Jim's Eschatological Info

When is the last time you heard a sermon in your church describing the nearness of our Lord’s return and how you should be preparing? Did it include a summary of the signs already fulfilled that indicate His 2nd advent is near? Did it include a discussion of the signs yet to be fulfilled that Jesus commanded us to watch for so that we are ready? Most likely, if you’re an average Christian the answer to these questions is no or, perhaps, even never. The vast majority of Christian pastors will pay lip service to the fact that Jesus is coming back someday but usually quote out of context a verse that says, “no one knows the day or hour”. Based on this they ignore eschatological scripture or teaching about yet to be filled prophecy labeling it as too controversial. What this leads to is a church that is asleep and largely ignorant of biblical prophecy. Needless to say, this is sad and unfortunate as many Christians will be easily deceived when confronted with the coming “great tribulation.”

The apostle Paul gave some good instruction in his letter to the Romans almost two thousand years ago. How much more appropriate are his words in our day. “And do this; knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” (Romans 13:11-12). Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-lest, coming suddenly, he finds you sleeping.“ (Mark 13:35-36). Paul stated emphatically to the Thessalonians, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6)

As I’ve stated before in previous posts, watching for the signs Jesus gave us is not an option for Christians, but a command. Regardless of the teaching or lack of teaching you are sitting under, it behooves you individually to carefully study all the prophetic passages in both Old and New Testaments so that you are adequately prepared for these last days. God is busy shaping events in order to fulfill His Word. And they’re happening quickly. Every prophecy will come to pass. You can count on it. Of course, you’ll miss most of it if you’re sleeping!

Maranatha, Jim

Keeping abreast of end-time events is not a choice for Christians. That is if you’re obeying Jesus’s command. He commanded us all to watch and stay aware always looking for the signs He so abundantly gave us. After giving His disciples a great detail of information about the times just preceding His second coming, He told them this: “It is like a man going to a far country, who has left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.” (Mark 13: 34). He then added this: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13: 37). If we choose to ignore His command, we will be woefully unprepared and unable to discern the season of His arrival. He clearly stated that “when we see all these things, (the signs He had just given them) know that it is near-at the doors” (Matthew 24: 33). Yes, know! He’s given us more than we need to be ready and anticipating His arrival. “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:23)

Considering the vast proliferation of news sources available to all in our day, it takes little effort to stay informed about significant last days events. God has provided countless “watchmen on the wall” to help make sure we’re up to date. You can consider this blog as one small effort to keep you informed. Let’s all adhere to Jesus’s command and- Watch!

Maranatha, Jim

The word “resurrection” as used in the bible simply means a dead person restored to life. The word “rapture”(which is not in the bible) as used in modern prophetic discourse also means resurrection but includes physical change from a mortal body to a glorious immortal one at Jesus’s second coming. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Resurrections are detailed three time in the Old Testament, all in 1st and 2nd Kings at the hands of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Included are the widow Zarephath’s son, the Shunammite womans son, and a dead man contacting Elisha’s bones. In the gospels, there are the resurrections of the widow of Nain’s son, Jairus’s daughter, Lazarus, many holy people at Jesus’s death, and, of course, Jesus Himself. The gospels also imply many resurrections that are not described. The Book of Acts details Peter’s raising of Tabitha, and Paul’s raising of Eutychus.

Of utmost importance is the fact that all of us are going to experience a resurrection from death with the exception of those who belong to Christ and are alive at His coming. Then, everyone will be judged. “….it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). Paul said: “…. there will be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15). These resurrections are commonly termed the “general” resurrections as they will encompass all mankind in our future. Jesus taught us about this: “…. for the hour is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28-29).

These two general resurrections are clearly described in John’s vision in the Book of Revelation. “Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of God, who had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power.” (Revelation 20: 4-6). Please note that if you read the above scripture without the parenthetical insert, it’s obvious that those who endured and were martyred during the “great tribulation” take part in the “first” resurrection. This first resurrection is clearly the general resurrection of all believers (the just, the resurrection of life) when Jesus comes in all His glory. The parenthetical insertion states that the second general resurrection will take place 1000 years after the first. This is called the “Great white Throne Judgment” (Revelation 20:11-15) when all those not raised in the first resurrection will be raised to face judgment. Scripture is clear, there will be two general resurrections.

