* Originally written June 10, 2010 and revised May 6, 2018.
Many American Christians, seeking to “keep things peaceful” or “dialogue” with Muslims, gloss over the truth about Islam because they would offend Muslims (who get offended at the truth) and/or such “Christians” are effectively “antichrist” themselves by denying the Bible's truth. This information goes a long way to explain how and why the Antichrist will gain such widespread global acceptance. God will empower the Antichrist to be able to deceive; he will be a judgment on humanity. II Thessalonians 2:9-12 notes, “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives that who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”
Iranian leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has been loudly heralding the Islamic Mahdi (Note that Iran is a predominately Shia Muslim nation). The Mahdi could very well be the “Messiah” for those who hate truth, i.e. the Antichrist. This could include not just Muslims but Hindus, Buddhists, secular humanist liberals, members of “Christian” cults, and lukewarm, apostate or appeasing Christians. The book of Daniel confirms that the reign of the Antichrist will be a reign of deceit. Daniel 8:8:12b, referring to the horn symbolizing the Antichrist, notes “It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.” Daniel 8:25 adds, “He will cause deceit to prosper.”
The following other evidence and facts point to an Islamic-Antichrist connection:
● Revelation 18:2, set in the End Times and during the reign of the Antichrist, refers to “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!...” Babylon, is sometimes thought to be a figurative reference in this passage to the United States but a literal interpretation would be the literal city of Babylon, which is in Iraq, a Muslim country.
● Accompanying the prior point, is the fact that it appears that the Antichrist will hail from Syria (which included Iraq and Iran in ancient times) per Daniel 7:6 and 8:5-12, among other passages. Syria is part of Alexander the Great's Greek Empire of old. Again, Syria or a greater Syria, including Iran and Iraq, are predominately Islamic areas.
● Islam is the only global religion that practices beheading (see.raptureready.com, “Understanding the Antichrist – Part II” article by Jerry Robinson). Revelation 20:4 refers to Christian martyrs who were beheaded because “…they had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands…” This type of Islamic extremism happens today when Muslims behead hostages.
● As noted previously, the fundamental antichrist nature of Islam is noted in I John 2:22 but I John 4:1-3 also is enlightening. That verse notes, “…but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
● Islam has a strange affinity with secular liberals per I John 4:4-6. Both seem to despise Christianity. This seems apparent with the Obama Administration. Mr. Obama bowed to the Saudi king but barely acknowledged the National Day of Prayer in 2010. Obama has also argued strongly that the USA is not a Christian nation when this nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and even today a strong majority of Americans profess to be Christians. If Obama visited a nation with a similar percentage of professing Muslims as the USA has Christians, I am confident he wouldn’t hesitate to term that nation a “Muslim nation.”
● Back to Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, he refers to the current year 2010, in terms of 1300 and something, most likely marking times in terms of Mohammed instead of Jesus Christ. I would note that this again is consistent with a policy which will be pursued by the Antichrist (possibly Ahmadinejad’s hero) according to Daniel 7:25 NIV, “He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints and try to change the set times and the laws.”
● Deceit is honored in Islam, even encouraged if done against an infidel. The Bible says in Daniel 8:25 that the Antichrist will “cause deceit to prosper.” Barack Obama deceitfully hid his Islamic roots but his conduct as President shows where his true loyalties lie.
● Some Muslim leaders claim Islam is a monotheistic religion, deceitfully trying to show it is aligned with Judaism and Christianity. However, it violently hates both religions and their adherents. This can be witnessed by the exclusion of Christians and Jews (infidels according to Muslims) from the allegedly “holy” city of Mecca. Even, Swissair’s planes are banned from the air space over Mecca because they display a cross. Allah is not the true God, he is the moon god. Allah is strikingly similar to Baal, the Philistine’s false god of biblical times. Muslims claim that the true biblical prophets were prophets of Allah which is a blasphemous lie. They claim that their “liberation” of peoples early on in the life of Islam liberated them from the corrupt Persian and Byzantine Empires (a Christian Empire). Nonsense!
● Islam says the greatest sin is to associate anyone with “Allah”, i.e. like a Trinity. They claim that Islam is a courageous ‘faith” because Islam supplanted a rampant paganism. Actually, they supplanted polytheistic paganism with monotheistic paganism. This “greatest sin” against Islam is a feeble attempt to supplant the truth of Christianity with a different form of false truth.
● The woman sitting on the scarlet beast mentioned in Revelation 17:3 could represent Islam or an Islamized Christianity, such as an apostate Roman Catholic Church. Revelation 17:6 notes, “I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.”’
● In short, Islam is a deceitful and evil religion. Those that are likewise deceitful and wicked, such as secular liberals in America and Europe today are spiritual cousins of Muslims. Both are children of their father, Satan.
See www.whenthepiecesfit.org for another perspective on the Antichrist-Islam link.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
AND NOW...THE LINK BETWEEN ISLAM AND APOSTATE CHRISTIANITY !
* Originally written June 16, 2010 and revised May 6, 2018.
In prior posts, the link between Islam and the coming Antichrist was outlined. The following article appearing in the June 16, 2010 issue of Prophecy News Watch's e-newsletter, shows an additional link between apostate Christians (Prince Charles of Great Britain in this instance) and Islam:
'Follow the Islamic way to save the world,' Prince Charles urges environmentalists
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince Charles yesterday urged the world to follow Islamic "spiritual principles" in order to protect the environment.
In an hour-long speech, the heir to the throne argued that man's destruction of the world was contrary to the scriptures of all religions - but particularly those of Islam.
He said the current 'division' between man and nature had been caused not just by industrialization, but also by our attitude to the environment - which goes against the grain of "sacred traditions."
Charles, who is a practicing Christian and will become the head of the Church of England when he succeeds to the throne, spoke in depth about his own study of the Koran which, he said, tells its followers that there is "no separation between man and nature" and says we must always live within our environment's limits.
