Jim's Eschatological Info

The abyss mentioned in Revelation chapter 9 is a spiritual lock-up meant to imprison demons and fallen angels deemed by God to be too destructive and vicious to be released on the earth at this time. This abyss or bottomless pit (Gr. phrear abussos) is described for our physical senses as a hellhole spewing smoke and heat like a furnace that is deep enough to be called bottomless. Unfortunately for mankind, there is a time coming in the near future when this lock-up will be opened and the demons released.

The fifth trumpet when announcing the fifth vial of judgment poured out from God describes it thus: “Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So, the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power.” (Revelation 9:1-3) Reading on, the power given to them was to inflict pain like a scorpion’s sting on all mankind not “sealed” by God for a five- month period to the point where they will seek death for relief. The “star” given the key to the abyss is none other than satan himself when he is kicked out of heaven.

Of further significance: “And they had as a king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.” (Revelation 9:11) These names, Abaddon and Apollyon mean “destroyer”. Recall the “destroyer” that God released to kill all the firstborn of Egypt just prior to the exodus. It’s this angel that inhabits(possesses) the antichrist mid Daniels’ seventieth week (Revelation 17:8) This timing is important. It’s the key to know when the two witnesses of Revelation 11 will begin and end their ministry. “When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.” (Revelation 11:7) Proper translation of “that ascends” should be “ascending” as it is a present participle. Coupled with “when” this indicates the two witnesses will be killed at the time the destroyer ascends from the bottomless pit. Based on this, we can reasonably assume that the two witnesses will begin their ministry at the beginning of the seventieth week and will be killed 3 and1/2 years later at the start of the great tribulation. Oh, and by the way, this abyss is where Satan himself will remain locked up for 1000 years during the millennial reign of Jesus. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Maranatha, Jim

The answer to this question is quite clear in the bible. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes his flesh his strength….” (Jeremiah 17:5). “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.” (Psalm 146:3). Alternatively, “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him” (Psalm 32:10). “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5) “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge before us.” (Psalm 62:8) “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:2) Clearly, we are to trust in God alone. So, how do we do that ?

Of course, we have His Word, the Bible, written at the behest of His Spirit. But through careful study, we need to be wary of biased and poor translations, as well as following poor exegesis. We are to test all things in light of the scriptures, especially the teachings of modern – day “prophets “. As we mature and grow in Him, we can rely more and more on the Holy Spirit residing in us sent by Jesus to “teach us all things”. What about our wise Christian friends, or pastors, or government leaders? Again, we must be very discerning regarding their instruction, especially when considering the widespread deception that will be increasingly prevalent in our day. No man can be completely trusted, no matter what your relationship to him/her is. God, ultimately, must become our only source of truth and trust worthiness.

In the past God sent prophets such as Isaiah and Ezekiel to mankind to be a voice for Him. He wanted His chosen people to trust them. And, He promises to do just that again in the near future. His “two witnesses” described in Revelation chapter 11 will be filled with wisdom, warning, and instruction for His church. However, when they arrive on the scene, we’ll need clear discernment to make sure they are not imposters. Once we establish them as genuine, we can put our trust in them. To read how to determine their authenticity, scroll down to the series of seven blogs dealing with these prophets. They were published in May of 2021. I think they will be helpful to you.

Keep studying and growing in wisdom. Do not put complete trust in anyone but God.

Maranatha, Jim

The key scripture defining this blog is Mark 13:37; “What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” In order to keep this command, we must discern exactly what Jesus wanted us to watch for. The definition of the word watch (Gr. gregoreuo) simply means to stay awake, be vigilant, and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Specifically, in the Gospels, this command was prefaced by all the signs listed by Jesus that would signal His soon appearance. Then Jesus said “So, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31) Further, Jesus explained in parable form (Luke 12:35-40) why we need to watch and be aware of these things. Because He is coming to the world as a “thief in the night”, we need to watch so we can determine what “watch of the night” the thief is coming. Then, our house will not be broken into unexpectedly. He then stated (literal interpretation) “by this you become ready” (Luke 12:40). We become ready by discovering what watch of the night He is coming. We will then be awake, dressed, and our lamps burning, anticipating the time of His arrival.

