Is the Jewish Calender a Indicator of Our Lord's Return?

Israel’s Calendar Discrepancy

Q. If the age of man is supposed to be 6,000 years and we expect the Lord to return soon, Why is the Hebrew calendar only at 5770 years? This seems like an odd number if indeed we are so close to the end?

A. First of all, 6,000 years is not a number that came from God. It’s an approximation originating with mankind that appears to be accurate in the general sense. Second, while Israel’s calendar is thought to have begun at the Creation, some scholars believe that when ancient Israel was under subjugation by a foreign nation or out of the land entirely their calendar didn’t advance. They disagree on the exact number of years that might have been lost, but if their opinion is correct it’s at least 181 and may exceed 200. Whatever the actual number, Israel’s official calendar is probably not a reliable indicator of our closeness to the Lord’s return.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Why September 11?

Online 911 Video

Question: "Where was God on September 11?"

Answer: On September 11, 2001, God was exactly where He always is – in Heaven in total control of everything that happens in the universe. Why, then, would a good and loving God allow such a tragedy to happen? This is a more difficult question to answer. First, we must remember, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). It is impossible for finite human beings to understand the ways of an infinite God (Romans 11:33-35). Second, we must realize that God is not responsible for the wicked acts of evil men. The Bible tells us that humanity is desperately wicked and sinful (Romans 3:10-18, 23). God allows human beings to commit sin for His own reasons and to fulfill His own purposes. Sometimes we think we understand why God is doing something, only to find out later that it was for a different purpose than we originally thought.

God looks at things from an eternal perspective. We look at things from an earthly perspective. Why did God put man on earth, knowing that Adam and Eve would sin and therefore bring evil, death, and suffering on all mankind? Why didn’t He just create us all and leave us in Heaven where we would be perfect and without suffering? It must be remembered that the purpose for all creation and all creatures is to glorify God. God is glorified when His nature and attributes are on display. If there were no sin, God would have no opportunity to display His justice and wrath as He punishes sin. Nor would He have the opportunity to show His grace, His mercy, and His love to undeserving creatures. The ultimate display of God’s grace was at the Cross where Jesus died for our sins. Here was unselfishness and obedience displayed in His Son who knew no sin but was “made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This was all to the “praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14).

When thinking of September 11, we tend to forget the thousands of miracles that occurred on that day. Hundreds of people were able to flee the buildings just in the nick of time. A small handful of firemen and one civilian survived in a tiny space in a stairwell as the one of the towers collapsed around them. The passengers on Flight 93 defeating the terrorists was a miracle in and of itself. Yes, September 11 was a terrible day. Sin reared its ugly head and caused great devastation. However, God is still in control. His sovereignty is never to be doubted. Could God have prevented what happened on September 11? Of course He could, but He chose to allow the events to unfold exactly as they did. He prevented that day from being as bad as it could have been. Since September 11, how many lives have been changed for the better? How many people have placed their faith in Christ for salvation as a result of what happened? The words of Romans 8:28 should always be in our minds when we think of 9-11, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.”

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Recommended Resource: Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey.

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Got Questions? The Bible has Answers! We'll find them for you! www.GotQuestions.org

The Seal Judgment of the End Times

Observable Signs Of The Seal Judgments

Q. If known, what are the observable earthly signs associated with each of the Seals as Christ opens them? If we are still here, for example, will one be able to say, “Oops!! There went Seal Number 3.” As a different question (so as not to allow date setting) when, among the six Seals, do you believe the Rapture will occur?

A. The observable sign of the first seal of Rev. 6 is the appearance of someone who seems to be a great peace maker, the proverbial “man on the white horse.” But it soon becomes obvious that his real intent is conquest. This is the one who will later be identified as the anti-Christ. The sign of the second seal is the rapid escalation of war around the world. The third is widespread famine from which only the wealthy are exempt. The fourth is the death of 1/4 of the world’s population from war, famine and pestilence. The fifth is Christian martyrdom on a grand scale, and the sixth is giant earthquakes triggering volcanic eruptions that turn the sky black with smoke and particulates. The consensus on Earth will be that they’re being caused by the wrath of God.

Although we can see evidence of all these things developing now, I believe the Rapture will occur before they mature into their complete Biblical fulfillment. I say this partly because only the Church can sing the song from Rev. 5:9-10, and that song is sung by a group in Heaven before the seals are opened.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

The third or the fourth temple?

Three Temples Or Four?

Q. I’ve heard that the Millennial Temple will be different from the one during the tribulation. I’m doing some study on this now, but the Millennial Temple seems to be quite the massive structure!

A. Yes, the Millennial Temple compound is quite a bit different from previous ones. But the idea of a “TribulationTemple” is something that originated with Christian scholars and can not be confirmed in Scripture. It’s based on the assumption that there’ll be a Temple built at the beginning of the 70th Week and destroyed by the its end. That would make the Millennial Temple the 4th one.

The Jews, to whom the Temple belongs, don’t see it this way. They think of Ezekiel’s Temple as the 3rd and final one. A careful study of the coming Temple shows that Ezekiel’s Temple will already be in place on the day that the Lord arrives (compare Ezekiel 47:1 and Zechariah 14:8) Also, when God returns to the Temple at the beginning of the Millennium, He immediately accuses Israel of allowing foreigners (anti-christ and false prophet) to officiate in it. (Ezekiel 44:7-8) This could only happen during the Great Tribulation.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Major Religions During Tribulation?

