So the Iranian elections have been held and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected as President. Was it a fair election? Probably not, but the fact remains, the radical Islamic leaders feel that Mr. Ahmadinejad suits their purposes. The only problem is, the group of leaders in Iran, including Ahmadinejad share a desire to see Israel destroyed, and in the process, trigger the return of the Mahdi which will (according to their "end-times" view) lead the world to complete submission to Islamic rule.
Perhaps more importantly, article here, we see that Iran will continue their race to develop nuclear arms. According to exiled Maryam Rajavi, leader of the French-based NCRI (National Council of Resistance of Iran), Western powers must abandon a "policy of appeasement" if they want to thwart Ahmadinejad's nuclear ambitions. Her quote:
"Sadly Iran will get the bomb if the West continues with its policy of negotiations. This is just giving the mullahs more time to play with."
The obvious question is: why are these developments between Israel and Iran SO important prophetically?
The following comments are opinion and speculation only, but shared by many who follow prophecy.
It is my belief that the Middle-East is a huge "powder-keg", waiting to be ignited. Once this is "ignited", I believe the final prophetic dominoes will fall quickly, in rapid succession.
Bible prophecy tells us of the "big" events which will occur. We don't have the specific sequence of events however, so as we watch things develop, its speculative but interesting to attempt to connect the dots.
What we do know:
- Damascus will be destroyed and will cease to exist as a city (Isaiah 17).
- At some point, a massive invasion will take place, with Israel as the target (Ezekiel 38-39). Russia and Iran are the first two nations mentioned by the bible as being involved in this Invasion (Ezekiel 38:4-5). God will supernaturally end this invasion by destroying the invaders. (Ezekiel 38:18-23, 39:21-29).
Its difficult to know if or how these two events are connected, but its hard to imagine that they are not connected, given the geopolitical situation in the region.
One aspect to Ezekiel 38-39 (again - speculation only, and perhaps weak speculation at that) which is worth contemplating seriously, is this: The "Church Age", also known as the "Age of Grace" has not included God showing His hand in an epic, obvious manner. Such actions by God seem to be reserved for the Nation of Israel - and a reading of the Old Testament should confirm this. The manner by which God ends this invasion, as described in these two pivitol chapters, is indeed "epic".
"I will display my glory among the nations" (39:21)
"From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God." (39:22)
"...and so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations." (38:23)
"...so the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes." (38:16)
Such actions by God (recognizing that God reserves the right to do whatever He decides!) - seem extremely inconsistent with the age of Grace - as God has not shown himself in this manner during the last 2,000 years. He HAS revealed Himself in this manner, however, to the Nation of Israel prior to the formation of the Church.
I believe (and I repeat, this is total speculation, but I believe the speculation is grounded in history and scriptures), that the Rapture of the Church will take place before this invasion of Israel (aka "Gog-MaGog" invasion). I believe this for the reasons stated and because it seems obvious from Ezekiel 38-39 that God has turned His full attention back to the Nation of Israel - just as He did prior to the formation of the Church.
If this premise is correct - and I believe it is - then one would conclude that the Rapture of the Church is approaching very rapidly. This is for the simple reason that the "powder-keg" seems ready to erupt - leading to the invasion of Gog-MaGog. Its hard to imagine a scenario of Israel-Iran staying "status-quo" for a lot longer. Israel knows that they MUST destroy Iran's nuclear facilities in order to survive. IF or when this happens, thousands of Russian workers will be killed, and Russia has already committed to defending Iran in such a scenario - the very genesis of the "Gog-MaGog" invasion.
It will be interesting to see what Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will say in a few hours today. Most of us are predicting that he will confirm that Israel is committed to peace in the region, but before serious negotiations take place, there must be an acceptance and formal recognition that Israel has a right to exist. We shall see.
While speculating, its important to see the alternative view. That alternative view consists of our being here to witness the events of Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38-39. If so, the witnessing opportunity will be unparalleled during our lifetimes. It would serve to reveal God's dramatic hand of intervention, and it would serve to confirm the undeniable accuracy and precision of biblical prophecy.
Either way, it is obvious that we are on the threshold of some very "big" biblical events. Its a "win-win" scenario for the Church. Either we are in heaven at the time, or, we will have God's revealing Himself in a huge, dramatic, epic manner - as a launching pad for those who want to do God's work while on earth. Plus, we will have had the opportunity to watch God reveal Himself to those dwelling on earth.
We are living in a biblical age. Each of us were chosen to live here on earth during this period. Its time to reflect on God's majesty and His power. The creator of the universe is about to reveal His mighty hand.
Wow. It doesn't get any bigger than that.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
In the news this week:
There have been several interesting developments this week.
First, today Iran's presidential elections are taking place. I am not that interested because it really doesn't matter who gets elected, prophetically, for two main reasons. The election is between current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and challenger Hossein Mousavi, who is viewed as a "reformer". The reformer aspect of his campaign is focused on their (failing) economy, not foreign policy. Both candidates will continue to expedite the nuclear program. Additionally, it is well known that the Islamic "clerics" actually determine all policy in Iran - the "President" is basically a puppet to the clerics.
As described in this article "Ahmadinejad lashes out at rival..." the same idea is summarized by the following statement:
"The outcome will have little direct impact in Iran's key policies - such as its nuclear program or possible acceptance of Washington's offer for dialogue - which are directly dictated by the ruling Islamic clerics. But Ahmadinejad has become a highly polarizing figure on the international stage with comments that include questioning the Holocaust and calling for Israel's demise."
This may be revealing, as the clerics may determine that its a better policy to keep their "end-game" goals (specifically, the destruction of Israel) much quieter, and getting rid of Ahmaddinejad could allow them to continue their nuclear progress in a much more covert way. Or they may feel that it doesn't matter, and continue to allow Ahmadinejad to hold his position. Either way, the clerics will determine who serves as President of Iran.
Another summary of the elections can be found here.
Perhaps more important news can be found here,
here, and
here.
To summarize: Israeli Prime Minister "Bibi" Netanyahu is set to give a speech on Sunday, describing his positions on Middle-East peace plans. This is viewed as a counter to Obama's speech last week. There is a LOT of speculation regarding exactly what he will say, and it is difficult to determine until the speech. It will be a "landmark" speech, because it will formally define his new coalition's position in clear terms. While the details are uncertian, it does appear that we'll see the following:
Regardless of his statements relating to peace in the region, he will most likely demand that the "Palestinians" (in this case, we assume it will extend to Hamas and Hezbollah) recognize Israel as a nation, and confirm that Israel has a right to exist.