So, in short, we need to keep ourselves aware of what is happening in this world as it relates to bible prophecy. There are many ways you can do this remembering that Jesus did not just suggest we stay informed but commanded that we do. Not just teachers, pastors, or evangelists, but all. First, we need to keep in mind all the signs given by Jesus. Study and commit these to memory. Then, as we peruse news sites, the Holy Spirit will nudge your consciences, alerting you about events of prophetic significance. There are countless media sources available to keep you informed. After a while you can weed them down to a manageable daily group for consumption. There are many Christian “watchmen on the wall” who can help you stay informed as we near the second coming. This blog is one of them. If you scroll back, you’ll find many posts dealing with interpretations of the signs Jesus gave us along with news articles of prophetic importance. Stay alert.

Maranatha, Jim

Revelation records “Christmas” as follows: “Now a great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of 12 stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven; behold, a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.” (Revelation 12:1-5)

This passage is an obvious reference to Jesus’s birth, Satan’s attempt to kill the newborn Messiah through Herod, His coming reign in His Kingdom, and His ascension to the right hand of His Father.

Interestingly, the constellation Virgo (woman) is “clothed with the sun” thru ought the month of September. (It would be visible in the sky but for the sun during the day). The constellation Coma Berenices (10-14 stars) is then located near her head. Accordingly, the moon is positioned just below her feet at that time. The serpent (dragon), Hydra, runs parallel just below Virgo. According to modern computer astronomy programs, in the centuries around Jesus’s birth the sun was mid body (womb area) in Virgo between September 10th and September 20th. At this time of the year, the moon is directly below her feet during a new moon. A new moon during this time of year is the start of the Jewish month Tishri – the start of a new year – Rosh Hashana. This means Jesus was likely born on the first day of the Jewish new year. More specifically, there is evidence to support a precise date. On September 12, 3 BC, Venus rose up brightly in the middle of Virgo’s head. Jesus referred to Himself as “the bright and morning star” the “offspring of David”.

I’m of the opinion, based on the above, that this date-September 12, 3BC -is likely the actual date of the first Christmas. This date also fits very well with the many other reasons why a December 25th date is unlikely. (Which I won’t go into here).

Maranatha and Merry Christmas, Jim

The Identity of Mystery Babylon referred to by the apostle John in Revelation chapters 17 & 18 continues to be a controversial topic in Christian prophecy circles. Identifying this woman-city is important to us Christians living in the end times; especially as the day of Jesus’s second coming draws near. (For more on the timing of Jesus’s return scroll back to the five previous posts “Discerning the Time” last February and March.). Of course, I have my own opinion of just who MB is. You can access the full article by clicking on the permanent link below entitled “Mystery Babylon”.

While restudying these chapters, I came to a realization about part of verse 23 of chapter 18. “….for your merchants were the great men of the earth….” “Merchants” here means wholesale tradesmen, or businessmen. “Great men” means exceedingly prominent and influential. These are the world’s most prominent and influential businessmen. And,they facilitate her (MB) world trade and economic dominance, obtaining their enormous wealth through her. (Rev. 18:15)

When considering the above and assuming we are in the latter days, a simple observation can be made. Merely go on the internet and print out a list of the 50 most prominent, influential, and wealthy men in the world, and presto, you have a list of who MB controls. Combined with the world’s political leaders in bed with these businessmen (Rev.18:9) and you have the complete scope of her realm. We simply need to identify the drummer(s) they keep time with.

Hopefully, her identity will become obvious, and we’ll be completely free from her when she is destroyed and replaced by the antichrist and his minions. Keep these things in mind as we follow Jesus’s command to watch.

Maranatha, Jim

At this time of the year, we celebrate God’s Son coming to earth in the incarnation. Why did He come? The gospels offer multiple reasons. Listed below are the reasons put forth by the gospel writers. You might be surprised at some of them.

Matthew 5:17 To fulfill the law

Matthew 10:34 To send a sword on the earth

Matthew 10:35-36 To set a man against his father, daughter against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother -in-law

Matthew 18:11 To save that which was lost

Mark 1:38 To preach

Mark 2:17 To call sinners to repentance (also Mt. 9:13 and Luke 5:32)

Mark 10:45 To minister and give His life a ransom for many

Luke 9:56 To save men’s lives

Luke 12:49 To send fire on the earth

Luke 12:51 To bring division

John 1:17 To bring truth and grace

John 3:16 So that none should perish, but have everlasting life

John 6:38 To do the Father’s will

John 6:51,58 To provide living bread to believers

John 9:39 For judgment; that they that see will not see and they which see be made blind

