A particular deception is coming, according to God’s Word and the Apostle Paul, that will ensnare the folks who oppose the Creator of all things. When thinking about “the lie” Paul mentions in 2 Thessalonians 2, it seems there can be only one sort of “lie” Satan would be so determined to foist upon the people left behind after the Rapture of the Church.
Here is the prophecy:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12)
Satan has always sought to separate people from the Lord and His governance. He was successful in accomplishing his goal when, in the Garden of Eden, Eve fell victim to the serpent’s seduction and then Adam willfully joined her, believing Satan rather than the Lord.
God then promised the supernatural seed through humankind that would eventually produce a Savior who would ultimately destroy the serpent and overcome his great lie that separated God and man. Jesus is that Seed, the Redeemer of humanity. He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Jesus is the only Way to forgiveness of sin, which separates humans from God. This is what is meant by the first Scripture I and many other young children learned in Sunday school:
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Paul foretold in the 2 Thessalonians 2 account that the “lie” the Antichrist regime will impose upon those left behind on earth after the Church is taken to be with Christ forever will involve the refusal to believe “the truth.” They will reject God’s way to redemption. They will deny that Jesus Christ—the Truth—is the way to salvation.
The “lie,” then, will be wrapped up in a grand deception that says Christ didn’t truly come in human flesh—Jewish flesh, as a matter of fact—to die for our sins. This, after all, is the “spirit of Antichrist” John warned of:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)
That “spirit of antichrist” lie was intrinsic within Hitler’s Nazi regime. The Jews were painted as “Christ-killers and the scourge of mankind,” not as the chosen people through whom God brought His Only Begotten Son into the world to seek and save the lost. That future führer—the satanically empowered son of perdition—will likely mesmerize the post-Rapture world with a lie that denies Jesus Christ ever came to be the sacrifice for humankind. As a matter of fact, Bible prophecy paints that future leader as the one who comes in place of the real Christ. He will claim to be the Savior. He will sit in the temple of God on Moriah in Jerusalem, declaring himself to be God! (See 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15.)
I believe the groundwork is being laid today for the “lie” that will doom much of the world’s population after the Rapture. The lie will have to be part of a fearful crisis of some sort. The disappearance of millions will certainly provide a crisis that will have the attention of the peoples of the world. Any leader who can answer the question of what on earth has happened will get instant adulation from a panicked world.
As mentioned above, the earth is being prepared, I’m convinced, for just such an answer as the Antichrist will concoct. We have been given a taste of that preparation taking place for quite some time. A news story from the year 2010, for example, gave more than an inkling of the groundwork being laid for that “lie”:
It has been the subject of movies for decades—but what would REALLY happen if aliens visited earth? This may sound like a topic for conspiracy theorists or mad UFO obsessives, yet this week, science’s finest minds gathered in London to debate that very question. …The conference, The Detection of Extraterrestrial Life and the Consequences for Science and Society, was held at the high-brow Royal Society HQ in central London…
It is often said the discovery of other civilizations would shatter world religions. Delegates were not so sure. Professor Ted Peters, a theologian, briefed the meeting on some survey results that suggested that rather than undermine religious beliefs—whatever the faith—it would strengthen them, by making God’s creation seem even bigger and more wonderful.
Not everyone agreed. British physicist Paul Davies thought Christians would have a problem, given the central belief that Jesus died to save us. If we discover other civilizations, it would raise the awkward question: Why just us? (Nick Pope, “If the Cosmic Phone Rings…Don’t Answer,” 1/28/10; http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/ufos/2828017/Should-we-be-offering-hand-of-friendship-to-ET.html)
The “lie” of 2 Thessalonians 2 could well bring into its orbit and make totally believable 1) universalism—the belief that all people are God’s children and there are many ways to salvation; and 2) the notion that Jesus Christ couldn’t have been the Savior, or else He would have to die on other worlds for those inhabitants and for others in other universes.
With the way psychologically and demonically paved for there to be a massive UFO invasion during the Tribulation, millions looking for an explanation of why their world is upside down will undoubtedly readily believe such a lie—the one that the ETs who have just removed millions of rebels from the earth have come to rescue the world from oblivion.
As I’ve related a number of times, I believe the prophecy that tells of this very event might well be found in the following:
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (Rev. 13:13-14)
Our world today is filled with great deception. Lies come from many governmental leaders, media sources, and even from people in the pulpits of America. It is incumbent upon each of us to be discerning in these closing days of the Church Age.
Lost souls hang in the eternal balance.
Terry James Prophecy Line 
You bring up some very interesting points Terry. We see deception and gaslighting expanding and for those of us with eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that they aren’t trying to hide it at all. They are enraged that they get any pushback, and how they will celebrate when we are gone! And how awful for those left behind, who do come to saving faith. This must be part of the conditioning used to prepare those who will never accept Jesus, who want to believe the lie; anything but submitting to the Lord.
After church yesterday and friend of mine and I were discussing Revelation. She was shocked to read in Revelation 9:13, even after 200,000,000 demons are released on the earth by the 4 fallen angels, that earth-dwellers will still not repent. I explained that by that point in the Tribulation (more than halfway through), most eschatological theologians believe that except for those being protected by the Lord, people will have chosen the Antichrist. There won’t be any fence-sitters, either you’re for Jesus or you’re for Antichrist. (There won’t be an atheist on the planet because so many supernatural activities will be underway that even doubters will know God is real, they’ll just openly choose to hate Him.)
This goes back to your point. Many will be deceived and gladly reject the Lord. So they’ll be looking for anything and everything supporting that rejection. God promises He will provide them all they need to make the wrong choice because they are His eternal enemies.