From that point, everything else will be irrevelant. We know from history that this point will never be recognized. IF (and thats a big "if") they DO recognize Israel's right to exist - it will be a lie, intended to buy temporary peace while they continue re-arming for an imminent invasion of Israel. It would be a lie (which, by the way, is a common method in Islamic "negotiations"), because we know from the last 60+ years what their intentions really are. Of course, we also know from bible prophecy what their intentions really are.
More than likely, Mr. Netanyahu recognizes that it is highly unlikely that the so-called "Palestinians" will recognize Israel's right to exist, thus, whatever else he says after that point will be largely irrevelant. Good luck finding this truth in the mainstream media.
Imagine that. Netanyahu simply wants the leaders with whom he is negotiating "peace" - to confirm their (Israel) right to even exist as a country. If it weren't so ridiculous and prophetic, it would be funny; but there is no humor here. God certianly doesn't find any humor in this situation, and a close reading of Ezekiel 38-39 will reveal God's view on the situation.
Sunday will be pivitol, as Israel takes their stand and makes their position clear to the world. It should be quite revealing, perhaps prophetic - we'll be watching closely.
Stay tuned, the story in the Middle-East is just starting to unfold.
First, today Iran's presidential elections are taking place. I am not that interested because it really doesn't matter who gets elected, prophetically, for two main reasons. The election is between current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and challenger Hossein Mousavi, who is viewed as a "reformer". The reformer aspect of his campaign is focused on their (failing) economy, not foreign policy. Both candidates will continue to expedite the nuclear program. Additionally, it is well known that the Islamic "clerics" actually determine all policy in Iran - the "President" is basically a puppet to the clerics.
As described in this article "Ahmadinejad lashes out at rival..." the same idea is summarized by the following statement:
"The outcome will have little direct impact in Iran's key policies - such as its nuclear program or possible acceptance of Washington's offer for dialogue - which are directly dictated by the ruling Islamic clerics. But Ahmadinejad has become a highly polarizing figure on the international stage with comments that include questioning the Holocaust and calling for Israel's demise."
This may be revealing, as the clerics may determine that its a better policy to keep their "end-game" goals (specifically, the destruction of Israel) much quieter, and getting rid of Ahmaddinejad could allow them to continue their nuclear progress in a much more covert way. Or they may feel that it doesn't matter, and continue to allow Ahmadinejad to hold his position. Either way, the clerics will determine who serves as President of Iran.
Another summary of the elections can be found here.
Perhaps more important news can be found here,
here, and
here.
To summarize: Israeli Prime Minister "Bibi" Netanyahu is set to give a speech on Sunday, describing his positions on Middle-East peace plans. This is viewed as a counter to Obama's speech last week. There is a LOT of speculation regarding exactly what he will say, and it is difficult to determine until the speech. It will be a "landmark" speech, because it will formally define his new coalition's position in clear terms. While the details are uncertian, it does appear that we'll see the following:
Regardless of his statements relating to peace in the region, he will most likely demand that the "Palestinians" (in this case, we assume it will extend to Hamas and Hezbollah) recognize Israel as a nation, and confirm that Israel has a right to exist.
From that point, everything else will be irrevelant. We know from history that this point will never be recognized. IF (and thats a big "if") they DO recognize Israel's right to exist - it will be a lie, intended to buy temporary peace while they continue re-arming for an imminent invasion of Israel. It would be a lie (which, by the way, is a common method in Islamic "negotiations"), because we know from the last 60+ years what their intentions really are. Of course, we also know from bible prophecy what their intentions really are.
More than likely, Mr. Netanyahu recognizes that it is highly unlikely that the so-called "Palestinians" will recognize Israel's right to exist, thus, whatever else he says after that point will be largely irrevelant. Good luck finding this truth in the mainstream media.
Imagine that. Netanyahu simply wants the leaders with whom he is negotiating "peace" - to confirm their (Israel) right to even exist as a country. If it weren't so ridiculous and prophetic, it would be funny; but there is no humor here. God certianly doesn't find any humor in this situation, and a close reading of Ezekiel 38-39 will reveal God's view on the situation.
Sunday will be pivitol, as Israel takes their stand and makes their position clear to the world. It should be quite revealing, perhaps prophetic - we'll be watching closely.
Stay tuned, the story in the Middle-East is just starting to unfold.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Late Great U.S.A.
It is interesting that I stumbled on the commentary quoted below this morning. Just last night I was watching a fascinating speech given by prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock regarding "What happens to America in end times prophecy?"
This is a very common question. Why is America asked about so frequently in the context of prophecy? The answer is obvious. America has been the world's superpower during our generation, yet biblical prophecy doesn't mention America. There are a couple of vague references in biblical prophecy that could serve as indirect references to America (personally, I don't believe these vague references do reference America), but if so, these references would only serve as mentioning that America exists but nothing regarding the fate of America.
Additionally, in our prophetic scriptures, we see many scriptures referencing the world powers who are in "in play" during the Tribulation: Israel, Russia, the Kings of the East, the Kings of the South, the ever-expanding EU into world dominance, terrorists states surrounding Israel, etc., etc., but no reference to America. Why not?
It seems obvious that America will lose its superpower status during or before the Tribulation.
There are many theories on how this will occur. We can consolidate these theories into three main categories:
1. The U.S. is considered (biblically) as part of the EU expansion. America can be viewed as an extension of Europe now, as America was founded and populated primarily by Europeans. Therefore, biblically, America would be considered as part of the EU (aka revived Roman Empire), and will ultimately and formally, be swallowed up by the EU expansion.
2. The U.S. will be severely damaged by terrorism, perhaps by nuclear terrorism, or electromagnetic pulse weapons which would take significant parts of America "off the grid", without power, lasting for years, or perhaps some other act of terrorism which hasn't been considered yet.
3. The U.S. will be dramatically affected by the Rapture of the Church, under the theory that America would be disproportionately affected by the Rapture, particularly the military, as statistical data indicates that the % of Christians in America vastly exceeds the % of Christians in other countries, particularly our enemies.
A combination of the above factors could also occur, leading to America being a non-factor during the Tribulation.
Below, is a commentary written by Thomas Ice, and can be found on RaptureAlert. This commentary expounds on the "New World Order", which is rapidly evolving and rapidly leading to America's decline as a world power. Additionally, we know from biblical prophecy that during the Tribulation, there will be a world economic system and government, as led by the anti-christ and false prophet:
The Late Great U.S.A.
By Dr. Thomas Ice
"My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change; for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from both of them?" ~ Proverbs 24:21–22
Former Clinton advisor and commentator Dick Morris announced:
"On April 2, 2009, the work of July 4, 1776 was nullified at the meeting of the G-20 in London."[1]
That is an amazing statement and a tragedy if true. One of my best friends in the ministry, with whom I have co-authored two books, Mark Hitchcock wrote a book, which was finished before last November's election, entitled The Late Great United States.[2] There are two other books listed on amazon.com with similar titles. Why are many concerned that our great country is on the verge of extinction?