The prince was speaking to an audience of scholars at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies - which attempts to encourage a better understanding of the culture and civilization of the religion.
His speech, merging religion with his other favourite subject, the environment, marked the 25th anniversary of the organization, of which he is patron.
He added: "The inconvenient truth is that we share this planet with the rest of creation for a very good reason - and that is, we cannot exist on our own without the intricately balanced web of life around us."
"Islam has always taught this and to ignore that lesson is to default on our contract with creation."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince Charles' romantic flirtation with Islam is intellectually lazy! Christianity does not teach a hostility with the natural environment. The earth is to be subdued but not destroyed!
In prior posts, the link between Islam and the coming Antichrist was outlined. The following article appearing in the June 16, 2010 issue of Prophecy News Watch's e-newsletter, shows an additional link between apostate Christians (Prince Charles of Great Britain in this instance) and Islam:
'Follow the Islamic way to save the world,' Prince Charles urges environmentalists
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince Charles yesterday urged the world to follow Islamic "spiritual principles" in order to protect the environment.
In an hour-long speech, the heir to the throne argued that man's destruction of the world was contrary to the scriptures of all religions - but particularly those of Islam.
He said the current 'division' between man and nature had been caused not just by industrialization, but also by our attitude to the environment - which goes against the grain of "sacred traditions."
Charles, who is a practicing Christian and will become the head of the Church of England when he succeeds to the throne, spoke in depth about his own study of the Koran which, he said, tells its followers that there is "no separation between man and nature" and says we must always live within our environment's limits.
The prince was speaking to an audience of scholars at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies - which attempts to encourage a better understanding of the culture and civilization of the religion.
His speech, merging religion with his other favourite subject, the environment, marked the 25th anniversary of the organization, of which he is patron.
He added: "The inconvenient truth is that we share this planet with the rest of creation for a very good reason - and that is, we cannot exist on our own without the intricately balanced web of life around us."
"Islam has always taught this and to ignore that lesson is to default on our contract with creation."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince Charles' romantic flirtation with Islam is intellectually lazy! Christianity does not teach a hostility with the natural environment. The earth is to be subdued but not destroyed!
Saturday, December 30, 2017
FALSE PROPHET FACTS, PART I .
* Originally written March 21, 2014. Revised May 6, 2018.
The False Prophet, the Antichrist's "John the Baptist," if you will, is first introduced in Revelation 13:11-17. Interestingly, the prophet Daniel didn't address this character. As a matter of fact, he is only explicitly mentioned in the Book of Revelation**. He is called the "False Prophet" in Revelation 16:13, 19:20, and 20:10.
From Revelation 13:11-17, the following are seven facts about the False Prophet:
A) "Then I saw a second beast.." per Revelation 13:11 NIV. The King James Version puts it this way,"...And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth..." This passage refers to the False Prophet. Although, he is mentioned after the first beast of Revelation 13:1-10, this, in my view, doesn't necessarily mean he will come on the scene after the "first beast", aka the Antichrist. It does mean, that his role will be to help or assist the first beast. Or, in his final days, to focus worship to the first beast, or the Antichrist.
B) Revelation 13:11 continues, "...coming out of the earth..." as opposed to the first beast who comes up out of the sea. There is disagreement on this meaning. Some maintain it means the False Prophet is a Jew*** since he is from out of the earth, or deemed to mean the chosen land or Israel. Others maintain it could mean he is Judas coming up from hell.
Others, maintain, and I agree, that whether "out of the sea" or "out of the earth" both meanings symbolize, peoples.** Finis Jennings Dake, in his book, "God's Plan for Man", remarks that Daniel 7:3 ("came up out of the sea") and Daniel 7:17, referring to the same beasts ("that will rise from the earth") uses similar construction as seen here in Revelation 13:11. Dake maintains that the two beasts are both natural men arising from peoples as Daniel 7:3 and 7:17 suggests and affirms. This interpretation affirms the fundamental principle that one verse of the Bible confirms and affirms another, i.e. scripture interprets scripture.
I would only add that both descriptions imply worldly persons, rather than heavenly in character.
C) And Revelation 13:11 goes on, "...It had two horns , like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon." The lamb-like appearance, implies a gentleness, at least in appearance. He may look the part of a gentle, harmless, fatherly figure of religion. However, his speech will be deceptive, like that of his father, the Devil. Indeed, in a similar way, Jesus spoke to religious Jews in John 8:44, saying of them, "You are of your father the devil..."
So, how will this False Prophet person handle his skeptical, reasoning (not even close to being violent) critics? Lovingly or perhaps at least with tolerance, correcting them with the Word, or in a hostile, mocking and vindictive attempt to marginalize or silence them. A study of Rev. Jim Jones of the People's Temple could be an enlightening example of the future False Prophet, a leader who was about being exalted or one who deceitfully exalted a false christ, rather than being a servant-leader like Jesus Christ!
D) Revelation 13:12 notes, "..he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence..." Biblestudytools.com**** has an interesting insight here; the second beast's power will be under a tight leash, restricted to being exercised in the presence of the Antichrist or "first beast." The False Prophet will likewise, ultimately be serving his father, Satan, when he requires the people of the earth to "...worship the first beast", and not himself.
E) The False Prophet "performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men." (Revelation 13:13). I would say that, today if a popular person like Barack Obama, Pope Francis, or some other celebrity performed such a miracle, it is hard to think that they would not be accepted with mindless wonder by a rebellious and foolish people! Look at how mindlessly Obama-Care and the global warming hoax were received by so many!! II Thessalonians 2:9 affirms this verse and implies that this Satanic power will be allowed by God as a judgment on an unbelieving world "...because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie." II Thessalonians 2:10-11. And Proverbs 16:4 confirms this, noting the Lord even uses the wicked for His own ends.
