Jim's Eschatological Info

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

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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

Daniel chapter 2 contains a remarkable story of a dream of Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar interpreted by the prophet Daniel. Only the young Jewish prophet could tell the king the dream and interpret it as revealed by God. The dream and its interpretation are remarkable because it represents a timeline with its beginning and ending easily recognizable events that biblical scholars generally agree upon. As we will clearly see, the beginning is at the time of the vision, and the ending is the triumphant return of Jesus to this earth. If we can understand the scriptures describing conditions leading up to the ending, we will have important clues defining our near future. Before reading further, I strongly suggest you open your bible and read all of Daniel chapter 2.

Daniel’s interpretation depicts a statue with a head of gold, arms and breast of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron, and feet of iron mixed with clay. Nebuchadnezzar is the head of gold, beginning the timeline. Moving downward, advancing in time, are 4 subsequent historical kingdoms that establish control over the expanse of the Babylonian empire. The precise identity of these empires is often debated amongst biblical scholars. They are popularly identified as Medo-Persia, followed by Greek (Alexander), then either the Roman empire or the Islamic Caliphate, and finally the feet, either a revived Roman Empire or a revived Islamic Caliphate-the kingdom of the antichrist. I personally ascribe to the Islamic identity of the legs and feet for many reasons. See these previous blog posts: Islam is the Antichrist’s Religion – Jim’s Eschatological Info, Origin of the Antichrist – Jim’s Eschatological Info, Identifying the Ten Kings Allied with the Antichrist – Jim’s Eschatological Info. If the Islamic identity is correct, then Nebuchadnezzar’s statue starts with Babylon, followed by Medo-Persia, Greek empire, the Islamic Caliphate (Ottoman Empire), and finally, a revived Ottoman empire controlled by the antichrist and his ten-nation alliance. These ten nations are likely depicted as the ten toes on the statue. We read further that the statue is completely destroyed at Jesus coming when He strikes the feet that make up the antichrist’s kingdom, a clear reference to Armageddon. (verses 34-35, 44).

Daniel ends his description to the king: “the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” (Daniel 2:45). This prophecy is certain and sure.

In my next post, I’ll lay out the Islamic scenario that is unfolding before our eyes in fulfillment of Daniel’s description of the kingdom that makes up the feet and toes of the great statue. Watch for it as it is a critical part of our near future and we are in the middle of its development.

Maranatha, Jim

I’m sure it’s not just me noticing the increasing contrast of good vs. evil, or to put it another way, light vs. darkness in this world. By “light” I mean biblical and spiritual revelation from our Creator that gives us a “lamp unto our feet” directing us how to walk in all that is Godly in an ungodly world. By “darkness”, I mean a complete lack of Holy Spirit enlightened direction leading to a life of doing what we please, which is really a life directed by the god of this world, Satan himself.

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of this coming darkness when prophesying about the coming Messiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2). Also: “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:2). In this scripture, the darkness prophesied to cover the earth is, in Hebrew choseck, meaning among other descriptions, misery, destruction, ignorance, and wickedness. But when he says “deep darkness” the people, it’s a different Hebrew word that is similar, but emphasizes grossness or thickness. You may have heard the expression “it was so dark, you could have cut it with a knife”. This is the kind of darkness I see manifesting itself in today’s world. Very gross, deep, heavy. Something only the “Light of this World”-Jesus can penetrate.

The Prophets Joel and Amos speak of the “day of the Lord” as being especially dark. “For the day of the Lord is coming, a day of clouds and thick darkness.” (Joel 2:1-2). “For what good is the day of the Lord to you? It will be darkness and not light.” “Is not the day of the Lord darkness and not light?” (Amos 5:18,20).

When Jesus hung on the cross and evil celebrated triumphantly those three hours were characterized by darkness: “Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.” (Matthew 27:45). The Apostle John contrasted Jesus with the darkness of this world: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5). “And this is the condemnation, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:15). And there you have it-the reason for all this darkness. It provides cover for evil deeds. Jesus-the real Light exposes it all.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way: “The night is far spent; the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12). He then says this about us Christians; “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” (Colossians 1:13). And: “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this day (of the Lord) should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5 4).