Change
It is said after the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that a lady asked Dr. Ben Franklin the following: "Well Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic" replied the Doctor..."if you can keep it."[3] Well, apparently a growing number of Americans think that we have lost it after about 220 years. Some are suggesting that it was lost via suicide. What have we received in return for our once great republic? We are now part of an international oligarchy run by a bunch of global elites. How did this happen and when did this change take place?
Like many things that bring change, it has not taken place overnight. America has been gradually moving toward socialism for the last hundred years, but I do not want to trace that history in this article. I want to focus on recent events that are producing so much change since the election of Barack Obama as president of these United States.
Dick Morris notes that Obama at the recent meeting of the G-20 in London has agreed to enter the United States into an economical arrangement that will regulate our economy in terms of the international interests of this European dominated oligarchy at the expense of American interests. The agreement by which Obama has obligated the United States is called the Financial Stability Board (FSB), which is "a body of central bankers from each of the G-20 states and the European Union."[4] The head of the FSB is Mario Draghi, Italy's central bank president. In a speech on February 21, 2009, he gave us clues to his thinking. He noted that "the progress we have made in revising the global regulatory framework . . . would have been unthinkable just months ago."[5]
"Obama, perhaps feeling guilty for the US role in triggering the international crisis, has, indeed, given away the store," notes Morris. "Now we may no longer look to presidential appointees, confirmed by the Senate, to make policy for our economy. These decisions will be made internationally."[6]
So what does this mean specifically for the American economy? Morris said to Greta Van Susteren on Fox News the following:
Literally from April 2nd of this year-that is, today-it's a whole new world of financial regulation in which, essentially, all of the U.S. regulatory bodies and all U.S. companies are put under international regulation, international supervision. It really amounts to a global economic government.
. . . Just when Obama is accused of socialism, he's essentially creating world economic governance. This means that the FSB, . . . will make the decisions on what standards our own SEC and Federal Reserve board should apply to all firms in the United States of any significant size about executive compensation, market activities, and a whole range of issues that used to be under free enterprise reserved for private decision making.[7]
A New World Order
In 1989 President George H. Bush spoke of a new world order in one of his speeches. However, it produced a flurry of criticism and he stopped using the term in public. Many have known for a long time that the phrase "new world order" is essentially a code word for global socialism. The last couple of years, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown can hardly give a speech without making reference to the new world order. During a speech he recently gave in conjunction with the G-20 summit in London, sounding like a twenty-first century Neville Chamberlain, Brown said the following about the new world order:
"This is Collective action, people working together at their best . . . I think the New World Order is emerging, and with it the foundations of a new and progressive era of international cooperation...From today we will together manage the process of globalization...To secure responsibility from all and fairness to all."[8]
In January 2009, Henry Kissinger made a remark about the new world order during an interview with CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" hosts Mark Haines and Erin Burnett at the New York Stock Exchange. When Burnett asked him what international conflict would define the Obama administration's foreign policy, Kissinger said the following:
"The president-elect is coming into office at a moment when there is upheaval in many parts of the world simultaneously," Kissinger responded. "You have India, Pakistan; you have the jihadist movement. So he can't really say there is one problem, that it's the most important one. But he can give new impetus to American foreign policy partly because the reception of him is so extraordinary around the world. His task will be to develop an overall strategy for America in this period when, really, a new world order can be created. It's a great opportunity, it isn't just a crisis."[9]
No one can doubt that President Obama is currently taking advantage of the crisis. After all, Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both noted that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste.
Further the Chinese and Russians have called for a new global currency that would replace the dollar and would not represent any specific country. They want the new global currency to be issued by the World Bank, which is something that seemed impossible this time last year but now could be a very real possibility in the near future.
The European Union
Dick Morris not only emphasizes that the United States is now locked into the matrix of a global economic oligarchy but it is one that will be primarily under the control of the European Union.
"You know, I've had a long experience in dealing with the European Union, and this is how they operate," explains Morris. "And in the meantime, they slip this in under the radar, which is absolutely creating an international economic union."[10]
Then Morris concluded with amazement, "This truly creates a global economic system. From now on, don't look to Washington for the rule making, look to Brussels."[11]
Thus, from a prophetic view, the Bible teaches that the tribulation will be a time in which there will be not only a global government during the last half of the seven-year tribulation, but that governance will emanate from the Revived Roman Empire. This means a Euro-centric power base is what we can expect and that is exactly what is developing. Morris concludes his article with the following comment:
"The Europeans have been trying to get their hands on our financial system for decades. It is essential to them that they rein in American free enterprise so that their socialist heaven will not be polluted by vices such as the profit motive. Now, with President Obama's approval, they have done it."[12]
Conclusion
Where are all of these explosive trends heading? As Bible prophecy predicts, there will be a one world government during the seven-year tribulation, headed by a person we know as the Antichrist. Since the Antichrist will arise out of the Revived Roman Empire, which the European Union appears to be setting the stage for just such an entity, we should not be surprised to see things trending in that direction even before the rapture.
Previously, the United States was often the one standing in the way of a global economy and government. We are not yet there, but who can doubt that since the beginning of the Obama presidency that we are indeed seeing change and moving into harmony with the one world government crowd. In the past the United States stood in the way and acted in her national interest, as I believe we should still do, but now we are the last domino to fall and nothing of significance appears to stand in the way of globalism. Only the future return of Christ after the tribulation will really bring change for Christians.
I have noticed on the internet that certain Bible prophecy ministries are noting the very things that I have just outlined and often call these things a "fulfillment" of Bible prophecy. Such language is an overstatement and an incorrect conclusion drawn from the signs of our times. Instead, it is best to see these events as preparation for fulfillment, which will take place during the tribulation that we are currently not yet in. We are seeing the stage being set for future events. Such stage-setting certainly is moving our pre-rapture world toward the one world government and economy that is predicted by Bible prophecy for this future time.
There are so many events taking place each day one can hardly keep up with them. Nevertheless, we are to always be looking up for Him. Maranatha!
Endnotes
[1] Dick Morris, "The Declaration of Independence has been Repealed" (DickMorris.com, April 6, 2009).
[2] Mark Hitchcock, The Late Great United States: What Bible Prophecy Reveals about America's Last Days (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, 2009).
[3] Cited at Bartleby.com, number 1593.
[4] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[5] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[6] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[7] Dick Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster' at the G20 Summit," on Greta Van Susteren, "On the Record" (FoxNews.com: April 3, 2009).