F) The False Prophet tells the people of the world "...to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword (see Revelation 13:3) and lived." (Revelation 13:15). Revelation 13:3 confirms this verse, noting "...the world marveled and followed the beast." Whether the Antichrist was actually killed or it just appears to be so, is not clear. The point is, that the masses think he was! This prompts the False Prophet to order an image to be made of the Antichrist. This fulfills Jesus' words of Matthew 24:15 concerning "...the abomination of desolation" which in turn refers to Daniel 9:27.
G) Finally, Revelation 13:16-18 describes the culmination of the False Prophet's false ministry. "It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name." The False Prophet will control commerce, mixing the economic realm with religion. The Mark will cause people to identify openly with the Antichrist and Satan. The choice will also mix politics and religion! The choice will be a clear decision to accept Satan rather than God. In Revelation 14:9-11, the third angel pronounces that such people "...will drink the wine of God's fury..", kind of the fullest extent of God's wrath noted in Romans 1:18.
Now, that these basic facts about the False Prophet have been addressed in his resume stated in Revelation 13:11-18, other questions about him are raised such as:
*Who exactly is he?
*Is he alive now? Does he hold office now?
*Will he assume his position suddenly or grow into it?
*What specifically will show the deceptive nature of his character?
*Why doesn't he assume power himself?
*What is his relationship to the Great Harlot also found in the Book of Revelation?
Stay tuned as issues such as these are considered in future postings about the Antichrist's sidekick, the False Prophet.
Sources, other than the Bible include:
**"God's Plan for Man", by Finis Jennings Dake, pg. 902-904.
***"Things to Come, A Study in Biblical Eschatology," by J. Dwight Pentecost, pg. 336-337.
****www.biblestudytools.com.
The False Prophet, the Antichrist's "John the Baptist," if you will, is first introduced in Revelation 13:11-17. Interestingly, the prophet Daniel didn't address this character. As a matter of fact, he is only explicitly mentioned in the Book of Revelation**. He is called the "False Prophet" in Revelation 16:13, 19:20, and 20:10.
From Revelation 13:11-17, the following are seven facts about the False Prophet:
A) "Then I saw a second beast.." per Revelation 13:11 NIV. The King James Version puts it this way,"...And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth..." This passage refers to the False Prophet. Although, he is mentioned after the first beast of Revelation 13:1-10, this, in my view, doesn't necessarily mean he will come on the scene after the "first beast", aka the Antichrist. It does mean, that his role will be to help or assist the first beast. Or, in his final days, to focus worship to the first beast, or the Antichrist.
B) Revelation 13:11 continues, "...coming out of the earth..." as opposed to the first beast who comes up out of the sea. There is disagreement on this meaning. Some maintain it means the False Prophet is a Jew*** since he is from out of the earth, or deemed to mean the chosen land or Israel. Others maintain it could mean he is Judas coming up from hell.
Others, maintain, and I agree, that whether "out of the sea" or "out of the earth" both meanings symbolize, peoples.** Finis Jennings Dake, in his book, "God's Plan for Man", remarks that Daniel 7:3 ("came up out of the sea") and Daniel 7:17, referring to the same beasts ("that will rise from the earth") uses similar construction as seen here in Revelation 13:11. Dake maintains that the two beasts are both natural men arising from peoples as Daniel 7:3 and 7:17 suggests and affirms. This interpretation affirms the fundamental principle that one verse of the Bible confirms and affirms another, i.e. scripture interprets scripture.
I would only add that both descriptions imply worldly persons, rather than heavenly in character.
C) And Revelation 13:11 goes on, "...It had two horns , like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon." The lamb-like appearance, implies a gentleness, at least in appearance. He may look the part of a gentle, harmless, fatherly figure of religion. However, his speech will be deceptive, like that of his father, the Devil. Indeed, in a similar way, Jesus spoke to religious Jews in John 8:44, saying of them, "You are of your father the devil..."
So, how will this False Prophet person handle his skeptical, reasoning (not even close to being violent) critics? Lovingly or perhaps at least with tolerance, correcting them with the Word, or in a hostile, mocking and vindictive attempt to marginalize or silence them. A study of Rev. Jim Jones of the People's Temple could be an enlightening example of the future False Prophet, a leader who was about being exalted or one who deceitfully exalted a false christ, rather than being a servant-leader like Jesus Christ!
D) Revelation 13:12 notes, "..he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence..." Biblestudytools.com**** has an interesting insight here; the second beast's power will be under a tight leash, restricted to being exercised in the presence of the Antichrist or "first beast." The False Prophet will likewise, ultimately be serving his father, Satan, when he requires the people of the earth to "...worship the first beast", and not himself.
E) The False Prophet "performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men." (Revelation 13:13). I would say that, today if a popular person like Barack Obama, Pope Francis, or some other celebrity performed such a miracle, it is hard to think that they would not be accepted with mindless wonder by a rebellious and foolish people! Look at how mindlessly Obama-Care and the global warming hoax were received by so many!! II Thessalonians 2:9 affirms this verse and implies that this Satanic power will be allowed by God as a judgment on an unbelieving world "...because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie." II Thessalonians 2:10-11. And Proverbs 16:4 confirms this, noting the Lord even uses the wicked for His own ends.
F) The False Prophet tells the people of the world "...to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword (see Revelation 13:3) and lived." (Revelation 13:15). Revelation 13:3 confirms this verse, noting "...the world marveled and followed the beast." Whether the Antichrist was actually killed or it just appears to be so, is not clear. The point is, that the masses think he was! This prompts the False Prophet to order an image to be made of the Antichrist. This fulfills Jesus' words of Matthew 24:15 concerning "...the abomination of desolation" which in turn refers to Daniel 9:27.
