1981 & 1988 - Hal Lindsey1) In one of his earlier predictions, he claimed the “Rapture” would

occur before Dec. 31, 1981. He based it on Bible prophesy, astronomy and a dash of ecological fatalism. He made references to the “Jupiter Effect,” a planetary alignment that occurs every 179 years, that would supposedly lead to earthquakes and nuclear plant meltdowns.

2) In his book, The Late Great Planet Earth, he predicted the rapture would take place by 1988. He predicted the date to Jesus’ promised to return to earth a generation after Israel’s rebirth (1948). “I believe many people will be shocked by what is happening right now and what will happen in the very near future. The decade of the 1980’s could very well be the last decade of history as we know it.”

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(Hal Lindsey, The 1980’s: Countdown to Armageddon, 1980, pg. 8).3) “According to Lindsey, the last seven years of history are

beginning and will culminate with the worst war the world has ever seen, and the Messiah Jesus will come back and stop it and bring about world peace. That would be the ‘millennium,’ a thousand year reign by Christ spoken of in Revelation.” (Presbyterian Survey, October, 1980, pg. 32).

26. 1982 – When the planets lined up and created magnetic forces that would bring Armageddon to the earth.1) “Scientists are forecasting that soon our solar system will experience

some unique and sobering events. This forecast concerning 1982 come from the scientific investigations of astronomers and is in no way related to astrology and fortune telling. The news is quoted from the September 16, 1974 edition of “Newsweek” magazine, science section. Reputable scientists, John Gribbin, science editor of “Nature” magazine, and Stephen Plagemann of NASA’s Goddard Space Center in Maryland, pointed out that in the latter part of 1982 all nine planets will be on the same side of the sun.

27. 1982 – A group called the Tara Centers1) The group placed a full-page add in many major newspapers for the

weekend of April 24-25, 1982, announcing: “The Christ is Now Here!” and predicted that he was to make himself known “within the next two months.” After the date passed, they said that the delay was only because the “consciousness of the human race was not quite right…” Boy, after all these years have gone by, and we’re still not ready!!!

28. Soon – 1983–??? – Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh1) In 1983, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Guru of the Rajneesh movement

predicted massive destruction on earth, including natural disasters and man-made catastrophes.

2) Floods larger than any since Noah, extreme earthquakes, very destructive volcano eruptions, nuclear wars etc. would soon be experienced. Tokyo, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Bombay will all disappear.

29. 1988 & 1989 – Edgar Whisenant1) In his booklet, 88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be In 1988,

Whisenant claimed, a.     The rapture will take place on Sept. 12, 1988.

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b.    The 144,000 will be sealed on Sept. 26, 1988.c.     WW III between Russia and the USA will end on June 19,

1989.d.    The two witnesses in Rev. 11:3-8 will be killed at sunrise on

March 9, 1992. e.     The Antichrist will die and go to hell on April 19, 1992.f.      Armageddon will be finished on Oct. 4, 1995.g.    Satan will be chained on October 11, 1995.

2) “Only if the Bible is in error am I wrong, and I say that unequivocally. There is no way Biblically that I can be wrong; and I say that to every preacher in town.” (Edgar Whisenant, quoted in Ralph Lyman, A critique on the 1988 Rapture Theory, Oklahoma City, OK, Southwest Radio Church, 1988).

3) When Whisenant’s predictions failed, he wrote a new book called, The Final Shout: Rapture Report 1989. In it he said he had made a critical error because he was following the wrong calendar: “My mistake was that my mathematical calculations were off by one year.... Since all centuries should begin with a zero year (for instance, the year 1900 started this century), the first century A.D. was a year short, consisting of only 99 years. This was the one-year error in my calculations last year [1988]. The Gregorian calendar (the calendar used today) is always one year in advance of the true year. Numbered correctly from the beginning, i.e., 1 AD., 1989 Gregorian would be only one thousand nine hundred eighty eight years of 365.2422 days each.” (Edgar Whisenant, The Final Shout: Rapture Report, 1989).

30. 1989 – Salem Kirban1) “The genealogical tables in the history of the Old Testament seem to

show that from Adam to Christ about 4000 years of recorded Biblical history or 4 days (since ‘one day with the Lord is as a thousand years…’) 2 Peter 3:8.

2) The 5th day ended with the advent of the dark ages in 1000 AD (996 AD - since Christ was born at about 4 BC).

3) The 6th day then would end in the year 2000. The Millennium would then be ushered in and the thousand year reign of the saints with Christ would begin.

4) If this assumption should be correct and the Rapture must take place at least seven years before the Millennium, this would put the Rapture or the vanishing of the saints to meet Christ at approximately 1989.” (Salem Kirban, “Guide To Survival.” 1968, 6th printing, June 1970, p. 126).

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6) “Those of us familiar with Scriptures can easily see the handwriting on the wall as the way is prepared for the coming Antichrist.”(Salem Kirban, Countdown to Rapture, 1977, pg. 181).

31. 1989 & 1993 – W. S. McBirnie1) W. S. McBirnie worked with the Trinity Baptist Church in San

Antonio when it was called “the fastest growing church in the nation” and has appeared regularly on TBN.

2) “Whoever is elected President will hold this nation and the free world in his hands when Russia strikes the Middle East. This will probably happen during the new President’s first year”(Dr. McBirnie’s Newsletter, July 1988. pg. 1).

3) “No man knows the date of His coming. But we now have sufficient evidence that we may be living in the terminal generation. The whole creation groans under the weight of perplexing problems, which could produce worldwide calamity by 2000 AD. My study of the Scriptures indicates Jesus will return for His own people before 2000 AD. We must note that our calendar is four years off the correct date. ‘1989’ is actually 1993! That is where we are right now.”(Dr. McBirnie, Update - The Dooms Day, 1989).

32. 1990 – Pat Robertson in report called “Pat Robertson’s Perspective”1) “Note these facts bringing history in conformity with prophecy. 2) In 1975 Ethiopia fell to communism; in 1979 the Shah of Iran fell

and, probably before 1980 ends, Iran will be a Soviet puppet.3) Somalia is a Marxist country and Libya tilts to the Soviets; Mideast

oil is the key to world domination; the Soviets have moved 200,000 troops to Afghanistan. . .

4) The coming Middle East war is an absolute certainty, as is the destruction of the Soviet Union. All available economic and military intelligence pinpoints 1982 as the optimum time for such a Soviet strike...

5) For the next five years, a time of grace, the Israelis work out and amplify the peace, and there is an incredible final spiritual harvest throughout the Gentile world as millions are added to the kingdom of God. During the fifth year, in 1982, Russia strikes Israel, is defeated, and for seven years Israel makes symbolic offerings by fire of Russian war material. These seven years are a transition period for Israel and the world. On the eighth year, there begins a new era - a new beginning - for Israel and for the world.”(“Pat Robertson’s Perspective,” A special report to members of the 700 Club, Feb./March 1980. pg. 3, 5).

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33. 1991 – Louis Farrakhan 1) In 1991, Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan proclaimed the

Gulf War would to be “the War of Armageddon ... the final War.”

34. 1993 – Moses David1) Moses David of The Children of God faith group predicted that the

Battle of Armageddon would take place in 1986. 2) Russia would defeat Israel and the United States. 3) A worldwide Communist dictatorship would be established. 4) In 1993, Christ would return to earth.

35. 1994 – Paul Crouch and “Pastor” Henkle1) On April 14, 1993, Paul Crouch came on during a portion of a

“Praise-A-Thon” that was a week-long, 24-hour appeal for funds to keep the Trinity Broadcasting Network [TBN] on the air. He claimed that he had some world-shaking news.

2) That news was that a “very dear friend” of his whom he identified as “Pastor Henkle” had recently had some personal and verbal words directly from God. Crouch assured everyone that he had experienced some of Pastor Henkle’s prophecies in the past and had observed them to come true. The world-shaking words that Pastor Henkle supposedly had received directly from God were: “On June the 9th, Thursday, 1994, I am going to rip evil from this world”!

3) Isaiah 25:6-9 was given as a Scriptural basis for this prophecy. According to the Bible, the Lord is going to come and remove His saints from the world before the final judgment, not evil.

36. 1995 – David Koresh1) In 1992, David Koresh of the Branch Davidian group in Waco Texas

changed the name of their commune from Mt. Carmel to Ranch Apocalypse, because of his belief that the battle of Armageddon would start at the Branch Davidian compound.

2) They had calculated that the end would occur in 1995. 3) After a 51-day standoff, on April 10, 1993, 76 members died as a

result of a fire during an attack by the BATF.

37. 1998 – The House of Yahweh 1) The House of Yahweh, predicted that the end of the world would

begin in October, 1998. 2) By mid-2001, they predict that 80% of the world’s population will

have been killed as a result of nuclear warfare.

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38. 1999 – 2009 – Jerry Falwell1) On Jan. 14, 1999, Jerry Falwell gave a speech before 1,500 people at

a conference on evangelism in Kingsport, TN. He claimed the Antichrist is alive today and is a male Jew. He also said the second coming of Christ will be within 10 years. (Associated Press, Jan. 15, 1999; Falwell: Antichrist May Be Alive).

CONCLUSION

1. It is entirely possible that we are living near the end of time. Jesus could return at any moment.1. However, it is also possible that Christ’s second coming is yet a long ways off.

1) The Bible says that man cannot know the day or the hour when the Lord will come.Matt 25:13: Parable of Ten Virgins - “A Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” 1 Thess 5:1-2: “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.”

2. Consider the harmful effects of date setting.1. It is foolish – may make decisions that are harmful to their lives.

1) People have been known to quit their jobs, sell their possessions, climb to a mountain top and await the Savior’s return.

2) John 9:4: Let us be busy until the Lord returns.

2. It is destructive – harms the cause of Christ.1) Reflect upon the poor track record of date setting – 100% wrong.

<> Many do not distinguish between the worthless utterances of false prophets and the true prophets found in scripture. The result is the faith in Christ and the Bible suffers shipwreck.

2) Those who set specific dates for the Lord’s return become a stumbling block to potential converts. Date setters drive people away from the Lord.

3) The folly of date setting gives the enemies of truth an occasion to blaspheme God and His true followers.

3. It is negligent – negative impact upon morality.1) Date setting generates slackfulness on the Christian walk.

<> The expectation that Christ could appear at any moment motives purity, holiness and godly living.

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Titus 2:11-15: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

2) Date setting spawns a lukewarm attitude toward the Lord’s second coming.<> Do you remember the little boy who cried “Wolf!” over and over

again when there is no wolf? People eventually stopped listening to his shouts.

3. Date setting diverts man’s attention from the person of Jesus to the pages of a calendar.1. The Bible teaches that God’s word is sufficient for all things that pertain to life

and godliness (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3-4).1) If something is not revealed in the Bible, it is not necessary to accomplish

God’s plan in our lives (Deut 29:29).

2. Therefore, let us ignore the rash predictions of date setters.1) Do not be afraid of them.2) Instead, let us live as if Jesus were coming back today, and prepare for

the future as if He were not returning for a long, long time.3) This approach ensures both our continued readiness and usefulness.4) It fulfills our obligations toward God and man.5) It allows us to be prepared for both time and eternity.

Premillennialism Lesson 2: WHAT IS IT? WHAT ARE SOME CONSEQUENCES OF THIS BELIEF?

INTRODUCTION

A. Almost everyone would like to know what is going to happen in the future. 22

1. This may explain why in an educated and civilized society so-called fortune tellers and psychics have their followers, and why every large newspaper prints the astrology charts. 1) Why? Because people would like to have insight into the future.

2. But what if a man takes the Bible and claims he has found prophecies which are soon to be fulfilled? 1) He will have an even greater popularity, for many who would doubt

astrology charts can easily be persuaded if the claims are supposedly founded upon Scripture.

B. We can test a prophet today in the same way they were tested in Bible times(Deut 18:18-22)1. Only God’s true prophets could foretell the future with minute details.

1) All others who have predicted the time of the end have failed the test of a true prophet of God.

2. Today – Society is not very interested in the Bible and New Testament Christianity.1) Premillennial preachers like to relate current events to some supposed

Bible prophecy timeline.2) When their timeline fails, they attribute it to some miscalculation.3) Even though these preachers are proven to be wrong, people still believe

it because it appeals to their curiosity.

I. WHAT IS PREMILLENNIALISM? A very popular doctrine

A. Pre=before; millennial=1000 years – Dispensational Premillennialism.

1. It is a materialistic and a literal interpretation of symbolic and prophetical passages.

2. Where did it come from?1) Those that can’t read a prophetic passage without thinking it applies

to them.2) Premillennial playgrounds include the book of Revelation and many

of the Old Testament prophets.3. America, more than anywhere else, has fostered apocalyptic thinking.

1) Joseph Smith led the Mormons west in search of the New Jerusalem.

2) And in upstate New York, there is a chapel in memory of a man whose apocalyptic message was so powerful, it endures today in the 7th-Day Adventist church.

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<> William Miller was a farmer. By studying the Bible, he felt he could unlock the secret to when Christ would return. His message was based on his interpretation of some very difficult passages in the Book of Daniel. By linking Daniel and Revelation, Miller calculated that a divine countdown of 2,300 years had begun in 457 BCE. Subtracting 457 from 2,300 brought him to the year 1843. Miller predicted that Christ would return sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844.

<> In 1839, Miller hooks up with Joshua Himes, who has a whole publicity machine. And Himes put his printing press and his whole public relations machinery at Miller’s disposal. And at that point, we can begin to see the Millerite movement coming into existence. “Christ’s return is very soon.”

<> The 1843 and 1844 window came and went. Miller’s followers refused to accept failure. They went back to the drawing board, and they realized that they had made an error of one year by neglecting to take into account the transition from BC to AD. They settled on October 22nd, 1844. As the fateful night approached, they prepared themselves. But instead, they experienced an incredible sense of disappointment. It will be remembered by one Millerite as “the great disappointment.”

<> IT REALLY WAS A LITERAL EVENT THAT THEY ANTICIPATED.

4. In the 1862, John Nelson Darby, a British minister devised a new system that laid the foundation for many forms of modern apocalyptic expectation. 1) Darby’s prophetic system retains Miller’s basic expectation that the

coming of Christ is going to be soon, and then the 1000 year kingdom will commence.

2) But he develops the notion of a great parenthesis- that is, a pause in the divine clock. And the clock will only start again when the Second Coming is near.

3) Darby christened this moment “the Rapture.” It is the term that he coins.

4) It’s Darby’s way of describing what will happen the first time that Jesus returns, when he snatches away the elect from the earth.

5) The doctrine of the Rapture is a tremendous breakthrough in the history of prophetic teaching because with it Darby avoided the problem of the Millerites, the problem of date setting.

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6) But at the same time the doctrine of the Raputre holds believers in a state of constant readiness. They could be snatched from the earth literally at any moment.

7) It was Darby’s genius to invent a system of prophecy interpretation which still survives in almost the same form today, and without any significant changes.

B. Background of doctrine in America during the last 40 years.

1. The classic expression of what is commonly called the “Rapture” is found in the often quoted words of Dr. DeHaan of the Radio Bible Class.1) “One of these days, as sure as this is the Word of God, those who

have pled with you, who have warned you, who have prayed for you, will be missing. The preacher will be gone, mother will be gone, wife will be gone, and the baby’s crib will be empty. Oh, what an awakening that is going to be…What has happened? The Lord has come, like a thief in the night. He has quietly stolen away those who trust Him, like Enoch, and no one is left behind to warn you any more, to pray or show you the way. (What the Bible Says About the End Time, Russell Boatman, pp. 192-193).

