Jim's Eschatological Info

The Apostle John twice describes a group of 144,000 individuals, once in chapter 7 and again in chapter 14. The identity and purpose of these individuals is controversial with significant disagreement among bible scholars. In these 2 posts, I’ll explore the text to see what we can come up with that’s solidly scriptural and what’s merely opinion. If we use a sound objective hermeneutic and stick with what is written, we should avoid major error. The first thing necessary to resolve is whether these chapters are speaking of the same group of 144000. At this point, I would ask you to read both accounts in Revelation 7 (verses 1-8), and 14 (verses 1-5).

After reading these accounts, the following similarities are evident: 1. they are both of the same number (144000). 2. they are both sealed by God. 3. they are both servants of God and the Lamb. 4. they are both Israelites and seen on Mt Zion (Jerusalem). 5. they are and were protected from God’s judgment. This is strong, but not conclusive evidence that John is speaking of the same group. It is my opinion based on the above that they are one and the same.

There is a significant time differential between the two accounts. The first, chapter 7, is prior to God’s judgments being poured out on the earth; “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” (Revelation 7:3). The second occurs after Jesus’ coming and He is already reigning in Zion; “Then I looked and, behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion and with Him 144,000 having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.” (Revelation 14:1)

So, just who are these 144,000? Let’s proceed assuming both accounts are describing the same group. First, they are called servants of God. (Chapter 7:3). Second, they are all men. (Chapter 14:4). Third, they are all Israelites descended from Jacob, 12000 from each tribe. (Chapter 7:4-8). Fourth, they are skilled harpists and singers singing songs no one else could learn. (Chapter 14:2-3). Fifth, they were all sealed by God in their foreheads; (Chpt.7:3 and 14:1). Sixth, they are virgins, not defiled with women. Seventh, they follow the Lamb wherever He goes. (Chapter 14:4). Eighth, they were redeemed as first fruits from among men to God and the Lamb. (chapter 14:4). Ninth, they are honest and not deceitful, speaking without fault. (Chapter 14:5).

Let’s elaborate on these nine characteristics. The narrative surrounding this group is classic God M.O. as they belong to the Father. “The Father’s name is written on their foreheads.” (Revelation 14:1). Their number is 12,000 from each of 12 tribes, and 12 is one of God’s favorite numbers. 12 apostles, 12 months, 12 gates on the New Jerusalem, etc. That they are male “firstfruits” to God is also a pattern God established with His chosen. “The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me.” (Exodus 22:29). “And we bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all trees year by year to the house of our Lord and bring the firstborn of our sons and our cattle and the firstborn of our herds and our flocks.” (Nehemiah 10:35-36). God has selected these men from His chosen, descended from Abraham, based on their high moral character. They are virgins who have never slept with women out of wedlock. They are filled with integrity and without deceit. They are unique in their ability to worship musically. Thus, God has selected and “sealed” them for redemption in His kingdom by the Holy Spirit much as He has sealed Christians who belong to Him. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30). By this seal God will also protect them from His severe judgment on the earth and its inhabitants during the great tribulation as implied by chapter 7:3.

So, what is the eschatological significance of this select group of 144,000 men? Will we recognize and interact with them in these last days? What should we be looking for? I’ll address these questions and more in my next post, part 2.

Maranatha, Jim

Ezekiel 37:1-14 contains a passage with a prophetic message for last-days Israel. Please read those verses so that this post will be meaningful to you.

Briefly, the prophet Ezekiel is shown a vision of a valley filled with human bones that were “very dry”, indicating they had been there for a long time. The Holy Spirit instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to these bones so that they might come back to life. Here is that prophecy: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you, and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:5). As Ezekiel was saying this, he heard a rattling sound of bones coming together and he saw sinews, flesh, and skin cover them. But the breath of life was not in them, so he was instructed to prophesy again to the breath. As he prophesied again, breath came into them and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great number. The Holy Spirit then identifies to Ezekiel what those bones represent. He said: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel” (Ezekiel 37:11).

