"What I say to you I say to all: Watch!" (Mark 13:37)
Jesus: “Therefore when you see ‘the abomination of desolation‘ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:15)
Jesus is clearly saying to us that there is a specific time coming (when you see) that all will see an object/event that takes place at the “holy place”. There is little doubt that this place is the very spot where the “holy of holies” stood on the temple mount in Jerusalem. This may or may not be a newly rebuilt Jewish temple.
So, just what is this abomination? The Greek word for abomination is “bdelugma“, defined as something God detests, specifically, idolatry. Further it’s idolatry that causes “desolation” or lays waste or despoils. Since Jesus referred us to the Book of Daniel, let’s go there for more info. Speaking of the appointed time of the end, Daniel says this: “And forces shall be mustered by him (beast-antichrist), and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.” (Daniel 11:31) “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.” (Daniel 12:11) A few things are obvious from these passages in Daniel. First this AOD takes place in the eschaton or last days-our future. The forces of the antichrist take control of the temple mount, ban traditional Jewish sacrifices, and ‘set up’ an idola trice symbol ‘placed’ in a holy spot. This action is facilitated by someone called the false prophet or the antichrists right hand man. (Check out my recent post “What can we know about the False Prophet of Revelation 13?”) In Revelation, this ‘beast from the earth’ will; “deceive those who dwell on the earth …. telling them to make an image to the beast (antichrist) …. he was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the beast to be killed.” (Revelation 13:14-15) So, the AOD is described here by John as an ‘image’ that can speak and require worship that is directed to the antichrist whom it represents.
The Apostle Paul also refers to the AOD: “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day (Jesus’s second coming) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2Thessalonians 2:3-4)
The setting up of this idolatrous image of the antichrist in the very spot where God’s presence has been manifested to Israel thru ought the centuries will indeed be an abomination to God. However, as this time period is ‘his time’ (antichrist’s), God will allow this to continue for 1290 days. This is the period Jesus called “great tribulation”, a time period that we will need to ‘endure to the end’.
The sign of the AOD is the most specific sign given to us to determine the time of Jesus return. It will be crystal clear to all and surely unmistakable when it occurs. We then will know that we have till the end of the great tribulation before our Lord comes in glory. We have ample scripture telling us it will be in ‘times, time, and half a time’, or three-and one-half years, or 42 months, or 1260 days. Are you prepared? Stay alert. Keep your lamps filled.
Maranatha, Jim
Due to the fact that this blog focuses on eschatology and exposits end time passages, skepticism, mockery, and derision are to be expected. However, comments so far have been largely supportive and complimentary. I believe that’s because the readership here primarily consists of those interested in end-time topics. As long as proper exegesis of scripture is presented minus wild speculation, I expect that will continue.
Peter had this to say about the last days; “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ “ (2Peter 3: 3-4) Notice here that they are focused on their own desires and not the things of God. Peter goes on to say that they forget that God has already judged mankind with a flood and has promised to do it again, but this time by fire. What they perceive as slowness on God’s part is His “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2Peter 3:9)
Christian pastors and teachers need to include comprehensive end-time teaching in their messages regardless of what scoffers may say. Jesus singled out those with teaching responsibility; “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his Master will make ruler over His household to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Master will find so doing when He comes.” (Luke 12:42-43) “Due Season” is now! The food portion is teaching what the Spirit is telling them about these last days. We are currently living in the last days witnessing the “beginnings of birth pangs” Jesus spoke about.
The Epistle of Jude says this; “they (the apostles) told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 18-19)
We need to ignore the mockers and scoffers and prepare in every way for what’s soon coming. Jesus gave us abundant and clear signs and instruction. Let’s keep our lamps burning and filled with oil. The scoffers will eventually come to you for wisdom as end time events unfold.
Maranatha, Jim
I don’t think there is much question that Armageddon is the final battle of this millennium, ending with Christ’s return. It represents the final or 7th bowl of God’s judgment poured out on the armies of the world gathered in Israel to battle Jesus for control of Jerusalem. (Revelation 16:16-21) Also; (Revelation 19:11-21). Some of the characteristics of this battle are: an unprecedented earthquake, great hail from heaven, located in Israel just outside of Jerusalem, birds of the air feasting on the flesh of kings of the earth, and destruction coming from the Word Himself-Jesus.
In Ezekiel’s account, the Gog-Magog war also takes place exclusively in Israel (Ez. 38:16-18). Also, accompanying this war will be a massive earthquake (Ez. 38:19). And, yes, great hailstones (Ez.38:22). As in Armageddon, the Lord is the source of the gathered army’s destruction. Also, the birds of the air are gathered together and invited to gorge on the flesh of mighty princes of the world in God’s sacrificial meal (Ez. 39:17-20). These remarkable similarities cannot be ignored.
