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I’m not waiting for the Antichrist. I’m waiting for Jesus Christ. And that is due, in part, to the ministry of Hal Lindsey. His books and television program carefully outlined Dispensational Theology, also called left behind theology—named after the famous book series.
As a young adult, I found life confusing until someone handed me a copy of The Late Great Planet Earth. After reading it in a day, followed by a trip to Israel, I could press on in life and enter the ministry. I would go on to devour dozens of books and follow solid Bible teachers who promoted eschatology or Bible prophecy.
Time Magazine called Hal Lindsey the Jeremiah of our time. His classic book sold 35 million copies, but other books and TV productions influenced millions more. I believe his two greatest contributions were his teaching that:
· Israel is the key to our past, present, and future. Most churches today marginalize this, focusing on church growth or are steeped in other theologies such as Amillennialism. Only Dispensationalism explains what the Bible teaches: The King is coming again, and Israel is the key to understanding this.
· As believers, we should be awaiting Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist. Millions are caught up in strange rapture-timing theologies that offer no blessed hope, which is taught in the Bible (Titus 2:13)! Jesus is coming at any minute. Only Dispensationalism explains the imminency of the Lord’s return with Israel as the centerpiece!
I brought Hal to the Twin Cities in 2004 and 2005. He told me at that time that it was his goal in the 1960s to write a book on the end times that was easy to understand. When his book appeared in 1970, the only books available were written by theologians and for theologians!
They were terrific, but the man on the street was lost.
Dwight Pentecost’s Things to Come was a classic back then, but it was 500 pages and way too scholarly. Without a seminary degree, readers were lost and frustrated.
Once Hal opened the door for end-time discussion, two- dozen writers followed him, including Chuck Missler, Tim LaHaye, Dave Hunt, Ron Rhodes, and many more. Publishers were eager to help readers understand how the last days played out. And how many of you were impacted by the Left Behind book series I referenced written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins?
These topics have been discussed now for 23 years on Understanding the Times Radio. I am so thankful for the scholars who went before me, helping us non-scholars to understand these key theological issues and make sense of what is often senseless! The rise of lawlessness, the rush to globalism, the decline of character as outlined in II Timothy, and so much more as the birth pangs have exploded in recent years.
There is a run-up to the Tribulation and we are in it, but who knew before we learned from such incredible men? There is prophetic stage-setting, which is so prominent here at the end of the Church Age!
Pastors, please, with whatever time we have left before a trumpet sounds, teach your congregation these truths. The urgency of the hour demands it.
Find this outstanding summary of the life and effectiveness of Hal Lindsey here. Read testimonies from Ron Rhodes, Tom Hughes, David Jeremiah, Jonathan Brentner, and more.
https://harbingersdaily.com/forever-changed-hal-lindseys-eternal-impact-on-generations-of-trusted-ministries/
Hal Lindsey was a flawed human being like all of us, and I could slip in details, particularly of the eccentric man I featured twenty years ago here in the Twin Cities. I’d rather not. I just want to say thank you to him for opening my eyes.
I had no idea I was here on assignment to also help others in this last days’ countdown to the rapture of believers! And to help get many into the ark of salvation because when all is said and done, Jesus really is coming!
Perhaps today. Thank you, Hal, for encouraging me to prepare so many for this journey!
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Terry James Prophecy Line 
The adage, “I’m not waiting for the Antichrist, I’m waiting for Jesus Christ,” seems to be a virtue signal, and is not an accurate representation of the Scriptures that address this issue.
Jesus repeatedly addressed the ENTIRE contents of Revelation to the Church (chapters 1 and 22), John said the 666 riddle is meant for those with “WISDOM” and “UNDERSTANDING” (which is necessarily the Church, not post-Rapture believers who are by definition foolish), and the angel in Revelation 17 specifically tells John he will TELL HIM the mystery of the Beast, implying that John (and by extension, the Church) is supposed to decode and understand that mystery, which concerns the identity of the Antichrist.
Of course we are waiting for Jesus Christ! What true child of God isn’t?
But while we wait, we are to look for ALL the signs that signal the Lord’s approach—and what sign could be greater than the (possible) identification of the Antichrist, which would tell us the Rapture is just moments away?