[8] David Hinz, "Gordon Brown Declares New World Order is Emerging" (www.theminorityreportblog.com, April 2, 2009).
[9] Drew Zahn, "Kissinger: Obama primed to create 'New World Order'" (www.worldnetdaily.com: January 6, 2009).
[10] Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster'"
[11] Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster'"
[12] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
This is a very common question. Why is America asked about so frequently in the context of prophecy? The answer is obvious. America has been the world's superpower during our generation, yet biblical prophecy doesn't mention America. There are a couple of vague references in biblical prophecy that could serve as indirect references to America (personally, I don't believe these vague references do reference America), but if so, these references would only serve as mentioning that America exists but nothing regarding the fate of America.
Additionally, in our prophetic scriptures, we see many scriptures referencing the world powers who are in "in play" during the Tribulation: Israel, Russia, the Kings of the East, the Kings of the South, the ever-expanding EU into world dominance, terrorists states surrounding Israel, etc., etc., but no reference to America. Why not?
It seems obvious that America will lose its superpower status during or before the Tribulation.
There are many theories on how this will occur. We can consolidate these theories into three main categories:
1. The U.S. is considered (biblically) as part of the EU expansion. America can be viewed as an extension of Europe now, as America was founded and populated primarily by Europeans. Therefore, biblically, America would be considered as part of the EU (aka revived Roman Empire), and will ultimately and formally, be swallowed up by the EU expansion.
2. The U.S. will be severely damaged by terrorism, perhaps by nuclear terrorism, or electromagnetic pulse weapons which would take significant parts of America "off the grid", without power, lasting for years, or perhaps some other act of terrorism which hasn't been considered yet.
3. The U.S. will be dramatically affected by the Rapture of the Church, under the theory that America would be disproportionately affected by the Rapture, particularly the military, as statistical data indicates that the % of Christians in America vastly exceeds the % of Christians in other countries, particularly our enemies.
A combination of the above factors could also occur, leading to America being a non-factor during the Tribulation.
Below, is a commentary written by Thomas Ice, and can be found on RaptureAlert. This commentary expounds on the "New World Order", which is rapidly evolving and rapidly leading to America's decline as a world power. Additionally, we know from biblical prophecy that during the Tribulation, there will be a world economic system and government, as led by the anti-christ and false prophet:
The Late Great U.S.A.
By Dr. Thomas Ice
"My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change; for their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from both of them?" ~ Proverbs 24:21–22
Former Clinton advisor and commentator Dick Morris announced:
"On April 2, 2009, the work of July 4, 1776 was nullified at the meeting of the G-20 in London."[1]
That is an amazing statement and a tragedy if true. One of my best friends in the ministry, with whom I have co-authored two books, Mark Hitchcock wrote a book, which was finished before last November's election, entitled The Late Great United States.[2] There are two other books listed on amazon.com with similar titles. Why are many concerned that our great country is on the verge of extinction?
Change
It is said after the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that a lady asked Dr. Ben Franklin the following: "Well Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic" replied the Doctor..."if you can keep it."[3] Well, apparently a growing number of Americans think that we have lost it after about 220 years. Some are suggesting that it was lost via suicide. What have we received in return for our once great republic? We are now part of an international oligarchy run by a bunch of global elites. How did this happen and when did this change take place?
Like many things that bring change, it has not taken place overnight. America has been gradually moving toward socialism for the last hundred years, but I do not want to trace that history in this article. I want to focus on recent events that are producing so much change since the election of Barack Obama as president of these United States.
Dick Morris notes that Obama at the recent meeting of the G-20 in London has agreed to enter the United States into an economical arrangement that will regulate our economy in terms of the international interests of this European dominated oligarchy at the expense of American interests. The agreement by which Obama has obligated the United States is called the Financial Stability Board (FSB), which is "a body of central bankers from each of the G-20 states and the European Union."[4] The head of the FSB is Mario Draghi, Italy's central bank president. In a speech on February 21, 2009, he gave us clues to his thinking. He noted that "the progress we have made in revising the global regulatory framework . . . would have been unthinkable just months ago."[5]
"Obama, perhaps feeling guilty for the US role in triggering the international crisis, has, indeed, given away the store," notes Morris. "Now we may no longer look to presidential appointees, confirmed by the Senate, to make policy for our economy. These decisions will be made internationally."[6]
So what does this mean specifically for the American economy? Morris said to Greta Van Susteren on Fox News the following:
Literally from April 2nd of this year-that is, today-it's a whole new world of financial regulation in which, essentially, all of the U.S. regulatory bodies and all U.S. companies are put under international regulation, international supervision. It really amounts to a global economic government.
. . . Just when Obama is accused of socialism, he's essentially creating world economic governance. This means that the FSB, . . . will make the decisions on what standards our own SEC and Federal Reserve board should apply to all firms in the United States of any significant size about executive compensation, market activities, and a whole range of issues that used to be under free enterprise reserved for private decision making.[7]
A New World Order
In 1989 President George H. Bush spoke of a new world order in one of his speeches. However, it produced a flurry of criticism and he stopped using the term in public. Many have known for a long time that the phrase "new world order" is essentially a code word for global socialism. The last couple of years, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown can hardly give a speech without making reference to the new world order. During a speech he recently gave in conjunction with the G-20 summit in London, sounding like a twenty-first century Neville Chamberlain, Brown said the following about the new world order:
"This is Collective action, people working together at their best . . . I think the New World Order is emerging, and with it the foundations of a new and progressive era of international cooperation...From today we will together manage the process of globalization...To secure responsibility from all and fairness to all."[8]
In January 2009, Henry Kissinger made a remark about the new world order during an interview with CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" hosts Mark Haines and Erin Burnett at the New York Stock Exchange. When Burnett asked him what international conflict would define the Obama administration's foreign policy, Kissinger said the following:
"The president-elect is coming into office at a moment when there is upheaval in many parts of the world simultaneously," Kissinger responded. "You have India, Pakistan; you have the jihadist movement. So he can't really say there is one problem, that it's the most important one. But he can give new impetus to American foreign policy partly because the reception of him is so extraordinary around the world. His task will be to develop an overall strategy for America in this period when, really, a new world order can be created. It's a great opportunity, it isn't just a crisis."[9]
No one can doubt that President Obama is currently taking advantage of the crisis. After all, Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both noted that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste.
Further the Chinese and Russians have called for a new global currency that would replace the dollar and would not represent any specific country. They want the new global currency to be issued by the World Bank, which is something that seemed impossible this time last year but now could be a very real possibility in the near future.
The European Union
Dick Morris not only emphasizes that the United States is now locked into the matrix of a global economic oligarchy but it is one that will be primarily under the control of the European Union.
