Author: jdwvaw2

In many respects life in the 1000-year kingdom reign of our Lord Jesus will resemble pre-fall life in the garden of Eden. As we know, Eden had two notable trees: one with forbidden fruit, and one with fruit that, when eaten, conferred immortality or eternal life to the partaker. Presumably, Adam and Eve could eat freely from this tree of life, but lost that ability when sin manifested itself by their eating of fruit from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil. “Then the Lord God said ‘behold the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever’–. So, he drove out the man, and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis: 22&24). God did not design man to be immortal while in a sinful condition. Thankfully, it’s a whole new ball game in the kingdom.

Jesus told John to write this message to Sardis, one of the seven churches of Revelation: “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7). It is evident from this and other scriptures that this ‘paradise of God’ is centered in the new Jerusalem where the millennial temple will be located. The prophet Ezekiel envisioned a river flowing out from this temple. “Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar.” (Ezekiel 47:1). This water then grew into a large river. “Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food and their leaves for medicine.” (Ezekiel 47:12). The prophet Joel adds this concerning the days following Messiah’s return: “All the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord and water the valley of acacias.” (Joel 3:18). Zechariah adds more about this water from the temple. “And in that day, it shall be that living waters will flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it will occur.” (Zechariah 14:8). That is to say, half toward the Dead Sea, and half toward the Mediterranean Sea. In this manner, these waters will eventually reach out through the oceans of the world to the entire planet! John, in Revelation, calls these waters, “water of life”. “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse.” (Revelation 22:1-3)

The straightforward understanding of the above scriptures is that those who are raised in the first resurrection (the resurrection of the righteous) by Jesus will have permanent access to the trees of life, and by eating their fruit will obtain and maintain immortality. Remaining mortal life on earth, because sin and death have not been dealt with fully until the end of the millennium, will be kept from the fruit of the trees of life. Life will be vastly improved for them, however, as Satan is imprisoned for the 1000 years, the Government of the world is on Jesus’ shoulders, and the leaves of the tree of life (like a balm for diseased flesh) are for the healing of the nations.

Many bible commentators liken these scriptures about the trees of life to metaphor, probably indicative of God’s Spirit flowing out from His throne to humankind. This, however, is subjective reasoning, as there is no objective scriptural reason not to read and address these verses as literal. (See the permanent link below to my article on ‘Hermeneutics’). The tree of life was a literal tree with literal fruit in the Eden of Genesis, and it will also be a real literal tree in the paradise of God during the Millennial reign of Christ.

As a bible believing Christian, I’m looking forward to that day when the curse is lifted, and Jesus authorizes His own to eat from the twelve fruits produced by the trees of life lining the banks of the rivers of life flowing out from His throne in His temple in the new Jerusalem. Immortality in His kingdom will become reality!

Maranatha, Jim

The author of Hebrews said this: “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). A little earlier, he said this about Abraham: “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:9-10). As for all the patriarchs he said this: “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16)

We know a lot about this city which God has prepared and is preparing for those that belong to Him. It has both physical and spiritual components. The spiritual is summarized by Paul in Ephesians: “….built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone….in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. “ (Ephesians 2:20,22). The physical characteristics of this new Jerusalem is described in detail in Revelation 21:9 thru 22:5. Take the time to read about this amazing new capitol of the world where Jesus Himself will come to rule and reign.

You may not have given this a lot of thought, but this is your city. It’s just as the writer of Hebrews said, “here we have no continuing city.” If you currently live in an affluent country such as the US, you may be quite comfortable with your nice home in or near a thriving city. However, your situation is not long-term reality. Like Abraham, if you’re a Christian, you’re God’s ambassador merely passing through this land, dwelling in it temporarily. After Jesus returns and you possess immortality, you’re going to be ruling and reigning with Christ in His kingdom based out of Jerusalem, your new home city. We need to be thinking eternally and, like the Patriarchs before us, seeking the city to come, the one built by God Himself, prepared for us.

While it’s hard to comprehend the majesty and absolute splendor of this place, know this: “….you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of men made perfect, to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant….” (Hebrews 12:22,23). This city will not only be the seat of world government but will be the home of God the Father Himself. “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.” (Revelation 22:3). We’re destined to be living in a city alongside the creators of this entire universe. That’s the city I’m seeking! I hope you are too.