I listened to a Q and A with Pastor John MacArthur yesterday. A woman in his church asked him about the “great deception” and the scripture that says even the elect would be deceived if that were possible. The passage she was questioning is Matthew 24: 23-24 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
She wanted to know why so many true Christians were deceived about C-19 and other massive lies over the past 4 years. He explained that these verses refer to being deceived specifically about Jesus being our only Lord and Savior. He emphatically stated that true Believers, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, can never be deceived about Who Christ Is (the detailed “My sheep hear My voice” explanation by Jesus in John 10.) The Great Deception does not mean that Christians can not be deceived. This was helpful to me, as I’ve wondered about this same thing.
I’m praying daily for the unredeemed, who will be saved during the Tribulation and asking for the Lord’s mercy to bring as many as possible to salvation before His righteous judgment falls. To know that it literally takes only a few moments to move from death to eternal life, by repenting of sin and accepting Jesus as Savior, is both motivating and burdensome.
Still, come Lord Jesus!
Part of the curse on this fallen world is that lies generally have more traction than the truth, at least initially. In the past, however, there was time for the truth to eventually win out sometimes.
I do not think that we have the luxury of time any more. It is now so short that deception can’t be revealed as false, even more so when the Holy Spirit won’t here to help people refute it.
Taking your Covid-19 mention as an example, in my own experience people still believe most of these fictions: It came from a bat. Masks help stop the spread. Social distancing would also help toward that end. The “vaccines” were and are safe and effective despite all the evidence now that none of these things are true.
It’s worse now when I hear the left-wing “crazies” suggest the attempt on Mr. Trump’s life was actually concocted by his people and that the Secret Service hasn’t been compromised by DEI and mismanagement.
Terry has often ascribe this to “reprobate minds” and I think he is right on target. The headlights will stay on in a car even if the engine isn’t running but after a while, the battery will go dead and they will go out.
I believe a person’s mind can only function properly if it stays in touch with God who created it in the first place. Cut off from its source, it begins to fall apart. The longer this persists, the worse it gets.
Finally, the lights just go out.
I think that pretty much sums up the condition of most of humanity today and it’ll only get a lot worse down here post-Rapture.
Ed, your car analogy is brilliant! And so accurate!
I agree with all you’ve said. I’m not sure who it should be attributed to, but there is a quote that says “It is easier to fool people than it is to convince them they have been fooled.” I’ve discovered it is almost impossible to get people to find truth when they’ve decided they already have it. How much more will this be true when God Himself sends Great Delusion?
With the internet erasing the account of Trump’s assassination attempt, and even removing the Olympic ceremonies, the attempt by Satan and his minions seems impossible to conceal. But we hear and see the media, and politicians spin, twist and lie about what most of us know to be true on an hourly basis now! It is mind-boggling. I pray it wakes more people up to what is underway. I pray they look at this and say “Wait a minute, this is pure evil and insanity! All that stuff Christians have been trying to tell me really could be true.” I’m sure some, not most but some, will connect the dots.
The idea of the Lord sending delusion is almost as terrifying as Him saying “Depart from me, I never knew you.” How does anyone escape what our Almighty God sends?! Yet we have His promise that multitudes will be saved, praise His holy name!
Oh my goodness, I’m getting choked up as I realize how close we must be to being called up. The darker it gets the closer we are. The world is moving completely away from “normal.” We have been living in a gracious cocoon of protection; our dream state has kept us from seeing how wicked things really are as more is being revealed.
What glorious hope we have in Jesus. What a Savior He is; for Him to set aside His eternal deity and majesty, living in perfect relationship with God and the Holy Spirit, that He put on humanity, living sinlessly for 33 1/2 years in this cesspool of sin, then dying the death of a criminal, and defeating Satan and death by rising to eternal life again!!! We will be face to face with Him soon! WOW!
Maranatha!
Thanks for your kind “car analogy” words. And, I liked that quote “It is easier to fool people than it is to convince them they have been fooled.” Hadn’t heard that one before, but it sure is true.
As far as the delusion goes, God often gives people exactly what they want even if it is something bad. We see this example in idolatrous Israel in the past. First, the northern kingdom got swallowed up by the pagan Assyrians, then, Judah got invaded and taken away by the Babylonians, an empire synonymous with idol worship.
Paul made this principle very clear:
2 Thessalonians {2:10} And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. {2:11} And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: {2:12} That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
That disgusting and perverted filth trotted out at the Olympic opening ceremony shows just how far Western Civilization has found “pleasure in unrighteousness.” I have not seen any country pull its athletes out in protest, nor have I seen any reports of any athletes individually refusing to participate because of this blasphemous presentation.
(By the way, what do you think would have happened if there was something like this was perpetrated against Mohammad?)
The Days of Lot were on full display and I will NEVER watch the Olympic games again.
As far as acquiring new believers, we know that there will be many Trib saints, perhaps millions of them (Revelation 6:9-11; 7:9-14; 20:4) who will, no doubt, “connect the dots” just as you said. How many will come aboard pre-Rapture is anyone’s guess, but I am hoping as many will before it is too late as well. As I’ve often said, I believe the Rapture will come immediately after the very last one does just that.
Every indication is that this moment is very close now and we will soon leave this fallen world while most of those left behind will end up getting exactly what they have been asking for.
Ed you are right when you observe that God often gives people exactly what they continually pursue when it is outside of Him.
Looking back at my life I am so grateful He didn’t give me what I wanted, convinced these things would make me happy. I was dead in my sins. Dead people can’t think clearly, or at all.
I feel sad for the athletes at the Olympic Games, they work so very hard to compete and some are true Believers. Clearly this year’s games have God working against them, or lifting His protection from them in many ways: the opening ceremonies, the power outages, the polluted Seine, the terrorism against the trains and who knows what else will come?! These are all signs of a falling, failing world. It seems highly unlikely there will be 2028 Olympics.