Yes, darkness, an evil thick darkness, seems to be slowly enveloping the world much like it did during the days of Noah. It’s prophesied in your bible and will continue to get worse and worse right up to the Day of the Lord ending the great tribulation. As for us we must continue to walk in the light as He is in the light. Jesus Himself said this publicly: “I am the light of this world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” (John 8:12). As we walk more and more in the Spirit, our light will shine brighter and brighter pushing the darkness into oblivion, at least as far as we’re concerned. Let your light shine and you’ll dispel this present darkness. It’s getting darker.

Maranatha, Jim

We know there needs to be some sort of temple erected on Zion’s temple mount. It’s needed to fulfill the prophecies about the antichrist who, during the tribulation, ceases daily sacrifices and seats himself there declaring himself god. (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

Although I sometimes disagree with Nelson Walters’ eschatology, he has posted a video that describes a scenario whereby a kosher temple might be erected in a hurry.

Take a look at this video, as it contains some important insights. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/FmeFKVZMeTo?si=E5eSlOHtx9nnNa7u

Maranatha, Jim

Since we are fast approaching Jesus’s 1000 year kingdom reign, I thought I might pique your curiosity about the nature of the resurrected saints. Personally, I often think about these things even though there is not a wealth of clear teaching in scripture.

The apostle Paul stated that those who are alive at the resurrection when Jesus returns will be changed. “For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52). What did he mean “changed”? We know from the associated verses that it means to change from corruptible to incorruptible, mortal to immortal. Immortal, of course, implies we will live forever. The Greek word for changed is ” allasso ” which means simply, to make different. What are the implications?

We also know that we will be like Jesus in His glorified body. (Philippians 3:21). Jesus was not constrained by natural physical law after His resurrection. He appeared to His apostles in a room with a locked door. He vanished before the eyes of two followers on the road to Emmaus. He traveled to remote locations instantly. He ascended into heaven while the apostles looked on, defying gravity. And, immediately after we are changed, we will also defy gravity and rise to meet Him in the air. We will then proceed with Him to the new capital of the world, Jerusalem, setting down on the Mount of Olives. Our new bodies will allow us to travel in low-earth orbit unassisted! Even our clothes will travel supernaturally with us.

Physical limitations will seemingly be nonexistent and we will be without pain or disease. Yet, we will enjoy eating physical food as Jesus did. Will we need sleep? What about housing? Jesus didn’t seem to need any.

Our knowledge level will soar to high degrees of understanding. Paul said: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am also known.” (1Corinthians 13:12). Paul is saying that just as Jesus knows our intimate thoughts, we will have that ability with those around us.

Suffice it to say, we will have the ability to effectively carry out our duties as “kings and priests ” in the kingdom. That is, to govern the mortals of this world and to be a go-between for them and King Jesus. Mortals will look to us for wisdom in dealing with their problems in all areas, including healing. All the miraculous demonstrated by Jesus during His ministry will be available to us. These jobs are only for 1000 years. After that, all will be judged at the great white throne, and mortals will cease to exist.

No question we will be supernatural beings with the ability to move in and out of the spiritual and natural realms much like certain angels can. We will finally have clear understanding of the Father’s plans for this vast universe and our role in it.

I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity as I muse about these things. We have an awesome future with our soon-coming King.

Maranatha, Jim

Revelation’s Mystery Babylon is currently maturing as the dominant force attempting to control all aspects of human life on this planet. The apostle John recorded the angelic description of her as a “city” consisting as an evil class of people running the earth much like a shadow government or deep states controlling nation states, some more openly than others. In this post I’ll attempt to describe how that is accomplished and how to avoid your personal enslavement to their systems.

If you are a born-again bible believing Christian, you have all you need to avoid spiritual domination. It’s the economic control that’s ensnaring and subtly inuring the unsuspecting into submission. We’ve gotten used to the amazing convenience of simply swiping a piece of plastic or entering its number in an electronic device to purchase life’s necessities. But with that, along with other electronic conveniences such as cell phones, we have given up any semblance of privacy. The amount of information that can be accessed about an individual in today’s economy is staggering. Among them are real ID’s that now are world-wide. The systems for individual control in countries like India and China are quite advanced not to mention Europe and other developed countries. Add to that emerging technologies such as digital currencies and all sorts of AI that are being applied very quickly and you have a system that can impose total control of the greater population of this world. MB’s control mechanisms are centered around central banking systems that are prevalent in most of the world’s nation-states. These governments are largely indebted to these central banks that control their currencies and thus their economies. The Federal Reserve in the US is typical in that it consists of a private banking cartel responsible to no one but themselves. The major owners of these central banks are drivers (great men of the world) of MB.