Maranatha, Jim

Revelation chapter 13 includes the following: “….I saw a beast rising out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns….The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.” (Revelation 13:1-3). “And he (false prophet) deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.” (Revelation 13:14)

The “seven heads” of the beast are further described as seven kingdoms (mountains) as well as seven kings. “Here is the mind which has wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman (Mystery Babylon) sits. There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue for a short time. The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is one of the seven, and is going to perdition.” (Revelation 17:9-11) These 7 kings/kingdoms are generally identified as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome (the one that is in John’s time), and the Ottoman Empire, nations that sequentially dominated Israel since she came into existence. Note that the beast (antichrist) is “one of the seven”. There is much controversy in today’s eschatological circles about whether he is from Rome (a revived Roman Empire) or the Ottoman (a revived modern Caliphate uniting the world of Islam). Also notice that he is the eighth king of this new eighth kingdom that emerges. In my opinion, it makes more biblical sense that he is the head of a new caliphate based in Turkey. (See my post: Origin of the Antichrist – Jim’s Eschatological Info (eschatontrails.com) )

In any case, the potential reemergence of one of these kingdoms, whether Rome (as Holy Roman Empire) or the Ottoman (new Islamic Caliphate) is considered by many as the deadly wound being healed. But is it the person of the king (antichrist) himself that suffers a fatal wound and is miraculously healed? At first glance, the text seems to permit either or both to be indicated. It’s important that we know clearly what the scriptures are telling us so that we do not miss what will be a sure sign of where we are on God’s timetable. I have personally come to the conclusion that the fatal wound that is healed is to the individual person of the antichrist. Here’s why I believe that.

First, there is no biblical precedent for the reemergence of a former empire being described as a healing of a fatal wound. Even the miraculous rebirth of the nation of Israel is not characterized in prophecy as the healing of a fatal wound. Also, notice that in Rev. 13:12, as a result of his miraculous recovery “all the world marveled and followed the beast”. I doubt that the entire world would “marvel” at the reestablishment of a Holy Roman Empire (which some say has already happened) or a new Islamic Caliphate. A recovery from a fatal wound by a charismatic world leader mimicking Jesus’ resurrection, however, would garner world-wide amazement. In verse 14, the false prophet directs followers to make an “image” of the beast to be worshipped reminiscent of Nebuchadnezzar’s self- image he had erected in Babylon. It was the image of a man, not an empire. It is hard to conceive erecting an image of an empire. For these reasons, I conclude that the fatal wound referred to in these verses is to the individual that emerges as the antichrist.

While I’m not dogmatic about this conclusion, I think we should be alert to a future world leader who is miraculously healed from a fatal wound by “the sword”, perhaps indicating during a military conflict or an attempted assassination. We must keep alert, always watching for these scriptural signs given to us. All of them will come to pass. Guaranteed!

Maranatha, Jim

When teaching His disciples about the time just before His second coming Jesus said this: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, as it was also in the days of Lot. They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so it will be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” (Luke 17: 26-30)

It is evident from the above scripture that there will be a period of time late in the reign of the antichrist (final 3 1/2 years) when, at least where the non -Christian world is concerned, predominantly evil mankind will be thriving under his rule. The economic system of this man of sin seems to be allowing mankind a kind of normalcy after much war and destruction. The world will finally have the leader they sought after, and Satan will have his man on the throne. Mystery Babylon will have been destroyed, the two powerful Christian witnesses are gone, and the populace will be marrying, buying and selling, farming, building, etc. However, Jesus’ comparison to Sodom and Noah’s time indicates that their primary focus will be evil, moral corruption and lawlessness, all of the time. Even after the 4th and 5th bowl judgments are poured out from God, there will not be repentance for their actions. (Revelation 16:9&11). That’s how it was in Noah’s day and in the cities of the plains where Lot dwelt and that’s where we’re headed today at a furious pace. And I’m sure, that’ll be just fine with the son of perdition. At this time, the only item left on the antichrist’s agenda will be to defeat Christ Himself in the final battle for Jerusalem (Armageddon). We know how that ends!

Suddenly, likened to a thief striking in the night, the unsuspecting evil population in this world will be destroyed by fire from heaven. We know, however, that those belonging to Christ are not going to be surprised by these events. Just as Noah and Lot were not surprised, due to the fact they were the only righteous men in their habitation, they were both duly warned ahead of time. This is God’s MO. “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to the prophets.” (Amos 3:7). “However, when He, the Spirit of truth comes….He will speak and tell you of things to come” (John 16:13). If you’re a Christian, you’re righteous because He is righteous, and, just like those righteous men Noah and Lot, you’ll have plenty of warning of what’s coming and when it’s coming. If you’re worried, don’t fret, God knows how to destroy evil while taking care of His own. More on that in another blog.