Of course they would never mock Mohammad. Muslims would burn the whole city of Paris to the ground within a few days, scores of people would be dead and injured and Islam around the world would celebrate their violence. Everyone knows this.
The Christian faith is one of peace and therefore, it makes us ‘soft targets.’ Jesus knew this would be part of the cross we bear, although here in the USA suffering has been incredibly mitigated.
We tend to think persecution is someone making fun of us, and ignoring us at company parties. I’ve had some of that recently; I notice that people now, for no discernable reason, seem to take an instant dislike to me. That rarely happened before I was saved. I attribute it to the presence of the Holy Spirit agitating the wickedness in others, and so I make an extra effort to be kind and patient. (This is hardly comparable to the suffering of our brothers and sisters in China and Somalia.)
It will be very difficult for new Believers after the Rapture, as we know that violence will run amok. Seemingly ‘average people’ will attack and kill Christians without provocation. Likely without any consequences. We are perilously close to that kind of lawlessness today, as so many dangerous criminals are released without bail or a hearing date.
The Lord has greatly blessed us. Lamentably, just like ancient Israel and Judah, we have spurned Him for his kindness. The hourglass containing the last grains of sand of His patience is nearly empty.
It often amazes me even after over four decades how God watched over me when I was deep into alcoholism and saved me from this addiction all these years. for example, I could have easily killed someone on the road during those years.
I, too, have had people turn their backs on me, and hadn’t been able to figure it out, but after what you said, maybe my “Biblical world view” is a real possibility I generally wait for an opportunity and then explain what I believe and why. On the other hand, I also have met people really looking for answers to the insanity all around and then I give my take on it, letting them know that this is exactly what the Bible said would be the case. After that, I tell them why I believe Jesus is exactly who the Bible says he is and that no one can earn his or her way into heaven. Jesus is the only way to get there.
Thanks for that insight! You have a gift, no doubt about it.
We can expect the marginalization and outright persecution of Christians to continue and intensify, and, so far, Americans have been spared from the worst of it – so far. Of course, this will be at its worst post-Rapture when it eventually becomes a capital crime.
What we can do is to remember to stand fast and not compromise while we are still here.
There is just a little way to go before we are out of here!
God bless.
Ed
Thank you Ed for being an encourager. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the clouds! Hugs and prayers :).
I have studied the Rapture/Alien invasion scenario to explain it away yet after examining it thoroughly, I can not accept it as feasible. The truth is, during the Tribulation fallen mankind will continue to trust in human government with no evidence of them turning their allegiance to extraterrestrials to solve their problems. Such a scenario would also conflict with the bid for the AntiChrist to be worshipped as God.
The False Prophet however may rely on these demonic forces to deceive the masses much like the magicians of Pharoah mocking Moses. This I can see plausible, however any thing that detracts from the AntiChrist being worshipped would not make sense prophetically. The world already is embroiled with a reprobate mind, it seems that it would take very little to deceive the masses at this point.
God Bless all of you and Maranatha.
Rodney, I believe your comment about the False Prophet using aliens (demons) to deceive the masses is exactly what will happen. Although we know how ridiculous the lie is that aliens removed us for the betterment of mankind (Rapture), many people are so hateful toward God that they will enthusiastically embrace an explanation that omits God. Exactly like the terrible lie of evolution. Only the most hard-hearted, stubborn minded souls still believe that ruse. Science has thoroughly and completely smashed the Theory of Evolution into tiny bits, but most people get very angry when they are told it isn’t true.
The 3 frog-like demons discussed in the 6th Bowl Judgment in Revelation 16 could easily be ‘aliens’. John didn’t have any reference point for aliens, but we know that many depictions of aliens make them look amphibian and/or reptilian, often like frogs. If so, Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet will make massive use of them throughout the Tribulation. And why not?! They are not of God, they are a product of Satan and his wicked schemes.
I just don’t know Robin, it is just too farfetched for me personally. Just imagine yourself in the shoes of these people, possibly millions of people just vanished and it is explained away as an extraterrestrial intervention. Such a scenario would create worldwide panic, no one would feel safe. Trust in government or any institution would be out the window, riots in the streets.
It could be said that even the AntiChrist could not provide security under such circumstances nor would world peace even be a consideration with such a threat posed by a mass alien abduction. Why would people even consider this was a one-off event? There could be no return to normalcy. If the existence of extraterrestrials was revealed as fact, no one would believe in God as the Creator nor would they even consider worshipping the AntiChrist as God.
No, it just does not fit at all in the prophetic landscape we have in the written Word. The strong delusion is explained in the accompanied verses surrounding it and focuses on the rejection of Christ. This Strong Delusion coincides with those possessing a Reprobate Mind. I guess they will have to come up with something better than extraterrestrials if they want to continue their control over the masses.
Thanks for the reply Robin and God Bless.
Your reply demonstates how 2 people aho are saved in Christ acna see things from opposite directions. Fortunately this isn’t an issue of salvation.
The AntiChrist will “conquer” (without military engagement) through a very short lived peace, which he initiates as helping to sign through the covenant with the many. (This happens after the Rapture, very probably shortly after.)
We know the Rapture will bring massive panic, chaos, fear, grief, disbelief, and confusion. The Antichrist isn’t going to step up and say “Hey, I’m the AntiChrist, follow me!” He will be the only one who can settle things down long enough to restore some false semblance of normalcy. It should be fairly easy, he will have brilliant solutions and explanations and humanity will literally be as desperate as those trying to reach the Ark when the floods came.