Here are some things to consider when thinking about your own personal involvement in our modern economy. First, eliminate all debt. Indebtedness is dependency that leads to control. Second, prepare yourself for existence without credit cards or any type of electronic commerce. Third, consider life without electronic communication that can be monitored. That means cell phones, tablets, etc. All these are heavily monitored and can be used for nefarious purposes against you. It may be that a system of barter with like-minded Christians will be appropriate. Extreme off-the-grid prepping is probably not necessary at this point, but you should be giving it some thought. If economic controls in your country are banning cash transactions and beginning to decide for you when, what, and how much you can buy and sell and participate in society or otherwise be penalized, know that it is time to bolt the system and truly “come out of her my people”. This will be a difficult time for Christians who will not submit to MB’s directives. However, if we are to obey our Lord’s directive, come out of her we must and learn to truly rely on Him. Our world is soon headed into a time of intense tribulation.

We need to remember the fate of MB. She will be devastated by the antichrist and his allies whom she now rides. (Revelation 17:16-17, 18:8). She will crash and burn along with the economic systems she has built over the centuries. We do not want to be a part of her. Her replacement will be the economy of the antichrist, and we know what that will be. A system whereby we will need his mark (666) to buy or sell, the alternative being death.

Saints, Mystery Babylon is here now and maturing. We must come out of her or at least lay the groundwork to prepare to come out of her. This is our Lord’s command. The alternative is not pretty.

I hope these four posts have given you something to think about. MB is a topic not often addressed from our Christian pulpits. Mystery Babylon wants you to fixate on obtaining the earthly luxuries she can provide and thus dominate and control you. But Jesus knows our needs and how to provide them in these last days. He never said it would be easy. “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Maranatha, Jim

In my last two posts I sought to establish that Revelation’s Mystery Babylon is not a geographical city located in a specific locale but is a world-wide consortium of wealthy business leaders and politicians who control the world’s economies with a pervasive system that dominates private transaction. Revelation calls them the great men of the earth. Through this economic leverage they also effectively control war and peace and the worlds religious entities. In this post, I’ll give you several biblical proofs that this MB has a strong identity with the city of Jerusalem.

First, Jerusalem, Israel’s eternal capital, is described as a harlot countless times in the scriptures, prostituting herself to gods other than Jehovah. Ezekiel 16:32 is an example. No other city comes close to being described as such. MB is called the “mother of harlots”. Second, there are only two cities called great (Gr.-mega) in the New Testament, Jerusalem (both old and new) and MB. (Revelation 11:8, 16:19, 17:5). Third, only twice in the entire bible is a city given a double portion of judgement for her sins, once for Jerusalem, and once for MB. (Isaiah 40: 1-2, Revelation 18:6). Fourth, and most importantly, Jesus said this: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!” (Matthew 23:37). He had just finished stating: “that on you (Jerusalem) may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.” (Matthew 23:35). Here, the word “generation” (equivalent with Jerusalem) means “wicked class of people”. Revelation 18:24 states: “and in her (MB) was found the blood of the prophets and of all who were slain on the earth.” This blood judgment will be carried out on MB (Jerusalem) in our near future just as prophesied by Isaiah 4:4. The comprehensive blood judgement on MB described in Revelation fulfills the prophecy that Jesus pronounced over Jerusalem. Their blood guilt covers all of human history from Genesis to today-all who were slain on the earth!

It’s this wicked class of people that was concentrated in Jerusalem during the ministry of Jesus that is still dominant and present in our day comprising Mystery Babylon. That Jewish leader class based in Jerusalem singled out for judgment by Jesus was dispersed into the world in 70 AD when Jerusalem was destroyed. Over the last 2000 years their descendants and influence have metastasized into the world’s gentile population in the Diaspora. Now, together with mostly gentiles this wicked class of people thrives in wealthy political and economic dominance worldwide. You can probably name many of them. “Your merchants are the world’s great men”. Their goals haven’t changed and are driven by the god of this world. Power, wealth, control, and lust for the luxuries of this world drive their ambition. No, geographical Jerusalem is not MB, but the historical location during Jesus’s ministry of that wicked generation was certainly Jerusalem. That’s why the only physical city that can be even somewhat associated with MB is Jerusalem. It’s a Jerusalem spread across the globe made up of powerful individuals who think only they have the wisdom to direct human affairs.