John 10:10 That we might have life and life more abundantly

John 12:46 As a light into the world

John 12:47 To save the world (not to judge)

John 18:37 To bear witness to the truth

Amen. Have a blessed 1st advent celebration. Maranatha- Jim

You may be wondering why so much evil and wickedness seems to be gaining momentum in this world’s systems and our societies. And this at the expense of Christian values we love so dearly. It often appears that wickedness is being rewarded while Godliness is frowned upon and castigated. However, considering the time in which we live, just prior to the emergence of the antichrist, this is to be expected. But, take heart Christian, all this evil is short lived, and will come to a fiery end. The apostle Paul says this in Hebrews 10:30-31, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord….It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”. Consider the following scriptures;

“But the heavens and the earth are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” (2Peter 3:7)

“The Son of man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt.13:41-42)

“His winnowing fan is in His hand and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matt. 3:12)

“So, the Light of Israel will be for a fire, and His Holy One for a flame; it will burn and devour His thorns and briers in one day” (Isaiah 10:17)

“For behold, the Lord will come with fire and with His chariots like a whirlwind to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and His sword the Lord will judge all flesh; and the slain of the Lord will be many.” (Isaiah 66:15-16)

“Your hand will find all Your enemies; Your right hand will find those who hate You. You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; the Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath and the fire shall devour them.” (Psalm 21:8-9)

“For the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts and leave them neither root or branch. But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this, says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 4:1-3)

In the early days of Jesus’ kingdom, we’ll literally be walking on the wicked. It’ll take a while for their ashes to disappear. Make no mistake, no matter what it may seem like at present, our Lord will dispense with evil in short order at His coming. Just make sure you’re among those who “fear His name”.

Maranatha, Jim

In a previous post, I recommended another blog that I was certain would give you valuable instruction concerning biblical eschatology and other significant topics. Tim’s latest series of blogs are in the category of “Apostolic Eschatology”, a series of 8 posts beginning with one entitled “Apostolic Eschatology – Chiliasm”, back on November 5th. If you are so interested, these posts may clear up questions you may have about when the physical return of Christ will occur. They are in depth and a valuable resource. I’ll place a link to his blog here and put a permanent link in the list below.

TIMOTHEOS’ BLOG – Attending to reading, exhortation, & doctrine (1 Tim. 4:13) (4windsfellowships.net)

Revelation chapter 13 calls him the 2nd “beast”. The 1st beast (earlier in the chapter) is the antichrist. While the 1st beast comes from the “sea” (most likely gentile nations), this 2nd one comes from the “land” (usually, the nation of Israel). See more on the antichrist’s origin in the previous post. This indicates that the false prophet just may be a Jew. Verse 11 says that he has two horns like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon. The actual word for lamb here is “lambkin”, or a soft cuddly innocent young sheep. This is pure deception, of course, as the words he speaks are those of the dragon, the devil himself. He is the epitome of deception that Jesus warned us about. (Matthew 24:4,24). He is the chief sidekick of the antichrist; “he exercises all the authority of the 1st beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the 1st beast” (Rev.13:12). He is also a consummate magician; “He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast….” (Rev.13:13-14) This sign of fire from heaven is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah (1Kings: 18:20-40). As the Jews are looking for the appearance of Elijah just before messiah’s coming, this particular deception may have lots of legs inside the orthodox Jewish community.

As one reads the rest of Revelation 13, it becomes obvious that the primary objective of the false prophet is to exalt the stature of his boss, the antichrist. He becomes the beast’s great facilitator, by overseeing the erection of an image of the beast in the temple area. This is, no doubt, the “abomination of desolation” referred to in Daniel 12:11 and Matthew 24:15. This image will have the technology to act and speak on behalf of the antichrist. The false prophet commands mankind to worship this image (hence the beast and Satan) or be killed. The false prophet is also the driving force behind mandating a mark on the right hand or forehead of everyone so they can participate in the economic system of the beast. As we all know this mark is associated with the name of the antichrist or the number of his name – 666.

Though the world will be deceived by this man, Christians who have a basic understanding of future prophecy will not be. His arrival on the scene will be shortly after the two witnesses complete their ministry. (Scroll back to read the series of posts on the two witnesses; they also can call down fire from heaven on their enemies). When he sets up the AOD, this is the unmistakable sign that Jesus said to watch for that will commence the final 3 1/2 years of great tribulation before His 2nd coming.

Stay Alert. Keep Studying.

Maranatha, Jim