Jim's Eschatological Info

The recent attack by Iran on Israel has sparked a renewed curiosity about how this might fit with prophecy as recorded in our bibles. Can Iran’s current aggression along with her proxies be found in scripture? Let’s take a quick look.

The modern nation of Iran was referred to as Persia in the bible. As such Persia is spoken of connected with end-time prophetic wars directly in two places. One is her participation in the alliance that comes against Israel in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. This war, however, takes place at the end of the tribulation and is describing the final battle called Armageddon in Revelation. For a discussion about the timing of this event read this previous post: Ezekiel’s GOG-Magog War is Armageddon – Jim’s Eschatological Info (eschatontrails.com). So, that’s not what’s happening today. The other direct mention of Persia in end-times prophecy is in Daniel chapter 8 concerning a “ram-goat” war out of which eventually the antichrist emerges. The ram is identified as Medo-Persia, but the goat is revealed as Greece or in Hebrew Yavan. Yavan is western Turkey and the Aegean, so is definitely not Israel. So, that fact again rules out this prophecy.

A couple of other candidates often mentioned where Iran is implied but not directly mentioned are the Psalm 83 war, and the sixth trumpet war. In Psalm 83, Israels antagonists include some of Iran’s proxies, but not Iran itself. You can read about the Psalm 83 war here: Psalm 83 War – Jim’s Eschatological Info (eschatontrails.com). Again, not likely what’s currently happening now between Iran and Israel. The sixth trumpet war is a horrendous war that results in the death of one-third of mankind. It’s the one often referred to as WW3. Iran is seemingly involved here, as the war starts in the area of the Euphrates River of which Iran partially borders, though no individual countries are named. However, as it occurs at the sixth trumpet, this war will not likely happen until the middle of Daniels seventieth week or early in the second half. There is, however, a remote possibility that this current conflict could evolve into a much wider-even nuclear war that decimates 1/3 of the world’s population. Revelation is not necessarily chronological. So, while this sixth trumpet war seems to occur much later than now, it remains a remote possibility.

The most likely scenario is that this current conflict between Iran and Israel is part of what Jesus called “the beginning of birth pangs”, a period leading up to Daniel’s seventieth Week. Among these early contractions, He listed “wars and rumors of wars”. I believe that is where we are at currently with this Iran/Israel war. Certainly, more wars that involve Iran are coming soon, but this particular one is probably a non-specific war as related to prophecy other than being a part of Jesus’s descriptive of the beginning of birth pangs.

Keep watching, things are heating up, and our redemption is drawing near.

Maranatha, Jim

I’ve had the opportunity to view all 8 episodes of “The Chosen” season 4. The first 3 seasons are available to watch at many streaming locations. So far, season 4 has only been shown in theaters in select areas. The date season 4 will be available for streaming is yet to be determined due to legal issues. “The Chosen” is essentially a TV show about Jesus and His disciples during His ministry, death and resurrection. Like all TV shows, most of the dialog and many of the characters are fictional created by the show’s writers. That said, the writers IMO, do an excellent job depicting what life may have been like during this time as seen through the eyes of the 12 apostles. Many of the words and actions of Jesus and the disciples parallel the Gospels. I found the experience to be mostly uplifting and moving at times. The actors are well casted, and the visual effects are well done. Of all the movies about Jesus I’ve seen over the years, this production ranks highly, even though there is much extra-biblical content. However, the extra-biblical content is largely plausible considering the date and customs of this time period.

I would definitely recommend “The Chosen” for its entertainment value as well as its emphasis on Jesus and His ministry. A few caveats: If you go with impressionable youth, or those with little biblical knowledge, be sure to convey to them what is scriptural, and what is fictional. Treat it as an opportunity to get them to read the gospels for themselves. We should never get our doctrine from a TV show.