We may see different persons come and go in prominence but I don’t think we’ll know for sure who the Antichrist is. I figure Satan always has someone waiting in the wings because he is not omniscient. We’ve seen plenty of Antichrist types in history like Antiochus IV, Hitler, Napoleon. We can see from these guys characteristics of the actual one to come.
Makes me REALLY glad all of us believers will be gone before he is revealed.
Hi Ed!
Thank you for your comments.
Inasmuch as Jesus himself addressed the entire Revelation to the Church (not once but several times) and then commanded us (through John) to break the 666 code, the logical conclusion is that the Church has the authority and ability to identify the Antichrist, provided she is on the lookout and makes the effort.
Nothing in Revelation says that any part of the book is meant for post-Rapture believers. Instead, Jesus says (at least two times) the book is supposed to be decoded by the Church BEFORE he comes at the Rapture.
Also, the idea that Satan has always had someone on standby to fulfill the role of “Antichrist” seems to be illogical—can we honestly believe that all of those supposed Antichrists have names that add to 666, or that a False Prophet has always been on standby too, or that a set of Ten Kings has always been on standby as well?
In my experience, the Antichrist-on-standby theory is actually at odds with Scripture because the Bible depicts the arrival of the Antichrist as a very unique event: it occurs just once, with just one Beast, and in just one place (Rev. 12:17 or 13:1, depending on the Bible version.) There is no ongoing “interview” process.
Instead, I believe the Antichrist-on-standby theory has arisen because certain experts insist we cannot know who the AC is right now. And to keep that paradigm intact, they must extend that “inability to know” to Satan.
Your thoughts are very much appreciated and I look forward to your response, time permitting.
All God’s best,
Charles
Charles, I am in agreement with you about an ever-present Antichrist waiting in the wings.
I have never believed that, for the reasons you’ve mentioned and simply for the fact that Satan does know the approximate timing of Christ’s second return.
People do make up some funny notions that are not logical, nor based in scripture.
Hi Robin!
As you know, many experts say the AC cannot be discovered today because Paul said he would not be “revealed” until after the Rapture.
But all Paul meant was the AC could not come to power until the Church was taken out of the way. He did not say the AC couldn’t be identified now.
(And considering how many details the Bible provides about the AC, the implication is that we should expect to see those details manifest in one particular person.)
Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoy discussing end-time issues!
All God’s best,
Charles
I don’t condemn anyone for trying to discover his identity, he is an important, but exceedingly wicked figure, in the culmination of God’s plans. And the Bible doesn’t tell us not to attempt to identify him. God knows His children and that we would make an effort to know who the AC is and warn others.
That being said, I am troubled by people who make wild guesses and accusations against people who do not actually fit his description. It’s really the worst form of slander so caution and discernment must be employed.
When he shows up, it is my belief that he will be unmistakable. I do not think we will be here to identify him with absolute certainty. And I personally research those men (he IS a man) who seem like they could be contenders without sharing my speculations. His description makes it easy to know who he isn’t: King Charles, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Trump, Macron, Klaus Schwab, et al.
Regardless, we will be in Heaven with our Savior, Jesus Christ, when who he is, is known. The AC will be a footnote to us when we are safely tucked away, celebrating with our brothers and sisters, in the glorious presence of the King of Kings.
I’m with you, Robin:
a) He isn’t King Charles, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Trump, Macron, Klaus Schwab, or any of the usual suspects.
b) The Bible never says “do not look for the AC.”
c) Whoever it is will match all the details, beginning with the fact his name will add to 666 using a simple form of gematria (which the names of the above characters do not.)
Charles, I am in agreement with you about an ever-present Antichrist waiting in the wings.
I have never believed that, for the reasons you’ve mentioned and simply for the fact that Satan does know the approximate timing of Christ’s second return.
People do make up some funny notions that are not logical, nor based in scripture.
I very much enjoyed Jan’s tribute to a great witness for Jesus. The Late, Great Planet Earth inspired a lifelong interest in eschatology for me. Here I am, over 50 years later, still learning. Fortunately, we now have people like Terry James, Todd Strandberg, Jan Markell, Amir Tsarfati, Jack Hibbs, and so many others to provide us with a continuing education.
Good and faithful servants all!
He opened my eyes when very young and when I drifted as I grew up , his book brought to my memory of the fact Jesus is coming again and I should make sure I am ready! I will thank him here and when I see him in Heaven I will say thank you for your book Late Great Planet Earth and for helping me to always remember The Rapture!