Their desperation will be so intense that they will believe anything and anyone who can give them a plausible explanation. If it is alien abduction, and I personally think it probably will be, people will go along with that. Especially if alien aircraft and what appear to be alien beings suddenly appear. Keep in mind that Satan has prepping the world for this deception since 1948, the year Israel became a nation and ‘coincidentally’ Area 51 and the first reports of aliens were widely reported. Since then there are so many accounts of aliens in our culture that it would take months to document them. High ranking military personnel, pilots, air traffic controllers and politicians have all testified in private and publicly before Congress, swearing they are real.
Our entertainment industry has been grooming everyone under the age of 40 that extraterrestrials are real, friendly, and are our creators. The vast majority of earth-dwellers believe in aliens. It wouldn’t be a stretch to convince people they removed us so we, Christians, could be reprogrammed to see their version of the truth and we will be coming back once that is accomplished. This storyline would go a long way to assuaging the sense of loss and grief, convincing people they need to agree with the narrative if they don’t want to be taken away for reconditioning as well.
The 6th Seal happens long after the Rapture. I don’t believe Satan will be hiding the alien invasion explanation, in fact he is the architect of it and he originates it. God will send strong delusion so people will believe the lie. God doesn’t originate the lie, He sends delusion so people will believe it.
The Bible doesn’t reveal every single detail of the 7-Year Tribulation, but it does give us plenty of information to piece together the things we see and experience.
If you listen to numerous reputable eschatological theologians, they lay out the timeline so this not only fits, it makes perfect sense. I won’t go into everything, that’s not possible here but:
Psalm 83 War and Isaiah 17 destruction of Damascus (both might be before or after the Rapture-still impossible to say)
Rapture (immediately followed by Great Deception)
Peace covenant with AC
Gog-Magog war may fulfill the Psalm 83 War and/or the Isaiah 17 prophecy
Then global wars, famine, disease, violence and death (first 4 Seals opened).
And then the rest of Revelation.
All of these things could happen in very quick succession, within a few short weeks of our departure, or when we are gone, a couple of months.
I encourage you to dig deep into the studies and teachers who have spent years diligently studying scripture to better understand what is coming. We don’t have to agree, but there is great, biblically sound information if you seek it.
Nevertheless, the good news is that we won’t be here for anything post-Rapture. And a good understanding of Revelation stirs an urgency in us to bring others to Christ because no one who understands and is in their right minds wants to spend one second on earth when we are gone. It will be horrific from Day 1.
It is definitely problematic for me more specifically the PreTrib Rapture. It is my belief that we will suffer severe persecution prior to our Blessed Hope becoming a reality. The “snatching away” denotes a violent action like a parent grabbing their child before they step off the curb into oncoming traffic. In addition the “alive and remain” also indicates severe persecution as it indicates a small number fitting this category!
I realize the Church is not subject to the Wrath of the Lamb however, the wrath of man is another category. I know many specifically in the West believe we will escape such persecution, I do not share that opinion. Christ and His Apostles were our example in afflictions, trials, persecution, torture, and death. The servant is not above his Master that much is clear.
It would be wise for the Church to prepare themselves for such persecution in the event things do not quite occur as we assume. It will take a strong grounded faith to endure such things not a like the “Fast Food” Christianity that is marketed today. As I have said before, if these are indeed the “Days of Noah” or “Days of Lot”, it would appear the Church in the West has had little to no impact on the communities we live. I believe we definitely require some refining in the furnace as was declared to the lukewarm Church of Laodicea.
Time will tell, I do not think we will have to wait long to find out!
Thanks again for the reply Robin, God Bless you in your walk!
Hi Rodney, I understand the belief that the Church will suffer before the Rapture. The first 3 years after I was saved I stubbornly adhered to the post-trib position and could somewhat effectively argue its merits. Fortunately I was surrounded by patient brothers and sisters in the Lord who helped me see why that viewpoint failed the teachings of scripture.
After hundreds of hours of study on this issue (not hyperbole), I discovered my conflating of Christian persecution with the judgments of the Tribulation is incorrect. It’s just plain bad theology which lead me down all manner of paths to a distorted interpretation of scripture, which robs us of the blessings that correct theological understanding provides. No matter what the topic, fundamental theological errors force us to manipulate everything that follows, to make our initial but erroneous interpretations fit. (I speak from first-hand experience.)
There are thousands and thousands of pages written on the veracity of the pre-trib rapture, all supported by scripture. To simplify, two things that stand out for me: First, Revelation 5 clearly describes the scene in Heaven when the Lamb (Jesus) takes the scroll from God and opens the scroll. This scroll is the title deed to all that is in Heaven and Earth. It contains all 21 judgments poured out during the 7-Year Tribulation.
Rev 5:9
“And they sang a new song: Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10-You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,and they will reign upon the earth.”
When the seals are opened the seals in Revelation 6 beginning with the The First Seal: The White Horse
Rev 6:1 Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a thunderous voice, “Come!” 2-So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. The Second Seal: War 3-And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”
And it goes on. It is clear that the LAMB opens the seals because He alone has the authority to do so. All the wrath in the Tribulation is the righteous wrath of Jesus. Not the wrath of man, not the wrath of Satan…it is the wrath of the Lord. It is His holy vengeance on a Christ rejecting world. (There are multiple verses in the Old and New Testament that support this foundational truth.) In fact, to give credit to man or Satan for any of these judgments is literally stealing God’s glory.
The second thing: Jesus was crucified for our sins and all of our deserved punishment for them was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:13-When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses 14-having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!) True Christians never suffer persecution for our sins, but rather we are persecuted for our faith in Jesus.