"You know, I've had a long experience in dealing with the European Union, and this is how they operate," explains Morris. "And in the meantime, they slip this in under the radar, which is absolutely creating an international economic union."[10]
Then Morris concluded with amazement, "This truly creates a global economic system. From now on, don't look to Washington for the rule making, look to Brussels."[11]
Thus, from a prophetic view, the Bible teaches that the tribulation will be a time in which there will be not only a global government during the last half of the seven-year tribulation, but that governance will emanate from the Revived Roman Empire. This means a Euro-centric power base is what we can expect and that is exactly what is developing. Morris concludes his article with the following comment:
"The Europeans have been trying to get their hands on our financial system for decades. It is essential to them that they rein in American free enterprise so that their socialist heaven will not be polluted by vices such as the profit motive. Now, with President Obama's approval, they have done it."[12]
Conclusion
Where are all of these explosive trends heading? As Bible prophecy predicts, there will be a one world government during the seven-year tribulation, headed by a person we know as the Antichrist. Since the Antichrist will arise out of the Revived Roman Empire, which the European Union appears to be setting the stage for just such an entity, we should not be surprised to see things trending in that direction even before the rapture.
Previously, the United States was often the one standing in the way of a global economy and government. We are not yet there, but who can doubt that since the beginning of the Obama presidency that we are indeed seeing change and moving into harmony with the one world government crowd. In the past the United States stood in the way and acted in her national interest, as I believe we should still do, but now we are the last domino to fall and nothing of significance appears to stand in the way of globalism. Only the future return of Christ after the tribulation will really bring change for Christians.
I have noticed on the internet that certain Bible prophecy ministries are noting the very things that I have just outlined and often call these things a "fulfillment" of Bible prophecy. Such language is an overstatement and an incorrect conclusion drawn from the signs of our times. Instead, it is best to see these events as preparation for fulfillment, which will take place during the tribulation that we are currently not yet in. We are seeing the stage being set for future events. Such stage-setting certainly is moving our pre-rapture world toward the one world government and economy that is predicted by Bible prophecy for this future time.
There are so many events taking place each day one can hardly keep up with them. Nevertheless, we are to always be looking up for Him. Maranatha!
Endnotes
[1] Dick Morris, "The Declaration of Independence has been Repealed" (DickMorris.com, April 6, 2009).
[2] Mark Hitchcock, The Late Great United States: What Bible Prophecy Reveals about America's Last Days (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Books, 2009).
[3] Cited at Bartleby.com, number 1593.
[4] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[5] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[6] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
[7] Dick Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster' at the G20 Summit," on Greta Van Susteren, "On the Record" (FoxNews.com: April 3, 2009).
[8] David Hinz, "Gordon Brown Declares New World Order is Emerging" (www.theminorityreportblog.com, April 2, 2009).
[9] Drew Zahn, "Kissinger: Obama primed to create 'New World Order'" (www.worldnetdaily.com: January 6, 2009).
[10] Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster'"
[11] Morris, "Obama a 'Disaster'"
[12] Morris, "The Declaration . . ."
Thursday, June 4, 2009
U.S. - Israel divide grows
There has been a lot of rhetoric going back and forth between Israeli leadership and U.S. leadership this week, and taking a step back to review the situation reveals a big divide developing between the two traditional allies. It started last week when it was revealed that president Obama was demanding that Israel stop all settlements in the West bank and Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was vague about expanding settlements and stated clearly that existing settlements would be allowed to have "natural growth". Apparently this didn't sit well with Mr. Obama.
A couple of days later, Mr. Obama punched back, by stating that Iran should be allowed to have nuclear power, but verification should take place that they would not develop nuclear weapons. This is absurd, because Iran sits on a huge lake of oil, and is obsessively working to develop nuclear arms. This isn't exactly a well-kept secret in the Middle-East. Additionally, it would be virtually impossible to determine if nuclear arms are being developed in Iran, as such development takes place in deep underground facilities, in scattered locations throughout Iran.
Now with his trip to the Middle-East (he is not visiting Israel, interestingly) it seems clear that he is turning away from Israel and turning towards partnership with the Islamic states who are sworn to destroy Israel. The U.S. administration also threatened to pull any UN support from Israel this week. Relations between the U.S. and Israel are ice cold right now.
Prophetically, this is a very important development. We know from Ezekiel 38-39, and from Zechariah 12, that in the last days Israel would stand alone against the entire world. It seem evident that God has set the stage for this isolation of Israel for one reason: Only HE will protect Israel. Just like so many times in the Old Testament, and more recently in 1948 when Israel was invaded within days of their formation as a nation, God will come to the rescue of Israel - and again - it will be seemingly against all odds.
The U.S. is turning their backs on Israel, and is strongly favoring the enemies of Israel.
It had to happen. Now the stage is set for the next developments in the region. Israel has no allies now, just as bible prophecy predicted - all nations on earth are gathered against the tiny country. But God will watch over His people.
Several months ago, before giving a talk on prophecy, I was looking for some scriptures to close the discussion of Ezekiel 38-39. I opened my bible to the Psalms, and Psalm 33 appeared. This Psalm is SO germane to these discussions, in the context of "the nations", who think they can change God's overall plans:
"The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever
the purposes of his heart through all generations
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
the people he chose for his inheritance
From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth"
(v 10-14)
"We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield
In him our hearts rejoice
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."
(v 20-22)
A couple of days later, Mr. Obama punched back, by stating that Iran should be allowed to have nuclear power, but verification should take place that they would not develop nuclear weapons. This is absurd, because Iran sits on a huge lake of oil, and is obsessively working to develop nuclear arms. This isn't exactly a well-kept secret in the Middle-East. Additionally, it would be virtually impossible to determine if nuclear arms are being developed in Iran, as such development takes place in deep underground facilities, in scattered locations throughout Iran.
Now with his trip to the Middle-East (he is not visiting Israel, interestingly) it seems clear that he is turning away from Israel and turning towards partnership with the Islamic states who are sworn to destroy Israel. The U.S. administration also threatened to pull any UN support from Israel this week. Relations between the U.S. and Israel are ice cold right now.
Prophetically, this is a very important development. We know from Ezekiel 38-39, and from Zechariah 12, that in the last days Israel would stand alone against the entire world. It seem evident that God has set the stage for this isolation of Israel for one reason: Only HE will protect Israel. Just like so many times in the Old Testament, and more recently in 1948 when Israel was invaded within days of their formation as a nation, God will come to the rescue of Israel - and again - it will be seemingly against all odds.
The U.S. is turning their backs on Israel, and is strongly favoring the enemies of Israel.