Unfortunately, many prophecy teachers posit that there will be at least three general resurrections, and some even more. Many exegetical gymnastics are required to come to these conclusions, all which do violence to the scriptures. A basic understanding of end time events will give the student of prophetic scripture clarity as to when these resurrections (raptures?) will occur. For an in depth look at the “when” of the first resurrection as related to other end time events please look up and read the scriptures referred to in this previous post. The “When” of the Resurrection of the Righteous – Jim’s Eschatological Info

Maranatha, Jim

It’s likely that because of this late date the individual who will transform into the antichrist is already in limited power in the geographical area he will arise from. We know for certain we will be able to positively identify him at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. It’s then he will declare himself to be worshipped as God in the holy place on Jerusalem’s temple mount. We can’t and won’t mistake that. But the question is, will we be able to determine his identity before that? This may be important in our preparation for the “great tribulation” Jesus warned us about. The answer is maybe; here are some biblical clues.

One important clue is to watch those who rise to power in the area the bible indicates the antichrist will come from. That area is the old Assyrian empire to the north of Israel of which a major part is modern day Turkey. This is strongly indicated by verses such as Micah 5:5-6 (Assyrian), Ezekiel 38:15 (Gog-from the north quarter), Daniel 8 (Little horn-from Greece, that is ‘Yavan’ or western Turkey). Another clue is that he is likely to survive a major wound that should have killed him but from which he miraculously recovers. This could come from an assassination attempt, or a military battle. A third clue is the ‘number of his name'(666) which might be determined using Greek alpha-numerics. A fourth clue that should help will be his personal attributes as described in Daniel and Revelation. He is a charismatic leader of ‘fierce countenance’, a schemer and deceiver who is largely successful in battle. His influence and reputation will earn him high regard among the nations. A fifth clue is that he rises out of obscurity as opposed to royal inheritance. A sixth clue is his organization of a loyal 10 nation confederacy that will fully align with his nefarious goals. A seventh clue is that he will be the primary driver behind a “covenant with the many” that will kick off the final 7 years of this age till Jesus returns.

These seven clues taken together should give us a heads up as to his identity even before the middle of Daniel’s 70th week. I’ve provided much more detail about the antichrist in chapter 7 of my book “Last Days Events”. You can access it here: Last Days Events Sequence and Synchrony – Kindle edition by Weinert, James. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

It’s imperative that the Church watch for these clues so we can prepare and do all we can to resist this individual.

Maranatha, Jim

Back in August I penned a post entitled “US Election and Bible Prophecy”. I’m sharing a link to it here: US Election and Bible Prophecy – Jim’s Eschatological Info. I ask you to read it and look at what I felt were the scriptural reasons this election would be so important and vital for the eschatological future of the United States. Things are looking a little brighter for the US as viewed from a biblical standpoint.

Maranatha, Jim

I’ve often heard that it’s only symbolic that Jesus is returning to set up a real temporal kingdom on this earth. Those who hold this view usually quote this verse from Luke’s gospel where Jesus said: “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; ‘nor will they say, “see here or see there!” For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.’ “ (Luke 17:21). They interpret that to mean that when a person becomes a believing baptized Christian, he or she is indwelt by God the Father and the Son via the Holy Spirit. This is certainly true; “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23). But does this mean, as they imply, that this indwelling is the fulfillment of kingdom prophecy? Let’s take a closer look at this verse.

First, note that Jesus, when He said this, is addressing the Pharisees who had asked Him when the kingdom of God would come. As these were unbelieving Jews, Jesus was definitely not saying the kingdom was within them. So, what was He telling them? Jesus continued His response with a detailed description of what it would be like at His second coming. He did this to elaborate on what He meant by saying “the kingdom does not come with observation.” In other words, don’t believe it if someone tells you come see, the Messiah is over here or over there with his kingdom. It’s not observable in that manner but will instead be a glorious world-shaking event. Then He said, “The kingdom is within you.” A better translation for within is ‘among you’, or ‘in your midst’. When Jesus said this, He was in the midst of them. What He clearly meant was that the kingdom was present in the form of the King in their midst. He was the Messiah and coming King of the kingdom standing right there among them. Jesus also said this clearly while addressing the Pharisees who were claiming that He was casting out demons by Beelzebub; “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28). The King and the kingdom were there present with them.