2) A picture of a pair of shoes left behind – “in a twinkling of an eye.”

2. Hal Lindsey writes about a professor of religion will say in class on the day of the Rapture: “I was teaching my course in the philosophy of religion when all of a sudden three of my students vanished.”1) The term “Rapture” means “caught up” – in the air to be with the

Lord.

3. There has been immense popularity in a series of books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins called "Left Behind."1) “Their Biblical thchno-thrillers about the end of the world are

currently outselling Stephen King, John Grisham and every other popl novelist in Americal…The 12th and final installment, called “Glorious Appearing,” has the return of Jesus, the battle of Armageddon and the Judgment. It sold almost 2 million copies even before its March publication; it’s still tied for No. 2 on the New York Times list—which doesn’t count sales at Christian bookstores.” (Newsweek, May 24, 2004)

2) This series of books has exceeded 62 million in sales, making it the best selling Christian fiction series in history.

3) Left Behind was voted one of the top 10 books of the 20 th century on barnesandnoble.com and ivillage.com.

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4) This series and other books testifies that premillennialism is alive and thriving in the religious community.

5) These books tell the story of things that the authors believe will happen before, during and after the second coming of Christ.

6) Because of the popularity of these books, we need to determine if there is any truth to what the books speak about.

7) Are the books a factual representation of what will happen in connection with the second coming of Christ?

8) The same doctrine is expressed in the bumper sticker, “In case of rapture, this vehicle will be unmanned. A rear collision will likely result in your death, and a swift decent into eternal Hellfire.”

4. John Hagee is a well-known televangelist.1) [“The Rapture Hour”] – “and we shall be changed! All over the

earth, homes of believers will have the supper dishes on the table, the food will be on the stove, but the occupants mysteriously and suddenly gone. The headlines will be screaming, ‘Millions are missing. The church has been Raptured.”

5. The “Rapture” is so wide-spread that it has prompted others to reply…1) Come the Rapture – Can I have your car?2) Come the Rapture – We’ll have the earth to ourselves.

<> This illustrates how many are aware of this doctrine!

C. In order to understand the concept of the “Rapture”, let’s put it in the context of premillennialism. Let us look at some concepts that are connected with it.

1. There is simply no way to be able to describe all the intricacies found in this theory. 1) It is the most complex and most complicated theory about the end of

time events available. 2) It is difficult to make a definitive statement about what

premillennialism is.3) It is a lot like Gnosticism – no two alike, but do have some common

beliefs. It is kind of like denominations believing in Christ.4) It is a lot like Heinz catsup – there are about 57 different varieties.

2. Dispensational premillennialism generally goes like this. From the very beginning God had a desire for an earthly kingdom. 1) HUMANITY REJECTED GOD – The theory states that Genesis

1:26-28 refers to Adam and God's desire for Adam to establish a government that all would be under. But humanity rejected God and

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did not recognize his power, so God abandoned the attempt of an earthly kingdom and destroyed the world in the flood.

2) KINGDOM OF ISRAEL DETERIORATED –Next, God attempted

to accomplish His will through the patriarchs. God established his terrestrial kingdom beginning with Abraham. And so with Abraham there would be mediators or kings that would exercise absolute authority. These people included Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, the judges, Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon. These were the rulers of his terrestrial kingdom. But spiritual deterioration began after the judges, thus the need for the prophets to try to get the leaders to follow the law. But as the kingdom deteriorated more and more, the prophets began to foretell of a future, ideal kingdom. God, therefore, suspends His attempts to establish an earthly kingdom. The prophets then looked forward to someone who would set up the kingdom at a later time.

3) JESUS WAS REJECTED—KINGDOM IS POSTPONED. Later Christ is sent to establish God's terrestrial kingdom. But the people rejected Jesus and his attempt to establish an earthly kingdom fails.

4) THE CHURCH AGE – Jesus, realizing that the rejection of His kingdom was coming, alters His plans and turns in a new direction. Jesus, instead of establishing the kingdom as he desired, establishes the church. Jesus is then rejected and crucified by the people and the kingdom is again in a state of suspension. The theory states that the kingdom is still in suspension and will remain this way until the time of Christ's return when He will finally establish his kingdom that God has desired.

5) THE RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS – The theory further states that Christ will return and there will be a rapture of the saints, the raising of only dead saints (Christians) and taking the church to heaven (or 7 years in Paradise).<> The Second Coming of Christ will be in 2 stages – INVISIBLE

and VISIBLE (at the end of 7 years of tribulation). <> This invisible (1st stage) coming is the beginning of the end.<> A sign of the “end times” – A time of increasing world chaos.

6) SEVEN YEARS OF GREAT TRIBULATION – This great tribulation will last seven years and there will be wars, chaos, fighting, plague, devastation, and more. The tribulation is to expel the usurpers of the earth and the evil in the world. <> The temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt.

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7) ANTICHRIST APPEARS, CHRIST RETURNS (SECOND COMING), BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON – Then Christ will return to the earth with the church (saints) after the antichrist appears and the seven year tribulation. The Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.

8) CHRIST WILL REIGN 1000 YEARS ON A LITERAL, PHYSICAL THRONE IN JERUSALEM – The long awaited KINGDOM is finally ESTABLISHED on earth. Jesus will reign with the Jews who are all converted and are exalted over the Gentiles. All of the enemies of Christ will be either converted or destroyed.<> Satan is bound during the 1000 year reign. <> The Jewish system will be revived, being a continuation of the

Davidic kingdom. This means that there will be a rebuilding of the temple and a restoration of the entire Old Testament laws and sacrifices.

<> Responsibilities of this government will be delegated to three groups: 1) The resurrected saints of the first century church 2) The resurrected Old Testament saints 3) The martyrs of the tribulation.

<> Beneath these are the redeemed living nation of Israel, who will be head over all nations of the earth, "exalted above the Gentile nations." “On the lowest level there are the saved, living, Gentile nations.”

9) SATAN IS RELEASED – After the 1000 year reign of Christ, Satan is released for a short time to try the souls of those who have been born during this 1000 year peace on earth.

10) SATAN IS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE .11) ALL THE WICKED DEAD ARE RAISED - The resurrection of all

the wicked will occur and judgment is going to take place. This is when the books will be opened and all will be judged according to their deeds. Once Satan and his followers are cast into the lake of fire, then the kingdom on earth and the kingdom in heaven will merge into an eternal kingdom.

II. SOME CONSEQUENCES OF PREMILLENNIALISM

A. MAKES GOD POWERLESS

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1. The theory states that God has desired an earthly, or terrestrial kingdom since the days of creation. But God has been unable to establish His kingdom. 1) He tried to establish it with Adam but failed and the flood came. 2) He tried to establish the kingdom with Abraham and the patriarchs

but failed and had to send the nation of Israel into captivity. 3) God tried to establish his kingdom with Christ, but they crucified

Christ, rejected the kingdom and God failed again.

2. This theory makes God unable to accomplish His will. 1) He cannot set up a kingdom He desires and is constantly foiled by

his own creation. 2) It makes God powerless and unable to establish any of His will. 3) How can God who spoke the world into existence be unable to

establish a kingdom on His creation? It does not work. 4) Further, if God has been foiled all of these times and the kingdom

continues to be put into suspension, then why should we believe that God will be successful in establishing His kingdom when He returns? Christ supposedly already came once to establish His kingdom but failed. Now He is going to return in the future to try again. Why should we have any confidence that it will happen now after so many failures?

5) No, we do not accept this. Christ did come to establish His kingdom and He did establish it while on the earth.

3. Isa 53:1-12: The rejection of Christ was promised, therefore, it would not have persuaded Christ to change His plan.1) Ps 118:22-23: They would reject the head corner stone (Eph 2:20).

B. MAKES CHRIST A LIAR, JOHN THE BAPTIZER & APOSTLES FALSE

1. John preached the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Matt 3:2: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”1) Christ confirmed that His kingdom was near and He was going to

establish it. Matt 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Mark 9:1: “And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.’” Acts 1:8: Apostles were told to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4: Holy Spirit came on Pentecost – Kingdom came!

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2) Premillennialism teaches that Jesus thought that He was going to establish His kingdom, but when He saw the rejection of His kingdom imminent, He discarded his plans.

3) The problem is that Jesus is then a liar because He said the kingdom was at hand and so did John the baptizer.

4) They are now liars, and Jesus is now a sinner and not the Son of God because not only did He lie, but He could not be God for He would have known not to preach something that would not happen.

2. Further in Matt 16:19: Christ said to Peter that He gave him the keys of the kingdom. Since Christ did not establish His kingdom He must have lied to Peter or taken the keys back from him so that Christ could establish the kingdom later. 1) Jesus is also a liar on the cross when he says “it is finished.” In fact

the opposite was true, nothing was finished, but everything was postponed, according to this theory.

2) John 17:4: Jesus is a liar in speaking to God the Father, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Again, Jesus did not finish the work, He was rejected. Or was He deluded also while on the earth? He failed in His mission and came to the earth for no reason. It is a total waste of time. Jesus goes through His suffering for no reason.

3. We must understand that the Bible teaches the kingdom of Christ is not an earthly kingdom.John 18:36: “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.’” Rom 14:17: Paul affirmed this as well, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” 1) Premillennialists have the same problem the Jews had – Looking for

a king to reign over a physical kingdom.

C. DETHRONES CHRIST    

1. Premillennialism teaches that because the Jews rejected the kingdom, the kingdom is in suspension until a future time.

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1) Therefore, at Jesus’ resurrection, He returned to heaven and took a seat at the right hand of God.

2) The theory states that He is not on His throne but on His Father's throne.

3) Until he takes His own throne He is not reigning.

2. 1 Cor 15:24-26 teaches otherwise. “But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.” 1) This passage clearly states that Christ will deliver the kingdom to

God the Father. 2) Christ must reign until all enemies have been put under his feet and

the last enemy is death. 3) Therefore, Christ is reigning on the throne now and will continue to

reign until death is destroyed. 4) Premillennialism takes Christ off the throne and makes him a prince

in heaven who is waiting to establish his authority on earth at a later time.

5) Christ cannot literally reign on the earth. Jer 22:30: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Write this man down childless, a man who will not prosper in his days; for no man of his descendants will prosper sitting on the throne of David or ruling again in Judah.’”

D. MINIMIZES THE CHURCH

1. Makes the church an accident (afterthought) and nullifies the wisdom of God.Eph 3:8-11: “To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,”

    1) Christ came to establish His kingdom, but since He could not, He established the church instead.

2) The church then is an afterthought, a substitution for what God really wanted.

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2. Eph 1:22-23: Paul said that the church is the fullness of Christ. 1) How can the church be the fullness of Christ, if the church is not

what Jesus really wanted anyway? 2) Therefore the apostles are all deluded and we cannot trust what they

say. <> Do we see the problems that occur when we accept the tenets of

premillennialism?

3. The kingdom and the church are one and the same.Dan 2:44: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”Col 1:13-14: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” 1) Forgiveness of sins is in the kingdom through baptism (Acts 2:38).

E. MUTILATES AND NULLIFIES THE GOSPEL    

1. Premillennialism states that the Jews will be exalted above the Gentiles in the kingdom when Christ returns. 1) The Jewish system is going to be restored, with the sacrifices, and

the temple will be rebuilt. 2) Where is the good news in the separation of Jews and Gentiles? 3) Jews and Gentiles are not one in Christ, as Paul said, they are

separated in the reign of Christ and thus God does show partiality. God does show favoritism.

2. Where is the good news if the Jewish system is restored? 1) Paul tells us in Galatians and in Romans that we are dead under

that system, that it is a system of slavery. 2) Why did Christ die on the cross, if we are going to offer animal

sacrifices again? 3) Where is the all sufficiency of Christ? 4) The whole letter of Hebrews (10:10-18) is nullified and made

worthless because we are going to return to the inferior system. 5) There is no good news, for the condition we are in is only temporary

if when Christ returns we will do the things contained in the old covenant.

6) Premillennialism ignores the new priesthood that we are under in Christ, returning back to the Levitical priesthood under Moses.

7) This theory clearly destroys the good news.

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8) This part of the theory is the same as the Judaizing teachers in the first century.

F. NULLIFIES SALVATION TO THE GENTILES   

1. Premillennialism unwittingly removes the availability of salvation to the Gentiles, thus meaning we are all lost. 1) How? Because The theory states that it is not until the 1000 year

reign that Christ will establish His authority and the tabernacle of David will not be rebuilt until then. Acts 15:13-17: “And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, ‘Men and brethren, listen to me: “Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.’” And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ says the LORD who does all these things.”

2) Notice that it is after the rebuilding of the tabernacle of David that the rest of mankind (the Gentiles) can seek the Lord.

2. The rebuilding of the tabernacle is reference to the kingdom of God. 1) If the kingdom is still in the future, then salvation is not yet available

to the Gentiles and will not be available until the 1000 year reign. We reject this!

CONCLUSION

1. We cannot accept the consequences of premillennialism. 1. If the theory is true and the things in the Left Behind books are true, then all of

these consequences are true and that causes many problems. 1) We see that scripture solidly defeats this theory and we have no reason to

accept it or believe it. 2) Premillennialists make the same mistake as did the Jews, when they

expected Jesus to be a king like Caesar.3) The whole theory is materialistic because it anticipates an earthly,

temporal regime of an earthly millennialism.

2. John 17:4: Jesus accomplished all that He came to do, and His mission is complete.1. We are not looking for an earthly millennium but an eternal heaven.

1) Eph 4:4-6: We have only one hope – that hope is heaven.

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2) Also – 1 body, 1 Spirit, 1 Lord, 1 faith, 1 baptism, 1 God.3) A relationship with God begins by removing sin in obedience to the

gospel in baptism – when the blood of Christ washes away sins.

Premillennialism Lesson 3: THE RAPTURE

INTRODUCTION

A. Review:

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1. We can test a prophet today in the same way they were tested in Bible Times Deut 18:18-22: “I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. 21 You may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’ 22 “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.””1) Only God’s true prophets could foretell the future with minute details.2) All others who have predicted the time of the end have failed the test of a

true prophet of God.

2. What is premillennialism?1) Pre=before; millennial=1000 years – Dispensational Premillennialism.2) We looked at how it developed in the 1800’s.3) It is a complex belief of end-time events which begins with “the rapture.”4) We also noticed some of the consequences of this belief.

<> Makes God powerless – So far He has been unable to accomplish His will (Adam, Patriarchs, Israel, Christ (Ps 118:22-23; Eph 2:20).

<> Makes Christ, John the Baptizer, and the apostles liars (Matt 3:2; 4:17; Mark 9:1-Acts 1:8, 2:1-4; John 17:4).

<> Dethrones Christ (1 Cor 15:24-26).<> It minimizes the church (Eph 1:22-23; 3:8-11, 21; Dan 2:44).<> It mutilates and nullifies the gospel – Jewish system restored.<> It nullifies salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 15:13-17; Col 1:13-14).

3. It is a materialistic and a literal interpretation of symbolic and prophetical passages.1) This method of interpretation puts in the Bible what is not there.2) It is like playing hop-scotch – taking a verse here and there (not about the

end of time).3) The context is not considered – piece together their own puzzle.4) They can’t get the physical out of their minds.5) Result: Vain “speculations (imaginations)” (2 Cor 10:4).

B. What is stated in this pulpit is always open to investigation.1. If you find something to be true, it is not because I say it, but because you can

read it in your Bibles.