G) Finally, Revelation 13:16-18 describes the culmination of the False Prophet's false ministry. "It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name." The False Prophet will control commerce, mixing the economic realm with religion. The Mark will cause people to identify openly with the Antichrist and Satan. The choice will also mix politics and religion! The choice will be a clear decision to accept Satan rather than God. In Revelation 14:9-11, the third angel pronounces that such people "...will drink the wine of God's fury..", kind of the fullest extent of God's wrath noted in Romans 1:18.
Now, that these basic facts about the False Prophet have been addressed in his resume stated in Revelation 13:11-18, other questions about him are raised such as:
*Who exactly is he?
*Is he alive now? Does he hold office now?
*Will he assume his position suddenly or grow into it?
*What specifically will show the deceptive nature of his character?
*Why doesn't he assume power himself?
*What is his relationship to the Great Harlot also found in the Book of Revelation?
Stay tuned as issues such as these are considered in future postings about the Antichrist's sidekick, the False Prophet.
Sources, other than the Bible include:
**"God's Plan for Man", by Finis Jennings Dake, pg. 902-904.
***"Things to Come, A Study in Biblical Eschatology," by J. Dwight Pentecost, pg. 336-337.
****www.biblestudytools.com.
Friday, December 1, 2017
FALSE PROPHET FACTS, PART II
* Originally written May 31, 2014. Revised May 6, 2018.
Continuing on with the first posting about the False Prophet, I will attempt to answer some questions concerning the False Prophet to build on the basic facts covered in the first posting..
*Who exactly is the False Prophet?
Of course, this is a controversial question. Many would prefer to scoff or allegorize the question. II Peter 3:3 declares that "...in the last days scoffers will come...", scoffing about the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. This verse implies that such scoffers, "...following their own evil desires..." will mock about the coming of Christ because they could care less, only being interested in their earthly desires.
Therefore, it seems rational that many will not care, recognize or consider the true importance and character of the Antichrist and the False Prophet as a judgment of God and precursors to the coming of Jesus Christ. Instead, since they are deluded, such characters will be regarded as heroes or at least received with general popularity.
Frankly, I am not absolutely sure who the False Prophet is because he hasn't been thrust on the scene yet! Many have guessed since Christ ascended to heaven after his death and resurrection, but as with the Antichrist they have been incorrect.
An intriguing possibility is that the recently installed new Roman Catholic leader, Pope Francis is the False Prophet. Given this Pope's ties to the worldly & intellectual Jesuit order, the Freemasons, his favor with the world and unrepentant sinners, his apparent willingness to appease the wicked, i.e. the "who am I to judge" comment about homosexuality, and other information gives one reason to seriously consider Francis. However, in 2018, it seems clear now Jorge Bergoglio (aka Pope Francis) is not the False Prophet. However, he has lurched the Roman Catholic Church to the left and pushed a more secular agenda (i.e. human-caused climate change)!
Indeed, the web site, www.biblicalfalseprophet.com, which is apparently sponsored by former priests, offers more compelling reasons for this hypothesis, even though their commitment to the Bible alone is tinged with an emphasis on extra-biblical Marian apparitions. One interesting insight on this web site is the idea that the apostate Church or one-world religion would merge with the world and approve of sin. This is the essence of apostasy noted in Proverbs 28:4, "...those who forsake the Law praise the wicked."
Many Roman Catholics seem quite enamored with the "cool new Pope". Sadly, few Roman Catholics, in my observation are very knowedgeable of the Bible, or at least about what the Bible says about eschatological topics. On the contrary, many Roman Catholics show a hostility to the Bible which is inconsistent with being a true follower of Jesus Christ per John 8:31-32. This is not just a Catholic trend! Many mega-churches have "rock star" pastors that are followed with passive loyalty.
Given the influence of the Roman Catholic Church globally and the apparent apostate nature of the False Prophet noted in the book of Revelation, it seems quite reasonable that the False Prophet will be a Pope. I mean the Dalai Lama or an Islamic leader may have influence but they wouldn't be apostate Christians, as the book of Revelation implies. And, not to pick on just the Roman Catholic Church either! I have observed this kind of appeasement & hostility to the Bible occurring in many Christian circles, as well! However, Lutherans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, etc. don't have the organizational structure or influence of the Roman Catholic Church.
However, given the fact that Pope Francis is 77 years old, it seems that unless events move very fast, it might be difficult for him to live to fulfill the role of False Prophet. He may be the precursor to the final Pope or give his authority to another religious leader, who will be the False Prophet. Just as their have been many antichrists so also there have been many false prophets. I John 4:1 notes, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
* Is the false Prophet alive now?
Given the times and evidence of the fulfillment of the soon coming return of Jesus Christ, I believe it is highly likely that both the Antichrist and the False Prophet are alive now, in 2014! And given the arrival of Pope Francis, they may be in the prime of life.
*Does he hold office now?
If one believes that Pope Francis is the False Prophet as noted at www.biblicalfalseprophet.com, then he does hold the office of Pope. As noted previously, with the passage of a few years since writing this post originally, that doesn't seem plausible.
Other theories suggest the False Prophet will be a Jew, which doesn't seem to make sense biblically, in my view.
I will say that it is quite likely that the False Prophet won't ever have a name plate or business card saying, "FALSE PROPHET". Liars don't like to be called liars, in my experience. However, that is possibly what many seem to expect, absurd as it seems! Instead, he will likely hold a religious office and he will be made the leader of global religion.
* Will he assume his position suddenly or grow into it?
Again, I don't anticipate he will have "FALSE PROPHET" on his business card. It seems reasonable that he will come on the scene as a religious leader since the role of the False Prophet seems to be religious in nature. He will be in a sort of symbiotic relationship with the Antichrist by pointing worship toward the Antichrist while the Antichrist will, at least initially, legitimatize the False Prophet's religious authority to the world.
Furthermore, Revelation 13 seems to indicate that the False Prophet's power will need to be performed in the presence of or under the authority of the Antichrist.
*What evidence will show the deceptive nature of his character?