It had to happen. Now the stage is set for the next developments in the region. Israel has no allies now, just as bible prophecy predicted - all nations on earth are gathered against the tiny country. But God will watch over His people.
Several months ago, before giving a talk on prophecy, I was looking for some scriptures to close the discussion of Ezekiel 38-39. I opened my bible to the Psalms, and Psalm 33 appeared. This Psalm is SO germane to these discussions, in the context of "the nations", who think they can change God's overall plans:
"The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
He thwarts the purposes of the peoples
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever
the purposes of his heart through all generations
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
the people he chose for his inheritance
From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth"
(v 10-14)
"We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield
In him our hearts rejoice
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us O Lord,
even as we put our hope in you."
(v 20-22)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Quiet before the storm
It seems like its been a long time since we've had a "quiet" week, prophetically. Not much to report over the past week. I do expect however, some interesting news items to result from President Obama's trip to the Middle East next week.
Its an interesting point, however. I can recall years ago (pre-9/11), that in the course of a calendar year, there might be 2-3 interesting news items with prophetic significance. Now, if a week goes by without seeing news events highly pertinent to prophecy, it seems "slow". My, how times have changed! The "birth pains", as Jesus described prophetic developments, are certianly approaching the last stages.
During this quiet week, (and subsequent such times), it may be a good idea to revisit some of the fundamentals of biblical prophecy. One site that I highly recommend is the "Thomas Ice Collection", where Mr. Ice provides some nice summary articles on prophecy as viewed from a literal perspective.
The article below details some of the important distinctions between the rapture and the second coming of Christ:
The Rapture and the Second Coming: An Important Distinction
by Thomas Ice
In previous issues we have given a biblical basis or foundation for pretribulationism. In this issues I will begin by laying out specific biblical evidence for the pre-trib rapture. The first place to start is with the biblical notion that the rapture of the church is distinct from Christ's second coming to the earth.
John Feinberg notes that distinguishing between the rapture and second coming is important in establishing pretribulationism against the non-pre-trib claim that the Bible does not teach such a view.
The pretribulationist must show that there is enough dissimilarity between clear rapture and clear second advent passages as to warrant the claim that the two kinds of passages could be speaking about two events which could occur at different times. The pretribulationist does not have to prove at this point . . . that the two events must occur at different times, but only that the exegetical data from rapture and second advent passages do not make it impossible for the events to occur at different times. If he can do that, the pretribulationist has shown that his view is not impossible. And, he has answered the posttribulationist's strongest line of evidence.1
A key factor in understanding the New Testament's teaching of the pretribulational rapture revolves around the fact that two future comings of Christ are presented. The first coming is the catching up into the clouds of the church before the seven-year tribulation and the second coming occurs at the end of the tribulation when Christ returns to the earth to begin His 1,000 year kingdom. Anyone desirous of insight into the biblical teaching of the rapture and second advent must study and decide whether Scripture speaks of one or two future events.
FRAMING THE ISSUE
Posttribulationists usually contend that if the rapture and the second coming are two distinct events, separated by about seven years, then there ought to be at least one passage in Scripture which clearly teaches this. However, the Bible does not always teach God's truth in accordance with our preconceived notions or in such a way that answers directly all of our questions. For example, a Unitarian could design a similar kind of question regarding the Trinity. "Where is at least one passage in Scripture which clearly says that the Persons of the Godhead are distinct?" We who believe the Trinity reply that the Bible teaches the Trinity but in a different way.
Many important biblical doctrines are not given to us directly from a single verse, we often need to harmonize passages into systematic conclusions. Some truths are directly stated in the Bible, such as the deity of Christ (John 1:1, Titus 2:13). But doctrines like the Trinity and the incarnate nature of Christ are the product of biblical harmonization. Taking into account all biblical texts, orthodox theologians, over time, recognized that God is a Trinity and that Christ is the God-Man. Similarly, a systematic consideration of all biblical passages reveals that Scripture teaches two future comings.
Posttribulationists often contend that the pre-trib position is built merely built upon an assumption that certain verses 'make sense' if and only if the pre-trib model of the rapture is assumed to be correct. However, they often fail to make it clear to their readers that they are just as dependent upon assumptions as they say pre-tribers are. Their error stems from failure to observe actual biblical distinctions.
For example, Christ's ministry has two phases which revolve around His two comings. Phase one took place at Christ's first coming when He came in humiliation to suffer. Phase two will begin at Christ's second coming when He will reign on earth in power and glory. Failure to distinguish these two phases was a key factor in Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah at His first coming. In the same way, failure to see clear distinctions between the rapture and second advent lead many to a misinterpretation of God's future plan.
THE NATURE OF THE RAPTURE
The rapture is most clearly presented in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In verse 17 the English phrase "caught up" translates the Greek word "harpázô," which means "to seize upon with force" or "to snatch up." Latin translators of the Bible used the word "rapere," the root of the English term "rapture." At the rapture living believers will be "caught up" in the air, translated into the clouds, in a moment of time.
The rapture is characterized in the Bible as a "translation coming" (1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 4:15-17) in which Christ comes for His church. The second advent is Christ returning with His saints, descending from heaven to establish His earthly kingdom (Zech. 14:4-5; Mat. 24:27-31). Ed Hindson observes:
The rapture (or "translation") of the church is often paralleled to the "raptures" of Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2: 12). In each case, the individual disappeared or was caught up into-heaven. At His ascension, our Lord Himself was "taken up" into heaven (Acts 1:9). The biblical description of the rapture involves both the resurrection of deceased believers and the translation of living believers into the air to meet the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51 52).2
Differences between the two events are harmonized naturally by the pre-trib position, while other views are not able to account comfortably for such distinctions. (Notice the graphic on page four that lists passages that speak of the rapture and those referring to the second coming.)
RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING CONTRASTS
Rapture/Translation 2nd Coming/ Estab. Kingdom
1 Translation of all believers 1 No translation at all
2 Translated saints go to 2 Translated saints return to
heaven earth
3 Earth not judged 3 Earth judged & righteous-
ness established
4 Imminent, any-moment, 4 Follows definite predicted
signless signs including tribulation 5 Not in the Old Testament 5 Predicted often in Old
Testament
6 Believers only 6 Affects all men
7 Before the day of wrath 7 Concluding the day of
wrath
8 No reference to Satan 8 Satan bound
9 Christ comes for His own 9 Christ comes with His own
10 He comes in the air 10 He comes to the earth
11 He claims His bride 11 He comes with His bride
12 Only His own see Him 12 Every eye shall see Him
13 Tribulation begins 13 Millennial Kingdom begins
John Walvoord concludes that these "contrasts should make it evident that the translation of the church is an event quite different in character and time from the return of the Lord to establish His kingdom, and confirms the conclusion that the translation takes place before the tribulation."3
ADDITIONAL DIFFERANCES
Paul speaks of the rapture as a "mystery" (1 Cor. 15:51-54), that is a truth not revealed until its disclosure by the apostles (Col. 1:26), making it a separate event, while the second coming was predicted in the Old Testament (Dan. 12:1-3; Zech. 12:10; 14:4).