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1) We not only encourage you to investigate what we believe the Bible teaches, but also to investigate other beliefs – to know what they teach and compare it with the Bible.

2) If it (the rapture) is true – we need to change.3) If it is false – we will be better equipped to help those in error by

comparing the Bible with their teaching.4) Our mission – Establish 1st century Christians in the 20th century.

I. STUDY OF THE WORD “RAPTURE”

A. When we investigate that particular word, I think it is important for us to understand what we are talking about.

1. harpazo NT:726, "to snatch or catch away," is said of the act of the Spirit of the Lord in regard to Philip in Acts 8:39; of Paul in being "caught" up to paradise, 2 Cor 12:2,4; of the rapture of the saints at the return of the Lord, 1 Thess 4:17; of the rapture of the man child in the vision of Rev 12:5. This verb conveys the idea of force suddenly exercised, as in Matt 11:12, "take (it) by force"; 12:29, "spoil" (some mss. have diarpazo here), in 13:19, RV, "snatcheth"; for forceful seizure, see also John 6:15; 10:12,28-29; Acts 23:10; in Jude 23, RV, "snatching." See PLUCK, PULL, SNATCH, TAKE (by force). (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)1) The term “rapture” is not found in the Bible but we find a word that

conveys the thought.2) Our English word “rapture” is derived from the Latin raptus, the root

meaning of which is to snatch or seize.3) Therefore, people have applied the term to events of 1 Thes 4:17,

because in that verse we find the expression, “shall be caught up”.

2. Bumper sticker: Warning – In case of rapture this car will be unmanned. A rear collision will likely result in your death, and a swift decent into eternal Hellfire.1) The rapture theory states that Christ will snatch the righteous from

the earth for 7 years. <> This period will be so terrible that Jesus will take all the saints

off the earth so that they will not have to suffer through the tribulation.

2) Meanwhile there will be a “great tribulation” here on earth, antichrist will be revealed and the battle of Armageddon will be fought.

3) After the 7 years Christ will return to earth to bind Satan and set up a 1000 year physical kingdom.

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4) After the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth Satan is released for a short time to tempt the souls of those born during the 1000 years.

5) After this period of testing, the wicked dead are raised to be judged.

II. THE RAPTURE IS THE HEART OF PREMILLENNIALISM (1 Thes 4:13-18)

A. This passage is a great text to refute their idea of a “rapture” of the saints only.

1. RAPTURE DOCTRINE: SECRET AND SILENT COMING OF JESUS1) No one driving a car going down the street, dogs on leashes without

their master, airplane passengers missing, etc.

1A. BIBLE DOCTRINE: CHRIST’S COMING WILL BE NOISY (AUDIBLE AND GLORIOUS)1) 1 Thes 4:16: “the Lord Himself…with a shout”2) “voice of the archangel”3) “the trumpet of God”

<> 1 Cor 15:51-52: “the last trumpet”<> See any rapture? See the “dead…raised.”<> 1 Thes 4:13-18 does not mention the dead outside of Christ

because this passage is intended to comfort to those alive in Christ (v 18).

<> Premillennialists have the last trumpet at the rapture!<> That means there are no trumpets for all the battles after the

rapture.<> The last trumpet should be after their 1000 year reign.<> Why would saints be changed to incorruptible and then come

back to inherit a corruptible earth for a 1000 years?

2. RAPTURE DOCTRINE: TWO COMINGS 1) The earth will be around for 1007 years after the rapture.2) They believe the rapture happens 7 years before the Second Coming

of Christ.

2A. BIBLE DOCTRINE: ONE COMING1) Heb 9:28: “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins

of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”

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<> The Scripture speaks of only one second coming (Bible does not mention the second coming in 2 phases.

2) 1 Thes 5:1: “Now as to the times and the epochs (seasons)”<> Obviously, refers to the events just mentioned in 4:13-18.<> times – Longer periods (such as a century, millennium.<> seasons – Shorter periods (perhaps a decade, year, week, day).

3) “you have no need of anything to be written to you”<> Why? Christ’s coming will be sudden and without warning.

4) 1 Thes 5:2: “the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.”<> The theory states that Christ will come again (3rd time) at the

end of the 7 years of tribulation – planned and expected.<> 2 Pet 3:3-18: “Know this first of all, that in the last days

mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’ 5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7 But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to

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the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.* The “last days” began on the day of Pentecost as Peter quotes

Joel 2:28-32 (Acts 2:16-17).

5) 1 Thes 5:3: “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.”<> Context; Paul taught that the righteous will be caught up in the

exact same day (v 4, 10) that destruction suddenly comes upon the wicked.

<> 2 Thes 1:7-10: “and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed — for our testimony to you was believed.”

3. RAPTURE DOCTRINE: TWO COMINGS AND THREE RESURRECTIONS1) THE END: At the end of the millennial reign, all the wicked dead

will be raised. They will be raised to be judged at the “Great White Throne.”

2) Premillenialists believe in 3 resurrections:<> The saints who are raised at the rapture.<> The saints converted during the tribulation but died.<> The wicked will be judged and then ALL will depart for their

respective places in eternity in either heaven or hell.3A. BIBLE DOCRINE: ONE COMING – THEREFORE – ONE

RESURRECTION1) Acts 24:15-16: “having a hope in God, which these men cherish

themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the

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righteous and the wicked. 16 "In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.”

2) John 5:28-29: “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” <> The “shout” of 1 Thes 4:16 is the voice of John 5:28.

3) John 6:39-40: “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

4. RAPTURE DOCTRINE: INVISIBLE COMING 1) The wicked will not see the Lord when He comes to rapture the

righteous.

4A. BIBLE DOCTRINE: VISIBLE COMING1) Acts 1:11: “They also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand

looking into the sky? This Jesus, who have been taken up from into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.’”<> The angels testified that His return will be on the clouds –

visible.

2) Rev 1:7: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.”<> Christ’s coming will be visible by all – “with the clouds.”<> Even the actual participants in the crucifixion of the son of God

will see Jesus come back on the clouds.<> No one needs to go to any special place in order to see the

Lord’s coming.

3) 1 John 3:2: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”<> All the righteous will not miss out on the glorious coming of

Jesus Christ – the dead in Christ will be raised first.

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4) 2 Tim 4:1: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom;”<> This passage not only shows a universal judgment of the living

and the dead together, but it also tells us WHEN such things will take place – “by His appearing.”

<> You will see it and hear it – will know what is happening (not have to wonder what is happening.

5) 1 Cor 15:23-26, 51-54: The last enemy is death!“But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has 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…51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immorality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’”<> There is another huge problem in trying to make the popular

idea of the rapture fit the teaching of Scripture. The advocates of the rapture have, all Christians being raised 7 years later, all the people who were converted and died during a period of great tribulation, including all the faithful in the Old Testament will be raised, and then 1000 years later, all the wicked will be raised.

<> The problem with this is that the Bible views death as being completely conquered when Christians are raised (John 6:39-40).

CONCLUSION

1. Don’t be deceived by all the talk of the rapture.

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1. Jesus is not going to snatch up Christians suddenly and mysteriously.1) Instead, at a time when no one knows, the world will suddenly end and all

will be ushered into judgment.2 Pet 3:10: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

2) Following false teaching will not help you then!3) There will be no second chances.

2. We urge you to study these things further (Acts 17:11).1. If you find the rapture to be out of step with New Testament teaching then

give it up and seek the way of the Lord as revealed only in the scriptures.

3. The second coming will come like a thief without giving a warning.1. Are you ready?

PremillennialismLESSON 4: DANIEL’S VISION OF SEVENTY WEEKS AND TRIBULATION

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INTRODUCTION

A. One of the most fertile fields premillennialists and dispensationalists find in the Bible for their theories is Daniel 9:24-27. 1. In order to fit everything into the dispensationalist calendar, the original temple

of Solomon is scheduled to be rebuilt by restored Israel. 1) The intensified interest in this topic is the result of unwarranted and

sometimes absurd speculations that have been spurred by the current events in the Persian Gulf.

2. “The Great Tribulation,” or “Tribulation” is the name that has been used by premillennialists to designate a 7 year period that is to come immediately before Christ sets up His millennial kingdom.1) It is supposed to be the last week of Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy.

3. Much of what they get is from Daniel chapter 9:24-27. Read it now. 1) Pre-Tribulation Rapture Affirmed by the Assemblies of God

denomination.“With the saints removed from the earth, a time of suffering will come upon the whole world. The Tribulation is a period of 7 years, the “70 week” of Daniel (Daniel 9:27). The last half of the Tribulation period is called the Great Tribulation. Pre-Tribulation scholars hold that the Rapture will occur before the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week…The common belief in the Assemblies of God is that pre-tribulation is more accurate. This view best satisfies the biblical teaching that the Rapture is always imminent—it could happen at any time and will have no immediate warning or announcement (Matthew 24:42-44; Mark 13:33-37).” (End-Times Events, www.ag.org)

2) Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth, page 46:“Daniel’s prediction also indicates that a prince would rise up from among the people who destroyed the second Temple (who were the Romans in A.D. 70) and that he ‘would make a firm covenant’ with the Jewish people. This treaty would guarantee the religious freedom to reinstitute the old ‘sacrifices and oblations’ of the Law of Moses…This ‘prince’ must be a revived form of the ancient Roman Empire.”

4. Please consider this section of prophecy and see if you can possibly extract such strained interpretations from it.1) DANIEL’S VISION OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS (Dan 9:24-27)

I. THE SETTING IS A VISIT TO DANIEL BY THE ANGEL GABRIEL

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A. Daniel had prayed and at the beginning of his prayer the angel Gabriel had been sent to Daniel.

1. He explains the vision of "Seventy Weeks" as a period of time in which several things must take place. Gabriel is speaking with Daniel in answer to Daniel's prayer. 1) First, notice that the vision dealt with Daniel's people (the Jewish

people in exile) and their city (Jerusalem). 2) The second thing to observe is the numeric value seventy. Seven is

used in the Bible as a symbol of perfection or completeness. The vision does not require a literal meaning of seventy weeks. The dispensationalists even symbolize the weeks, making them become years.

B. www.ag.org (Assemblies of God): “The Tribulation is a period of 7 years, the ‘70th week’ of Daniel (Daniel 9:27).”

1. Pure assumption – The verse doesn’t say 70th week = 7 years.1) Break Daniel’s “weeks” down into “days” and then make the “days”

symbolic for “years.”2) Problem: Does the covenant still need to be confirmed?3) 2 Tim 2:15: We must rightly divide the word!

2. Dan 9:24: “70 weeks” assumptions.1) 69 weeks x 7 days = 483 years.2) This is a POOR approach to the scriptures to say the least.3) Daniel never spoke of a GAP OF TIME.4) If the 69 weeks are consecutive, (1 week = 7 years for all the events

in the 70th week to take place), then why should the 70th be broken away from the others?

C. Observations of the “70 weeks”

1. 70 weeks is literally “seventy sevens”1) In prophetic language 70 has the meaning of perfection or

completeness and is in association with “7” and “10” (70 = 7 x 10).2) Matt 18:22: We are to forgive “seventy times seven.”3) Daniel’s vision does not require a literal number.4) The term itself does not designate the units of time involved such as

days, weeks or years.5) One has as much right to interpret the "sevens" as any given

quantity as to interpret it as a unit of years.

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6) The sevens are a total of seventy weeks or seventy "sevens." No matter what meaning one puts on it, the text is clear in representing it as a complete unit. That is what seven signifies, completeness.

2. Considering that these numbers cannot be taken literally and still fit into the chronology that Gabriel reveals, we must look for another alternative. 1) Even when commentators try multiplying the numbers by seven and

converting them into years, the chronology still does not fit.2) Therefore, our only alternative is to understand the numbers as

symbolically representing periods of time.

II. THE MESSIAH’S MISSION (Dan 9:24)

A. “to finish the transgression”

1. The transgression of Israel had long been the subject of God’s word to Israel.1) It was because of sin (rejecting God) that they were in captivity

(9:11).2) The final event of transgression refers to the crucifixion of Christ.

Matt 23:32-35: “Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers…so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.”

2. This phrase may mean or also include Jesus dealing with sin effectively by forgiving sin. 1) Jesus introduced a system that could provide effectively and

permanently a solution for people who desire forgiveness. 2) It suggests that Christ is capable of dealing with sin in all of its

hideous forms.3) Isa 53: We find the same truth stressed, “transgression” (8, 12),

“sin” (10, 12), and “iniquity” (5, 6, 11). Isaiah 53 is frequently quoted in the New Testament in the context of the Lord’s atoning work at the time of His first coming.

4) Since Daniel 9:24 obviously has an identical thrust, it too must focus upon the Savior’s work at the cross, and not upon Jesus’ second coming as Premillennialists allege.

B. “to make an end of sin”

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1. Heb 10:12-13: “but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, 13 waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.” 1) Jesus did not come the first time to eradicate sin from the earth, but

He did come to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.2) His blood sacrifice is the climax of God’s plan of redemption.

Heb 9:26: “Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”Eph 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”

C. “to make atonement (reconciliation) for iniquity”

1. By His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven where Jesus officiated as our high priest in offering His blood in the presence of God that we might be purified, and reconciled to God.1) Heb 2:17: “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all

things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

2) Rom 5:10: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

3) 2 Cor 5:17-19: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”

4) Col 1:21-23: “And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—”

2. These first three are not necessarily three separate things.1) “transgression…sin…iniquity” are used interchangeably in the OT.

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Ex 34:7: “who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin;”

2) If it’s meant to be taken together = ATONEMENT OF CHRIST’S BLOOD.

3) Whatever is meant is to be accomplished at the same time.

D. “to bring in everlasting righteousness”

1. The next 3 things are the results of the 3 previous things mentioned above (Christ’s atonement).1) The New Testament reveals that heaven’s plan for making men

righteous is revealed in the gospel (Rom 1:16).Heb 10:20: “by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil that is, His flesh,”

2) Righteousness refers to the state wherein man is as he ought to be and he is as he ought to be when his sins are forgiven and he walks in the law of the Lord.1 John 3:7: “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;”

3) The gospel which reveals God’s plan for making men righteous is everlasting.

E. “to seal up vision and prophecy”

1. This points to a time when revelation is completed.1) The Hebrew term “seal up” denotes that which is brought to a

conclusion or is finished.2) The NT emphasizes that the OT prophets pointed to Jesus Christ and

His life here on earth.Luke 24:44-46: “Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,’” Acts 3:24: “And likewise, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and his successors onward, also announced these days.”

1 Pet 1:10-12: “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ

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within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look.”

3) Therefore, Jesus fulfilled (completed and finished) the prophecies of the OT.Matt 5:17-18: “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

2. In addition, Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into “all the truth” (John 16:13).1) Thus, Jesus brought the fullness of God’s truth and ended the period

of visions and prophecy.Heb 1:1-2: “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”Heb 2:3-4: “how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Jude 3: “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”1 Cor 13:8-10: “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.”

F. “and to anoint the most holy place” (place is not in the Hebrew text).

1. The expression “most holy” may refer to a person, place or thing.

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1) Here it is probably an allusion to Christ and the anointing refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Him at His baptism.Matt 3:16: “After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him,”Acts 10:38: “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

2. The act of anointing belongs to the same time frame as the events previously mentioned, thus is associated with the first coming of Christ.1) The act of anointing in the OT was never associated with the

temple’s most holy place.2) In the OT the act of anointing was associated with the inauguration

and consecration to the offices of prophet (1 Ki 19:16), priest (Ex 28:41) and king (1 Sam 10:1).