The vast majority of prophecy teachers identify this passage with the regathering of Jews to the holy land and the establishment of the modern state of Israel. But is that sound hermeneutics to come to that conclusion? Could it not be a vivid description of the resurrection? Verses 12-14 are definitive, in my opinion.

The Spirit tells Ezekiel to prophesy a third time. “Behold, O, My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O, My people and have brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it says the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:12-14). These verses are definitive in that dead Israelites are being resurrected from their “graves”(Hebrew-sepulchers). There is no reason in the text to not take this literally and instead, impose a metaphorical understanding of Jews being currently relocated to their ancient homeland. Remember, the default hermeneutic is literal. While this passage certainly may be used to conclude that Israelis will eventually be fully restored to their homeland, the language is that of a physical resurrection from the dead followed by a relocation to the land of Israel. Also, we have the phrase “Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” The modern Israeli nation of regathered Jews is mainly secular and does not, as yet, other than superficially, acknowledge their existence as a sovereign act of the Lord.

While there are many scriptures attesting to the fact that the modern rebirth of Israel is truly a work of God, this passage from Ezekiel is not one of them.

I think we can safely conclude that Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones is a vivid portrait of the resurrection of the righteous at Jesus’s second coming.

Maranatha, Jim

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you’re aware that I present biblical evidence that the antichrist will be of Islamic origin. Further, I evidence that the prophesied 10-nation confederacy allied with the antichrist carrying out his nefarious activities in these last days are also all Islamic. Of course, those activities include the destruction of Mystery Babylon, the world-wide economic, pseudo-religious, behind the scenes, entity that is now in actual control of world economies, political structures, and liberal religions. While it’s scripturally obvious that Islam is the primary antichrist force depicted in the end-times, I’ve often wondered how Islam grows so powerful so fast to accomplish these things.

While Islam’s growth has been staggering across the world, accomplished by migration, conversion, and high birth rates in most countries, in the past, I found it unlikely that they would have enough time to gain the power needed to overthrow and replace Mystery Babylon. That’s with the assumption the Lord’s return is likely only a decade away. (See Discerning the Time-https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jqn7pznBBJMO-UnyXQiimnOq-7wTjL-rRijyryvuoBA/edit?usp=sharing).

Suddenly, something called the “Red-Green Alliance” has emerged on the world’s scene. This changes everything.

In a nutshell, the red-green alliance is a tactical union of Islam and the political left in nation-states across the world. Red stands for the views of communists, socialists, and the ultra-liberal woke tactics of the far left. Green stands for the ultimate domination of Islam as typified by entities such as the Muslim brotherhood, and the pro-Palestinian anti-Israel tactics of Iran’s ruling Shias. Their collective goals are to counter capitalism and freedom loving democracies wherever they can as well as promoting antisemitism, antizionism, and Sharia law. Real Christianity is a target as well. You might be wondering-how can liberal leftist ideologs merge with Islamist views when considering women’s rights, gay rights, and other extreme elements of Sharia law. Well, there’s the old saying; “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” While this alignment has some permanence as far as red side due to ignorance, with Islam, the alliance is only temporary, while using the socialists and communists as tools to reach their goals.

The prophetic implications of this are far-reaching. Suddenly, Islam does not have to wait and gradually grow into dominance. They can and do have it now with this tactical merger. Together Islam and the liberal left are a formidable power. Today the alliance operates through protests, academia, NGO’s, politics, and religion. It’s amazing to watch them taking control over countries with formerly western values. Few countries seem to be exempt, though some recognize the threat and are taking some action.

So, as Christians, what can we do? Pray and take authority over this demonic union. Communicate your opposition to acquaintances and vote your conscience in local and national elections. Be pro-active and write to your representatives about your concern. Encourage your pastors and teachers to address this problem from their pulpits. Remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this age. The Church needs to be aware of Satan’s schemes.

