Category Archives: eschatology

Zechariah 9- Judgement Coming

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The burden of the word of the LORD Against the land of Hadrach, And Damascus its resting place (For the eyes of men And all the tribes of Israel Are on the LORD); Also against Hamath, which borders on it, And against Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.  Zechariah 9:1-2

Regardless of how much the world hates Israel and wants to destroy them, God has a plan and divine providence over them. This has been demonstrated in the past, and this will be demonstrated in the future, as Christ will return to save Israel (Romans 11)

What is really interesting, most believe these prophetic words are about the Greek conquer Alexander the Great, however its also a foreshadow of Christ!

Notice this Word of The Lord are a burden, this is the judgement of God on all the nations who have come against and persecuted Israel, the wrath of God will be poured out upon them, we see this happening even today!

And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— “The LORD is one,” And His name one. Zechariah 14:9

For Tyre built herself a tower, Heaped up silver like the dust, And gold like the mire of the streets. Behold, the Lord will cast her out; He will destroy her power in the sea, And she will be devoured by fire. Zechariah 9:3-4

As nation rise against nation, as Jesus prophesied, understand God is in complete control. Many great empires and militaries have come and gone, God allowed them as instruments of judgement and to fulfill His plan for salvation and The Kingdom that will reign forever and ever. 

Notice it says “The Lord will cast her out and destroy her power” God is in complete control

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places Matthew 24:7

Ashkelon shall see it and fear; Gaza also shall be very sorrowful; And Ekron, for He dried up her expectation. The king shall perish from Gaza, And Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. “A mixed race shall settle in Ashdod, And I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. Zechariah 9:5-6

The Philistines, which we most remember from Goliath, were a powerful empire for many years, however God cut them down, just as He did before with a little shepherd boy named David and a stone. Don’t think any nation or empire is too mighty and strong to fall to the power of our Lord, the King of King and Lord of Lords

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 1 Samuel 17:50

I will take away the blood from his mouth, And the abominations from between his teeth. But he who remains, even he shall be for our God, And shall be like a leader in Judah, And Ekron like a Jebusite. I will camp around My house Because of the army, Because of him who passes by and him who returns. No more shall an oppressor pass through them, For now I have seen with My eyes Zechariah 9:7-8

The pagan practices and idolatry performed by the Philistines will be judged by God, wake up Church! The reference to “blood from his mouth” is reference to the pagan practice of drinking blood, a ritual still practiced by the evil and elite of this world. “Abominations from his teeth” the eating of sacrifices to idols and demons, all of this evil will be judged by The Lord 

In the end God promises His divine protection to Israel “no more shall an oppressor pass through them” 

In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the one who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the Angel of the LORD before them. Zechariah 12:8

Zechariah 8- The Millennial Kingdom

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But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘For the seed shall be prosperous, The vine shall give its fruit, The ground shall give her increase, And the heavens shall give their dew— I will cause the remnant of this people To possess all these. And it shall come to pass That just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong.’ Zechariah 8:11-13

Now we are seeing a shift in Gods dealing with Israel, “I (God) will not treat the remnant (The True Israel) of these people in the former days. This appears to be a promise of the Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:1-6) When Jesus returns , defends and restores the remnant, the elected nation of Israel (Romans 11)

So I (God) will save You, Israel can’t save itself, just as nobody can save themselves. Only Christ can save Israel, just as only Christ can save us. The promise of God , he will save and restore Israel once again is echoed throughout the entire Bible

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD. Joel 2:32

“For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Just as I determined to punish you When your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘And I would not relent, So again in these days I am determined to do good To Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear. Zechariah 8:14-15

What a prophetic message, even today! God loves those he disciplines (Hebrews 12:6) Just as God punished Israel for its wickedness and rebellion, God will also save and restore them, because Israel is the “Apple of His eyes” (Zechariah 2:8) 

God has determined to do good to Jerusalem and the house of Judah (Israel) Do not fear! While the world lives in hopelessness and despair, God is in complete control, and everything that is happening right now is part of His divine plan to restore Israel

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the LORD.” Zechariah 8:16-17

Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) If Israel truly loves The Lord God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) Then they must obey and love The Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

When Israel is truly restored in Christ, you will see the fruits of Israel that love God and love their Neighbor!

Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:11-12

Revelation Chapter 7- The 144 Thousand

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After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” v1-3

4 Angels- 4 Corners of the Earth meaning the entire world

And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 24:31

We begin with this scene, the angels who were given permission to open the seals of judgement, have now been given orders to cease. The good news here is we can see, that many people have become saved through the tribulation! God is going to “seal the bond-servants on their foreheads” , meaning they will be sealed with the Holy Spirit and granted eternal life

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13

And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. v4-8

The 144,000 mentioned here is a very highly debated topic among Christians. Its very clear from the text that these men are all Jewish from the 12 tribes of Israel. These are Jews who have accepted Christ during the Tribulation period

Many groups like to claim that they are the 144,000 the Jehovah Witnesses, The Mormons, even Islam has claimed this right. But the Bible makes it clear these are the 12 tribes of Israel. Make no mistake about it, God is not finished with the Jewish people or Israel

Notice all of these men are sealed by the Holy Spirit also

And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” v9-10

So while the 144K are saved Jews, the Great Multitude are obviously Gentiles, (all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues) And notice the location (standing before the throne) which is Heaven

Another interesting note is the parallels between this event and Palm Sunday, the great crowd, waving Palm Branches to Jesus (Lamb) shouting Salvation (Hosanna)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus Galatians 3:28

All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” v11-12

Everyone is around the throne (angels, four living creatures, elders) worshipping God! Heaven is an eternal worship service!

And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. v13-14

The answer is confirmed on who is the “Great Multitude”, “they are the one who come out of the great tribulation and accepted Jesus Christ”.  Why would God allow a great tribulation? Because many people will come to Christ and gain eternal life through it!

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” v15-17

The Lamb, Jesus Christ, will be our Shepherd and give us the Living Water, where we will thirst no more! Again notice the continual worship of God, they served him day and night! Heaven is more than just about eternal life, its about being in the presence of your Creator, your Heavenly Father, your Lord and God, your Redeemer, do you want to be in his presence?

Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35

 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

Revelation Chapter 1- The Son of Man Revealed

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The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. v1-2

Notice that this is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ”, this is not the Revelation from John or anyone else. The words in this prophetic book are from our Lord and Savior directly! The author is clearly identified at the Apostle John, the same author of the gospel of John, and the Epistles of John.

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. v3

Interesting how God says “Its a blessing to study the book of Revelation, yet many won’t or don’t because they claim they can’t understand it!

Also notice “the time is near”, the Church has always believed in the imminent return of Christ

John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, v4

Here we see Jesus is giving a message (letters) to 7 Churches in the province of Asia, why seven? 7 is the number of completion in the Bible, for example creation was completed on the seventh day. You will see the number seven used throughout the book of Revelation. These messages are for the entire Church, past, present, and future

We notice the “Seven Spirits” also, this is reference to The Holy Spirit. We remember Paul describing the “Seven gifts of The Holy Spirit ” (Isaiah 11:2-3) , remember 7 is symbolic for completion. So at this moment we have the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit at the throne.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; Isaiah 11:2-3

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, v5

Here we see a couple key passages, first it confirms Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, meaning Jesus physically died during his crucifixion and was resurrected back to life. This is important because there are some groups who don’t believe in a physical resurrection.

And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. Colossians 1:18

Second it says “Jesus loves us” in present tense. This is the only place in the Bible where its stated in present tense. What a wonderful message!

and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. v6

Every translation has the same thing, we were all made to be priests to serve God. Not just your local pastor but every Christian. What the means is what Jesus commanded at the great commission ” Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) Share the gospel to everyone whenever you have a chance

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. v7

This is a clear reference to Daniel 7 , which Jesus also revealed to the religious leaders in Matthew 24. Jesus is clearly revealing He is the Son of Man, God in the flesh, who will return to bring judgment upon the world. This is a reference to his 2nd Advent, the physical return of the Church and not the Rapture event of 1 Thessalonians 4