Initially, he will gain acceptance from the world much like Pope Francis is. He will be viewed as "a cool pope", loving, non-judgmental, etc.
He will also deny that Jesus is the Christ, perhaps subtly at first. Again, www.biblicalfalseprophet.com has an excellent insight about Pope Francis in their posting, "Francis’ Subtle Denial of the Divinity of Jesus." Indeed, a focus on the Christ without associating Jesus with this title is the type of deception that would be likely.
Once he reaches the pinnacle of his power as noted in Revelation 13 he will be given power to deceive the world with signs and wonders, and then he will use his religious authority, apparently aided by the state, to require worship of the first beast or the Antichrist.
Continuing on with the first posting about the False Prophet, I will attempt to answer some questions concerning the False Prophet to build on the basic facts covered in the first posting..
*Who exactly is the False Prophet?
Of course, this is a controversial question. Many would prefer to scoff or allegorize the question. II Peter 3:3 declares that "...in the last days scoffers will come...", scoffing about the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. This verse implies that such scoffers, "...following their own evil desires..." will mock about the coming of Christ because they could care less, only being interested in their earthly desires.
Therefore, it seems rational that many will not care, recognize or consider the true importance and character of the Antichrist and the False Prophet as a judgment of God and precursors to the coming of Jesus Christ. Instead, since they are deluded, such characters will be regarded as heroes or at least received with general popularity.
Frankly, I am not absolutely sure who the False Prophet is because he hasn't been thrust on the scene yet! Many have guessed since Christ ascended to heaven after his death and resurrection, but as with the Antichrist they have been incorrect.
An intriguing possibility is that the recently installed new Roman Catholic leader, Pope Francis is the False Prophet. Given this Pope's ties to the worldly & intellectual Jesuit order, the Freemasons, his favor with the world and unrepentant sinners, his apparent willingness to appease the wicked, i.e. the "who am I to judge" comment about homosexuality, and other information gives one reason to seriously consider Francis. However, in 2018, it seems clear now Jorge Bergoglio (aka Pope Francis) is not the False Prophet. However, he has lurched the Roman Catholic Church to the left and pushed a more secular agenda (i.e. human-caused climate change)!
Indeed, the web site, www.biblicalfalseprophet.com, which is apparently sponsored by former priests, offers more compelling reasons for this hypothesis, even though their commitment to the Bible alone is tinged with an emphasis on extra-biblical Marian apparitions. One interesting insight on this web site is the idea that the apostate Church or one-world religion would merge with the world and approve of sin. This is the essence of apostasy noted in Proverbs 28:4, "...those who forsake the Law praise the wicked."
Many Roman Catholics seem quite enamored with the "cool new Pope". Sadly, few Roman Catholics, in my observation are very knowedgeable of the Bible, or at least about what the Bible says about eschatological topics. On the contrary, many Roman Catholics show a hostility to the Bible which is inconsistent with being a true follower of Jesus Christ per John 8:31-32. This is not just a Catholic trend! Many mega-churches have "rock star" pastors that are followed with passive loyalty.
Given the influence of the Roman Catholic Church globally and the apparent apostate nature of the False Prophet noted in the book of Revelation, it seems quite reasonable that the False Prophet will be a Pope. I mean the Dalai Lama or an Islamic leader may have influence but they wouldn't be apostate Christians, as the book of Revelation implies. And, not to pick on just the Roman Catholic Church either! I have observed this kind of appeasement & hostility to the Bible occurring in many Christian circles, as well! However, Lutherans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, etc. don't have the organizational structure or influence of the Roman Catholic Church.
However, given the fact that Pope Francis is 77 years old, it seems that unless events move very fast, it might be difficult for him to live to fulfill the role of False Prophet. He may be the precursor to the final Pope or give his authority to another religious leader, who will be the False Prophet. Just as their have been many antichrists so also there have been many false prophets. I John 4:1 notes, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
* Is the false Prophet alive now?
Given the times and evidence of the fulfillment of the soon coming return of Jesus Christ, I believe it is highly likely that both the Antichrist and the False Prophet are alive now, in 2014! And given the arrival of Pope Francis, they may be in the prime of life.
*Does he hold office now?
If one believes that Pope Francis is the False Prophet as noted at www.biblicalfalseprophet.com, then he does hold the office of Pope. As noted previously, with the passage of a few years since writing this post originally, that doesn't seem plausible.
Other theories suggest the False Prophet will be a Jew, which doesn't seem to make sense biblically, in my view.
I will say that it is quite likely that the False Prophet won't ever have a name plate or business card saying, "FALSE PROPHET". Liars don't like to be called liars, in my experience. However, that is possibly what many seem to expect, absurd as it seems! Instead, he will likely hold a religious office and he will be made the leader of global religion.
* Will he assume his position suddenly or grow into it?
Again, I don't anticipate he will have "FALSE PROPHET" on his business card. It seems reasonable that he will come on the scene as a religious leader since the role of the False Prophet seems to be religious in nature. He will be in a sort of symbiotic relationship with the Antichrist by pointing worship toward the Antichrist while the Antichrist will, at least initially, legitimatize the False Prophet's religious authority to the world.
Furthermore, Revelation 13 seems to indicate that the False Prophet's power will need to be performed in the presence of or under the authority of the Antichrist.
*What evidence will show the deceptive nature of his character?
Initially, he will gain acceptance from the world much like Pope Francis is. He will be viewed as "a cool pope", loving, non-judgmental, etc.
He will also deny that Jesus is the Christ, perhaps subtly at first. Again, www.biblicalfalseprophet.com has an excellent insight about Pope Francis in their posting, "Francis’ Subtle Denial of the Divinity of Jesus." Indeed, a focus on the Christ without associating Jesus with this title is the type of deception that would be likely.
