Jim's Eschatological Info

This series of blogs will deal with the two witnesses described by the messenger of God (Jesus) to the apostle John in Revelation chapter 11. I’ll try to answer the what , who, why, where, and how questions that you may have about this chapter. In preparation, and before you read here any further, read the entire chapter and then also read Zechariah chapter 4. In this blog, I’ll address the what question and why we need to be as knowledgeable as possible about these two witnesses.

Prophecy teachers are not in general agreement about who and what these witnesses are. Typical theories revolve around resurrected OT saints such as Enoch and Elijah or Elijah and Moses, or, metaphors for Judaism and Christianity. While this type of speculation may be interesting, let’s try not to go beyond what’s written. First of all, they are men . Notice in verses 7 & 8 that when they are killed, their bodies lie in the street. Only real men have bodies and can be killed. It’s also stated in verse 10 that these men are prophets. Prophets are men that speak God’s messages to His people. In these final days before Jesus’ return we will absolutely need to know God’s mind and follow closely what these men have to say.

Here’s why we need to know everything about these men now, in our day. Quite simply, the appearance of these two prophets may be the next fully discernible event in the end-time calendar leading up to the kingdom. Notice that in verse 13, after their ministry is completed, several events have yet to take place before Jesus returns. A great earthquake (2nd woe), 3rd woe, 7th trumpet, etc. Since their ministry is 42 months (1260 days), (verses 2 &3), it is implied that their ministry begins before the antichrist is fully visible by setting up the AOD on the temple mount. In fact, I think it’s possible that the two witnesses start their ministry at the beginning of the 70th week, with their death three and one half years later at the midpoint of the tribulation. Here’s why; “When they finish their testimony, the beast that is coming out of the abyss will make war with them, overcome them, and kill them.” (Rev. 11:7) (Youngs Literal Translation) This beast comes out of the abyss when Satan is cast out of heaven, and unlocks this bottomless pit releasing the “destroyer”. This destroyer, called Abaddon or Apollyon (Hebrew and Greek) is the demon who takes possession of the antichrist. All this takes place mid-tribulation, placing the two witnesses 42 month ministry during the first half of the 70th week. This means that the two witnesses could be on the scene very early related to other end time events.

So, this begs the questions ; How are we to recognize them ? Who are they ? What will they be prophesying ? Where will they be prophesying from ? In the blogs that follow, I’ll answer these questions. It’s extremely important for us know these answers. Much of God’s guidance for us during the coming tribulation will probably come through these two prophets.

I’ve heard and read many bible teachers speak of the coming great revival that will sweep Christianity just prior to Jesus’ return. But, in fact, the bible teaches just the opposite. While there will no doubt be pockets of Christian awakening with the realization that end-time events are truly happening in our time as prophesied, the apostle Paul and Jesus specifically taught otherwise. Paul said this in his second letter to the Thessalonians; “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him…….Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed…..” (2 Thess. 2:1,3) The Greek word Paul used here translated as falling away is apostasia meaning defection from the truth. Notice that this apostacy is tied to deception and the “man of sin”, the antichrist. Paul goes on in the rest of the chapter revealing how lawlessness will abound once the antichrist is no longer restrained during “his time”.

Jesus said this in Matthew’s gospel when addressing last days tribulation; “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many, And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) IMO, this is one of the most sobering verses in the whole bible. The word Jesus used for love is agape, which means the God kind of love, sacrificial love, that can only be possessed by Christians who are truly born again. Also the word for many is polus which is better translated as mostly or largely. Using these definitions, here’s what Jesus likely said; ‘Due to deception, lawlessness will abound, leading most Christians to abandon their faith’. This is truly staggering ! Think about the implications of this. If you are discerning enough to recognize these deceptions and avoid this lawlessness, it is likely that Christian friends, relatives, and even family members will not be. The only way you can be sure to avoid this coming deception is to stay in the Word, hang on to Jesus, make yourself ready in every sense for what’s coming, and, as Jesus said, endure to the end. Don’t think for a minute that this will be easy. There’s a lot coming ahead for us before the Kingdom arrives. Keep watching and pray always that you’re accounted as worthy to be a citizen of His Kingdom.

A recent video was brought to my attention that does a good job of describing what in the world is going on in our country with things like critical race theory and how Christianity is being impacted. It’s a bit long, but after you’ve watched it I guarantee you’ll better understand the social and political upheaval taking place in our world. Set aside an hour to watch Pastor Baucham’s presentation here: Biblical Justice vs. Social Justice | Voddie Baucham – YouTube

I’m sure most of you have heard the teaching that Enoch and Elijah were translated (raptured) by God to heaven before they died. This is purported as the reason they will be the “Two Witnesses” of Revelation chapter 11. But, is that really what the bible says happened to them ? Let’s check Enoch first.