His work completed all of God’s righteous judgment against us. We can never be more purified than we are at the moment of justification. To believe so means we believe our works will save us. They do not. Christ alone is our source of salvation, therefore we will not be here for Tribulation judgments. The seal, trumpet and bowl judgments of the Tribulation are not to be tied to any kind of persecution for our faith. These are not the same things.
Jesus explicitly said in Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” The Rapture comes before the hour of trial which is the 7-Year Tribulation.
Sorry for the long explanation. There is a great deal more to be said around this subject and leads to endless study of scripture in both the Old and New Testament which only strengthens our faith. To say it is a worthwhile study is to diminish its value.
We have the blessed hope which is the pre-tribulation Rapture. We may suffer persecution in the west, it is underway in most nations of the world. Things hold together until the west falls, not because we are so special but because for God’s purposes, including spreading the gospel around the globe and helping to re-establish Israel as a nation, He blessed us beyond imagining. He bestowed upon us religious, societal and governmental freedom never before experienced in human history. When we fall, that goes away. The ‘free’ world and Satan know this.
Please take what you will from this message. It is only intended to edify and encourage those who misunderstand, or harbor fears and doubts about the timing of the Rapture. For certain we may be persecuted, and we should prepare for that, but we will not be here for any part of the Tribulation.
Blessings.
Robin, I have no doubts regarding the Rapture, just the timing. I guess some would say my understanding is more in line with PreWrath. In actuality we are all PreWrath for the Church is not subject to Wrath.
I have personally studied Bible Prophecy for over 30 years, my favorites were Hal Lindsey, Grant Jeffrey, and Dr. Jack Van Impe. When the Late Great Planet Earth came out, it peaked my interest in Bible Prophecy that was not taught in my local Church.
I am definitely not a novice as a student of Bible Prophecy of which we all are classified. It may appear troubling that I do not tow the common line of eschatologial viewpoints however, this is derived from my personal study of the scriptures.
I do not try and heap teachers unto myself that appeal to any preconceived view. I examine their various opinions on eschatological subjects and search the scriptures to see if they are true.
A good example of this is Ezekiel 38/39, many scholars have declared that Gog/Magog is a surprise invasion of Israel yet Ezekiel 38:13 contradicts this view nicely. Sheba and Dedan, merchants of Tarshish, and all the young lions see them assemble and inquire of their intentions. Included in this scriptural fact is that these Western powers are all ready gathered in the region at the time of the invasion to see them assemble.
Then of course we have the destruction of Damascus as a ruinous heap which many scholars have suggested will be the result of an Israeli nuclear bomb. Isaiah 17:2 identifies that the abandoned cities will be for grazing flocks, obviously flocks will not graze on contaminated soil from a nuclear weapon. Then of course Isaiah 17:7 identifies that the Lord God will be solely responsible for the destruction of Damascus.
These are just a couple examples that do run contrary to the view of many modern scholars yet exists as truth evident within the scriptures. This is why I do not put all my eggs in one basket, personal study is a must.
There is yet one more area in which I wholly disagree with modern scholarship and this is Daniel 9:27. The contents of this “covenant with many” is not identified nor who the many are. Israel is also not named as a recipient of this covenant by name either which seems odd with such great importance layed on this one verse. Regardless of this obvious fact, scholars have made astounding proclamations regarding this “covenant” with no real scriptural facts to support this view.
Many scholars in addition identify the Third Temple to be profane as well as the sacrifices yet willingly ignore the fact that the Apostle Paul, in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 declares it a Temple of God. “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God”. It should be clear that this Third Temple will be constructed in the aftermath of the Gog/Magog battle of Ezekiel 38/39 to honor the Lord God for His deliverance of Israel. “And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them”- Ezekiel 39:21.
These are derived from my personal study and my unwillingness to just accept the common eschatological popular stream. This is not in an effort to offend anyone, it is in an effort to know the Truth of Scripture as our Lord is the very Word of God made flesh. I may not have a Doctorate or title of Theologian yet what I do have, is a desire have a closer relationship with the God I serve.
God Bless and Maranatha
Rodney Dezarn
Thanks for your reply Rodney. Fortunately the timing of the Rapture is not a salvific issue so we can respectfully agree to disagree.
One way or the other, it won’t matter at all when we are face to face with our Lord!
Maranatha!
I’m with you, Robin.
We already see how people will accept a lie without questioning it (ala Covid, the safety and effectiveness of the vaxes, etc.), so why not have them believe in aliens? There are multitudes of UFO aficionados already and have been for decades so it wouldn’t take a lot of effort to get people to believe the cuse of the Rapture and the appearances of other-worldly creatures during the Tribulation are ETs.
Maybe the Antichrist will even claim to be one of them and that the Messiah is actually a benign alien like Klaatu in the 1950’s sci-fi movie “When the Earth Stood Still.”
As far as the evolution controversy, you might be surprised to know that I think aspects of it are valid – but not as the be-all and end-all to life on Earth, particularly to the appearance of humans which I think was a direct act of creation by God.
There is no evidence at all of life coming to exist from non-living material, especially from some undefined and explained “random events.”
Even if someone one day pulls off “making life” artificially in a lab, it still would require the action of intelligent direction to make it happen.
We know that life is also not static. We know that life “changed” after the Fall. Weeds showed up, getting food from the ground became a hard task. Cormorants on the Galapagos Islands no longer can fly because their mainland predators aren’t there and makes flight unnecessary for their survival.
So, if we consider life forms changing in response to a changing environment which is a basic principle of evolutionary theory, I don’t think this goes against either Scripture or science.
If I’m right, it would certainly clear up the mystery of how Noah collected representatives of all the land animals of his era (probably insects, too, just coming on board on their own) into the Ark which could never have fit a representative sample of the great diversity of species which now exist.
What we call “evolution,” I think, is but one process of the much greater and profound creation story which all points unmistakably to God, just as the Bible indicates.