We are told that season 4 is one of 7 planned seasons, so “The Chosen” will be around for quite a while. It is being translated into many foreign languages, so it’s become a world-wide phenomenon. With the proper approach “The Chosen” can become an important evangelistic tool. I hope you enjoy this production as much as I have.

Maranatha, Jim

Concerning the time when the antichrist sets up his “abomination of desolation”, the prophet records this: “the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32b) NKJV. Let’s break this verse down so we can understand it. First of all, Daniel is writing down information given him by a mighty messenger angel from God. (Perhaps Gabriel or Jesus Himself?). It details what at least some of the people who “know” God will be doing at that time of great tribulation. The word “know” is yada in Hebrew which means to have experienced Jehovah to the point where they believe on Him and have a personal relationship with Him. In other words, they are confident He is the One to look to and serve in this difficult time. In the Greek LXX, the word “know” in this verse is ginosko, a term meaning intimate knowledge and understanding. There should be little question that at this time the messenger is referring to a future people who not only know God, but also His Son, Jesus Christ.

The word “strong” in this verse is in Hebrew chazak, meaning established, courageous, and valiant. No room for weakness, timidity, or inhibitions here!

However, the words “great exploits” are not in the text but added by the translators for clarity. And, I believe, rightly so, as “exploits” are implied. Otherwise, the verse would simply end “carry out” or accomplish and execute.

In any case, this prophecy indicates that knowledgeable Christians will be busier than ever doing God’s work during the last three-and one-half years of this age. One of the things we know for certain they will be doing is found in the next verse; “Those of the people who understand shall instruct many.” (Daniel 11:33). Christians living at this time who know their bible and all the eschatological events detailed in scripture will be used mightily by God to teach and exhort fellow Christians. In addition to teaching, a current English definition of “exploits” is as follows; bold, daring and heroic feats. We can only guess at what some of these feats might be, but when we read about what things the “heroes” of the bible accomplished when empowered by God’s Spirit and little else, we needn’t limit ourselves.

I’m confident many who are reading this will live to see these final days of this age. We’re definitely living in the end times. Are you ready to do great exploits? A mighty angel who came from the presence of the Father said you will.

Maranatha, Jim

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò Issues Statement Criticizing Joe Biden’s Scandalous Proclamation of March 31 as ‘Transgender Visibility Day’ | The Gateway Pundit | by Jim Hᴏft

He states: “Arise children of light; stand up and raise your voices, for in the face of these crimes, silence becomes complicity.”

Amen

Maranatha, Jim

What a privilege it is to connect with subscribers about the mighty acts of our Savior. Nothing is greater than His resurrection from death. This event foreshadows our own resurrection from death in the first resurrection at His second coming. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order; Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). Jesus is our prototype. Just as He received His glorious body at His resurrection, so we will receive our glorious bodies at our resurrection. After His resurrection, Jesus freely moved in and out of the physical realm and the spirit realm. We will also possess this ability. Jesus said of us: “For when they rise from the dead…. they will be like the angels in heaven.” (Mark 12:25). Throughout the bible, angels are seen to appear in physical form.

We certainly have much to look forward to as the season of Jesus’s second advent approaches. This aspect of our own resurrection to glorious new bodies is just one of the many reasons we celebrate Jesus’s resurrection this Sunday.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Maranatha, Jim

The word often translated “conquer” in the New Testament is “nikao” (Greek). It is also translated as overcome, subdue, or prevail. All seven of the churches John wrote to in Revelation include this directive from Jesus Himself, indicative of its importance. “To him who conquers, I will….shall….etc.” The messages to these churches appear to be associated with end time prophecy. We are to be conquerors, particularly in these last days.

You might ask specifically, just what do we need to conquer? Here’s what’s listed that these seven churches needed to conquer. Ephesus: evildoers, false teachers, drifting from their 1st works, and the deeds of the Nicolaitans (heretical Christians). Smyrna: tribulation, poverty, blasphemy, and imprisonment. Pergamos: doctrine of Balaam (idol worship-sexual immorality), and doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Thyatira: teachings of Jezebel, holding fast to what they have. Sardis: lack of watchfulness, lack of repentance, and defiling sin. Philadelphia: hold fast to what you have. Laodicea: lukewarmness, reliance on personal riches rather than wealth from God, lack of zealousness, and lack of repentance.