The book of Genesis records : “After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” (Genesis 5: 22-24) Paul adds this in Hebrews; “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5) First, consider that the text does not indicate where God took him. Heaven is merely an assumption by many teachers. Also, the text does not say that he never died, only that he didn’t “see death“. It appears that God took him before the earth was corrupted by the sons of God (righteous line of Seth) cohabiting with the daughters of men (line of Cain), perhaps protecting him from the resulting chaos that ended with a flood. So , where did God take him ? We can only speculate, as the bible does not say. Eden maybe ? At any rate, the bible clearly says this “….it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…”(Hebrews 9:27) Hebrews also indicates that Enoch did indeed die. After a listing of OT heroes of faith including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, etc. it is thus stated “These all died in faith, not having received the promises...” (Hebrews 11:13). “All”, by necessity includes Enoch.

Lets take a look at Elijah. When Elisha took over the mantle of his mentor Elijah the prophet this occurred : “Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11) The Hebrew word translated here as heaven simply means sky. Elisha watched Elijah carried off into the sky. So, the question remains – where was Elijah taken ? It’s evident that he did not remain in the sky. Other sons of the prophets who were watching from a distance suggested this to Elisha; “….Look now , there are fifty strong men with your servants. Please let them go and search for your master, lest perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has taken him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley….and they searched for three days but did not find him.” (2Kings 2:16-17) Certainly, the same law that applies to all of us also applies here; “It is appointed for men to die once..” While this seems to present an enigma, a later scripture brings clarity. Years later, after Elijah was taken, when Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat was king in Judah: “And a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying….” (2Chronicles 21:12) Jehoram got a letter from Elijah criticizing his ungodly reign describing things Elijah could only have known about lest he was still alive on the earth. Commentators struggle with this verse stating things like- ‘this must be a scribal error where Elisha was meant’. IMO, God simply relocated Elijah according to His plan.

Interestingly, the New Testament records a similar relocation incident where Philip was instantly transported to Azotus after baptizing an Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. The account can be read in Acts 8:26-40. In summary, the teaching that Enoch and Elijah did not die but were raptured to heaven where God dwells is mere speculation. As for whether Enoch and Elijah might be the two Witnesses of Revelation, I’ll discuss this in an upcoming blog.

Listed below are some random New Testament quotes concerning conditions existing in our world just prior to Jesus’ return. I won’t comment, as I think they speak for themselves. Do you recognize any of these as ongoing in our time ?

Peter: “Beloved, I now write to you in this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first; that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts.….” (2Peter 3:1-3)

Jude: “But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they 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 1:17-19)

Paul: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron….” (1Timothy 4:1-2) “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people, turn away!” (2Timothy 3:1-5)

Jesus: “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will 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 shall be saved.” (Matthew 24: 10-13)

I feel it necessary to address the confusion in Christian circles about the account of the “Nephilim” or “giants” of Genesis chapter six, supposedly the result of the “sons of God (angels)” procreating with “daughters of men” resulting in human – angel hybrids. These evil hybrids then became the primary reason God had to destroy the world with Noah’s flood. In the reasoning of some, support for this view is found in Jude 6, 2Peter 2:4-5, and the spurious “Book of Enoch”. This book of Enoch was not written by Enoch, the seventh from Adam mentioned by Peter, but by unidentified Jewish mystics two centuries before Christ. It was held in high regard by the Essene sect known for the preservation of the dead sea scrolls. The real Enoch of Genesis never wrote anything, the Hebrew language not even in existence till Moses. The fact that this book of Enoch quotes what was most likely handed down by oral tradition from the actual Enoch does not give any credence to the book. All sorts of weird ideas come from this book, such as aliens from space, a flat earth, giants thousands of feet tall, etc.

The word Nephilim simply means in Hebrew tyrants or evil rulers of renown. The major mistake exegetes make when studying Genesis 6 is to identify “sons of God” as angels. The sons of God here can be more accurately defined as describing the line of Seth as opposed to the evil line of Cain. From the righteous line of Seth came Noah on down through Jesus. The apostle John states this clearly speaking of the current heirs of Christ ; “In this the children (sons) of God and the children of the devil are manifest……. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. ” (1John 3: 10-12). Make no mistake, the earths inhabitants were destroyed in the flood due solely to the actions of men, not angels. (Genesis 6:5-8) Besides, angels do not procreate and reproduce. (Mark 12:25) Do not be drawn in to this fornicating angels theory which proponents indicate will have an effect on end time events. The apostle Paul had this to say; “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility, and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” (Colossians 2:18) Worship of angels is what the Essenes used the book of Enoch for.