Once he reaches the pinnacle of his power as noted in Revelation 13 he will be given power to deceive the world with signs and wonders, and then he will use his religious authority, apparently aided by the state, to require worship of the first beast or the Antichrist.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
THE TWO WITNESSES OF REVELATION
* Originally written 2/28/14. Revised 5/21/18.
Revelation 11:3-14 highlights the two witnesses. These faithful witnesses preach to a rebellious world in the Great Tribulation from Jerusalem. Their ministry likely occurs in the middle to the end of the Great Tribulation since it is part of the "2nd woe", which is well within the judgment timeline of the book of Revelation.
Some claim these witnesses could be Elijah, Moses, Enoch, Peter or Paul. Malachi 4:5, for example, seems to point to Elijah. They offer a testimony of judgment on the world for rejecting His Son, cursing God's people, accepting the Antichrist, and for their stubborn unrepentance and sin per Genesis 12:3 and II Thessalonians 2:1-12.
They witness according to the Bible for "1260 days" (same period noted elsewhere in the Bible such as in Revelation 12:6, or 42 months, or 3 1/2 years) which is within the 7-year Tribulation reign of the Antichrist.
They will be given great power. According to Revelation 11:5, "If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die." To Americans of thirty, fifty or 100 years ago, raised in a more Christian-friendly America, this type of hostility to men of God seems quite foreign. However, in the America of today and definitely in Europe and Muslim nations the hostility to the true Gospel is very real, reflecting the wickedness of the human heart.
In the Great Tribulation, God's judgment will be coming fast and furious. These two witnesses add to the Lord's judgment. Revelation 11:6 notes, "These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want."
Needless to say they won't be popular with their contemporaries on earth. Revelation notes that after their ministry is completed, the beast from the Abyss will have power to kill them. The people of the earth will gloat over their death, and refuse to bury them, but after 3 1/2 days they will be resurrected, striking terror in those who saw them.
I glean the following random insights and questions concerning the two witnesses:
1) The drought, the blood in the waters, the plagues, and the earthquake after the witnesses were raised from the dead all are clear, New Testament, yet extreme examples of the curse of Genesis 12:3. It still applies at the end of the Age just as it did for Abraham. And it applies today!
2) Judgment occurs quickly with a Rev. 13:13 earthquake. When God's timing is right, events happen fast.
3) Consider the Two Witnesses' style of ministry. It contrasts starkly with many "Seeker Sensitive" American churches that may avoid tough topics, focusing on the allegedly soft, grandfatherly love of God. Also, consider the style of ministry targeting many of America's youth. Often zany activities, free pizza, ski weekends, swimming parties are needed to be able to even be able to "talk to 'em about Jesus". And yet, many years ago, I recall at a Young Life camp week, in the midst of a week full of action-packed fun, even then many teens grumbled about the "Jesus talk."
4)My final thought is this...If these people knew the Two Witnesses were responsible for the judgment/calamities they were experiencing, then why not repent? I believe the answer lies in the desperately wicked, illogical human heart, referred to in Jeremiah 17:9. Furthermore, Daniel 8:23, referring to the Tribulation, describes the people of that time as. "when rebels have become completely wicked...". This observation is affirmed in Revelation 16:9 which notes, about these people, "they were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God...but they refused to repent and glorify Him."
Revelation 11:3-14 highlights the two witnesses. These faithful witnesses preach to a rebellious world in the Great Tribulation from Jerusalem. Their ministry likely occurs in the middle to the end of the Great Tribulation since it is part of the "2nd woe", which is well within the judgment timeline of the book of Revelation.
Some claim these witnesses could be Elijah, Moses, Enoch, Peter or Paul. Malachi 4:5, for example, seems to point to Elijah. They offer a testimony of judgment on the world for rejecting His Son, cursing God's people, accepting the Antichrist, and for their stubborn unrepentance and sin per Genesis 12:3 and II Thessalonians 2:1-12.
They witness according to the Bible for "1260 days" (same period noted elsewhere in the Bible such as in Revelation 12:6, or 42 months, or 3 1/2 years) which is within the 7-year Tribulation reign of the Antichrist.
They will be given great power. According to Revelation 11:5, "If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die." To Americans of thirty, fifty or 100 years ago, raised in a more Christian-friendly America, this type of hostility to men of God seems quite foreign. However, in the America of today and definitely in Europe and Muslim nations the hostility to the true Gospel is very real, reflecting the wickedness of the human heart.
In the Great Tribulation, God's judgment will be coming fast and furious. These two witnesses add to the Lord's judgment. Revelation 11:6 notes, "These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want."
Needless to say they won't be popular with their contemporaries on earth. Revelation notes that after their ministry is completed, the beast from the Abyss will have power to kill them. The people of the earth will gloat over their death, and refuse to bury them, but after 3 1/2 days they will be resurrected, striking terror in those who saw them.
I glean the following random insights and questions concerning the two witnesses:
1) The drought, the blood in the waters, the plagues, and the earthquake after the witnesses were raised from the dead all are clear, New Testament, yet extreme examples of the curse of Genesis 12:3. It still applies at the end of the Age just as it did for Abraham. And it applies today!
2) Judgment occurs quickly with a Rev. 13:13 earthquake. When God's timing is right, events happen fast.
3) Consider the Two Witnesses' style of ministry. It contrasts starkly with many "Seeker Sensitive" American churches that may avoid tough topics, focusing on the allegedly soft, grandfatherly love of God. Also, consider the style of ministry targeting many of America's youth. Often zany activities, free pizza, ski weekends, swimming parties are needed to be able to even be able to "talk to 'em about Jesus". And yet, many years ago, I recall at a Young Life camp week, in the midst of a week full of action-packed fun, even then many teens grumbled about the "Jesus talk."
4)My final thought is this...If these people knew the Two Witnesses were responsible for the judgment/calamities they were experiencing, then why not repent? I believe the answer lies in the desperately wicked, illogical human heart, referred to in Jeremiah 17:9. Furthermore, Daniel 8:23, referring to the Tribulation, describes the people of that time as. "when rebels have become completely wicked...". This observation is affirmed in Revelation 16:9 which notes, about these people, "they were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God...but they refused to repent and glorify Him."