If these churches were successful at conquering these issues, here are their rewards, listed together; the right to eat from the tree of life, avoidance of the second death, hidden manna from God and a new name, power over the nations, the morning star, given white clothing, name not blotted out from the Book of Life, kept from the hour of trial coming on the earth, become a pillar in God’s temple, given a name identified with the New Jerusalem, and granted to sit with Jesus on His throne. These promises are exclusively for those who conquer or overcome. Hopefully, that includes you.

Outside of the seven churches, the New Testament gives us further direction on what to conquer. “conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:21). “Conquer (prevail over) the beast” (Revelation 15:2). And how do we conquer the beast(antichrist)? “They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Jesus Himself is our example. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have conquered (overcome) the world.” (John 16:33). Jesus then gives us this magnificent promise; “He who conquers shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7)

Saints, we’re not instructed to just sit back and partake in a passive Christianity, comfortable in this world. We are to use our God-given authority with the help of the Holy Spirit to resist evil in all its forms and advance the Kingdom of God in all that we do, conquering this world for Jesus. Only then will the Apostle Paul’s statement be effective in our lives. “Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Maranatha, Jim

The short answer is yes, it surely seems that way. Liberal Catholic and protestant leadership appear to be wholly aligned with the World Economic Forum and the United Nations Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals. In a nutshell, their goals are ultra-socialistic globalist plans that will ultimately usurp control by individual nation states, replacing it with draconian control of individuals by a central authority consisting of elite political, business, and thought leaders. That liberal Christianity is on board with these goals is demonstrated by the following articles:

Churches are key partners for UN’s 2030 Agenda | The Lutheran World Federation

Archbishop Viganò: ‘The globalist cabal want to establish the kingdom of the Antichrist on earth’ – LifeSite (lifesitenews.com)

Pope Francis hops aboard chilling, globalist ‘Great Reset’ WEF wagon – Washington Times

Though these articles are not new, their content as described is quickly moving forward. Yes, Mystery Babylon is maturing in our day with much “Christian” support, I’m afraid. If you’re a professing Christian, it’s imperative that you read and study this topic in Revelation chapters 17&18. Take special notice of 18:4. If you’re currently in a church that is espousing these sentiments, you really need to take stock of your situation. You either need to educate your leadership about the consequences of their actions and look for change, or simply leave and find a sincere bible believing/teaching fellowship that is aware of the end-times we are living in.

If you need commentary on just who Mystery Babylon is, there are articles and bible studies on this site that will help you. You can find them here:

A Biblical Tale.doc – Google Docs

Chronological Eschatology: Mystery Babylon Part 1 (youtube.com)

Maranatha, Jim

This study concludes a 13-part study of eschatological events based on the book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony”. If you’ve studied along with us for all or part this series, please judge them based on content rather than the skills of the presenter. They are, after all, home bible studies. As always, comments including criticisms are welcomed. Writing the book and preparing for these studies has not only helped me to prepare and get ready for what is soon to come, but heightened my excitement as well. I hope you’ve experienced the same results. Great to study with you!

Chronological Eschatology: Events After the Tribulation of Daniels 70th Week (youtube.com)

Maranatha, Jim

This update consists of an interview with Rabbi Ariel, an expert on this particular mitzvah and what it means for the world and the nation of Israel.

Jewish Rabbi REVEALS the Prophetic Significance of Red Heifers (youtube.com)

Maranatha, Jim

This week’s study focuses on Jesus’s second coming and the resurrection of the righteous. Chronological Eschatology: Events at the end of Daniels 70th Week Part 2 (youtube.com)

Maranatha, Jim