To be sure, God is directing all of this to fulfill His plan and purposes, and this red-green alliance may well be a major force in carrying out Bible prophecy in our day. Stay focused.

Maranatha, Jim

If you’re having difficulty comprehending biblical prophecies concerning coming events, it’s likely due to following the many and varied explanations proposed by the multitude of bible “scholars”. Nothing in the bible is complicated. If it seems that way, the interpretation you’re pursuing is probably wrong. Jesus didn’t make following Him or His teachings difficult to understand, but straight forward for the masses. Take the most important biblical message for example, the gospel. It’s quite simple. Believe on Jesus and His finished work on the cross and repent of your sins in baptism. That’s it. Not complicated. Prophecy is similar.

Prophecy says Jesus is returning to this earth to establish His kingdom. It also says when that will happen in relation to other events. Jesus said it will be at the “last day”. Simple. Last means the last day of this age. Jesus said when teaching His apostles about events leading up to that day that it will occur immediately after a period of great tribulation. (Matthew 24:29). Simple and uncomplicated. Jesus will rule and reign on this earth from Jerusalem for 1000 years following His coming. The bible is simple and clear. It tells of the 1000-year reign four times in Revelation chapter 20. No need to apply strange theology and make it say something else. It’s a millennium-1000 actual years. Our bibles are overly simple to understand on all counts. All of the events leading up to the second advent listed by Jesus in His Olivet discourse are strait forward and unambiguous. It’s only when we begin to add to and rationalize the scriptures that it seems complicated. It’s designed for the uneducated of this world to fully grasp their salvation. God did not design His Word to be understood only by the intellectuals of this world.

If you are spending time reading articles or listening to podcasts by prophecy teachers and it seems confusing and difficult to understand, don’t let them undermine the simplicity of the scriptures. The Holy Spirit wrote so that all who believe will be fully informed and equipped for what is coming. Prophecy is not complicated.

Maranatha, Jim

Sure, Jesus commanded us to watch especially during these last days. However, He does not expect us to idly sit by simply observing end-time events as they happen. He wants us to be actively engaged with those around us, sharing what we are learning as we witness prophecy coming to pass. If we are privileged to possess understanding based on our personal study of the bible and revelation knowledge from the Holy Spirit, know that it is meant to be shared. By doing so, you will be helping to prepare others for the Kingdom. Jesus said this as recorded by the apostle John: “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for the harvest.” (John 4:35). Later, He said this: “The night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4). The time for action is now.

We need to be like the faithful servant who was giving his household their food at the proper time. This parable was given in Matthew 24 :45-51. Here, “food” is God’s words of prophecy explained at the “proper time”-when we see all these things happening that Jesus told us about in His Olivet Discourse. I believe that time is ongoing now. This parable is directly focused toward Pastors and teachers. I did a previous post warning those in Christian leadership about this very thing. You can read it here: A Warning for Pastors and Teachers – Jim’s Eschatological Info . Don’t be afraid to share this message with your Pastor -it’s important!

Now is not the time to be passive with your knowledge of the bible and its end-time message. You will be greatly rewarded for your effort. You can take part in Daniel’s prophecy about the last days: “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32). And, by all means, don’t concern yourselves with the scoffers. Peter said they must come on the scene. “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking in their own lusts.” (2 Peter 3:3). Let’s take advantage of the short time we have left!

Maranatha, Jim

The Prophet Daniel gave us many prophecies about the last days. It is incumbent on us to read and study them so that we are prepared for what is soon coming to our world. One of them is particularly notable as being fulfilled in our day. This is from Daniel chapter 12 which is devoted entirely to the end-times. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” (Daniel 12:4). Knowledge shall increase in the end-time. What did the angel/messenger from God mean when he spoke to Daniel of increasing knowledge in the time of the end?

There are two schools of thought that dominate the interpretation by bible scholars. One is that “knowledge” here means a general understanding of the entire end-time prophecies recorded by Daniel. And this is consistent with Daniel’s statement: “the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10). The second is that this knowledge refers to modern intellectual achievements as demonstrated by advances in medicine, science, electronics, transportation, space travel, computers, emerging AI, etc. Though I lean toward the first option, the second cannot be ruled out.