3) The Lord functions in all three roles: prophet (Acts 3:20-23), priest (Heb 3:1) and king (Matt 21:5).

4) The Hebrew term “Messiah” in the OT and the Greek term “Christ” in the NT both mean “anointed.”

3. Some premillennialists argue that this statement refers to the rebuilding of the Jewish temple during the so-called millennium. 1) Yet Daniel 9 is not talking about the second coming of Christ, but

rather His first coming. 2) Others believe that the old physical temple would be rebuilt before

the Messiah comes.

III. SEVEN WEEKS AND SIXTY-TWO WEEKS=69 WEEKS (Dan 9:25)

A. “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem”

1. This is our starting point. 1) “Seven weeks” is the time between the decree to restore and rebuild

Jerusalem to the time of its completion and restoration. 2) Daniel prophesying in 539 BC. (9:1).

2. In 539-538 BC God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus.Ezra 1:1-4: “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORD stirred

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up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying: 2 "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3'Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4'Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.'"

1) 516 BC – The temple was finally completed (Ezra). 2) 444 BC – The city of Jerusalem was completed (Neh 6:15).

3) From 538 to 444 = 92 years.

B. “until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.”

1. “Sixty-two weeks” are defined as the time from the completion of the restoration of Jerusalem “until Messiah the Prince.”1) 7 and (+) 62 = 69 – Ends with His ministry, and not at the cross.

2) Therefore, from the time of the decree to rebuild (538 BC) until the Messiah is “sixty-nine weeks.”

3) The temple will be rebuilt during “times of distress (troublesome times).”

4) Ezra and Nehemiah gives us this history.

IV. ONE WEEK=70 TH WEEK (Dan 9:26-27)

A. 26: “Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing,”

1. Beginning of 70th week – Clearly a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus. 1) Isa 53:8: Prophesied that Christ would be cut off, where we read,

“By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?”

2) John 1:11: The Messiah was rejected by the Jews (why destruction came), therefore He had no people.

2. After the end of 69 weeks = Beginning of the 70th week.1) 27: Tells us “and he will make a firm covenant with the many for

one week.”

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2) Jesus Christ brought with Him the new covenant that took effect when He died on the cross.Heb 9:15-18: “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. 18 Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood.” Heb 10:16-18: “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, 17 “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” 18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.

B. “and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.”

1. Who are these people? History tells us it is the Romans (same as v 27b).1) The Romans are the ones who in 70 AD laid siege to Jerusalem,

destroying the city and the temple.

2. This is exactly what Jesus prophesied in Luke 21:20-22.“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. 21 Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; 22 because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. 1) The parallel passage to this same account is in Matt 24:15, "when

you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place."

2) Jesus reminded his readers that this is what Daniel had spoken of here in Daniel 9:26-27.

3) The abomination of desolation according to Jesus in Luke 21:20 and Daniel 9:26-27 are the people who would destroy Jerusalem, the Romans.

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4) This is the meaning of the end of v 27. Here we see "on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate."

3. The Romans made desolate the city of Jerusalem and the temple of God. 1) “and its end will come with a flood;” – Figurative language.

Nahum 1:8: Nineveh would be destroyed with an “overflowing flood.”

2) “even to the end there will be war”Wars began in 66 AD until the final war in 70 AD.

3) “desolations are determined”God determined that the city will be desolate.

4) It wasn’t just an accident – but by DIVINE DECREE.

C. 27: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”

1. Who is the "he" in this verse referring to? 1) It is either the Messiah in v 26 or the people of the prince in v 26. 2) Since the word is "he" and not "they" we must be talking about the

Messiah. 3) This covenant was made at the cross, but it was strengthened and

confirmed when God destroyed the illegal system of the Jews.

2. Events during the 70th week (1 week).1) Beginning of week – Jesus is crucified (covenant for 1 week).2) Middle of week – Destruction of Jerusalem.3) End of week – Destruction of the Roman Empire.

3. This interpretation harmonizes with the visions of Dan 2 & 7.1) The description fits the historical fact of Rome’s conquest and

destruction of Jerusalem – Sacrifice and offering ended.Luke 21:20: Jesus had warned His disciples, “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.”

2) The destruction of the Roman Empire ended Daniel’s vision of the 70 weeks.

CONCLUSION

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1. Daniel 9:24-27 has nothing to do with us today, nor with the state of Israel, the Persian Gulf War, or the end of time.1. It was written to explain to some extent the Lord’s working and to give the

righteous remnant of Israel comfort and hope (Rom 15:4).2. It has the Lord’s initial coming, His sacrifice for sin, His New Covenant, and

His subsequent destruction of the illegal and apostate Israelite system as central to its theme.

3. It is fulfilled. . .Is not speaking about anything futuristic including the rebirth of Israel or Rome.

4. This prophecy should make us appreciate the well-planned and historical working of God in unraveling His plan of pardon for our sins through the Christ.

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Daniel’s Vision of “70 Weeks”(9:24-27)

decree to restore Jer. (Ezra 1:1-4)

538 BCcompleted (Neh 6:15)444 BC Messiah

comes Troublesome times

Messiah cut off

Isa 53:8

people (Rome) of prince

destroy city & sanctuary

Lk 21:20-22Matt 24:15

end sacrifice middle of

week

70 AD

firm covenant (Heb 9:15-18; 10:16-18)

end of desolator(Rome)

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Premillennialists End-Time Timeline

Second Coming

(TESTED)

XX

Premillennialism 53

Lesson 5: THE GREAT TRIBULATION AND THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM IN 70 AD (Matt 24:1-35)

INTRODUCTION

A. This chapter is one of the most difficult chapters in all the Bible.1. Therefore, it suffers from many speculative interpretations.

1) This is the starting place for many false teachings about the final return of Christ.

2) It is used to promote theories about a “rapture”, a “great tribulation” and a 1000 year reign on earth.

3) No matter what time in history we have always had people that apply the prophecies to their generation.

2. What makes Matthew 24 difficult reading for so many is the use of apocalyptic language: a highly symbolic literature used to depict God’s judgment on the wicked or His deliverance of the righteous.1) It was a style of writing which was used by the Jews to communicate with

one another in time of trouble.2) It was sort of code language, known to the Jews (later Gentiles learned it to

interpret the book of Revelation (apocalyptic, means uncovering, or revealing), but was a mystery to their enemies.

3) One could write without fear of reprisal.

3. It is important that we understand this great discourse of our Lord.1) To some extent, it is difficult to understand, but it is not impossible.2) In fact, some things are surprisingly simple.3) We may not be able to perfectly understand every statement, but we can

come to understand its overall thrust.

B. Context: The Mounting Conflict (Matt 21-23).1. 21:1-11: (Sunday) – Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph.

1) 21:18-19: (Monday, on the way to the temple) Jesus curses a barren fig tree.2) 21:20: (Tuesday-on way to temple) – Apostles marveled at withered fig tree.3) 21-21-22: Application – Lack of fruit suggests what is in store for Jerusalem.4) Ch 22: Plots, traps, astonished, silence.

2. 23: END OF PATIENCE, JESUS WEEPS OVER JERUSALEM1) 23:1-12: Jesus charges His disciples not to be like scribes and Pharisees –

seeking glory of men – clothes, titles, prayers, honor.

3. 13-36: Woes against the scribes and Pharisees.

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1) 32: “Fill up then the measure of the guilt of your fathers”2) 35: “That upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on

earth”3) 36: “Truly I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation.”

3. 23-37-39: Lamentation over the coming destruction of Jerusalem.1) 37: “O Jerusalem…and you were unwilling2) 38: “Behold, your house is being (left) left to you desolate!”

<> No longer “My Father’s house.”3) 39: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”4) With those words, Jesus left the temple, having pronounced it not God’s

house, but was only a religious operation of tradition-bound Jews. <> “From now on” – There will be a change – Ministry ends, last speech.

I. DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND JERUSALEM PROPHESIED (Matt 24:1-2; Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6)

♦ HISTORICAL SETTING: TEMPLE BUILDINGS IN JERUSALEM

1: “And Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him.”

1. 24:1-2: Discussion upon leaving the temple.1) There is no speculation here – still in Jerusalem.2) They were not in New York City, London, or Moscow.3) Jesus leaves the temple for the last time.

2. With the words of 23:38 still ringing in their ears, the disciples call His attention to the temple complex, not as if He were a tourist who had never seen them before, [but] to be assured that Jesus did not mean this temple.1) For the temple to be totally destroyed was unthinkable.2) The whole structure was huge, solid and glistening.3) It was a symbol of Jewish religion and Herodian splendor.

3. The first temple was built by Solomon – burned in 586 BC (60x20x30 ft. high).1) The second temple – 536-516 BC was larger but inferior.2) The third temple was built by Herod – took 46 years.

2: “And He answered and said to them, ‘Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down.’”1. Jesus responds to the disciples’ praise by predicting not just the temple’s

DESOLATION, but its complete DESTRUCTION.1) This announcement must have shocked (staggered, floored) the apostles.

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2) This prophecy was literally fulfilled in 70 AD.3) The destruction of Jerusalem was so complete that the site looked like it had

never been inhabited.4) The entire city and the temple were demolished except 3 towers and part of

the western wall.

II. THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM AND TEMPLE QUESTIONED (Matt 24:3; Mark 13:4; Luke 21:7)

♦ INQUIRY: TWO QUESTIONS – WHEN AND WHAT SIGN

3: “And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’”1. Observe that the physical location changes – but not the subject matter.

1) “The Mount of Olives” was a few hundred meters from the temple area.2) From there, they had a full view of the city and the temple.3) Background of questions – shocked at Jesus’ statement.4) 2: This is a shocking statement to those who had been expecting a rebirth of

the Jewish nation!

“when”1. The apostles’ first question (A comparison of the three accounts).

1) Mark 13:4: “Tell us, when will these things be?”2) Luke 21:7: “Teacher, when therefore will these things be?”3) Matt 24:3: “Tell us, when will these things be?”

<> First question (or first part of question) is “When?”<> “These things” refer to the same things Jesus had just told the apostles

(1-2) – The destruction of the temple and Jerusalem.

2. The apostles’ second question.1) Mark 13:4: “…and what will be the sign when all these things are going to

be fulfilled (are all about to be accomplished?)”2) Luke 21:7: “…and what will be the sign when these things are about to

take place (come to pass)?”3) Matt 24:3: “and what will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the

age (world)?”

3. Second question is “What sign?”1) In Mark’s and Luke’s accounts, the second part of their question concerned

“the sign when these things” were about to be fulfilled.2) The disciples are pictured asking only two questions.3) Matthew is writing to Jews!

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4) Matthew uses the terms “coming” and “end of the age (world)” which form a single, compound question.

4. Literally, the phrase “end of the age” means, “the end or consummation of the age,” and can refer to the conclusion of any era (not necessarily the final one), the context, determines which one (age) is in view.1) Heb 9:26: “Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the

foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

2) Christ was offered at His first coming as the completion or consummation of God’s plan to redeem humanity.

3) The apostles’ second question: “What is to be the sign when you are coming to bring these things to pass, and to consummate the age?”

4) Context determines what “coming” and what “age” is being referenced.5) From Mark’s and Luke’s accounts no idea of final return of Christ and the

end of time would even enter our minds.

5. The disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ teaching concerning His DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION and ASCENSION.1) On the day of His resurrection.

John 20:9: “For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.”

2) 2 days after Matt 24 they didn’t understand Jesus’ teaching concerning the second coming.John 13:36: “Simon Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered, ‘Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.’”John 14:5-6: “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’”

III. SEVEN WARNINGS THAT PRECEDE THE SIGN (Matt 24:4-14)

1. The answer to the sign question falls into two parts.1) 4-14: Lists 7 things that would precede the sign.2) 15-41: Identifies the sign and tells how to react when it appears.

♦ 4-8: ANSWER: WARNS OF DECEPTIONS, CLAIMS OF SIGNS

(1)FALSE CHRIST’S (4-5)

4: “And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you.’”1. Christ warns them against false teachers.

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1) Note the personal pronoun: “you” – also (6, 9).2) He is warning the apostles not to be deceived.

5: “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ and will mislead many.’”1. He warns them against deception – invalid claims.

1) As tension between Rome and Judea intensified increased opportunities to promote false doctrine.

2) 44 AD – As the tension between Rome and Judea intensified in the mid-first century, a number of false teachers arose who claimed to be the Messiah and were successful in duping many (Acts 5:36-37; 21:38).

3) 52 AD – There was talk of Christ’s return had already taken place. The Thessalonians panicked on Paul, when they heard a rumor that the day of the Lord was at hand, and they had missed the “rapture.”

(2)WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS, NOT THE END (6-7)

6: “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not the end.

7: For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,”1. When Jesus made this statement, the Roman Empire was at peace, but it did

not last long.1) Note what Josephus wrote, the well-known Jewish historian of the first

century:“There were besides disorders and civil wars in every city…there was also a bitter contest between those that were fond of war, and those that were desirous of peace…so that the seditions arose everywhere…in the first place, all the people of every place betook themselves to rapine;” (Wars, 4:3:2)

2. “rumors of wars”1) Caligula ordered that his statue be placed in the temple in Jerusalem, and

when the Jews refused to allow this, war was barely averted (Antiquities, 18:8:1-9).

2) 46-48 AD – “Vitellius, the governor of Syria, declared war against Aretas, the king of Arabia, but he returned home when he learned of the death of Tiberius.” (The War Of The Jews, 18:5:3).

3) Bardenes, and after him Volageses, declared war against the Jews, but it was not executed (Wars, IV, 9:2)

(3)FAMINES AND EARTHQUAKES, BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS (8)

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“and in various places there will be famines (and pestilences”, KJV)

1. Pestilences (plagues) are usual attendants of famines and natural disasters.1) “…houses were overturned by repeated shocks of earthquake…the famine

which resulted were construed as a supernatural warning.” (Tacticus, The Annals, 12:43)

2) Four famines are recorded as taking place during the reign of Claudius (41-54 AD). Famine prevailed in Rome, Palestine, and Greece (Barnes).* Acts 11:27: Mentions a great famine during this time (44 AD).

3) “More than 30,000 died of pestilence in ancient Babylon and in parts of Judea and in Rome before 70 AD” (Paher, 84).

2. “and earthquakes”1) “…previous to 70 AD there were earthquakes in Crete, Smyrna, Miletus,

Chios, Samos, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Colosse, Campania, Rome, and Judea…the city of Pompeii was much damaged by an earthquake occurring on February 5, 63 AD.” (J. Marchellus Kik, An Eschatology of Victory, p. 93)

3. “But that is not yet the end” (6)1) The disciples were told not to be troubled by these signs, for wars, famines,

earthquakes did not indicate the end.2) 4: Jesus begins to warn His disciples that teachers will try to deceive them

into thinking something terrible is imminent when it is really not.<> How would they deceive? They would claim to be Christ, and they would

say, “Look here, a war! Look over there, a famine! You’ll never believe what I’ve heard! An earthquake!”

<> What does Jesus tell them to do with such news? Nothing at all (6).

8: “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”1. Just as a woman may experience false labor and just as genuine contractions

still leave her uncertain about the exact time of delivery, so too the events of vs. 4-8.

♦ 9-35: WHO WOULD SEE THESE THINGS?