Sunday, October 1, 2017
EXPRESSIONS OF A COUNTERFEIT ANTICHRIST MORALITY
* Originally written on 8/6/2011. Revised 5/21/18.
The coming Antichrist will be a person. However, the book of I John, specifically I John 4:3 notes that, "...every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist..."
The spirit of Antichrist denies the truth of Jesus Christ's incarnation. An aspect of the deceitful spirit of antichrist is that it also denies the authority of the Bible. After all, Jesus is referred to as the Word in John 1:1-2. Today, a modern, secularized moral code, as found in all false religions, is rising, opposing the truth of the grace and truth found in the Bible. It is a hypocritical, superior way of thinking. As Daniel 8:25a notes, "He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior..."
This new modern morality has an informal list of "dos and don'ts",
"Righteous" secular behavior includes:
*Encouraging peace and cooperation among religions, typically appeasing Islam and subtly or not so subtly marginalizing Christianity and/or Judaism,
*Belligerently demanding acceptance of homosexuality,
*Recognition of government as THE instrument of social justice and economic equality,
*Seeking "green" energy solutions like biomass, recycling, conservation, wind and solar energy even though those solutions are not typically economically feasible as a solution to a so-called "climate change" crisis except in a token, "feel-good" capacity, i.e. making a secular liberal person feel good/ superior when they drive a hybrid vehicle. As an aside, since Third World nations appear to be getting a pass in fighting "global warming," the environment on a global basis, may actually be harmed by hamstringing developed economies with such "pie in the sky" solutions,
*Celebrating deceitful, empty leaders like Barack Obama that celebrate this new, counterfeit morality, and
*Since Donald Trump's election in 2016, it is "righteous" to hate and oppose Donald Trump. In the warped mind of today's liberal, antichrist secularist, it is an "abomination" for Trump to demand an investigation (5/21/18) into FBI spying on his campaign.
"Unrighteous" secular (antichrist) behavior includes:
*Obesity. However, multi-national corporations like McDonald's may be seen as worse offenders/ more "evil" since they profit from intentionally feeding children high-fat, high-calorie meals with a toy. They don't seem to understand the idea of moderation or I Timothy 4:4, which notes, "...and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving...",
*Smoking. However, again a multi-national, "evil", profit-seeking corporation is deemed much worse, i.e. the likes of Altria or Philip Morris,
*Not recycling. A liberal may say, "How dare you destroy the planet or foul the landfills." What self-righteous, "feel-good" nonsense. Not recycling can "raise eyebrows", be seen as irresponsible, or in some cities like Seattle or San Francisco it may be mandatory to segregate garbage for recycling purposes.
*The more extreme environmentalists may decry too much driving, or at least pleasure driving
*Worst is refusing to believe in the secular values like those noted above under "righteous" behavior.
*Another minor "sin" is using tanning beds.
*Quoting from the Bible is often "eyebrow raising" at the least but sometimes odd or even unacceptable. Speaking of hell, God's wrath or other topics may lose you a friend or family relationship.
The bottom line, is that this new secular morality is becoming adopted more and more where the Bible was America's moral code even ten or twenty years ago. However, the Bible is still true. The nation that forgets God (Psalm 9:17) is cursed. As of this writing originally in 2011, the USA's credit rating was just dropped by Standard & Poors one notch, from AAA to AA+, a glaring reminder that all is not right.
The coming Antichrist will be a person. However, the book of I John, specifically I John 4:3 notes that, "...every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist..."
The spirit of Antichrist denies the truth of Jesus Christ's incarnation. An aspect of the deceitful spirit of antichrist is that it also denies the authority of the Bible. After all, Jesus is referred to as the Word in John 1:1-2. Today, a modern, secularized moral code, as found in all false religions, is rising, opposing the truth of the grace and truth found in the Bible. It is a hypocritical, superior way of thinking. As Daniel 8:25a notes, "He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior..."
This new modern morality has an informal list of "dos and don'ts",
"Righteous" secular behavior includes:
*Encouraging peace and cooperation among religions, typically appeasing Islam and subtly or not so subtly marginalizing Christianity and/or Judaism,
*Belligerently demanding acceptance of homosexuality,
*Recognition of government as THE instrument of social justice and economic equality,
*Seeking "green" energy solutions like biomass, recycling, conservation, wind and solar energy even though those solutions are not typically economically feasible as a solution to a so-called "climate change" crisis except in a token, "feel-good" capacity, i.e. making a secular liberal person feel good/ superior when they drive a hybrid vehicle. As an aside, since Third World nations appear to be getting a pass in fighting "global warming," the environment on a global basis, may actually be harmed by hamstringing developed economies with such "pie in the sky" solutions,
*Celebrating deceitful, empty leaders like Barack Obama that celebrate this new, counterfeit morality, and
*Since Donald Trump's election in 2016, it is "righteous" to hate and oppose Donald Trump. In the warped mind of today's liberal, antichrist secularist, it is an "abomination" for Trump to demand an investigation (5/21/18) into FBI spying on his campaign.
"Unrighteous" secular (antichrist) behavior includes:
*Obesity. However, multi-national corporations like McDonald's may be seen as worse offenders/ more "evil" since they profit from intentionally feeding children high-fat, high-calorie meals with a toy. They don't seem to understand the idea of moderation or I Timothy 4:4, which notes, "...and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving...",
*Smoking. However, again a multi-national, "evil", profit-seeking corporation is deemed much worse, i.e. the likes of Altria or Philip Morris,
*Not recycling. A liberal may say, "How dare you destroy the planet or foul the landfills." What self-righteous, "feel-good" nonsense. Not recycling can "raise eyebrows", be seen as irresponsible, or in some cities like Seattle or San Francisco it may be mandatory to segregate garbage for recycling purposes.