Aside from which is the correct interpretation, the fact is that both are occurring simultaneously as I write this. Knowledge and awareness of bible prophecy is exploding in Christianity, while general knowledge is increasing exponentially. The conclusion is obvious; this prophecy by Daniel is clearly being fulfilled now. It’s an obvious sign that we are living in the last days and Jesus’s return is just around the corner. Be assured, this sign and all the signs tell us we are in the season of His second coming.

Maranatha, Jim

In Revelation, Jesus gives important messages specific to seven churches. These messages are significant to last-days events and present a wide range of topics important for end-time Christians. At or near the end of all of these letters, Jesus concludes with this: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Although Jesus Himself is dictating to John the contents of each letter, He states that it’s the Spirit that’s responsible for each message. This is consistent with Jesus’s teaching to His apostles that in the future, the Holy Spirit that He would send would “tell you of things to come” (John 16:13). It would seem that one of the major functions of the Spirit is to inform Christians of what the Father and His Son are about to do. Remember: “Surely the Lord does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) Also consider that the bible you are reading is entirely from the Holy Spirit. “All scripture is God-breathed (Spirit originated)” (2 Timothy 3:16). It’s the Spirits book. All of the prophecies concerning the signs of Jesus’ return were penned by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So that begs the question, what is the Spirit telling us today? Is he keeping us abreast critical events as they happen at the Father’s direction?

If you’re a born again baptized Christian, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. Jesus said of the Spirit; “All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He (the Holy Spirit) will take of Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:15). The Spirit living within us will lead us into all truth and teach us by authority given Him from the Father. He does this not only from the bible, as we read and study, but from other Spirit led teachers as they are taught by revelation from the Spirit. Importantly, we can also be individually taught by the Spirit within us as He speaks to us by that “still small voice”. We will be directed more and more as we grow and learn to discern the voice of the Spirit within us. We need to mature and develop that “ear to hear” that Jesus talked about in Revelation.

I find it interesting that most if not all of the Spirit led brothers and sisters in Christ whom I know are sensing by the Spirit that the last days are quickly coming to a close and that Jesus’s return will be very soon. And this includes just about every evangelical preacher/teacher I’m aware of. I’ve been a Christian for 48 years and I could not say that except of late. This makes absolute sense and is one of the greatest signs (if not the greatest) of Jesus’s soon return. The Holy Spirit will not mislead God’s people. The Spirit’s witness is prominent and has come to the forefront in our day. The ultimate source of truth is telling us to prepare, get ready, and watch as the signs He gave us develop.

If you have an ear to hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.

Maranatha, Jim

Jesus Himself quoted the Old Testament 60 to 70 times in the Gospels; even more if you include short quotations. And He expected His followers and the religious leaders of His day to also have a working knowledge of the scriptures. Here are some examples from Matthews’ gospel:

Concerning what was lawful on the Sabbath: “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry?” (Matthew 12:3). “Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?” (Matthew 12:5).

As regarding divorce: “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female?” (Matthew 19:4)

Concerning indignant priests and scribes when children were praising Him in the temple: “Have you never read, out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise?” (Matthew 21:16).

Concerning Himself as rejected by the religious leaders: “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes?“ (Matthew 21:42).

Concerning the resurrection of the dead: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God?” (Matthew 22:29,31).

Today, we who belong to Christ have little excuse for being Scripturally ignorant. All the modern tools for accurate bible reading and study are at our fingertips, far beyond what was available to Jesus’s followers during His ministry 2000 years ago. If He expected biblical knowledge from His followers and the religious leaders of that day, how much more do you think He expects from us? We need to be adequately prepared to defend our doctrine and faith at any time. “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15). Let’s not disappoint our Lord. Make an ongoing concerted effort to gain wisdom that only in-depth study of God’s Word can supply. It’s essential so that God can use us effectively as witnesses to those around us especially as the Day approaches.