In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. Daniel 7:13

At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:13

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” v8

Jesus is revealing his deity here, Alpha and Omega are the first and last words of the Greek alphabet, so Jesus is saying he is the beginning and the end (Isaiah 41:4) Meaning Jesus has always existed, he was not created as some false teachers preach

Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last—I am He.” Isaiah 41:4

I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. v9

Here again, the Apostle John is identified as the author of this book. Also it reveals the location , on the island of Patmos, where John was banished by the Roman government for persecution.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, v10

This is an important scripture here as John was writing this on “The Lords Day”, which is Sunday the day Jesus was resurrected. This confirms that “The Lords Day” was established and recognized by the first century church.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. Acts 20:7

Those who oppose this view confuse “The Lords Day” with “Day of The Lord” which are totally different. “Day of The Lord” would be referencing Revelation 6:17 when Jesus Christ returns for judgement!

For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” v11

Once again Jesus revealing His Deity, quoting Isaiah which is a reference to God

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

Remember earlier the number 7 is symbolic for completeness, so even though there are more than seven churches in the Asia Minor, Jesus will address only 7 to symbolize the complete “Body of Christ” hence these letters are relevant to all Christians just as all the other Epistles are.

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. v12-13

John is now about to come face to face with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. First he sees 7 golden lampstands, these can be described better as “Jewish Menorahs” As revealed later in the Chapter, the lampstands are symbolic for The Churches.

John begins describing Jesus appearance, Son of Man which was a common phrase for Christ (Matthew 24:30) which Jesus himself described himself fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel 7:13

The robe and golden sash are symbolic for Jesus authority and royalty as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and also Jesus is our High Priest, the fulfilment of the Levitical Priest line

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; v14-15

This is the glorified Christ, this is not The Lamb who came during the First Advent, this is now the Lion of Judah, who rules and reigns. The whiteness is symbolic for his holiness and purity, while his eyes are a blazing fire, meaning he has come to bring judgement upon the unrepentant sinners.

Bronze is symbolic for Gods judgement. His voice was so authoritative and intimidating sounds like rushing waters.

Again we see the comparison to the Son of Man in Daniel 7, Jesus Christ is the One the prophet Daniel has seen and foretold about

As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. Daniel 7:9

He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. v16

Here we see 7 stars in the right hand of Jesus, remember right hand is very symbolic in Jewish culture meaning “special place of honor or authority” as Jesus sat at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19)

The stars symbolic of the messengers/angels of the Churches, notice all authority is in Christ

Jesus is the living Word and Truth, everything he speaks is like a double edge sword as described in Hebrews 4:12, his truth cuts to the bone of sinners and scoffers, that’s why the Bible is so offensive to the ungodly

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Jesus is The Light of The World (John 8:12) is holiness, truth , and righteousness radiate as the Glory of God

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. v17

What will you do when you meet Jesus face to face? You will fall on your face! The holiness of The Lord is overwhelming!

Again Jesus reveals his deity , Jesus is omnipotent meaning he has no beginning or end ( Isaiah 41:4) Notice also when John fell to Jesus feet to worship him, Jesus did not rebuke him but acknowledged him

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. v18

I AM He, This is a statement and title that Identifies Jesus as the Great I AM, God in the flesh. Christ has identified himself as the I AM 7 times in the gospel of John

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:14

Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades (grave) Jesus holds the only hope for our souls, only through him can we obtain eternal life. Notice death is the state and Hades is the location

Hades typically means grave or realm of the dead. Its sometimes confused with Hell but has a totally different meaning, Hell is referenced as the Lake of Fire later in Revelation

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. v19

This is important to understand that some things in Revelation already happened, some things were happening right then, and many things are prophetic (will be happening in the future)

The Preterist view of Revelation is highly unlikely, as many events need to still take place, including the physical return of Christ, the Millennial Reign, the binding and elimination of Satan, the battle of Armageddon, the restoration of Israel, the final judgment, and the New Heavens and Earth

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches v20

Jesus reveals the symbolism of the 7 stars and 7 lampstands

7 Stars = Angels/Messengers of the Churches

7 Lampstands = Churches

7 Churches = Body of Christ

7 Spirit = Holy Spirit