By the way, note that I still call evolution a “theory” not a “fact.” I am keeping an open mind.
Too many people are confused and deceived by evolution’s lies (we know who the author of confusion is.) Let me preface my response by saying I am not rebuking you, I am responding to the theory of evolution in general.
The adaptation of species to their environment is absolutely valid and proven. The possibility of an amoeba turning into a fish over ‘billions’ of years , which eventually develops feet and it’s gills designed for extracting oxygen from the water, grows lungs designed for above water air, and climbs out of the water, and then turns into a bird, is not only absurd, it flies in the face of God’s revelation and any notion of science.
The theory of evolution is arguably one of the most damaging lies ever to come from the father of lies. I can’t imagine how many people have been dragged to Hell because they couldn’t reconcile ‘scientific evolution’ with divine creation and subsequently used it as a basis to reject God altogether.
Most reputable scientists (even the ones who are secular) don’t adhere to evolution because it is so full of holes a sieve would be envious. The discovery of the DNA helix effectively destroyed the theory of evolution. There were a number of top scientists who became Christians when DNA, and then even more did so when the double helix of DNA, was discovered. Why?! Because it irrefutably proves Staggering Intelligent Design.
Without exception, all of God’s creatures have a unique DNA structure, exclusive to their kind. SO POOF! There goes evolution.
Admittedly, there remain holdouts in the community of science who cling to the claim that evolution is valid, but that is attributable to the fact that to deny evolution leaves them with no other explanation, except for biblical creation, and they can’t have that. Sadly, the fairly recent notion of aliens as our creators gives them an updated reason to reject the Lord.
My ex-husband is someone who totally believes that we came from aliens and he can not be convinced otherwise. In spite of all the incredible blessings the Lord has poured out upon him including many children and grandchildren, very good looks, physical strength and marvelous health, high intelligence, great wealth, and a loving family, He despises God. I continue to pray for him because he will be first in line to believe the deception should this be what God sends as strong delusion. I’m sure there are multitudes just like him, looking for a reason to reject our Savior.
If you haven’t watched one of the many videos made about the foundational errors of evolution you might start with LIE: Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years by Ken Ham. There are so many books and films now, made by scientists who are Christians, that I can’t remember them all. But I have watched/read about 6, maybe more.
Visiting the Creation Museum in Kentucky and the Ark exhibit are both very worthwhile to study the science of all of this in depth, they offer lots of excellent, well-researched books on the topics of evolution, the Young Earth, the Flood and so forth.
As you may have discerned by now, I am a strict believer in the Bible, and won’t deviate from God’s revelation. He wrote it, that’s that. When we accept the Bible as God’s divine truth from start to finish, we honor and obey Him, demonstrating trust in what He has said. I don’t have to completely understand it all (thank goodness!), yet He has proven Himself absolutely faithful. If there is any confusion, it lies within me, which means there’s an opportunity for me to dig deeper. Holding to this foundation of my faith means I am not as easily prone to deception in other areas as well. It all goes back to the serpent in the garden “Did God really say…?”
I also believe the earth and everything in it is more or less, 6,000 years old, according to 2 Peter 3:8 “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ” There are many examples in scripture supportive of the “1 day equals 1000 years” in God’s timeline, when a deeper biblical study is untaken.
These are not precisely salvation issues, but Jesus was being very truthful and loving when He warned that a little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Have a blessed weekend Ed, sending you hugs and hoping to soon see you in the sky!
I really appreciate your viewpoints, Robin, and the very knowledgeable approach you made to support them. I have no problem at all with the two of us having different views. As I say, I am keeping an open mind.
You are right about the many times evolution has perpetuated lies. This is not restricted to science because Adolf Hitler based his demonic philosophies on its principles.
A parallel would be using the principles of atomic physics to produce either healing medical procedures, energy in order to help people or to create terrible weapons to kill them on massive scales. The “good” or “evil” is not in the principles, but in their applications – by us!
I, too, believe the Bible is the Word of God and do realize that even with this treasure, we poor humans still can’t agree on how to “read” it. Prophecy is a good example where we can all read the same words and have a varying interpretations of what they mean.
Of course, when it comes to salvation, it is Jesus and him alone. This is unmistakable and therefore not open to debate.
Though I am an “Old Universe” guy, I don’t get all hot and bothered if someone thinks I’m wrong – because I realize I just might be. The same reasoning which tells me Jesus is exactly who the Bible says he is, also leads me to believe that 6000 years just creates problems based on such realities as these:
How can we presently see the light from stars and galaxies over 6000 light years away?
How can carbon 14, argon-argon, and similar radioactive isotope dating techniques reveal ages of things as being over 6000 years old?
Believe me, I also think it is totally unbelievable that everything “just happened” randomly. That idea, in itself, is plainly unscientific. For anything that happens, there has to be a cause. Since our universe is not “steady state,” as prominent astronomer Fred Hoyle endorsed, that means it is not eternal. It had a beginning, it will have and end if allowed to continue uninterruptedly (but the Bible tells us that God will one day interrupt and recreate it). That means it had to have a “cause.” God is that “cause,” not needing a “cause” himself because, unlike our universe, he IS eternal and, as such, always existed.
Thanks, always, for your gracious and thoughtful responses. I greatly appreciate them.
I am looking forward to meeting you in person “up yonder” where I am very sure all our questions will at last be answered.
God bless.
Ed
Hey Ed, I always appreciate our respectful interactions. We can love one another and disagree, like normal people used to do, haha!