If you’re a Christian, you worship King Jesus who abides in you and are therefore part of His kingdom. However, the rest of the world that does not acknowledge His kingship (the vast majority) is aloof to His reign over His church. The time is drawing near when His full kingdom reign will commence. “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.” (Hebrews 10:12-13). When He comes the second time, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11). Only then will His full kingdom be established.

That there will be a literal physical kingdom established on this earth with Jesus as King ruling the world from the capital city of Jerusalem, Israel, is the clear message taught thru ought scripture. No, it’s not mere symbolism. The message of the coming kingdom is what Jesus instructed His disciples and us to preach. Don’t be misled by an errant translation of Luke 17:21.

Maranatha, Jim

When Jesus was teaching His disciples and us what signs to watch for that would indicate His coming was near, He followed up with an illustration about faithful and evil servants. First the wise servant. “Who is that faithful and wise steward whom his Master will make ruler over His household to give them their portion of food in due season? “ (Luke 12: 42). “Blessed are those servants whom the Master, when He comes will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that He will gird Himself and have them sit down to eat and will come and serve them.” (Luke 12: 37). It’s clear from Jesus’s words that He expects His stewards (those responsible for his household) to be awake, determine what watch of the night his Lord is coming so that his house is not broken into unexpectedly, and giving those under his supervision their “food” at the proper time. The word “food” here implies eschatological teaching applied to events happening in his time. The proper time (season) is when he sees and senses that Jesus’s second coming is near based on his knowledge of scripture, the occurrence of signs foretold by Jesus and elsewhere in the bible, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. If that steward is not actively engaged as such, Jesus calls him an evil servant.

I would not want to be determined an evil servant by Jesus. “The Master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for Him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” (Luke:12: 46). “But know this, if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.” (Luke 12:39).

It will not go well for pastors or teachers who are avoiding or ignoring eschatological scriptures if we are truly entering the season of His return. It is indeed their responsibility to watch and prepare their flock for the traumatic events that I believe are beginning to unfold. If you’re in a teaching position and need some help unraveling end-time scriptures, I recommend the book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony”. You can find it here: Last Days Events: Sequence and Synchrony: Weinert, J D: 9798858723684: Amazon.com: Books

Maranatha, Jim

I need to wrap up this series of posts concerning the verse most taken out of context in the entire bible. That verse is Matthew 24:36 where Jesus said this about His second coming, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, but My Father only.“ The context, of course, is Jesus’s Olivet discourse where He is prepping the disciples and us about everything to watch for ahead of time so that we are ready and able to determine when His coming is near. So, this verse, at first glance, seems to contradict everything Jesus was saying. While I could provide many more examples like the four previous posts taken from this discourse attesting to the fact that it was only in that day (2000 years ago) no one knew, let’s take a deeper look at the word knows (Greek- eido). Eido is a primary verb used only in certain past tenses (Strongs Dictionary). It means, simply, has seen, has perceived, or has understood. Even though Jesus was relating all He knew at that time, no one, not even He in His humanity, understood the timing. At that time-2000 years ago- there was no New Testament- no gospels, no Pauline epistles, and no book of Revelation to help them out. The Holy Spirit had yet to be poured out on the church who will “tell us of things to come.”(John 16:13).

Looking at other places in the context of the Olivet discourse where iedo is used will help to bring clarity. Jesus used that verb 5 times during this teaching. One of these was His quote from Daniel; “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation….” (Matthew 24:15). The word “see” used here is iedo. So, when you see it (the AOD), you will know the timing. Another very enlightening use of this verb in context is Mathew 24:33, “So you also when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors.” Again, the word “see” used here is iedo. What Jesus is clearly stating here is that when you see (iedo) all these things I’ve been teaching you about then KNOW that My coming is at hand. There’s no question Jesus was giving this detailed teaching so that we would be ready and able to determine the time of His coming.