The movement for the believer at the rapture is from earth to heaven, while it is from heaven to earth at the second advent. At the rapture, the Lord comes for his saints (1 Thess. 4:16), while at the second coming the Lord comes with His saints (1 Thess. 3:13). At the rapture, the Lord comes only for believers, but His return to the earth will impact all people. The rapture is a translation/resurrection event where the Lord takes believers "to the Father's house" in heaven (John 14:3), while at the second coming believers return from heaven to the earth (Matt. 24:30). Hindson says, "The different aspects of our Lord's return are clearly delineated in the scriptures themselves. The only real issue in the eschatological debate is the time interval between them."4
POST-TRIB PROBLEMS
One of the strengths of the pre-trib position is that it is better able to harmonize the many events of end-time prophecy because of its distinction between the rapture and the second coming. Normally, posttribulationists do not even attempt to answers such objections and the few that try struggle with the biblical text. Yet, pretribulationists do not encounter difficulties in providing answers. What are some post-trib problems?
First, posttribulationism requires that the church will be present during the 70th week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27) even though it was absent from the first 69. This is in spite of the fact that Daniel 9:24 says that all 70 weeks are for Israel. Pretribulationism is not in conflict with this passage, as is posttribulationism, since the church departs before the beginning of the seven-year period.
Second, posttribulationism must deny the New Testament teaching of imminency-that Christ could come at any-moment. Pretribulationism does not have a problem with these New Testament passages, since they believe that no signs must precede the rapture.
Third, premillennial posttribulationism has no answer to their problem of who will populate the millennium if the rapture and second coming occur at the same time. Since all believers will be translated at the rapture and all unbelievers judged, because no unrighteous shall be allowed to enter Christ's kingdom, then no one would be left in mortal bodies to start the population base for the millennium. The pre-trib viewpoint does not have a problem at this point.
Fourth, posttribulationism is not able to explain the sheep and goats judgment after the second coming in Matthew 25:31-46. As in the previous problem, how would there be any believers in mortal bodies, if they were raptured at the second coming, who would be available to enter into Christ's kingdom? Pretribulationism does not have such a problem.
Fifth, since Revelation 19:7-8 indicates that the church, Christ's Bride, is made ready to accompany Christ to earth (Rev. 19:14) before the second coming, how could this reasonably happen if part of the church is still on earth awaiting Christ's Advent? If the rapture of the church takes place at the second coming, then how does the Bride (i.e., the church) also come with Christ at His return? There would not be sufficient time for this to happen within a posttribulational sequence, but the pre-trib position has no such problem.
CONCLUSION
The distinctions between Christ's coming in the air to rapture His church are too great to be reduced into a single coming at the end of the tribulation. These biblical distinctions provide a strong basis for the pre-trib rapture teaching. W
ENDNOTES
1John S. Feinberg, "Arguing for the Rapture: Who Must Prove What and How" in Thomas Ice and Timothy Demy, editors When The Trumpet Sounds (Eugene, Org.: Harvest House Publishers, forthcoming July 1995).
2Edward E. Hindson, "The Rapture and the Return: Two Aspects of Christ's Coming" in Thomas Ice and Timothy Demy, editors When The Trumpet Sounds (Eugene, Org.: Harvest House Publishers, forthcoming July 1995).
3The quotation and the first six contrasts in the graphic above are taken from John F. Walvoord, The Return of the Lord (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1955), 87-88.
4Hindson, Ibid
Its an interesting point, however. I can recall years ago (pre-9/11), that in the course of a calendar year, there might be 2-3 interesting news items with prophetic significance. Now, if a week goes by without seeing news events highly pertinent to prophecy, it seems "slow". My, how times have changed! The "birth pains", as Jesus described prophetic developments, are certianly approaching the last stages.
During this quiet week, (and subsequent such times), it may be a good idea to revisit some of the fundamentals of biblical prophecy. One site that I highly recommend is the "Thomas Ice Collection", where Mr. Ice provides some nice summary articles on prophecy as viewed from a literal perspective.
The article below details some of the important distinctions between the rapture and the second coming of Christ:
The Rapture and the Second Coming: An Important Distinction
by Thomas Ice
In previous issues we have given a biblical basis or foundation for pretribulationism. In this issues I will begin by laying out specific biblical evidence for the pre-trib rapture. The first place to start is with the biblical notion that the rapture of the church is distinct from Christ's second coming to the earth.
John Feinberg notes that distinguishing between the rapture and second coming is important in establishing pretribulationism against the non-pre-trib claim that the Bible does not teach such a view.
The pretribulationist must show that there is enough dissimilarity between clear rapture and clear second advent passages as to warrant the claim that the two kinds of passages could be speaking about two events which could occur at different times. The pretribulationist does not have to prove at this point . . . that the two events must occur at different times, but only that the exegetical data from rapture and second advent passages do not make it impossible for the events to occur at different times. If he can do that, the pretribulationist has shown that his view is not impossible. And, he has answered the posttribulationist's strongest line of evidence.1
A key factor in understanding the New Testament's teaching of the pretribulational rapture revolves around the fact that two future comings of Christ are presented. The first coming is the catching up into the clouds of the church before the seven-year tribulation and the second coming occurs at the end of the tribulation when Christ returns to the earth to begin His 1,000 year kingdom. Anyone desirous of insight into the biblical teaching of the rapture and second advent must study and decide whether Scripture speaks of one or two future events.
FRAMING THE ISSUE
Posttribulationists usually contend that if the rapture and the second coming are two distinct events, separated by about seven years, then there ought to be at least one passage in Scripture which clearly teaches this. However, the Bible does not always teach God's truth in accordance with our preconceived notions or in such a way that answers directly all of our questions. For example, a Unitarian could design a similar kind of question regarding the Trinity. "Where is at least one passage in Scripture which clearly says that the Persons of the Godhead are distinct?" We who believe the Trinity reply that the Bible teaches the Trinity but in a different way.
Many important biblical doctrines are not given to us directly from a single verse, we often need to harmonize passages into systematic conclusions. Some truths are directly stated in the Bible, such as the deity of Christ (John 1:1, Titus 2:13). But doctrines like the Trinity and the incarnate nature of Christ are the product of biblical harmonization. Taking into account all biblical texts, orthodox theologians, over time, recognized that God is a Trinity and that Christ is the God-Man. Similarly, a systematic consideration of all biblical passages reveals that Scripture teaches two future comings.