There are answers to your questions and more in the books and videos I’ve watched. Your viewpoint is relatable, I used to hold to the same. Then, as I wrestled with seeming contradictions from scripture vs. what the world (and my reasoning) led me to, God faithfully helped me see what He has disclosed. In the process, I’ve learned the Bible is infinitely revelatory. Far greater minds than my own have (barely) plumbed its depths and graciously shared their discoveries contained in God’s word.
By providence, I was able to go on a mission trip to Israel in 2019. One of the highlights of our rather unconventional visit was the opportunity to meet with a youngish (40’s) rabbi who was also a high-ranking member of the Jewish government. We were told we could ask him any questions without hesitation about the Jewish faith and government. It was an eye-opener for sure. We were all very respectful of course but one particular thing came out of our meeting that has stayed with me. A fellow traveler asked him what the Jewish Heaven looked like. He got a funny look on his face, paused before answering and then said, “We don’t think of eternity in terms of Heaven, but the best way to describe it is that we will spend eternity studying Torah.” And then he said, “I don’t know anything about what Christians think of Heaven.” He didn’t seem curious either. We were all so sad for him. In that instant we were all able to see how distorted God’s plans and words had become to the unredeemedJews over the millennia. Their religious structure is so terribly distorted by their religious leaders, it’s easy to see how blind they are to their Messiah. (Not to mention how dull an eternity bent over the first 5 books of the Bible sounded to all of us!)
Having all these years to reflect on that conversation, I have another viewpoint from that interaction now. Leaning on Jesus’s words in Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away,” I can better relate to the rabbi’s remark. Jesus is the Living Word, and I ponder if maybe, we too will study scripture throughout eternity…with increasing understanding of the mind of God. That would be a joy, along with all of the other things the Lord has planned for us. But there is so much more to what God has revealed about Himself and Heaven for those who want to know. He rewards our seeking!
All of this to say, more will be revealed. And I’m looking forward to living out whatever plans Jesus has for each and every one of us.
Blessings to you on this Lord’s Day, and maranatha!
Sounds like you had a great trip to Israel, Robin. I figure mine will have to be post-Rapture. That’s okay, I’ll be in a lot better shape!
I found your account of the Jewish view of heaven interesting and unexpected at the same time. I figured their view would parallel our own of a better-then-Eden realm where everything is just right and we’ll be able to have conversations with God face-to-face. Would could be better than that?
I also see it as a place of continuous learning about Scripture and everything else. I think we’ll all be give tasks exactly suited to our personalities and abilities, both being , but upgraded, naturally. During the Millennium, there should be plenty of electromechanical things to fix and maybe I’ll get onto a repair crew. I suspect we might even develop some decent space travel tech. Maybe I’ll get to head up Engineering, ala Mr. Scott. Of course, those of use who are Raptured won’t need star ships but the mortals of that time will. Not sure what trade I’ll have in the new heaven and new Earth but I am not at all worried about it because God always has everything covered.
As Paul said, it’ll all be better than we can imagine.
I am especially looking forward to meeting you and all the past and present believers from across the ages particularly. Imagine striking up a conversation with Daniel, or even all those whose names we have never known, but will when we get there.
And . . . we’ll finally see just how long the Biblical day was during Creation.
Feel free to say, “I told you so!” if it’s 24 hours. I won’t be offended!
God bless.
See you soon – on the way UP!!
Hey Ed, it’s a lot of fun thinking about our roles in the Millennial Kingdom. Since God knows us so much better than we know ourselves, I’m guessing many of us are in for some amazing surprises.
Personally, I imagine stitching incredible needlework, baking yummy cakes-especially for our worship celebrations, and helping to design and decorate homes for the Kingdom residents. (I’m a real Martha Stewart type.) But whatever the Lord wants me to do, I’m thrilled to serve Him!
We aren’t far from our Heavenly call, may it be today!
Maranatha!
If the AntiChrist is indeed the rider on the white horse that goes forth conquering and to conquer as the 1st Seal, this would also conflict with his view as a man of peace or a Messianic figure. It is written that by peace he will destroy many yet with peace there requires guaranteed security by military force. The United States is a prime example of this with their brokered “Land for Peace” initiatives that have only served to compromise the security of Israel.
I have diligently tried to find evidence of a world gripped by fear from a PreTrib Rapture event in the scriptures yet I have thus far been unable to find such evidence to support this scenario. When we examine the 6th Seal, the Kings of the Earth are not hiding expecting an alien invasion, they are however expecting the Wrath of the Lamb to soon be poured out.
I still have a hard time placing all this when we consider Ezekiel 38/39 or the Battle of Gog/Magog which seems to eliminate any possibility of Israel trusting their security to the AntiChrist. “So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward”- Ezekiel 39:22. This hugely conflicts with what many scholars have suggested within the confines of Daniel 9:27 or the “covenant with many”.
I do like listening to many opinions by various scholars, teachers, and preachers yet in the end we must diligently study these things for ourselves. With deception increasing it is of utmost importance that we earnestly engross ourselves in personal study and meditation on the truth of the scriptures. The Holy Spirit is our guide unto all truth and He will show us things to soon take place.
In Christ with Love,
Rodney Dezarn
I want to mention something pointed out by one of many prophecy teachers I follow about the rider on the white horse. He is carrying a bow, but no arrows. This indicates he “conquers,” not with force or violence, but with smooth talk. The bow is a weapon, but is also a symbol of promise or covenant, as with the “bow” that God displayed to confirm His covenant with Noah and his descendants that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood. In the case of this equestrian, however, he will offer peace to a warring and confused world, but will break his vow in the middle of the Tribulation.
I suggest that the rider on the white horse may identify with a spiritual conquest as the AntiChrist will make war with the Saints and overcome them. As we know, the 2nd Seal identifies with physical war. This would explain the martyrs depicted in Seal 5. Just my thoughts!
God Bless you Dolores.