I cannot do justice to a full discussion of this issue here in a blog, but I will link to a very comprehensive and thorough treatment of this topic. It is long, but contains all the detail to answer any questions you may have. If you encounter others with questions about angels fornicating with humans, you should refer them to this article. I’ll post a permanent link below so you can find a future reference. The Sons of God & Daughters of Men (4windsfellowships.net)

“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week….” (Daniel 9:27). This verse of scripture marks the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, also known as the time of Jacobs trouble and the seven year tribulation. This seven year period ends the reign of human government on earth, concluding with the return of Jesus Christ and the setting up of His kingdom. So, if we can understand what this verse is telling us, we can ascertain, when it happens, where we are on God’s prophetic timeline.

Let’s look closely at this verse. “Then” indicates the time after the 2000 year desolation of Israel, in particular, Jerusalem. “He” indicates the antichrist. “Confirm” means to acknowledge or enable, strengthened by an outside power. “Covenant” means an arrangement or compact usually sealed by blood or passing between two pieces of cut flesh. “Many” means a significant number of individuals or nations. “Week” means seven years. Using these definitions, this verse could be phrased thusly; After Israel’s desolation is completed, the antichrist will enable and strengthen God’s covenant with Israel and many surrounding nations for a seven year period. Note that I named Israel as she is implied here, but not named directly. The key word here is covenant. But, what covenant ? Many prophecy analysts determine this as simply a peace treaty between Israel and many other signatories. IMO, possible, but not likely. Biblical history reveals five major covenants God has made with His people. They are; Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New covenants. Some bible analysts think that the Abrahamic covenant is meant here and the ” treaty” will guarantee Israel’s right to the land as that is what was included in God’s covenant with Abraham. Again; possible, but not likely IMO. The one covenant that fits like a glove is the Mosaic. Israel, at this specific time will necessarily need cooperation and approval to reinstate the priesthood, have a temple rebuilt, or at least a sacrificial altar present on the temple mount, and to resume daily and weekly animal sacrifices. All these are part of Mosaic law given by God to Israel through Moses. Note that in the next part of the verse: “But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering….”(Daniel 9:27). In order for the antichrist to end the sacrifices and offerings, they must have been reinstituted and a functioning priesthood must be in place. Israel’s part in the Mosaic covenant will be not only tolerated, but strengthened by the antichrist, but only for 3.5 years. Then his tune will change, completely, and the great tribulation will begin. His wrath against Israel and Christians will be poured out viciously. If we haven’t figured out who the antichrist is by that time, we will know for certain when he declares himself the sole object of worship from the temple mount.

When we see a charismatic ME leader successful in building a ten nation coalition give his support to Israel for their religious endeavors and exert his influence to encourage many others to do so as well, check him out, he just may be the antichrist. Especially if he officially confirms this with the many. We will then know that the seventieth week has started. Prophetic scripture contains many other detailed characteristics of this antichrist figure that will help us to recognize him, such as the number of his name (Rev. 13:18). I firmly believe this confirmation of the Mosaic covenant will happen within the next decade. Keep your heads lifted up and keep watching.

If you’ve been following the previous posts on “discerning the time” and “beginnings of birth pangs” you might be wondering; OK, I see that we’re getting close to Jesus’ second coming, and I understand that we are probably experiencing these BBp’s currently, so what else should we be looking for prior to the start of the tribulation ?

Well, Jesus did add this sign in Matthew’s gospel. “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) While it’s true that it can be said this has been fulfilled in our day, I don’t believe it will be fully completed until the “Two Witnesses” of Rev. Chapter 11 and the angel (messenger) of Rev. 14:6 have completed their missions. Their ministries are definitely during the 70th week and will insure that the whole world hears the gospel. In fact, I think I can state with confidence that all of the events and judgments of Revelation take place during the time of Jacob’s trouble – Daniel’s 70th week. So, we shouldn’t be looking for these yet.

The beginning of the 70th week is clearly marked by this event “Then, he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week…”.(Daniel 9:27) When this takes place, we will then know that in exactly seven years, Jesus will return and set up His kingdom. Sound bible exegesis indicates the “he” here is the antichrist. What this indicates, then, by this time, whoever this antichrist is, will have established himself as the dominant world leader in the middle east with world-wide influence. He will have been successful in regional wars and promoting peace with Israel and her enemies. He does not come from traditional royalty, but gains authority through intrigue and craftiness. By this time, he will probably be backed by a ten nation confederacy led by him. Remember, he is called the “Assyrian” (ancient Assyria) in Micah Chapter 5: 3-8 and is said to be from Yavan (modern day Turkey) in Daniel Chapter 8:9 & 21. All this gives us some things to watch for in the near future. The rise of the antichrist and the establishment of his ten nation supporting confederacy will not take place in the dark. We should have a good idea of who he is when he “confirms a covenant with many”. As I write this, the world seems to be facilitating the systems necessary for him to come to power, socially, politically, economically, and religiously. Think-“great reset”.