If you are a typical citizen of this world, whether Christian or not, whether you are aware or not, you are probably ensnared in the pervasive economic system of Mystery Babylon. So, what do we need to do to come out from under her control as God commanded? I’ll address that in my next post- part 4.

Maranatha, Jim

In my last post, I established the fact that Revelation’s Mystery Babylon is not a city in a specific locale as convention would dictate. When our bible talks about a city and events related to it, it’s primarily addressing the inhabitants of the city, not the brick, mortar, and streets that make up its material structure. Let me give you a couple examples. When Jesus said; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, …. How often I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Matthew 23: 37). Jesus was not wanting to gather the brick and stone of Jerusalem under His arms, but His people, including the rebellious leadership. Another example from Revelation; “Come, I’ll show you the bride, the Lambs wife…. and he showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God.” Of course, Jesus is not betrothed to a bejeweled structure, but the inhabitants of that holy city. It’s the residents of that city that are the city. Many similar examples can be found throughout scripture.

Mystery Babylon is no different. Though it will burn with physical fire, it is the leadership and the inhabitants that make up this end-time city who will be judged wherever God finds them on this earth. And, as demonstrated, they will not be found in one central locale. Revelation describes the leadership of Mystery Babylon; “Your merchants were the great men of the earth.” (Revelation 18:23). It’s these “great men” (Gr.- Megastanies)-magistrates, lords, exceedingly great men) who conduct the business of MB. She (MB) is further described as a harlot and the mother of abominations of the earth. Her morals typify ancient pagan deities that were worshipped in Babylon during the days of Daniel and hence the association with that name. These “great men” are those wealthy businessmen and politicians who exercise control over the course of events in our modern world. Together they constitute a loosely knit class of people that collectively have power over the nations through political influence, control of monetary policy, and even religious enterprise. They are the inhabitants of this “city” that is ubiquitous on this earth. This class of men is being controlled by the sorcery of spiritual entities consistent with ancient Babylon carrying out Satan’s plan for mankind through a pervasive economic system. Remember, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but spiritual authorities in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12).

These great men are the merchants of Mystery Babylon who have created a system that has unknowingly enslaved mankind to the point where dependency on their system (MB) is dominant. Yet, we are commanded by our Lord to come out from her.

In my next post (Part 3), I’ll provide more detail about this class of men that constitute this “city”. We need all the information we can get so that we can accurately determine what we need to do to “come out of her”. To be continued in part 3.

Maranatha, Jim

This post and those that follow are of critical importance in understanding a critical scripture. Revelation chapters 17-19 describe “Mystery Babylon” as an end-time “city” that Christians must flee from. She is going to be severely judged and, if we don’t evacuate from her, we’ll be subject to the same judgment reserved for her. That’s why it’s vitally important to identify this entity. Over two full chapters of the book of Revelation are devoted to the description and fate of Mystery Babylon emphasizing her importance. And then we have this command directly from heaven: “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4). If you’re a Christian, you are one of God’s people and are charged with coming out of her. The implication of this verse is that we Christians are likely in her and must flee from her or be included in her plagues. Positive identification is absolutely necessary if we are to obey God’s command. We can’t come out of her if we don’t know who she is!

Virtually all prophecy teachers define Mystery Babylon as an actual end-time city because of this verse: “And the woman whom you saw is that great (mega) city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:18). However, they cannot agree on a specific city. They speculate on Rome, New York, Brussels, Mecca, Jerusalem, etc. The most common is Rome, due to the fact that Rome was the dominant city of the empire in control when John penned this verse in Revelation. However, John was pointing to a mystery city 2000 years into the future.

The first reason MB is not a specific geographical city is that there currently is no mega city that rules over the kings of the earth. Our world is comprised of hundreds of independent nation-states with no central city reigning. The second reason is this verse: “The waters which you saw (Chapter 17, verse 1), where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” (Revelation 17:15). This indicates a world-wide pluralistic setting that cannot be attributed to a single geographical location.

So, if the apostle John is not referring to one future specific locale, just what is this “mystery” he calls Babylon and why did he call it a city, naming it after an ancient pagan empire-ruling city? In my next post (Part 2) I’ll prove to you that he is referring to a global class of people that is currently identifiable and has its origins in a city that certainly did exist in John’s day. If you can’t or won’t wait for that next post, you can click here to read a much more in-depth article I wrote about Mystery Babylon: A Biblical Tale.doc – Google Docs

Saints, it’s important that we get this right! Stay tuned. Part 2 in my next post.

Maranatha, Jim