Thanks for the information update..
🙏🙏
The Bible prophesied 7-year Tribulation is at humanity’s doorstep & the time to escape is very short.
100% Joy, which we will hear the sound of the trumpet soon and will meet Jesus in the air. What an incredible promise.
As I worry daily for unsaved friends and family, praying for their rescue, that will be over when we are with the Lord. I love them very much, but I am weary from the grief I feel, and likely most others are as well.
Just a thought regarding the four horses of Revelation. I think there may not be a separate rider for each one, but the Antichrist, the rider of the first, essentially “switches mounts” as his reign progresses. It is pretty clear that the events portrayed by the following red, black, and pale horses are a direct result of him coming to power in the first place. This would be more consistent symbolically since the white horse rider is an actual identifiable person whereas the remaining three are not.
A second thought on the “covenant with many.” I think it involves more than just a peace treaty in the Middle East. The “many” could be most other nations of the world which cede their authority to a global government as well as Middle Eastern nations to obtain peace. It might even be in final form, needing only the Antichrist to ratify it and put it into effect.
We are already seeing WHO, the WEF, and Vatican pushing this presently. As the world gets closer to the outbreak of a major conflict, desperation would make such a treaty much more appealing.
Ed, certainly the finer details are yet to be revealed. There is zero doubt in my mind that the WHO, WEF, the Vatican and the UN will all become powerful instruments to bring about the control and devastation the AC inflicts on earth-dwellers.
We are assured we won’t be here for these things, but knowing of them is a powerful motivator to share the gospel. No loving Believer wants any human being to suffer what is coming. Lamentably, we know billions will; the Tribulation is a staggeringly horrific period. Jesus said in Mark 13:19 “For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.” (When Jesus says anything, I’ve learned to take his words with the utmost seriousness and study.) Certainly part of the reason He told us what is coming is to create a sense of urgency in the Church to do our part to warn others.
It sounds like Israel and Iran are on the verge of having a real “coming to Jesus” meeting…for all sides involved. Ironically, none of them believe in Him yet, but many will, soon. I am praying for the many Believers who will be caught in the crossfire, unless we are all caught up.
The 9th of Av is August 12-13 this year. As it has frequently been in the past, it seems to bode for another turbulent, prophetic time for Israel.
We really are seeing all the components (political, religious, economic, and technological) assembling for the global government now coming together. This is all at a time of Israel not only being in its original territory, but becoming increasing alienated by the world community and under active attack from Iran (which has gotten very chummy with Russia) and its proxies. Now we have Turkey waving its sword at it. Looks a lot like the Ezekiel 38 players are about to come on stage.
The Tribulation, which is soon coming, will be so bad that if Jesus didn’t come back to stop it (Matthew 24:22), the human race would become extinct.
Thanks for passing along your Av 9th date. This totally escaped my attention, and as you said, it is a very significant one wherein the Temple was razed twice. I would not put it past its enemies to strike at that particular time.
I’d be surprised if things don’t go hot before August 12-13. It may not become the Ezekiel 38-39 war before then, but it might evolve into that war when the date arrives. A lot would have to happen very quickly.
This is purely speculation on my part but I don’t see why Isaiah 17 (total destruction of Damascus) couldn’t be an immediate precursor to Psalm 83 or the Ezekiel 38-39 war. Also, the surrounding Arab nations who are trying to stay on the sidelines (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt) have been warned by Iran in no uncertain terms to not do anything that helps the US and Israel. This includes using their airspaces….wow. It is easy to see why they’d stand back and watch it unfold instead of stepping up.
Since the USA is not genuinely supporting Israel, I don’t expect to see much effort from us to help her. Surely Netanyahu walked away from his meetings with Biden and Harris last week 100% knowing Israel is on her own (but for God, of course, and what nation or person needs anyone but God?!)
Iran is threatening the USA and Israel, which I suspect may be the only reason we do anything to protect Israel. BUT, Iran is telling all of their proxies abroad and here in our land, that they should do whatever is necessary to destroy the “Great Satan.” Soon we may be very shocked to discover this isn’t a war limited to the Middle East.
God is sovereign, and I’m so ready to go home.
You have a very good grasp on the situation, Robin, as usual!
I suspect the major reason for the original success of the Abraham accords is more of a case of fear of Iran rather than any warm feelings toward Israel – so, I don’t think the Arab nations would go out of their way to help Israel out of self-interest, if push came to shove.
As far as Iran goes, when they took our people hostages in 1979, my approach at that time was to give them 48 hours to put them on the beach for one of our ships to pick up or . . . no more Tehran! You NEVER give an enemy a break and this would have sent a message that would have resonated across the world to this very day. There would not have been a 9-11, I’m pretty sure about that!
The entire world situation is getting more tense very quickly. Now we have Turkey weighing in against not only Cyprus a few weeks ago, but Israel as well. Certainly this is no coincidence as Turkey will be a major Ezekiel 38 player.
I attribute most of the present instability of the world to the weakening of the U.S. by Joe B. & Company. America certainly can’t take another four years if Kamala becomes President.
However, I don’t think believers will be here that long. Our hope is Jesus and his soon calling us off Battleground Earth.
Can’t happen soon enough for me!
Where does the world now stand in relation to end-time events? It seems to me that a lot of end-time events will be pre-Tribulation. For example, there will be actual wars and rumors of wars (as we can see what is currently happening in Ukraine, Russia, Middle East, etc). And I am sure the ten kings and Antichrist will not suddenly appear out of nowhere on Day 1 of the 7-year Tribulation. They will be discernible several years before Day 1 of the 7-year Tribulation.
A proper interpretation of Ezekiel 39:9 will assist one in obtaining a clearer understanding of these end-time events.