Posttribulationists often contend that the pre-trib position is built merely built upon an assumption that certain verses 'make sense' if and only if the pre-trib model of the rapture is assumed to be correct. However, they often fail to make it clear to their readers that they are just as dependent upon assumptions as they say pre-tribers are. Their error stems from failure to observe actual biblical distinctions.
For example, Christ's ministry has two phases which revolve around His two comings. Phase one took place at Christ's first coming when He came in humiliation to suffer. Phase two will begin at Christ's second coming when He will reign on earth in power and glory. Failure to distinguish these two phases was a key factor in Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah at His first coming. In the same way, failure to see clear distinctions between the rapture and second advent lead many to a misinterpretation of God's future plan.
THE NATURE OF THE RAPTURE
The rapture is most clearly presented in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In verse 17 the English phrase "caught up" translates the Greek word "harpázô," which means "to seize upon with force" or "to snatch up." Latin translators of the Bible used the word "rapere," the root of the English term "rapture." At the rapture living believers will be "caught up" in the air, translated into the clouds, in a moment of time.
The rapture is characterized in the Bible as a "translation coming" (1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 4:15-17) in which Christ comes for His church. The second advent is Christ returning with His saints, descending from heaven to establish His earthly kingdom (Zech. 14:4-5; Mat. 24:27-31). Ed Hindson observes:
The rapture (or "translation") of the church is often paralleled to the "raptures" of Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2: 12). In each case, the individual disappeared or was caught up into-heaven. At His ascension, our Lord Himself was "taken up" into heaven (Acts 1:9). The biblical description of the rapture involves both the resurrection of deceased believers and the translation of living believers into the air to meet the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51 52).2
Differences between the two events are harmonized naturally by the pre-trib position, while other views are not able to account comfortably for such distinctions. (Notice the graphic on page four that lists passages that speak of the rapture and those referring to the second coming.)
RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING CONTRASTS
Rapture/Translation 2nd Coming/ Estab. Kingdom
1 Translation of all believers 1 No translation at all
2 Translated saints go to 2 Translated saints return to
heaven earth
3 Earth not judged 3 Earth judged & righteous-
ness established
4 Imminent, any-moment, 4 Follows definite predicted
signless signs including tribulation 5 Not in the Old Testament 5 Predicted often in Old
Testament
6 Believers only 6 Affects all men
7 Before the day of wrath 7 Concluding the day of
wrath
8 No reference to Satan 8 Satan bound
9 Christ comes for His own 9 Christ comes with His own
10 He comes in the air 10 He comes to the earth
11 He claims His bride 11 He comes with His bride
12 Only His own see Him 12 Every eye shall see Him
13 Tribulation begins 13 Millennial Kingdom begins
John Walvoord concludes that these "contrasts should make it evident that the translation of the church is an event quite different in character and time from the return of the Lord to establish His kingdom, and confirms the conclusion that the translation takes place before the tribulation."3
ADDITIONAL DIFFERANCES
Paul speaks of the rapture as a "mystery" (1 Cor. 15:51-54), that is a truth not revealed until its disclosure by the apostles (Col. 1:26), making it a separate event, while the second coming was predicted in the Old Testament (Dan. 12:1-3; Zech. 12:10; 14:4).
The movement for the believer at the rapture is from earth to heaven, while it is from heaven to earth at the second advent. At the rapture, the Lord comes for his saints (1 Thess. 4:16), while at the second coming the Lord comes with His saints (1 Thess. 3:13). At the rapture, the Lord comes only for believers, but His return to the earth will impact all people. The rapture is a translation/resurrection event where the Lord takes believers "to the Father's house" in heaven (John 14:3), while at the second coming believers return from heaven to the earth (Matt. 24:30). Hindson says, "The different aspects of our Lord's return are clearly delineated in the scriptures themselves. The only real issue in the eschatological debate is the time interval between them."4
POST-TRIB PROBLEMS
One of the strengths of the pre-trib position is that it is better able to harmonize the many events of end-time prophecy because of its distinction between the rapture and the second coming. Normally, posttribulationists do not even attempt to answers such objections and the few that try struggle with the biblical text. Yet, pretribulationists do not encounter difficulties in providing answers. What are some post-trib problems?
First, posttribulationism requires that the church will be present during the 70th week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27) even though it was absent from the first 69. This is in spite of the fact that Daniel 9:24 says that all 70 weeks are for Israel. Pretribulationism is not in conflict with this passage, as is posttribulationism, since the church departs before the beginning of the seven-year period.
Second, posttribulationism must deny the New Testament teaching of imminency-that Christ could come at any-moment. Pretribulationism does not have a problem with these New Testament passages, since they believe that no signs must precede the rapture.
Third, premillennial posttribulationism has no answer to their problem of who will populate the millennium if the rapture and second coming occur at the same time. Since all believers will be translated at the rapture and all unbelievers judged, because no unrighteous shall be allowed to enter Christ's kingdom, then no one would be left in mortal bodies to start the population base for the millennium. The pre-trib viewpoint does not have a problem at this point.
Fourth, posttribulationism is not able to explain the sheep and goats judgment after the second coming in Matthew 25:31-46. As in the previous problem, how would there be any believers in mortal bodies, if they were raptured at the second coming, who would be available to enter into Christ's kingdom? Pretribulationism does not have such a problem.
Fifth, since Revelation 19:7-8 indicates that the church, Christ's Bride, is made ready to accompany Christ to earth (Rev. 19:14) before the second coming, how could this reasonably happen if part of the church is still on earth awaiting Christ's Advent? If the rapture of the church takes place at the second coming, then how does the Bride (i.e., the church) also come with Christ at His return? There would not be sufficient time for this to happen within a posttribulational sequence, but the pre-trib position has no such problem.
CONCLUSION
The distinctions between Christ's coming in the air to rapture His church are too great to be reduced into a single coming at the end of the tribulation. These biblical distinctions provide a strong basis for the pre-trib rapture teaching. W
ENDNOTES
1John S. Feinberg, "Arguing for the Rapture: Who Must Prove What and How" in Thomas Ice and Timothy Demy, editors When The Trumpet Sounds (Eugene, Org.: Harvest House Publishers, forthcoming July 1995).
2Edward E. Hindson, "The Rapture and the Return: Two Aspects of Christ's Coming" in Thomas Ice and Timothy Demy, editors When The Trumpet Sounds (Eugene, Org.: Harvest House Publishers, forthcoming July 1995).
3The quotation and the first six contrasts in the graphic above are taken from John F. Walvoord, The Return of the Lord (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1955), 87-88.
4Hindson, Ibid
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