(4)PERSECUTION, MARTYRDOM, HATRED (9)

9: “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name.”1. Acts 4-12: – James and John were put in prison and beaten; all the apostles

imprisoned, threatened and beaten; Stephen is stoned; great persecution starts; Christians are dispersed; James is beheaded (Acts 12).

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1) All but one apostle was killed before the destruction of Jerusalem.

(5)APOSTASY, BETRAYAL, HATRED, FALSE TEACHERS (10-11)

10: “And at that time many will fall away and will deliver (betray) up one another and hate one another.”1. Tacitus in speaking of the persecution of Christianity by Nero in 64 AD says,

“At first those who confessed were seized, afterwards, upon their information, a great multitude” (Broadus, 484).

11: “And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many.”1. False prophets would not be quite as brazen as those who falsely claim to be

Christ himself, but their deeds would prove equally misguided and worthy of condemnation, as they falsely claim to speak for Christ and His gospel.1) Josephus in his history of the destruction of Jerusalem (Flavius Josephus,

Complete Works, VI, 5, 2, p. 582) gave this account:“Now, there were then a great number of false prophets suborned by the tyrants to impose upon the people, who denounced this to them, that they should wait for deliverance from God; and this was in order to keep them from deserting, and that they might be buoyed up above fear and care by such hopes.”

2) The Galatians (Gal 1:6-9).3) Hymenaeus and Alexander – Shipwrecked faith, blasphemed

(1 Tim 1:18-20).4) “All who are in Asia” including Phygelus and Hermogenes turned away

from Paul (2 Tim 1:15).5) Hymenaeus and Philetus – said the resurrection has already taken place (2

Tim 2:16-18).6) Demas – Loved this present world when he deserted Paul (2 Tim 4:10).

(6) INCREASED LAWLESSNESS (12)

12: “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”1. Pressure from without and within would result in many disciples wavering in

their love for God and neighbor.13: “But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.”

1. It is estimated that over a 1,100,000 Jews lost their lives in the siege of Jerusalem, but not one of them was a Christian (Luke 21:18).1) “End” refers to the end of a trial.

2. A chief ingredient of faith is endurance.1) Christ expects His people to live without breakdown, resisting the temptation

to compromise their faith under adverse conditions (Jas 1:2-4).

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(7)GOSPEL PREACHED IN WHOLE WORLD; END (14)

14: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.”1. Before judgment came upon Jerusalem the gospel would be preached

throughout the world.1) Despite chaotic conditions, persecution, hatred and apostasy, it would go

forth “for a witness” to man’s condition and God’s grace (Acts 8:4).2) When this happened the stage was set for the end.

2. Was the gospel preached to the whole world? Let the Bible speak for itself!1) Col 1:5-6: “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you

previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;”

2) Col 1:23: “if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”

3) The fact that Colossians was written in 62 AD (8 years before Jerusalem was destroyed) is proof that 70 AD was the total fulfillment of the passage!

Who would see these things?1. 9: Jesus said to His disciples – “they will deliver you to tribulation.”

1) “and will kill you.”2) “and you will be hated by all nations.”3) 15: “When you see…”4) 16: “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains;”

IV. THE SIGN OF HIS COMING (Matt 24:15)

15: “Therefore when YOU see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),”1. In the OT, “abomination” (bdelugma, a detestable thing, something morally

disgusting.1) The word was often associated with idolatry (Deut 29;16-17; 1 Ki 11:5, 7;

21:26; 2 Ki 16:3; 23:13; Jer 4:1; 7:30; 13:27; 32:34; Ezek 5:11; 8:9-10, 15-17).

2. “Desolation” (eremosi) means to lay waste, despoil, devastated, ravaged, appalled, astonished.

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1) It describes the abomination’s effect.2) This verb is found in both biblical and modern Hebrew.3) It occurs approximately 90 times in the text of the Hebrew OT.

3. This phraseology appears in Daniel 9:27: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”1) Luke 21:20: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then

recognize (know) that her desolation is at hand.”2) “Surrounded” is in the present tense – “being surrounded,” or in the

process of starting to be surrounded.3) This expression should never have been a mystery, for the Bible gives us a

very clear interpretation.4) Here is the SIGN! 5) This sign had to be clear and obvious, for the lives of Christians were at

stake.

4. “Let the reader understand”: Reinforces the life-or-death importance of recognizing the sign.1) Christ is calling on the original readers of Matthew’s Gospel (note His

assumption that His words would be written down) to recognize the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy.

5. When an idolatrous, destructive force is seen approaching Jerusalem, the end would be “at hand.”1) All the evidence, sacred and secular, points to the devastation visited on

Judea by the Romans during “The Great Revolt” of 66-70 AD as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

2) The Roman armies are called the “abomination of desolation” because being heathen (pagan) armies, they were an abomination to the Jews, and because they brought desolation on the country.

3) There is absolutely no reason to view the abomination of desolation as some future event, when it was clearly fulfilled in 70 AD!

4) This may not make for exciting TV programming where we misapply current events like the Gulf War, to Bible prophecy, but it is the truth!

♦ 16-20: TIME TO FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS

16: “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains;”1. Don’t go back home – (Jews went to the Passover Feast).

1) Jesus was talking to people in a particular location – “Judea.”

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2) Once the siege began it was too late to flee.

2. Luke 21:21: “Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter the city.”1) This is a judgment that one would be able to flee (escape).2) Nobody will be fleeing to the mountains on the day of judgment.

3. Does this sound as though the time that Christ will be coming?1) Is the Second Coming limited to Judea?2) Why would Jesus tell His disciples to flee from His coming? (Rapture?)3) Are Christians to flee from Jesus when He comes again (1 John 3:2-3).4) Would Christians be able to flee in light of the fact that we will all meet Him

in the air (1 Thes 4:15-17)?5) Obviously, these verses are describing a physical judgment upon the city of

Jerusalem, a judgment which would only be LIMITED to a certain geographical region.

6) These verse clearly imply that LIFE ON THIS EARTH WILL GO ON after this judgment had been fulfilled!

7) It is IMPOSSIBLE to make this prophecy relative to anything this side of the fall of Jerusalem.

17: “let him who is on the housetop not go down to get the things out that are in his house;”1. Most Jewish homes had stairs which led from the flat housetop (which was used

for additional living space), down to the street level.1) One could literally cross the city on housetops.2) This verse doesn’t have any relevance in our culture and would be

meaningless if this context were talking about the Second Coming.3) What difference does it make if I am on the housetop or not when Jesus

comes again?

2. The situation demanded urgency.1) When a Christian in Jerusalem learns of the approaching armies, he is to

leave immediately without packing. Don’t go back to pack.2) Going back could cost valuable time and result in taking some personal

belongings that could hamper escape (Gen 19:17; Luke 17:32).18: “and let him who is in the field not turn back to get his cloak.”

1. If one is working in the field when the armies appear he is not to return home, but should make a speedy getaway with just the clothes on his back.1) All consideration for comfort must be abandoned.2) But who would want to get their belongings or an overcoat, if this is talking

about the Second Coming?

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19: “But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babes in those days!”1. “Woe” here means “Alas!”

1) Especially to be pitied among the refugees would be pregnant women and mothers with small children.

2) What would be a disadvantage of being pregnant when Jesus comes again?

20: “But pray that your flight may not be in the winter,”1. The winter is the rainy season, a time when a river bed that is dry most of the

year can become a raging river making it difficult to cross.1) There is no food in the wayside fields or on fruit trees.2) Less daylight due to the shorter winter days.3) Perhaps snow in the higher elevations.

“or on a Sabbath;” – A HOLY DAY (winter – Holy season)1. A literal shut down of the city (Jer 17:21-22).

1) The gates of the city were locked (Neh 13:15-22).2) They would not receive any assistance from the Jews who were observing

the Sabbath.3) Danger from Jewish Zealots because the Sabbath was being violated by

those who fled the city.* 12:1-7: Orthodox Jews tried to enforce their Sabbath traditions

4) A hesitancy among Jewish Christians to flee the city on the Sabbath, because of their respect for the Jewish law that restricted travel on that day (Ex 16:29; Acts 1:12).

2. The reference to the Sabbath Day proves that the “time” when these verses would be fulfilled would be when many would still be keeping the Sabbath Day, to such an extent that it would severely hinder travel on that day.1) THIS WOULD ONLY HINDER FLIGHT IN PALESTINE!

3. Prayer could make an objective difference in escaping under difficult conditions (6:8).1) Jesus had the safety of His disciples in mind!

♦ 21-28: A GREAT TRIBULATION

21: “for there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall.”1. Some premillennialists claim that this “great tribulation” is a period of 3 ½

years directly prior to the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 16).

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1) Tribulation upon whom? Land, Jerusalem, Jews – not the entire world.2) This verse admits that there will be other tribulations afterwards.

2. Josephus witnessed: 1) There were about 2,700,000 in the city.2) 1,100,000 dead.3) 97,000 were taken captive. 4) Blood running ankle deep in the gutters.5) Parents who ate their own children.<> Reliable witnesses told the story of a woman who slew her son, then roasted

and used him for food. <> Deut 28:53: Foretold by Moses when he wrote about the curses that would

come upon Israel because of disobedience.6) Food taken from the mouths of the dead.

3. Many who escaped or surrendered swallowed gold coins in an effort to get away.1) When the Romans caught one deserter with gold he swallowed to smuggle

out of the city, multitudes were murdered and their intestines opened in search of the money.

2) Josephus says that in one night the Romans killed 2000 Jews and ripped open their stomachs.

3) Tomb-robbing was rampant.

4. 151,880 corpses were brought out one gate of the city.1) Another reported 600,000.2) Inside the city, some rooms were stacked with bodies like racks of timber.3) Starvation became so severe, some began to search the dunghills for

anything edible – for bits of undigested grain.4) The stench became overwhelming.

5. There can be only one and it cannot be anything past 70 AD.1) How can there be any room for a double fulfillment here?

22: “And unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short.”1. The siege lasted about 7 months, and the words of Jesus were indeed fulfilled

during that generation.1) If the siege of Jerusalem had lasted for years, the war with Rome would have

spread throughout Palestine and even Christians would have suffered many deaths.

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2) Even the horrors of war are under the providential control of God.

23: “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him.”1. It cannot be denied (when the context is respected) that this is what Jesus said to

His disciples, about these events that would involve the destruction of the temple buildings in Jerusalem.1) “If anyone says to you”: Jesus is talking to His men, about what would be

said to them.

24: “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible even the elect.”1. Times of crisis are always viewed as opportunities by would-be messiahs

promising to meet the need of the hour.1) Christians were not to be swayed by these pretenders even when they work

“great signs and wonders” (2 Thes 2:9).2) Signs and wonders do not automatically prove a person is of God for they

can be faked (Acts 8:9-11).

25: “Behold, I have told you in advance.” – Jesus told WHO?1. There is no indication in the context at all, that Jesus is talking about things we

will experience in our time shortly before a rapture, or 1,000 year reign or the end of the world.

26: “If therefore they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go forth, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.”1. Josephus wrote that during the siege one false prophet persuaded 6000 people to

enter the temple to see signs of deliverance, and all of them perished.

27: “For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.”1. Christ’s coming in judgment on Israel would not be done in secret.

1) It would be as unmistakable and obvious as a bolt of lightning (Isa 30:30-31; Zech 9:14).

28: “Wherever the corpse (carcase) is, there the vultures (eagles) will gather.”1. “Corpse” – dead body – the nation of Israel was dead.

1) As dead bodies attracts carrion birds, so would Jerusalem attract those who would devour it.

2) Through the instrumentality of the Roman army, Christ’s judgment on Jerusalem would be compared to a bird of prey falling on a corpse.

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♦ 29-31: APOCALYPTIC LANGUAGE DESCRIBING DESTRUCTION

29: “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”1. The word “immediately” connects these verses with the previous physical and

local judgment.1) Soon after the preceding events.2) We cannot add 2000 plus years between verse 28 and 29.

2. 29-31: The language is apocalyptic.1) Celestial phenomena were often used by the prophets to describe God’s

historical judgments on cities and nations. 2) This language is described by one as “de-creation”; just as the redemptive

work of God is spoken of in terms of creation (2 Cor 4:6; 5:17; Eph 2:10; 4:24; Col 3:10), so His judgments are described in terms of cataclysmic de-creation.

3. This terminology and references to the heavens and skies have been used in several other places in the OT to describe the destruction of empires and kingdoms.1) Judgment on Babylon (Isa 13:10, 13, 19-20) – FULFILLED! 2) Judgment on Edom (Idumea) (Isa 34:4-6) – FULFILLED! No longer exists.3) Judgment on Israel (Samaria) (Amos 8:9) – FULFILLED!4) Judgment on Egypt (Ezek 32:7-10) – FULFILLED! 5) Judgment on Nineveh (Nah 1:1-8) – FULFILLED!6) Judgment on Judah (Jer 4:1-6, 23-28) – FULFILLED by the Babylonians!7) Judgment on the nations (Joel 3:15-16).8) Judgment pronounced against Israel (Acts 2:16-21) Beginning of

FULFILLMENT!<> When Jesus spoke these words, the Jews had only heard them used in

reference to a national judgment.<> They never heard these words used to refer to the end of time.

4. This is descriptive language of the passing away of Judaism.1) God has removed His protection from Jewish nation.2) Thus, the Jewish nation is removed from the heavens.3) The “sun” of Judaism is “darkened.”4) The “moon” no longer reflects the “light” of God.5) The bright “stars” no longer shine (Heb.11).6) ALL JEWISH LEADERSHIP CAST DOWN!

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30: “and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky (heaven), and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.”1. Notice what the text does not say.

1) It does not say, “Then you will see Son of Man in heaven,” or “A sign in heaven.”

2. The phrase “in the sky (heaven)” defines the LOCALITY of the “Son of Man,” not the locality of the sign.1) The judgment upon Jerusalem was the sign (proof) of the fact that the Son of

Man was reigning as King in heaven.2) The destruction of Jerusalem was the fulfillment of His prediction (Deut

18:20-22; Mic 3:12; Matt 24:1-2).

3. “all the tribes of the earth will mourn”1) Like, “no life (flesh)” (22), is limited by the context and implies the Jewish

tribes.

4. Clouds are often associated with God’s presence.1) Lev 16:2: “…I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.”2) Num 11:25: “Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him…”3) Ps 104.3: “…He makes the clouds His chariot…”

<> No visible appearance. Judgment and power.<> A cloud can’t be stopped or manipulated.<> This phrase does not demand a visible appearance.

5. Every Jew would apply this phrase to a national doom of some kind.* They just didn’t believe it would happen.1) Judgment on Egypt (Isa 19:1-10).

“Behold, Jehovah rides on a swift cloud” – BABYLON.2) Judgment on the earth (Isa 26:20-21).3) Judgment on Israel and Judah (Mic 1:2-7).4) Judgment on Judah (Joel 2:1-2; Zeph 1:14-16). 5) Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem in 586 BC (Jer 4:11-13; Ezek 34:12-13).

<> Clouds – Babylonian captivity.<> The Jews never heard this language used to refer to the end of time.

6. “power and great glory”1) Indicates the majestic appearance of a king.2) In this context the king’s coming is greeted with mourning.

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31: “And He shall send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky (heavens) to the other.”1. The ELECT WILL BE VINDICATED!

1) Admittedly, this language suggests the Second Coming.2) But would we automatically think of the Second Coming if “angels” was

translated “messengers”?

2. The Greek word angelos basically means a messenger.1) It does not always refer to heavenly messengers.2) Its meaning must be determined by the context.