Maranatha, Jim

I’m constantly blown away by the fact that most Christians think we can’t know when Jesus’s return is near. Of course, they quickly quote Jesus where He said, “no man knows the day or the hour”. I previously blogged about that verse: The Verse Most Taken Out of Context in the Entire Bible – Jim’s Eschatological Info, and The Verse Most Taken Out of Context (continued) – Jim’s Eschatological Info. Jesus told this to His disciples 2000 years ago, a true statement at the time. But what about today? Here’s what bible readers seemingly fail to grasp.

¹Jesus in His Olivet discourse told the disciples of a series of events beginning with birth pangs and ending with celestial signs that would just precede His return. He even included a referral to the book of Daniel so we wouldn’t miss the manifestation of the antichrist. Here’s what He said about those signs; “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree. When the branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you KNOW that summer is near. So, when you see all these things, KNOW that it is near-at the door.“ (Matthew 24:32-33). Mark’s gospel states the same 2 verses. Luke is somewhat different. “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they are already budding, you SEE AND KNOW for yourselves that summer is now near. So, you also, when you see these things happening, KNOW that the kingdom of God is near.”(Luke 21: 29-31). The three synoptic gospels have Jesus using the word “know” six times in His reference to the budding trees. The Greek word for “know” is “ginosko“, meaning to become aware or to perceive. Interestingly, Luke points out that one does not have to see the completion of all these events to know what’s coming. “Now when these things BEGIN to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28).

Certainly, we can and will know when His coming is near. Jesus Himself stated quite bluntly that His followers would be fully aware of His imminent arrival. Watching for the signs He gave us should be a priority of Christians in these last days. After all, He gave us an important commandment. And it was not one just for His disciples. Here’s what He told them: “It is like a man going to a far country, who left His house and gave authority to His servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:34, 37). In Revelation, He made it clear; “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).

Summer has arrived, watch ! The fig tree and all the trees are budding!

Maranatha, Jim

1. ↩︎

If you’ve read my previous post, you know that I ascribe to an Islamic fulfillment of the fifth and final kingdom of the antichrist as portrayed by the feet of the king’s statue of Daniel chapter 2. These feet are described in verse 33 as partly of iron and partly of clay, as are the ten toes. “And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile.” (Daniel 2:43). These feet and toes represent the antichrist’s kingdom and his ten-nation alliance (Revelation 17: 12-14) that are crushed by Jesus at His coming. “You watched while a Stone was cut without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them into pieces.” (Daniel 2:34). The iron and clay depict a conflicted union of nations with separate ideologies. This fits perfectly with the primary warring divisions within Islam, i.e., Shia vs Sunni. We are also witnessing at present the shear destruction of the Shia as represented primarily by Iran. There is little question that the Sunni branch will emerge from the current Iran war strengthened (iron), while the Shia branch (Iran) will have little military facility left and so will become fragile (clay). Yet, Islam will remain united in its goal to rid the world of the “little and great Satans”, Israel and the US. The antichrist will remain in total control of both Sunni and Shia and lead them into the final battle with Jesus Himself.

Verse 43 is very interesting. “As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men, but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.” (Daniel 2:43). The Aramaic translation of the emboldened words mixed, mingle, and mix in this verse is “arab“. This word for the mix of desert peoples of the Mideast has survived to this day and helps to identify the makeup of the feet of iron and clay.

Then comes what we are all waiting for: “And in the days of these kings (toes) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms; and it shall stand forever.” (Daniel 2:44).

For a detailed analysis of Daniel Chapter 2 and all its implications, I encourage you to read chapter 5 of Joel Richadrson’s free book “Mideast Beast”. It will flesh out all the gaps and questions you may have about these two posts. Here is a link to that chapter: Master File Joel Richardson

Saints, we’re watching the formation that final kingdom playing out in the news of the day. We are at a very late hour.

Maranatha, Jim