If your primary goals are similar to what the world is seeking, i.e., wealth, notoriety, power, satisfaction of temporal lusts, etc., you’re on a dead- end course. It will all come crashing down, and its end is assured. Your focus should be very narrow – Christ and His kingdom. Jesus gave us the examples of Noah and Lot for good reason. We can’t have one foot in the world and one in His kingdom. We need to leave this world behind and never look back. No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for His kingdom. (Luke 9:62). Remember Lots’ wife? She looked back.

Our world is progressing very quickly to a state mirroring that of Noah’s day as well as Sodom and Gomorrah. Don’t be a part of it. Be imitators of Jesus our Lord, the author and finisher of our faith.

Maranatha, Jim

Recent technological advances and archeological discoveries are more and more attesting to the truth of biblical texts. For example, a new non-destructive dating method has placed the age of the shroud of Turin at a date compatible with the life of Christ. This comes on the heels of a determination that earlier carbon dating of the shroud was flawed in that the samples used were taken from an edge area of the cloth that was repaired with new fabric after fire damage during medieval times. The shroud contains a photographic negative image of a crucified man with all the characteristic wounds suffered by Jesus described in the bible. The best efforts of an elite scientific panel were unable to determine how this image came to be. The best current guess is that it was from a burst unknown radiation. The resurrection?

The newly discovered lead ‘curse tablet’ from Mount Ebal in Israel near Shechem is amazing in that it not only verifies Joshua’s account (Joshua 8:30-35) but establishes the fact that the ancient Hebrews possessed the skills of a written language at that time. Most secular ‘scholars’ believe that Moses and Joshua could not have written the Pentateuch and Joshua as there was no written language during their time. It is now the earliest known archeological evidence of early Hebrew writing.

Following are some links to enhance your knowledge of these amazing artifacts:

Shroud of Turin

Italian Scientist Says New X-Ray Dating Technique Shows Turin Shroud to be 2000 Years Old — The Singular Fortean Society

The Silent Witness (A Documentary About The Shroud Of Turin) (rumble.com)

The Shroud of Turin Website – Home Page

Mount Ebal Curse Tablet

Yahweh Curse Inscription from Mount Ebal – YouTube

Archaeological find upends secular academia – Pod for Israel – YouTube

While we, as Christians do not revere artifacts or relics, these examples can be used to reassure us that good science and archeology will always confirm the biblical account. And they may be useful to us as conversation starters when witnessing to our lost friends and associates. The fact that these and other exciting finds are increasingly presenting themselves are further evidence that we are indeed living in the last days. Secular media, of course, under the control of the god of this world, is largely silent on these topics.

Stay informed. Keep studying your Bible. The last days are here.

Maranatha, Jim

Jesus’ words recorded three times in the gospels: “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22, 24:13, Mark 13:13). The word translated “endures” is the Greek verb hupomeno, which means to persevere patiently. It is used 17 times in the New Testament while the noun form of the word, hupomone, is used 32 times. It is extremely important for Christians to comprehend precisely what Jesus is saying here as our salvation is involved. The implication is that if we do not endure, we will lose our inheritance in His kingdom. So, just what must we endure in these last days? Let’s let the scripture speak for itself.

The three verses that precede Jesus’ admonition in Matthew 24 say this; “and then many will be offended, will betray one another, and hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Clearly what we must endure according to these verses is the offensiveness, betrayal, and hatred shown to us by those around us, even those we may consider close friends or family. Also, we must be alert to the deception of false prophets and others who would lead us into lawlessness. The apostle Paul sums it up quite well for us in his letter to the Romans: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation (hupomone), continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:9-18). In a nutshell, that’s what it means to “endure”. Not that difficult, is it? Well maybe. It may get a little dicier.

We may be faced with enduring things much more severe in these last days. When describing the reign of the antichrist during the great tribulation our very lives may be on the line. “He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; He who kills with the sword must be killed by the sword. Here is the patience (hupomone) and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:10). Concerning the ‘mark of the beast’: “and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. Here is the patience (hupomone) of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:11-12). Fortunately, we do have a promise from God: “Because you have kept My command to persevere (hupomano), I will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

Here’s some even better promises for those that endure to the end. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12). “Eternal life to those who by patient continuance (hupomone) in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.” (Romans 2:7). “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” (2Timothy 2:12).