3. Human messengers:1) John The Baptist (Matt 11:10, 19).2) John’s messengers (Luke 7:24).3) Jesus’ messengers (Luke 9:52).

4. Trumpets were always instruments of warning or deliverance.1) Christ sent messengers (apostles, preachers, others) whose work would have

the effect of a “trumpet” blast, calling men to salvation throughout the entire world (14).

5. “Four winds” is best understood in Luke 13:29 – east, west, north, south.1) Represents the entire world (Jer 49:36; Rev 7:1).2) Suggests universality (Deut 30:4; Ps. 22:27; Isa. 11:11-12; 27:12-13;

45:22; 56:8; Ezek 37:9; Zech 2:6).3) This is a universal warning and deliverance (separate believers- His “elect.”

6. “Elect” (eklektos, chosen) stands for God people (24; 22:14).1) The gathering of scattered people was a part of the OT language of blessing

(Deut 30:3-4; Isa 43:5-6; Jer 32:37; Ezek 34:13; 36:24).2) Christ’s work was not primarily destructive (even though the wicked must be

judged), but redemptive (John 3:17; Rom 11:11ff).3) Luke 21:28: “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and

lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

7. Judaism was one of the greatest hindrances to the spread of Christianity.1) But the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD forever removed the shackles of

Judaism.

♦ 32-33: THE FIG TREE TEACHES ONE TO BE AWARE (warning and sign)

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32: “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;”1. Having answered the WHAT question, Jesus now answers the WHEN question

(3).1) The fig tree is also a promise of better things.2) All the distressing events predicted by Christ, instead of discouraging the

disciples, should encourage them, for by them they would know it was the beginning.

33: “even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.”1. Just as new leaves on fig trees indicate the coming of summer, so “all these

things”—those mentioned from v.15ff—would indicate the destruction of the temple, and all that it stood for, was near.1) Christians are commanded to recognize the imminence of judgment from the

information Jesus provided – “recognize that He is near, right at your door.”

2) The expression “all these things” links the whole context to a single event.3) The statement “He is near” tells us that this section is obviously not talking

about the Second Coming.

2. How unnecessary this verse becomes if the Lord is discussing His Second Coming in a literal, visible manner.1) Suppose all the events in verses 29-31 will literally happen, and this is the

return of Christ, Jesus would be saying – “When you see the stars falling out of the sky, the sun extinguished, the universe collapsing, and Jesus Himself riding on the clouds with angels sweeping Christians off the earth, then you will know the Second Coming is near.”

2) If this was the Second Coming, Jesus wouldn’t be “near”, rather He would be here!

3) Can you imagine Jesus warning His disciples that when they saw Him coming in the clouds then they would know that His Second Coming was at the doors.

4) If the events in verses 29-31 were literally fulfilled, then His Second Coming would already be accomplished and the parable of the fig tree is of no value.

♦ 34-35: IDENTIFIES THE TIME WHEN ALL THE PRECEDING WOULD BE FULFILLED

34: “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”1. “All these things” to this point will happen in this generation.

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1) To understand that this does not mean the church age, see 1:1-17.2) Generations in v.17 shows that this is in the life span of the living in that

generation to the next.3) Whatever Jesus said in verses 29-31, He FULFILLED IN THE

GENERATION HE SPOKE TO.

2. “Generation” in the Bible doesn’t mean nation, race, or mankind, as some suppose, but ALWAYS means a group of people who live at the same time period. (Ex: “last generation”; “Next generation”; “each generation”).1) “The sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those

living at a given time, generation, contemporaries” (Arndt p.154).2) Matthew used the word in other passages:

1:17: “Therefore all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations.” 11:16: “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children.”12:41: “The men of Nineveh shall stand up with this generation at the judgment, and shall condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.”12:42: “The Queen of the South shall rise up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”

35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.”1. This language is idiomatic—it means Christ’s word is eternal.

Matt 5:18: “For I truly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.”1) The predictions of the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple came from an

infallible spokesman.

36ff: I believe it continues the thought of the destruction of Jerusalem.1. If disagree, it doesn’t change the first part of the chapter.

PremillennialismLesson 6: THE ANTICHRIST

INTRODUCTION

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A. The supposed revealing of the “antichrist” is a prominent theme in many speculative theories about Jesus’ return.1. Supposedly, the Bible teaches that the antichrist is a world leader that will

shortly take a major role in world affairs.1) The term is commonly used today by many to refer to one individual who

is supposed to appear in the “end times”.2) In the past, many different world leaders have had the honor of being

accused of being the “antichrist” including Mohammed, Hitler, Charles Manson, the Pope, Gorbachev (dragon on his head-mark of the beast), Sadam Hussin, a demon-possessed super-human that was genetically engineered clone, about every US president and any “evil” world leader.

2. 1999 – Jerry Falwell : “The Antichrist is probably alive today and is a male Jew.”1) He also said that he believes the second coming of Christ “probably will

be within 10 years.” (Williamsburg, VA, Associated Press, Jan 15, 1999; Falwell: Antichrist May Be Alive)

3. Larry W. Wilson says: “The coming Antichrist will not be a mere mortal. The coming Antichrist will not be born to a woman. The coming Antichrist cannot be killed by men. The coming Antichrist will have supernatural powers that far exceed anything men can do. The coming Antichrist will be evil and destructive beyond comprehension. The coming Antichrist will be dazzling and commanding in appearance, but deadly in his manipulation. The coming Antichrist will be a stern-faced king, that is, he will not show mercy unless temporal mercy facilitates his evil schemes. Billions of powerful demons serve him. The coming Antichrist is the ancient foe of Christ. In fact, Lucifer is the most powerful and greatest angel that God ever created. He was the first being to become anti-Christ. The Bible predicts that God will allow Lucifer and his angels to appear in physical form visible to the human race. Just as Jesus became a man to save the world, Lucifer will be granted authority to masquerade as God so that he can quickly lead the wicked to their destruction. Lucifer will mimic Christ’s return and appear with clouds of angels” (http://www.wake-up.org/Daniel/DanChap4.htm).1) The doctrine of the antichrist displays several errors which are easily seen

by the eye of a true student of the Scriptures.1 Thess 5:1-2: There will be no sign when Jesus comes again.

I. THE GREEK WORD “ANTIKRISTOS” IS SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND

A. It is a simple compound word and means “anti” + “Christ” = “antichrist”.

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1. The word “anti” is used to describe those who are “anti-gay”, “anti-abortion” , “anti-Semitic” or “anti-hunting”.1) There is really no mystery as to what the word means.2) “Anti-Christ” is anyone who opposes Christ.3) Matt 12:30: “He who is not with Me is against Me;”

2. “Antichrist” is not to be confused with “false Christ” (pseudochristos) (Matt 24:24).1) A pseudochrist is one who is pretending to be a substitute Christ,

that is a false Messiah, as David Koresh did a few years ago in Waco, Texas.

2) This lesson is concerned with the “antichrist” rather than the pseudochrist.

3) Antichrist focuses on the idea of opposition to Christ through doctrines and men who oppose the truth by making evil appear righteous.

B. The word “antichrist” appears only five times in the entire Bible.

1. It is confined to 4 verses in 2 short letters by the same man, writing at the end of the first century – Epistles of John – (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7).1) False Christs relied upon the existence of Christ, whereas,

antichrists denied the existence of Christ.2) Simply put, the antichrists of John’s day were “anti” Christ.3) They were false teachers who opposed everything that Jesus was and

represented.

2. Some try to connect “the Antichrist” with “the man of sin” (2 Thess 2:3) and the beast (Rev 13), being the same person but the Bible makes no such connection.1) The “man of sin” in 2 Thess 2:3 is not mentioned in connection with

the “beast” of Rev 13 or the “antichrist” in the Epistles of John.2) Likewise, the “antichrist” is not mentioned in 2 Thess or Ep. of

John3) These passages are speaking about entirely different issues and are

most certainly not talking about something of our generation.

II. ANTICHRISTS REFERRED TO BY THE APOSTLE JOHN

A. “Antichrists” is used in the plural (1 John 2:18; 2 John 7).

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1. “Antichrists” in the plural is a concept unknown to many today.1) “as you heard that antichrist is coming” (1 John 2:18, NASU)

<> KJV; ASV; ESV – also translated “that antichrist”<> These versions do not create a proper noun out of the word

antichrist.2) “heard that the Antichrist is coming” (NKJV)

<> Least preferred because its rendering lends to the notion that there will be a single Antichrist.

2. Notice the plural and singular aspects of this teaching.1) First, there was to come in the last hour “antichrist”, singular.2) Secondly, there are now in John’s day many anti (opposed to)

Christs.

B. “Antichrists” were then present (1 John 2:18; 4:3; 2 John 7).

1. There were many “antichrists” in the world when John wrote the book.1) This signifies that they are (and we) are in the “last hour.”2) John will reveal who they were (and are) later.

2. There is not just one mighty, powerful person who is claiming that he is opposing Christ.1) Instead, there are many who are secretly, deceptively working in

opposition to the Son of God and His people.

C. These “many antichrists” had apparently been within the church, or at least among the disciples.

1. “They went out from us, but they were not of us” (1 John 2:19).1) Their error was “revealed” or “made manifest.”

D. “Antichrists” deny “that Jesus is the Christ” (1 John 2:22).

1. John is not teaching that a liar is a person who denies that Jesus is the Christ. If that was the case, we would have to conclude that every person who tells a lie is denying that Jesus is the Christ.1) Within the context of this chapter, John is saying that the person who

denies that Jesus is the Christ is a liar. 2) This fact is clearly seen when we keep in mind that “many

antichrists . . . went out from us, but they were not of us.”3) The person who has heard the truth of Jesus and denies Jesus is a

liar.

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             2. 22b: “This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.”                      1) Who is antichrist? One is antichrist if he denies the Father and the

Son.                       2) 23: John goes on to say that whoever denies the Son does not have

the Father.

3. In John’s day – many Gnostics alleged that Jesus and Christ were 2 different persons.1) That Christ merely appeared to have flesh, but in reality did not.2) Or that the Christ descended upon Jesus at His baptism and departed

at the time of His suffering.3) It is this denial that Jesus Christ came in the flesh that John identifies

as “the spirit of the antichrist” (1 John 4:3).

4. John does not describe an “Antichrist” as some diabolical character who will make his appearance near the end of time.1) John affirms that there were “many antichrists” in the first century.

E. “Antichrists” try to deceive you (1 John 2:26; 2 John 7).

1. John warned the brethren of antichrist or of those who would deny that Jesus is the Christ.

                      1) The antichrists would try to deceive the faithful Christians. 

F. Test to identify “antichrists” (1 John 4:1-6; 2 John 7-11).

       1. John continues his admonition of warning the saints against those who would deceive them.1) 1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, to see

whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

                     2) The brethren were to “test the spirits” to see whether or not they were of God. The reason for their caution: “because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

                  2. 2: “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that

Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,”                      1) John presents a way for the brethren to determine who was from

God.                        2) The test would help protect the brethren from those who would

attempt to deceive them (Gnostics).

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3)     3: “and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is that spirit of antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world.”

                        3. “Antichrists” refuse to follow apostolic authority 1 John 2:19; 4:6).

6: “We are of God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

                      1) The “spirit of truth” will teach that Jesus is the Christ has come in the flesh and he will receive the truth of God’s word.

                      2) The “spirit of error” will deny that Jesus has come in the flesh and he will not receive the truth of God’s word.

3) John describes “the spirit of the antichrist” (4:3) as those who do not hear the apostles.

G. “Antichrists” are anyone who opposes Christ (2 John 7-11).

1. John's usage of the term “antichrist: is a general term which suggests a disposition of unbelief and rebellion toward God. In this vein, there are several ideas in the world, both past and present, which are “antichrist.” 1) Atheism is Antichrist in its denial of the Father (1 John 2:22). 2) Anyone who denies that the Son became flesh and dwelt among men

is “antichrist” (1 John 4:2-3).

<> This “man of sin” is described in 1 Tim 4:1-4 and 2 Thess 2:1-12). This apostasy was fulfilled and will be destroyed when Jesus comes again. Popes come and go (die but the authority of the office continues until the very end of time.

6) Finally, any person who rejects the authority of God's Son is anti- (against) Christ.

CONCLUSION

1. While the Bible contains warnings about “false teachers” and “false prophets,” John is the only writer to use the word “antichrist.” 1. John was not warning the brethren about some future individual who would be

a great threat to the church.

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1) John was warning the brethren about those who refused to confess that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh.

2) These “antichrists” would attempt to deceive the brethren, thereby drawing some of the faithful away from the Lord.

2. John also warned that “antichrists” also reject the authority of the apostles by the manner in which they disregard the Scriptures.1) The solution remains the same for us (1 John 2:19, 24; 4:1, 6; 2 John 9).

2. “Antichrists” are a very real problem for us today.1. We are also living in “the last hour” – Christ may come in judgment at any

time! Are you ready?1) Antichrists are in the world today, troubling the progress of the church

through deception.2 Cor 11:13-15: “for such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”

PremillennialismLesson 7: THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

INTRODUCTION

A. The current tensions in the Middle East and present concern over Islamic terrorism have sparked renewed interest in biblical prophecy.

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1. Back in the April 6th, 2003 edition of the Washington Times reported that “the bloody conflict in the Middle East is again turning some evangelicals to the Bible for texts that speak of a final cosmic battle in those ancient lands.” 1) This final cosmic battle is known as Armageddon. 2) This prophetic image has captured the imagination of speculators for

centuries.

B. When you hear the word, “Armageddon” what comes to your mind?1. Do you think of a “place” or do you imagine a literal “battle”?

1) Does the word bring fear to your heart, or do you embrace the term with hopeful anticipation?

2. This brief examination of the subject from the perspective of the Bible should create in our heart the right reaction when we hear the term used.

I. “ARMAGEDDON IS FOUND ONLY ONCE IN THE BIBLE

A. This may surprise many for one would think the term occurs many timesconsidering how much the term comes up in religious discussion.

Rev 16:16: “And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon.”

1. John informs us that “Armageddon” is a place. 1) Since in the Hebrew it is a combination of “Har” – mountain

“Ar” – The hill or city of Megiddo.2) “Magedon”, scholars believe John is referring to “Megiddo” which

indeed in history has been a strategic stronghold in Israel.3) “Megiddo” appears several times in the Old Testament.4) “Megiddo” means to “cut off”, hence “to slaughter”.5) Ancients would think of decisive battles.

2. The mountain of Megiddo is situated in the Carmel mountain range about 25 miles southwest of the Sea of Galilee and about 20 miles southeast of Mt. Carmel.1) This valley runs south and east of Mt. Carmel in the extreme western

coastal lands of Palestine.2) Today, it is the site of the modern city of Haifa on the Mediterranean

Sea.3) Mt. Megiddo is on the south edge of the “Valley of Jezreel,” also

called the “Plain of Esdraelon.”4) This valley or plain is about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide. Mt.

Megiddo overlooks the ONLY PASS through this mountain range.

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5) This pass controls the flow of traffic, both commercial and military between Egypt and Asia and Mesopotamia.

II. ARMAGEDDON IS A PLACE TO GATHER FOR WAR

A. Rev 16:14: John writes that the kings of the whole world are gathered here “for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.”

1. Megiddo, because of its strategic position on a pass through and overlooking the Jezreel Valley, was a location where important history-changing battles were fought. 1) It has been the site of more decisive battles than any other spot on

the face of the earth.