Matthew 24:36 is not a verse to be pulled out of context and quoted as proof that those who study end-times and are watching as biblical signs are being fulfilled are simple chasing their tails because they can’t know anyway. This is just the opposite of what Jesus was teaching us. Jesus commanded us to watch so that we are ready. In fact, later in Revelation, He told the church at Sardis, “…. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” (Revelation 3:3). I think we’d better watch, study, and prepare to the best of our ability. Again, don’t let anyone deter you from watching, preparing, and, yes, even attempting to determine the hour of His coming, by quoting to you a verse taken completely out of context.

Maranatha, Jim

This will be my fourth post concerning what I called the verse most taken out of context in the entire bible. In that verse, Matthew 24:36, Jesus stated that no one knows the day or hour of His return. It is used and quoted from pulpits across the globe to minimize or avoid the importance of last-days eschatological teaching. However, the context is Jesus’s Olivet discourse where He teaches the apostles and us everything we need to know so that we can watch, make ourselves ready, and know when His coming is about to happen. One of the clearest signs He gave us with a time stamp during this discourse is recorded by Matthew. “Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation ‘ spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place…. then there will be great tribulation such has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:15, 21). If we follow Jesus’ advice and go back and read Daniels commentary along with the corresponding scriptures in Revelation, we can come to an obvious conclusion. Jesus is referring to the second half of Daniels 70th week, the “great tribulation”, a period described as “times, time, and 1/2 a time”, or 3 1/2 years, or 1260 days, or 42 months. This is the time the antichrist declares in Jerusalem that he is the one to be worshipped until Jesus destroys him with His coming precisely 42 months later. This is not an event the church will miss. All true believers who endure to the end will know exactly when their Lord is returning to set up His kingdom. Jesus’s statement that no one knows the day or hour was certainly true 2000 years ago but is not applicable as His coming nears. When Jesus told us to read Daniel, He said “let the reader understand” (Matthew 24:15). After Daniel relates this prophecy, he states: “the wise will understand” (Daniel 12:10).

Make no mistake, the closer we get to Jesus’ second coming, the more certainty we’ll have about a specific date. Jesus said: “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:23). In addition, we have a terrific teacher sent by Jesus Himself. “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…. and He will tell you things to come.“ (John 16:13). Don’t be dissuaded from your study of eschatology by those who take their proof texts out of context.

Maranatha, Jim

Jesus gave us another strong indication of the timing of His return In His Olivet discourse as recorded in Matthew. This again will support the conclusion that Matthew 24:36 (no one knows the day or hour) is usually quoted out of context. Jesus told us this: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14). In other words, if we can determine when this verse is fulfilled, we can then know that the end of the age and Jesus’ second coming is at hand. Notice He does not say that the gospel must be preached to every individual, but as a witness to all nations. Nations here means “ethnicities” or non-Jewish people groups. Of course, this began with Jesus’ disciples going to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth as He commanded them. The gospel continued to spread through local churches, missionaries, evangelists, and individual Christian witness. As time went on these were aided by literary sources, radio & TV, and now the internet.

So, the question we now must ask is, has the gospel of the kingdom been preached to all people groups? While there are probably small groups scattered across the globe that may not have yet heard the gospel, the speed of information dissemination is unprecedented in our day. We are likely near but not quite there yet. We do know that this will be wrapped up by the angelic proclamation of the gospel from heaven (sky) to the whole world guaranteeing the fulfillment of Jesus’s prophecy. “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth-to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” (Revelation 14:6). I can’t help but think of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in orbit above the earth. Might this be what the angel uses to preach the gospel to all the earth? Just saying.

At any rate, Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew gives us a timing clue to watch for so that we are ready for what’s soon to come. More proof that Matthew 24:14 needs to be read and interpreted in context. I’ll give more proofs on following posts.

Maranatha, Jim