As far as this “covenant” that the antichrist confirms with many; it’s identification will be important for us to determine just what it is so that we can determine with confidence the identity of the antichrist. Bible scholars do not agree on what the confirmation of the covenant entails. I’ll give you my interpretation of this in my next post.

Following his list of birth pangs, Luke says this in his gospel: “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My names sake.” (Luke 21:12) One can read all about this in the book of Acts, fulfilled graphically by Steven, James, Peter, Paul, and many others. In fact, all of the Apostles were either tortured or killed for their faith, along with many thousands of martyrs. Luke continues; “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents or brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My names sake.” (Luke 21:13-17) This type of persecution of Christians has continued largely unabated from the time of Christ till today. The Voice of the Martyrs is a Christian organization that details Christian persecution around the world. They have a free magazine that will keep you informed. The Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com)

Matthew’s gospel, however, instead of stating “before all these things” (after listing the beginnings of birth pangs), says “then” or after these things. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake.” (Matthew 24:9). This is clearly a reference to the time period immediately following the BBP’s, or, the time just ahead of us.

Unless you don’t look at the news media at all, I’m sure you are aware of the growing persecution of Christians all over the world including here in the USA. With the ubiquitous adoption of “hate speech” laws, even the bible is fast becoming banned literature in secular society. Pastors and teachers who promote biblical truth against abortion, LGBQT lifestyles, multiple gender identities, etc. are increasingly condemned and shut down for hate speech. Simply teaching that Jesus is the only way of salvation has become hate speech. The god of this world is having his way. No doubt, the most virulent persecution of Christians in the world comes from the antichrist religion of Islam. Here is a link to a recent article detailing Muslim persecution of Christians: The Most Tragic Story Never Told: The Muslim Persecution of Christians | Frontpagemag

We must prepare our hearts and minds for persecution. It’s here already, and it’s going to become much worse. We need to always be ready to give an inspired defense of what we believe and why- (1st Peter 3:15). But, as Luke said above, we don’t need a prepared or rehearsed speech to state our beliefs. We just need to open our mouths and let the Holy Spirt in us do the rest. Don’t worry if your words fall on deaf ears. Remember Jesus’ words, “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 the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you ‘A servant is not above his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you….” (John 15:18-20)

“And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences……” (Luke 21:11) I’ll wrap up the discussion of BBP’s with a focus on the last of what Jesus clearly said were the “beginning of birth pangs”- pestilences. Pestilences here is the Greek word loimos which means plague – usually disease. In the Greek version of the Old Testament (LXX) the prophet Jeremiah uses this word several times to describe the plagues that God would use to afflict the Jews who would not listen and stay in Israel rather than go to safety in Babylon. This was not unlike the plagues Moses called down on Egypt, that included physical disease, and pests such as frogs, gnats, and locusts. That these things are happening in the world today is what I would call a “no-brainer”. While in various parts of the world plagues of pests are occurring (locusts in the ME, mice in Australia ?), the most obvious is the covid-19 pandemic. Past pandemics, some quite broad in scope, typically left some part of the world unscathed. This ongoing pandemic, however, has reached every corner of the globe. It’s certainly reasonable to conclude that this fits well with Jesus’ heads-up on BBP’s .

The reason I’ve spent so much time in these seven posts about the beginnings of birth pangs is so that you consider just where we are on God’s eschatological timeline. Jesus indicated that following these signs, would be increasing turmoil and “great tribulation” leading up to His second coming. After all, He wanted us to use simple logic. Shortly after the beginnings of birth pangs come the real pains of birth contractions. That’s why He used the birthing metaphor. Gods kingdom will be delivered in the earth with the coming of our Lord. I hope you realize by now that I think there is more than sufficient evidence to state with a high degree of certainty that we are currently experiencing these beginnings of birth pangs. The “eschaton”(last days) is upon us ! If you want to pursue a more detailed possible chronology of coming events, scroll down to read the recent posts about discerning the time.

So what does all this mean for us? Most assuredly, we need to prepare and become ready for what’s coming next. Watch here for upcoming posts on what we should be doing to prepare. And, keep watching !