2. Israel’s judges Deborah and Gideon won important battles at Megiddo.1) Barak and Deborah defeated Sisera and the Cannanites by the

waters of Megiddo (Jud 5:19-20).2) Gideon defeated the Midianites in the valley of Jezreel (Jud 7:1).

3. This battlefield was also famous for two great disasters.1) Saul and Jonathan were slain at Mt. Gilboa (1 Sam 31:1-6).2) Pharaoh-necho defeated Josiah (mortally wounded) in the valley of

Megiddo (2 Ki 23:29-30; 2 Chr 35:22-25).<> Any time the valley of Megiddo was mentioned every Jew

would remember the great tragedy. It is so used by the prophet Zechariah (Zech 12:11).

B. Since this place was the scene of so many pivotal battles in history, it made the perfect symbol to use to describe the conflict between the Lord and the forces of evil in Revelation.

1. “Megiddo” may be used symbolically, just as Jerusalem, Mt. Zion (Heb 12:22-23), Mt. Sinai and the valley of Hinnom.1) The Greek word Gehenna, which refers to the literal valley of

Hinnom, but is used symbolically of the eternal destiny of the wicked who will suffer eternal punishment in the hell of fire.

2) Jesus used this word repeatedly, but never to refer to the literal valley of Hinnom.

3) The valley was a garbage dump, a land fill, and fires were kept burning to consume human filth and refuse.

4) That then came to symbolize the eternal punishment of the wicked, which is described as a place where the fire is not quenched and the worm dies not (Matt 5:22: Mark 9:45).

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2. Megiddo was a place of warfare, struggle, mourning, defeat, death or a place of victory, joy and hope.1) It became a symbol much like our own Alamo or Pearl Harbor.2) When you hear the mention of “911” you think of tragedy.3) “Waterloo” was remembered by the French as a scene of Napoleon’s

great defeat. Slogan – “_________ met his Waterloo.”4) Marathon was remembered by the Greeks as a place of great victory.

<> The reason we think of endurance and race is because of what Maratrhon stood for. Marathon is a plain in Greece on which one of the most decisive battles in history was fought. With a force of around 10,000 Athenian soldiers, a general named Miltades attacked the Persians. His army was superbly conditioned and well protected. He prevailed over superior forces. The Persians lost nearly 7,000 men in the conflict and fled by ship. Fearing that they might attack Athens, Miltades sent a runner to Athens to announce the victory. This runner ran 25 miles to Athens and as he reached the city, he cried out, “Rejoice, we conquer,” and fell dead, according to the legend. From this the word Marathon has come to mean long-distance running.

5) Likewise, Armageddon has symbolism that calls to mind conflict, victory, defeat and remorse.

6) In Revelation it represents the ultimate defeat of all that is evil and corrupt in this world.

7) “Armageddon”, is mentioned as a gathering place for another important war in the Book of Revelation.

III. ARMAGEDDON IS NOT SOMETHING FOR THE CHRISTIAN TO FEAR

A. The Book of Revelation was written to encourage the faithful Christian.

1. The book of Revelation is a book of signs and symbols.Rev 1:1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this

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prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (NKJV)1) Encouragement, not fear, should enter the faithful heart when he

reads the word “Armageddon”. 2) The term may refer symbolically to a SCENE, OR TIME, OR FACT

of a DECISIVE BATTLE.3) In this case, it is the decisive battle between RIGHT AND WRONG

– between TRUTH AND ERROR – between CHRIST AND SATAN.

4) This battle is not a physical “sword and spear” – “gun and bomb” battle.

2. Rev 6:9-11: The book is specifically addressed to those who would be (or were) beheaded or martyred in the early church.1) It contained things which were to “shortly come to pass”.

3. There is no reason at all to suppose that God’s people will one day be gathered in the valley of Meggido, near Mt. Carmel, to fight a literal battle.1) 2 Cor 10:3-4: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war

according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”

2) 2 Tim 2:3-4: “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”<> These verses have nothing to do with Christians serving their

country in government work or military service.<> John 18:36: The Captain of the Lord’s army said His kingdom

is not of this world.

3) Eph 6:12-17: “12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm… 17 sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” <> It is ludicrous to think that being a Christian may require the

ability to launch a Tow Missile, pilot an Apache Gunship, maneuver a Bradley or Abram’s battle tank, or fly a F-16 fighter-jet. The only attack weapon God gives us is His word.

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B. Rev 12: The drama begins – the Devil, who is symbolized by the great Red Dragon, fails to devour Christ, so he turns in all his fury against the “radiant woman” – God’s people (first faithful Jews, then the church).

Not a literal dragon or woman.

1. Rev 13-14: How the dragon is joined by 3 allies (Things Satan uses against the disciples of Christ).1) 13:1-10: Sea Beast=Roman Empire in particular=persecuting force,

but includes all political governments that oppose God and His word.

2) 13:11-18: Earth Beast=Identified as the false prophet=false religion.

3) 14:1-8: “Babylon the Great”=symbolically refers to Rome, the leading influence at the time=Mother of harlots=immorality.

2. Rev 16:13-16: As the scene unfolds, Christ and Satan assemble their forces for conflict. Satan gathered all of his forces together against God.“13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.”1) Notice that these armies are lead by 3 frogs – evil spirits in the form

of frogs.2) Evil spirits drive the enemies of God to Armageddon where they will

be defeated in war. While the gathering for war is mentioned in Rev 16, the war is not fought until Rev 19.

3) Even here we read of only the results of the war. 4) We see why it is described as a war manifesting “the great day of

God” (Rev 16:14).

3. Rev 16:17-18:24: “It is done” (16:17) – Tells the outcome of this great battle.1) Rev 19:17-21: The two beasts were destroyed.2) The persecuting force (beast), and the inspiration for false religion

(false prophet) were cast into the lake of fire and brimstone while those worshippers of the beast and supporting kings are killed with the sword filling all the birds with their flesh.

3) Therefore, the Christian, especially the persecuted Christian in John’s day, should react with confident hope not shrinking fear when they heard then and hear today the word “Armageddon.”

4) The great battle between God and Satan was totally victorious.

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5) Rev 20:7-10: Finally, the Great Dragon, Satan himself was defeated.

CONCLUSION

1. Armageddon can only represent the ultimate victory of truth over error.1. That pattern unfolds over and over, in various ways, so it is reasonable to

conclude that Armageddon is a war being spiritually fought every day by Christians.1) In the conflict the victor has already been decided.2) God will defeat Satan and completely destroy him in the lake of fire.

2. Every accountable person on earth must seriously evaluate the importance of being right.1) To be wrong at the end means sure eternal destruction for truth and truth

alone will stand (Rev 22:18-19).

PremillennialismLesson 8: THE 1000 YEAR REIGN ON EARTH

Revelation 20:1-10

INTRODUCTION

A. Premillennialists claim that one day our Lord will return to this earth for the purpose of establishing His kingdom. 1. They further claim that He will sit and rule “on the throne of David” in

Jerusalem for 1,000 years.

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1) When most people think of the book of Revelation—Ch 20 is the 1st thing they think of.

2) Premillennialists use this chapter as the main proof text of their theory.3) Rev 20 is the pivot point of 1,000 yr. reign & millennial doctrine. Let’s

consider it.

I. REVELATION IS ITS OWN BEST COMMENTARY

A. Written to 1st century Christians

1:4: “John to the seven churches that are in Asia:”11: “saying, ‘write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’”22:16: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches…”

1. A yet future millennial 1000 year makes it useless to them.

B. Written in figures and signs (signified)

1:1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and signified it by His angel to His bond-servant John,”

1. Literal interpretation is misinterpretation.1) Only one chapter of the entire Bible speaks of a 1000 year reign

(Rev 20:1-10).2) That specific chapter is in a book that is supposed to be understood

in code.3) A sign cannot signify itself – If it can, it is no longer a sign, but

literal. (EX: ring is a symbol of marriage and commitment).4) Premillennialists need to tell us what a 1000 year reign signifies?

C. Written of events in their time.

1:1; 22:6: “things which must shortly come to pass”1:3; 22:10: “for the time is near”22:12 “Behold, I come quickly”22:20: “Yes, I am coming quickly”

1. The book was written to build up—not to confuse.1) It was written to instill confidence in Christians during any age.2) Christians could understand the signs.

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3) 400 verses of the 404 verses eludes to OT language, but does not quote the OT once (uses signs and images of the OT).

D. Written to those people, in that day, to sustain them.

1. Written in figures so as not to worsen persecution.1) It could not be written into plain literal words.2) This would have created greater opposition.3) EX: To refer to the living Emperor or nation by name.4) Jesus spoke in parables because He knew enemies would not use

information correctly, but use it to further their own evil plans.

♦ Millennialism discounts all the above.

E. A 1000 year earthly reign in Rev 20?

1. Doesn’t mention the second coming of Christ in association with it.2. It doesn’t mention a bodily resurrection (4: “souls”).3. It doesn’t mention Christ on earth.4. It doesn’t mention a literal throne on earth.5. It doesn’t mention Jerusalem.6. It doesn’t mention the “rapture”.7. It doesn’t mention the conversion of the Jews.8. It doesn’t mention us – “the souls of those who had been beheaded…they

came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years” (4).

1) Only speculation mentions these things in the 1000 year reign!2) Premillennialists must interpret every other verse in the Bible based

upon a literal 1000 years. 3) It is as if you can’t understand the rest of the Bible until read

Revelation 20.

II. THREE QUESTIONS

A. According to the scriptures: Can Jesus reign on the earth in Jerusalem?

1. According to the scriptures: Jesus cannot reign on literal earth.1) KING JECONIAH (JEHOIACHIN) (Jer 22:24).

Jer 22:30: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Write this man down childless, a man who will not prosper in his days; for no man of his descendants will prosper sitting on the throne of David or ruling again in Judah.’”

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2. A king cannot prosper ruling in Judah.1) Jesus was a descendent of Jeconiah.2) Jehoiakim begot Coniah (1Chr.3:16; Jer.22:24).3) Coniah begot Shealtiel (1Chr.3:17; Mt.1:12).4) Christ is a descendant of Shealtiel (Mt.1:12).

3. Premillennialists want Jesus to rule where He cannot prosper!1) Jerusalem is a city in Judea, therefore, Jesus cannot prosper ruling in

Jerusalem!2) If Jesus prospers, He breaks the scriptures (John 10:35).3) According to the scriptures: Can Jesus reign on earth in Jerusalem?

NO!

B. According to the scriptures: Can Jesus sit on David’s throne in heaven?

1. Jesus can rule on David’s throne in heaven. 1) The angel Gabriel, in announcing God’s purpose to Mary, describes

the reign and rule of the Christ to whom she would give birth.Luke 1:30-33: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.’”♦ Throne + reign = kingdom♦ The word “throne” literally means “a seat.”♦ Figuratively, “throne” means, “royal dominion, kingly

authority” (Matt 28:18).

2) Thirty years passed and Jesus began His ministry. 3) A little over three years later He was crucified, buried and raised

from the dead. 4) After a 40 day period, appearing to many and talking with His

disciples, He ascended to heaven. Acts 1:11: “They also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.’”

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5) Heb 12:2: Jesus reigns on the heavenly throne of David “at the right hand of the throne of God.”

2. David’s throne was established in the city of Jerusalem about 1047 BC.1) He ruled over Israel on that throne for 33 years. 2) David's reign was followed by the reign of 23 other kings down to

the days of Zedekiah, 587 BC. 3) Each one of them occupied the literal throne of David in the city of

Jerusalem. 4) With the rebellion of Zedekiah, David's throne was destroyed and the

nation of Judah was carried away as captives by the Babylonians. 5) Even when some returned later under the Persian rule, the throne laid

in ruins for more than 600 years. 6) Then came the announcement to Mary, that the child to whom she

would miraculously give birth would be given the throne of His father David and would “reign over the house of Jacob forever” (Luke 1:33).

C. According to the scriptures: Is Jesus now reigning in His kingdom?

1. Jesus is now reigning (ruling) on His throne in His kingdom in heaven. 1) Shortly after Jesus' ascension on the day of Pentecost, His disciple

Peter stands and delivers the first gospel sermon in the name of the risen Lord. In explaining the resurrection he declared in Acts 2:29-36: “Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 And so, because he was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. 32 This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35 UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ — this Jesus whom you crucified.” ♦ But since the Christ was to reign on David's throne, and Peter

said God had raised Him up to sit on it, the throne of David must refer to the spiritual reign of Christ as He sits with “royal

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dominion” and “kingly authority” at the right hand of God in heaven.

♦ The resurrection, the ascension, the falling of the Holy Spirit testifies that Jesus is reigning on His throne in heaven.

2. According to the scriptures: The kingdom did come!1) Mark 9:1: “And Jesus was saying to them, ‘Truly I say to you, there

are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power’” (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4). ♦ If the kingdom was not established, there better be some really,

really old, eyewitnesses of Christ walking on earth!

2) Col 1:13-14: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”♦ Deliverance from the power of darkness.♦ Translated into the kingdom.♦ Terms are synonymous with forgiveness.♦ If no kingdom, why should there be any forgiveness of sins?♦ If He is not now reigning, the resurrection, the ascension and

the Holy Spirit baptism should have been postponed.

D. Review: Three Questions

1. According to the scriptures:1) Can Jesus reign on earth in Jerusalem? NO!2) Can Jesus sit on David’s throne in heaven? YES!3) Is Jesus already reigning in the kingdom? YES!

2. There are many who teach that Jesus has been raised from the dead, but that He is not reigning over His kingdom. 1) They still look for Jesus to return to the earth and reign over a

physical kingdom on the literal throne of David in Jerusalem. 2) If this is true, Jesus is not reigning now as King, Peter was mistaken,

and Jeremiah's prophecy must be broken.

3. Yet, what is mistaken is the premillennial doctrine that denies that Jesus' kingdom is established. 1) Jesus is not only raised from the dead but has been exalted and

crowned “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tim 6:15). 2) Heb 12:2: Jesus reigns on the heavenly throne of David “at the right

hand of the throne of God.”

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3) The truth of the matter is that at this very moment, Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and He is now reigning from heaven on the throne of David.

III. IF NO KINGDOM THEN THERE IS NO NEW BIRTH

A. Holy Spirit – will see the kingdom come (Mark 9:1)

1. “I will build My church” (Matt 16:18)1) Resurrection and ascension.2) Acts 2:30-36: Tells us that God was going to raise up Jesus to sit on

the throne of David which necessitate His resurrection and subsequent ascension.

3) 33: Peter explains the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as proof of this. 4) Transferred into the kingdom (Col 1:13).5) Jesus is the head of the body, the church (Col 1:18).

2. The new birth puts one into the kingdom (John 3:3-5; 1 Pet 1:23).1) Those born again can “see” (3) and “enter” (5) the kingdom.2) IF NEW BIRTH: THEN KINGDOM!3) IF NO KINGDOM: THEN NO NEW BIRTH!

IV. IF NO KINGDOM THEN THERE IS NO SALVATION, STRENGTH AND POWER

A. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10).

1. “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, ‘Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come” (Rev 12:10).1) IF NO KINGDOM: NO SALVATION, STRENGTH AND POWER

2. John was in the kingdom when he wrote Revelation and those he wrote to were in the kingdom.Rev 1:4-9: “John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood — 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father — to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will

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see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. 8 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’ 9 I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11 saying, ‘Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’”

CONCLUSION

1. Having proved that Christ is now “on the throne of David,” the entire theory of premillennialism falls to pieces.1. Result: Speculations on Rev 20 are false.