*The more extreme environmentalists may decry too much driving, or at least pleasure driving
*Worst is refusing to believe in the secular values like those noted above under "righteous" behavior.
*Another minor "sin" is using tanning beds.
*Quoting from the Bible is often "eyebrow raising" at the least but sometimes odd or even unacceptable. Speaking of hell, God's wrath or other topics may lose you a friend or family relationship.
The bottom line, is that this new secular morality is becoming adopted more and more where the Bible was America's moral code even ten or twenty years ago. However, the Bible is still true. The nation that forgets God (Psalm 9:17) is cursed. As of this writing originally in 2011, the USA's credit rating was just dropped by Standard & Poors one notch, from AAA to AA+, a glaring reminder that all is not right.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
WHAT THE CHANGE IN TURKEY MEANS?
* Originally written 7/19/2016
It's mid-July 2016 and radical Islamic terrorist attacks plague the world, including a recent truck attack on the waterfront promenade in Nice, France. Billionaire and presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump named his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, and the Republican Convention is set to begin in Cleveland, OH on July 18th.
Meanwhile, over in Turkey (anciently referred to as Asia Minor), a military coup was attempted and then squashed by the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
News report over the weekend of July 15-17th, reported that the Obama Administration and many world leaders rushed to support Erdogan's democratically elected, but oppressive, government. However, security analysts like former UN Ambassador John Bolton and Montana's former Navy Seal Congressman Ryan Zinke, among others urged caution, questioning whether Erdogan was using this coup as a pretext to seize power and Islamize Turkey. The latter seems to be what is happening!
Modern Turkey was birthed by Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk birthed a secular Turkey, with a constitution that purportedly used the military as a safeguard to maintain the secular nature of the government in case an elected government veered to extremism.
In the days following the failed coup, Erdogan is systematically purging Turkey key institutions of secular leaders. He is purging, firing and/or arresting military officers, teachers, and judges. He has demanded that the US extradite a former rival, Fethullah Gulen, claiming he was responsible for the attempted coup. This is similar to what the radical Muslim Mohammed Morsi attempted to do in Egypt but was stopped by the military there. In my view, Barack Obama's support for Morsi and Erdogan is strong evidence of his Islamic sympathies and/ or adherence to the Muslim religion and his pervasively deceitful, Islamic character.
Such a purge by Erdogan could make Turkey as radical as Iran! The implications for the European Union are huge, given Turkey's desire to join the group. Likewise, the consequences for NATO are likewise quite problematical since Turkey is a current member of NATO. Finally, the implications for Turkey's continued assistance in the fight against Isis could likewise be in doubt, as well as the use of the airbase at Incirlik. The US stores tactical nuclear weapons at the base according to a 7/17/2016 web article by RT.com. Also, according to the same article, power was cut to the base forcing the U.S. military to switch to its own internal power supply in order to resume its anti-terrorist campaign in the region.
Finally, such an event in Turkey has prophetic biblical implications as well! The Revived Roman Empire noted in the books of Daniel and Revelation features 10 toes, five are iron (strong dictatorships) and five of clay (democracies). Could Turkey be a part of this group since it was part of the original Roman Empire? Also, I'd maintain that the Antichrist arises from Syria or is ethnically Syrian per Daniel chapter 8. Turkey's move to radical Islamic status paves the way for his introduction!
It's mid-July 2016 and radical Islamic terrorist attacks plague the world, including a recent truck attack on the waterfront promenade in Nice, France. Billionaire and presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump named his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, and the Republican Convention is set to begin in Cleveland, OH on July 18th.
Meanwhile, over in Turkey (anciently referred to as Asia Minor), a military coup was attempted and then squashed by the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
News report over the weekend of July 15-17th, reported that the Obama Administration and many world leaders rushed to support Erdogan's democratically elected, but oppressive, government. However, security analysts like former UN Ambassador John Bolton and Montana's former Navy Seal Congressman Ryan Zinke, among others urged caution, questioning whether Erdogan was using this coup as a pretext to seize power and Islamize Turkey. The latter seems to be what is happening!
Modern Turkey was birthed by Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk birthed a secular Turkey, with a constitution that purportedly used the military as a safeguard to maintain the secular nature of the government in case an elected government veered to extremism.
In the days following the failed coup, Erdogan is systematically purging Turkey key institutions of secular leaders. He is purging, firing and/or arresting military officers, teachers, and judges. He has demanded that the US extradite a former rival, Fethullah Gulen, claiming he was responsible for the attempted coup. This is similar to what the radical Muslim Mohammed Morsi attempted to do in Egypt but was stopped by the military there. In my view, Barack Obama's support for Morsi and Erdogan is strong evidence of his Islamic sympathies and/ or adherence to the Muslim religion and his pervasively deceitful, Islamic character.
Such a purge by Erdogan could make Turkey as radical as Iran! The implications for the European Union are huge, given Turkey's desire to join the group. Likewise, the consequences for NATO are likewise quite problematical since Turkey is a current member of NATO. Finally, the implications for Turkey's continued assistance in the fight against Isis could likewise be in doubt, as well as the use of the airbase at Incirlik. The US stores tactical nuclear weapons at the base according to a 7/17/2016 web article by RT.com. Also, according to the same article, power was cut to the base forcing the U.S. military to switch to its own internal power supply in order to resume its anti-terrorist campaign in the region.
Finally, such an event in Turkey has prophetic biblical implications as well! The Revived Roman Empire noted in the books of Daniel and Revelation features 10 toes, five are iron (strong dictatorships) and five of clay (democracies). Could Turkey be a part of this group since it was part of the original Roman Empire? Also, I'd maintain that the Antichrist arises from Syria or is ethnically Syrian per Daniel chapter 8. Turkey's move to radical Islamic status paves the way for his introduction!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)