That Gog-Magog is the final battle (Armageddon) is further confirmed by these verses. Immediately after the battle; “I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” (Ez. 39:21-22). “And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel, says the Lord God” (Ez. 39:29). These verses clearly describe the ending of this age and the commencement of the millennial reign of Christ.
While many are focusing on Gog-Magog as an imminent war due to current events, it will not happen until the end of Daniel’s 70th week at the end of the antichrist’s reign of terror and what Jesus called “great tribulation”.
Maranatha, Jim
There is much discussion these days of just when is the “rapture” (resurrection of the righteous) in relation to other eschatological events. Evangelicals in particular, argue whether it will occur prior to Daniel’s 70th week (pre-trib), three and one half years into the week (mid-trib), somewhere during the final half of the week (pre-wrath), after the seven years are completed (post-trib), or some other nuanced timing. I think the bible is quite clear that Jesus will resurrect His church immediately following the 70th week – a post-trib event. Fortunately for us, the bible has several clear “when” verses so there need not be any doubt. Following is a list of these verses:
These verses will help you when in discussion with other bible believing Christians.
Maranatha, Jim
Where is the antichrist going to come from? We need to determine this from the bible so that we can watch for his appearance and avoid his prophesied deceptions. We won’t have any doubts as to his identity once he sets himself up as supreme authority in God’s temple in Jerusalem. (2 Thess. 2:3-4). This will happen half way into Daniel’s 70th week or 3 1/2 years before Jesus’ second coming. However, we should have a good idea of who he is prior to this time due to his activities and character description (which I won’t detail in this post), and also his country of origin. The geographical area he arises from is clearly described in at least three scripture references.
First, Daniel chapter 8 details his vision of a ram and a goat. In verse 8, the goat is split into 4 entities which out of one comes the “little horn”, the antichrist. (Verses 9-12 and 23-25). This goat is identified in verse 21 as Greece (Hebrew-Yavan). Yavan is historically the eastern Ionian coastlands and western Asia minor (currently part of Turkey).
Second, in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, the antichrist is called “Gog” the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. That these chapters describe God’s final wrath being poured out at Armageddon is clear from many verses, not the least of which is: “I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid upon them. So, the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” (Ezekiel 39:21-22). This describes Jesus setting up His earthly kingdom after this final battle in Israel between Jesus and the nations assembled there led by the antichrist (Gog). Meshech and Tubal are ancient kingdoms that are encompassed today by modern Turkey. A common mistake is often made concerning verse 15 in chapter 8. “Then you will come from your place in the far north….”. Many interpret “far north” to be as far as Moscow in Russia, but the Hebrew simply means “north quarter”. When looking at a map of the middle east, draw an X through Jerusalem and follow the top “V” to see the area described. Note that it encompasses Syria and Turkey.
Third, the minor prophet Micah writes in the context of Messiah’s coming, that Israel will be delivered from the hand of the “Assyrian”, undoubtably, the antichrist. (Micah 5:5-6). The ancient Assyrian empire consisted primarily of modern- day Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and much of Turkey.
Taken together these scriptures describe a broad area north of Israel as the birthplace of the antichrist. Again, note that these areas are all Islamist. And the preeminent country is Turkey. That’s why I always encourage you to keep an eye on Turkey. The coming of the “lawless one” is just around the corner.
Maranatha, Jim
Because of the disgusting observance of “pride month”, I’ve decided to repost this message from a couple of years ago.
Genesis chapter nine describes something called the Noahic Covenant. This covenant describes God’s unilateral promise that He would never again destroy the earth and all flesh with a worldwide flood. He stated: “I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13). He further states: “and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:15-16) It’s hard to imagine why God needs a reminder like the rainbow to keep Himself from destroying the earth again with a flood, but I’m glad for this covenant. Except for those with faith in His Son, conditions on the earth are probably not far from those during the time of Noah. In fact, Jesus predicted this about the state of the earth just prior to His coming. (Matthew 24:37) I believe we are there.
The LBGTQABC movement currently sweeping the earth has gone beyond sexual perversion and into what the bible calls blasphemy. They have co-opted the rainbow sign as a universal symbol of their blatant homosexuality. And, it seems to have world wide acceptance. The USA, for example, defiantly flies the rainbow flag at it’s embassies around the world. This in-His-face mocking of God’s eternal covenant is truly blasphemous. Even though some of them may not be aware of it, this satanic misuse of God’s symbol is a direct invitation to horrific judgment. We should look on their use of the rainbow with disgust, as God does.
Though God promised not to destroy the earth with a flood ever again, He will destroy all evil on this planet. As the song says “fire not a flood next time”. Biblical prophecy is clear that evil mankind will be destroyed by fire at Jesus’ second coming. The appropriation by the LGBTQ community of God’s beautiful symbol will only compound their ultimate judgment. As Christians, let’s not give any place to this abomination.
Maranatha, Jim
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