2. If Jesus is not on David’s throne in heaven…1. We must ignore who John wrote to, wrote in signs, and purpose of writing.

1) There is no kingdom, no new birth, no salvation, strength and power.

3. When our Lord returns it will not be for the purpose of establishing a kingdom—1. He is at this very moment “Lord of lords and King of kings”

(Rev 17:14). 1) He rules as sovereign King in His kingdom right now.

2. When He returns He will deliver “the kingdom to God the Father, when He

puts an end to all rule and all authority and power” (1 Cor 15:24).1) 1 Cor 15:25-26: “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies

under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”

PremillennialismLesson 9: THE DESTRUCTION OF SATAN

Revelation 20:1-10

INTRODUCTIONREVIEW

A. The very thought of a 1000 year reign of Christ on earth excites the imagination.

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1. Usually this period is termed “the millennium” from the Latin meaning “one thousand years.”1) This much-talked-about 1000 years, or millennium, is mentioned only 6

times in Scripture, and all 6 times are in the same text: Rev 20:1-7.2) This section is the main proof text for the millennial theory.3) If it were not for the misapplication of this chapter this theory probably

would not exist.

2. With such little mention in the Bible, students should be very careful in trying to reach a conclusion regarding the meaning of this period of time.1) Any interpretation must be understood within its context.2) And it must not contradict other clear Bible teaching.

B. Revelation is its own best commentary.1. Written to 1st century Christians – “to the seven churches that are in Asia”

(1:4).1) A future millennial reign makes this book useless to them.

2. Written in figures and signs – “signified” (1:1).1) A sign cannot signify itself – If so, it is no longer a sign, but literal.2) What does a 1000 year reign signify?

3. Written about events in their time – “for the time is near” (1:3).1) The book was written to build up—not to confuse.2) Understand the signs and images as used in the OT.

4. Written to those people, in that day, to sustain them.1) Code language so persecution would not be intensified.

C. We asked and answered 3 questions—any interpretation of Rev 20 must not contradict plain Bible teaching.1. Will Jesus reign on the earth in Jerusalem? NO!

1) Jer 22:24: “Write this man (Jeconiah) down childless…for no man of his descendants will prosper sitting on the throne of David or ruling again in Judah.”

2. Can Jesus sit on David’s throne in heaven? YES!1) Luke 1:32-33: “32…give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He

will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

3. Is Jesus now reigning in His kingdom? YES!1) Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4: The kingdom did come.

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2) Col 1:13: “…transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,”

D. If no kingdom now then there is no new birth.1. John 3:3-5: Those born again can “see” and “enter” the kingdom.

E. If no kingdom now, then there is no salvation, strength and power (Rev 12:10).

F. The theme and context of Revelation.1. Rev 12-17: Two teams of combatants in this great struggle between Christ and

Satan.1) Satan’s 3 allies – Sea beast (persecuting Rome), land beast (Caesar

worship-false religion) and harlot (Jerusalem).

2. Rev 18-20: Describes Satan and his allies destruction in reverse order.1) 18: Destruction of the harlot—Jerusalem (also kings).2) 19: Destruction of the land beast and sea beast—Rome and Caesar

worship.3) 20: Destruction of the DRAGON—Satan.4) 21-22: Destiny of Christ’s victorious team members—Heaven!

G. As Revelation 20 is placed into the context of the whole book—it deals with the destruction of Satan—the only team member left.1. The subject of Rev 20 is not the 1000 year reign of Christ over a kingdom to

be established at His second coming, but the destiny of Satan.1) Rev 20:1-10: Deals with the victory of the saints and the defeat of Satan.

2. The victory is pictured in the chaining of Satan for a 1000 years.1) From Ch 12 to Ch 20 three enemies have been allied in their opposition

to Christ and His people.2) 19:19-20: Two of these were overcome by the victorious Christ.3) But there can be no complete victory as long as the team leader is at

large.4) John is not beginning a new subject at this point, he is continuing the

previous discussion.

3. In order to understand Revelation we need to understand how it is written.1) The angel showed John a vision or a picture.2) John says over and over again “And I saw”.3) Then in words he describes the picture or vision he saw.4) In order for us to understand we must, from the words, see the

picture or vision that John saw and then draw from the picture the lesson intended.

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5) The meaning is not to be drawn from the literal or figurative words but from the picture painted.

4. There are 20 figures of speech in chapters 19-20.1) It is not reasonable to make a literal application of one or two of

them. Symbols represent something else.2) Nor does anyone interpret it all literally (dragon/serpent, beast).

I. THE FIRST PICTURE: THE BINDING OF SATAN (20:1-3)

A. 20:1: “From heaven” - shows where power proceeds from.

1. “Key” - power, authority, Matt 16:19, (power to bind)1) Not a literal “key” and “chain”—Can a literal chain bind a spiritual

being? Can a literal “seal” (3) restrain a spiritual being?

B. 20:2: Four titles of Satan.

1. “Dragon”—Ferocious nature, strong, mean.2. “Serpent”—Cunning, deceiving, subtle, sneaky (Gen 3:1; 2 Cor 11:3).3. “Devil”—Accuser, slanderer of humanity.4. “Satan”—Our adversary, opponent to all that is good.

1) Sadam--America is called the “Great Satan”—used correctly—America is his adversary.

C. 20:2: “Bound him” 20:3: “Sealed it over him”—In the “abyss”—not hell (10).

1. Purpose was preventive—not punitive.1) Jesus’ tomb “sealed”—so it won’t be tampered with.2) Rev 5:1: Book in God’s hand was “sealed”—to safeguard its

contents.

2. Why bound? “So that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed.”1) Deception of Emperor worship ceased when Caesar worship ended.2) This passage doesn’t say or imply that Satan is powerless and has no

influence during the 1000 years.3) Paul was bound in prison, yet he taught and had influence

(Ac 28:30-31)4) The passage does not say that Satan's work has stopped. 5) He can still “devour” individuals (1 Pet 5:8).6) EX: Lion on a chain – limited power but don’t get within reach.

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3. Satan is restrained in deceiving the nations and using them as he did the Roman nation to instigate a worldwide persecution against the church.1) This seems to be making the point that Satan is not going operate in

a world empire like he did in the Roman Empire. 2) And when we look back in history we see that this is the case. Name

the world empire that controlled the whole world after the Roman Empire?

3) There was not one, nor has there been an empire that had control over the whole known world. Satan has been limited in this power.

4) He has not been able to deceive as he did in the Roman Empire.5) Under the Roman Empire, the emperors were considered to be gods

who should be worshiped. 6) That deception is now restrained. We do not see emperors

demanding worship as a God as we saw back under the Roman empire.

7) As Daniel saw in Daniel 2:44, the world empires have been crushed by the kingdom of God.

4. “released for a short time”—Temporary loosing of Satan (20:7).1) One last effort to revive emperor worship (20:8).2) NOTE: Satan’s restraint and Christ’s reign are simultaneous.3) Satan’s deceit is restrained by the power of Christ.

Mark 3:23-27: Binds the strong man. Luke 10:17-18: Satan falling from heaven. Luke 11:21-23: The stronger overcomes.

D. “Thousand years”—Literal or figurative?

1. The 1000 years in this context is no more a literal 1000 years than is the binding of Satan with a chain, the bottomless pit or the key is literal.1) If one were to take the 1000 years literal, then one must go back and

take the 144,000 literally and all the other numbers found in the Bible.

2) But the angel put this letter in symbols and we cannot take these images literally unless the text demands otherwise.

3) This text makes no demands to be understood literally. 4) The 1000 years then symbolize a long period of time in contrast to

the short time mentioned in verse 3. 5) The number 1000 is a power of 10 (10x10x10), which is a symbol of

a complete unbroken period of time. 6) Thus Satan is restrained for an undetermined but full period of time.

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2. English dictionaries give these definitions for “thousand”: “a very large number,” “a great number or amount.”1) This use is very common in our daily language.2) A parent says, “I told you a 1000 times “No.”3) The number “1000” is a very round number, frequently used to

express an indefinitely large amount, whether in English, or Spanish or Russian—or in the Bible.

3. Deut 1:10-11: “…you are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. May the Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand-fold more than you are and bless you, just as he has promised you.”1) Israel at that time consisted of 600,000 men of war, not counting

women and children. 2) A very conservative estimate would be about 2,000,000.3) A 1000 x 2,000,000 = 2 billion. 4) Did Moses mean exactly 1000? No—Blessed beyond measure.

4. Deut 7:9: “…the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation…”1) Keep covenant exactly 1000 generations?2) A generation is the average span of time between the birth of parents

and the birth of their offspring—about 30 years.3) A 1000 generations would be 30,000 years.4) Literally, the text says that God commanded (or remembers) His

covenant for 30,000 years, beginning from the time of Abraham.5) Since 4000 years has passed since Abraham’s time, the world must

continue for 26,000 years into our future (no generations in eternity).6) Unless you can accept that Jesus will not return for 26,000 more

years, you are forced to understand “thousand” in this verse as an unspecified large number.

5. Josh 23:10: “One of your men puts to flight a thousand…”1) Blessing army—complete power and control.

6. Ps 50:10: “Every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.”1) Does God only own the cattle upon a literal 1000 hills and no more,

or does He own all the cattle on all the hills in all the world?2) The thought is completeness or totality.3) Possessions of God can’t compare to possessions of idols.4) Perfection (Job.9:3; Eccl.6:6; 7:28—sufficient amount).

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7. 2 Pet 3:8: “…one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”1) Blessed beyond measure; completely faithful; complete power and

control; completeness; perfection; infinity.

II. THE SECOND PICTURE: VICTORY OF THE RIGHTEOUS (20:4-6)

A. 20:4: “Then I saw thrones, and they that sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forhead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

1. “They”—not us—“souls of those who had been beheaded”1) The picture that John paints describes those who were martyred for

refusing to yield to the demands of beast are now sitting on thrones.2) 6:9-11: Those martyrs who were once under the altar crying, “How

long, O Lord, holy and true, will you refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” are now on thrones.

3) A reign on earth is not mentioned.4) Can disembodied souls reign on earth?

2. Christ reigning on the earth is not mentioned.1) Christ reigned before this 1000 year period.2) The reign referred to is not Christ’s but that of the souls.3) They lived and reigned with Christ.4) The subject is their reign not Christ’s.5) The reign of Christ could be any length—passage doesn’t say.

I have worshiped with you for 7 ½ years but that says nothing about how long you have worshiped in this building.

3. “Souls…beheaded…came to life” 1) If reigning ends with 1000 literal years—it’s already over.2) Souls began reigning in the first century! 3) If in the 1000 years now—second coming would END millennium

(not begin it).4) 1000 years = must be a complete period of time—written for

persecuted saints.

B. 20:5: “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.”

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1. “The rest of the dead” also comes to life again after the 1000 years. 1) Satan was loosed from the abyss.

2. This is not a bodily resurrection – “souls.”1) There is only one bodily resurrection, but two destinations

(John 5:28-29) – This will occur on the last day (John 6:40-44).2) This resurrection is not baptism – can still lose soul.

3. The martyrs are victorious.1) This resurrection has to do with putting the faithful on thrones.2) This is a simple image of triumph for the people who have gone

through this ordeal. 3) Those who have died for the cause of Christ are not left out or left

behind, but are reigning with Christ. 4) Who specifically are we looking at? Not all people who die, that is

not what is in focus. 5) We are looking at those who have died by the hands of the Roman

empire, because they would not worship pagan idols nor the emperor.

3. “This is called the first resurrection.”–This occurs after 1000 yr. period. 1) This causes many people trouble, but it should not. 2) The difficulty arises because we do not know OT prophecy. 3) This term is sometimes used figuratively in the OT.4) In Isaiah 26:19 as well as Ezekiel 37:1-14 we see a resurrection

spoken of.

4. In particular notice Ezekiel 37:11-14, “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold they say, “Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’” Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’”1) Here we read of the resurrection of God's people. 2) Is it speaking of those who had died in the destruction of Jerusalem

literally coming alive again? 3) No, that is not the picture at all. It is an Old Testament picture of

triumph over the world nations. 4) Their cause had been resurrected – One nation again.

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5. In the text the “first resurrection” evidently is used to refer to a resurrection of a cause – “souls” came to life again – and are vindicated!1) Constantine—then persecution revived—effort to revive emperor

worship.2) Short time in contrast to 1000 years.

C. 20:6: “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”

1. The first death is physical – 2:10: “Be faithful until death…”1) The second death is spiritual – 2:11: “He who overcomes shall not

be hurt by the second death.”

2. This 1000 year reign with Christ is obviously not a future event because those who were killed by the Roman Empire were reigning with Christ in the first century. 1) This forces us to understand the one thousand year reign to have

been going on in the first century for these who have died to reign with Christ.

2) 1 Cor 15:25: tells us the Christ "must reign until He puts all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death." Here we see that Christ began to reign when He was raised from the dead.

3) 1 Cor 15:24: He will continue to reign until the end, “when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.”

4) Christ began His reign at His resurrection and continues to reign now. Eph 1:20-23: "which He brought about in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."

1) Christians who died for the Lord during this persecution are not gone, but reign with Christ.

III. THE THIRD PICTURE: THE SHORT TIME AND SATAN’S END (20:7-9)

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A. 7-9: “Gog and Magog”

1. Ezek 38:17: No definite geographical locations.1) Rev 20:8: “four corners of the earth.”2) The devil no longer uses just one great powerful nation—all ungodly

forces (persecution, false religion, immorality).3) This final battle is not a physical one, but it is a moral and spiritual

war.4) 10: Satan will lose.

2. Now we see that when the thousand years are complete, Satan will be released from his prison. 1) 20:3: We saw that the time of his being released is only a short time.2) How short? We are not told. 3) During this time, Satan will go out and do the very thing that he was

restrained from doing all the time before: deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, “Gog and Magog.”

3. Now much has been made about Gog and Magog. 1) Premillennialists suggest that Gog is the country of Russia that Satan

will use for a final war. 2) But instead of making up fanciful theories and stories, let us allow

the scriptures to interpret for us. 3) The scene of Gog and Magog is found only in Ezekiel 38-39.

4. Notice closely Ezek 38:17: Thus says the Lord God, “Are you the one of whom I spoke in former days through My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring you against them?” 1) Here we see that Gog and Magog have been prophesied of in former

days by God's servants the prophets. 2) Yet we only read of Gog and Magog right here. So what is Gog and

Magog? 3) They are the heathen enemies against God's people. These are the

nations of the world that fight against God's people. 4) And this is exactly how Revelation defines Gog and Magog.

5. Notice Rev 20:8 again. 1) The nations at the four corners of the earth are Gog and Magog. 2) The devil is going to exert his power over the nations of the world

again to gather for battle.

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3) The devil will have the power to deceive the nations again, and just as he deceived those of the Roman Empire, Satan will commit to this work again.

4) Once again, Christ is victorious. The dragon, the one who had the power to deceive the nations, the one who was behind the beast of the Roman Empire, will also meet the same destruction.

5) Satan will not overcome and cannot be victorious. His doom is sealed. This completes the imagery.

CONCLUSION

1. None of the evil forces that were at work against the people of God in the first century will stand. 1. The power of Rome is destroyed.

1) Any persecuting government power cannot stand.2) False religions will cannot stand.3) Immorality will be destroyed.

2. And finally, the power of Satan himself will be destroyed in the very end.1) Victory is given to the saints of God. 2) Only truth and true believers will stand in the last day.3) Do not yield to the dragon!

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