For we who are Christians, enduring to the end is not an option. Thankfully, God has given us all the tools we need to succeed. We’re born overcomers. Stay alert. Continue in good works.

Maranatha, Jim

The full text of what Jesus said is as follows: “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, Jesus said that the end (His return to set up His kingdom) will not come until the good news of His coming kingdom is preached in all the nations of the world as a witness. The question is, when will this be completed, or, is it already complete?

First, a few comments about that verse. Notice it is the ‘good news of the kingdom‘, not necessarily the gospel of salvation as it is usually interpreted. This gospel of the coming millennial earthly kingdom of Jesus is not widely preached today even from Christian pulpits. Also, the word ‘preached’ means heralded or proclaimed as from a public crier, not merely person to person. ‘Witness” means evidential testimony that is difficult to refute. ‘Nations’ is “ethnos” or gentile races thru ought the known world. When this is completed, the ‘end’ “telos” will come, defined as the uttermost limit of the age. Of course, this process began with the disciples who were commissioned by Jesus Himself to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature….and you shall be My witnesses in all Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8)

So, where are we in this process? In context with Jesus’ order of events in Matthew 24, it seems to culminate late in Daniel’s 70th week perhaps even during the last 3 1/2 years or great tribulation. Certainly, after the ‘beginnings of birth pangs’ (Matthew 24:4-14). There are a couple of somewhat obscure verses in Revelation that bring clarity. “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-saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, the sea and springs of water’.” (Revelation 14:6-7). Here we see a mysterious angel (messenger) proclaiming the gospel to the whole world just prior to the time when the final judgement from God is poured out on the earth. This seems to be the last major effort from God to make certain all mankind has heard the gospel. Notice the extent of this preaching, as defined by ‘those who dwell on the earth’. “Every nation-ethnicity or race”, “Tribe-offshoots of every race”, “Tongue-every language”, “People-general populace”. This covers everyone! At this point, when the messenger completes his assignment, all the earth will have heard the gospel. This messenger, whoever he is, will see to it that none are left out. Also notice that he “flies in the midst of heaven” to reach everyone. The word heaven here simply means sky, so he obviously travels by air. It seems as though his extensive preaching, done in every human language, is completed in a relatively short time, so he may have some supernatural help. God is merciful and long suffering, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come to eternal life in Him.

So, my conclusion is that while it can be said that the gospel has already been preached thru ought the world as a witness in all nations, God Himself will make sure the job is complete by sending His messenger to preach the gospel to everyone as a final warning just before He wipes out evil on the earth. Not until then can we say with certainty that this prophecy is fulfilled. Then, as Jesus said, the end will come.

Maranatha, Jim

This winter’s Los Amigos bible study of The Book of Isaiah has been completed. It was a study of the “highlights” of the prophet’s work. Emphasis was given to prophecies concerning Messiah’s 1st coming and also the 2nd coming and millennial kingdom. Fifteen videos are posted that should be of help to you as you study the major prophets. Here is a link to the Isaiah studies:

The Los Amigos Bible Study – YouTube

Maranatha, Jim

The attached article from the Federalist sums up the certainty of the resurrection of Jesus

Jesus’s Resurrection Is Probably The Best-Documented Historical Event (thefederalist.com)

Happy resurrection day, Jim

If you’re a Christian, expect it. That is unless you hide your Christianity and live outwardly as the world does. Jesus told His disciples they hated Him, so they’ll hate them also. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of this world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18,19). That statement by Jesus applies to us also, as we are all His disciples in this age. In these last days, we must prepare for ever increasing hatred of Christians and Christian values. Jesus put it this way in His Olivet discourse about the days just preceding His coming and following right after we see the ‘beginnings of birth pangs’; “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9). He also said this to those who will be testifying in His name; “And you will be hated by all for My names sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22). Most assuredly, one of the things we must endure till He comes is hatred by the world. I, of course, could give you many examples of this hatred rearing its ugly head in our day from public ostracism, banning of Christian discourse, and jailing of individuals for public preaching from the bible. And that in so called countries that supposedly espouse free speech. In much of the world, preaching and teaching about Jesus leads to imprisonment and even death. And as the great tribulation approaches, it will get worse, much worse.

But Christian, as you go through these times of hate from the world, always remember this: “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23)

Maranatha, Jim