Islam And Catholicism

Q. I enjoy your website tremendously and thank you for your wisdom and insight. I’ve always thought (and been taught) during the Tribulation the Roman Catholic Church would be the religious system of the antichrist. However, in recent days, as I listen to the news and do research on the Internet, I’m hearing more and more how Islam is gaining a hold in Euprope and even in America with all the universities and mosques spring up it seems almost overnight and with the Moslem leaders’ talk of conquering the world. What are your thoughts on Islam being the religious system of the antichrist during the tribulation vs. the Roman Church?

A. I think the Rapture will leave the Catholic Church in a state of utter chaos with a significant number of its members gone. Islam on the other hand won’t be adversely affected at all. And if the anti-Christ comes from the Eastern leg of the Roman Empire he’ll likely be at least nominally Moslem. Since the two religions share an admiration of both Mary and Jesus, as well as a works based view of salvation, I can see the possibility of an accommodation that would make the combined group far and away the most dominant religion of the post-rapture world.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Dreams!

Prophetic Dreams

Q. What does the Bible say about dreams? How are they important, in both prophetic and “day-to-day” purposes?

A. There are several instances of dreams serving as messages from God in the Bible. For instance Jacob’s son Joseph had 2 prophetic dreams . Later, Pharaoh and two of his officials had dreams that Joseph interpreted. Nebuchadnezzar also had two that Daniel interpreted for him and Joseph of Nazareth had several in connection with the Lord’s birth. The Magi were also warned in a dream to stay away from Herod upon leaving Bethlehem. And there are other examples.

Quoting Joel, Peter said that in the last days young men would see visions and old men would dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)

So there is periodic mention of dreams being messages from God in both the Old and New Testaments. But that’s not to say that all or even most dreams are messages from God. In fact those that are appear to be quite rare. From the Bibles’ descriptions it seems that each person who had a dream of that sort knew it was a special message, and in those cases when they weren’t able to understand it, God sent someone to interpret it for them.

It’s important to remember that when God sent someone, He provided them with credentials. Joseph had demonstrated his ability with the Baker and the Wine Steward before he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, and Daniel revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him even though its contents had been kept secret. And both men gave all the credit to God.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

The Ark in the Millenial Temple

The Ark And The Abomination

Q. Thank you for your study and for answering our questions. My question is do you think we could be missing a literal reading of Dan 9:27? I know many translations vary, but Luther translated it “And upon the wings shall stand the abomination of desolation” and I was wondering if it could possibly mean that the antichrist might set up an image, whether a statue or a hologram of himself, right atop the rebuilt ark in the rebuilt temple. The mercy seat above the ark has two angels with outspread wings. Isn’t the mercy seat supposed to become the throne of Jesus when He comes to reign in the new Jerusalem. What better place to put an idol of himself?

A. There’s been much speculation about the Ark of the Covenant and its mercy seat, which was God’s Throne when He dwelt among the Israelites in the First Temple period. Various explorers and scholars have reported knowing of its whereabouts and some even claim they’ve seen it.

But when you read the Bible’s account of the rebuilt Temple (Ezekiel 40-46) you discover that the Ark is not mentioned anywhere. In fact, although there are several references to a Temple on Earth in the End Times the Bible’s only mention of an ark is in the Temple in Heaven (Rev. 11:19) I think the idea of a re-discovered Ark could just be an explorer’s dream.

The Ark was God’s throne. Jesus was promised David’s throne (Luke 1:32) which is a euphemism for rulership over Israel.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Comparitive Religious End-Time Prophecies

Moslem Vs. Christian Prophecy

Q. I’ve noticed many times that when speaking of End Times, many teachers seem to give the Islamic prophecies the same credence as they do to Biblical prophecies. Is there a basis for belief in any Islamic prophecies? Some Christian teachers compare the Mahdi with the AC as if he is really going to show up in the End Times.

A. I can’t speak for the motives of other teachers but I find it interesting that the one some Moslems look to as a messiah figure bears a striking resemblance to the one Christians know as the anti-Christ. For example, they’ll both come on the scene during a time of great chaos, they’ll both claim to be peacemakers, both will have 7 year reigns after which comes judgment, both will head up a one world government and a one world religion. This can’t be coincidental.

Do I think al Mahdi will come? Absolutely. But not because Moslem prophecies say so. I believe he’ll come because Biblical prophecies say the anti-Christ is coming.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Prosperity in perspective

Christian Prosperity Crisis

Wilfred Hahn

www.raptureready.com

Researchers point out that one of the main differences between the U.S. financial crash and others — for example, that of Japan in the 1990s — was that it was households (individuals and families) that became heavily overindebted. This was not the case in Japan, nor the Asian crisis of the late 1990s, nor those in Scandinavia in the early 1990s. There, it was more the actions of companies and governments that led to these crises. But why in the case of America’s situation, did people became so easily seduced to take on such huge amounts of debt and to accept the vain predictions of perpetual prosperity? Responsibility of stewardship was thrown to the wind and the idea that prosperity and wealth was both eternal and effortless was the common belief.

It may have to do with another main difference. Namely America’s major religion—a post-modern, utilitarian aberration of the Biblical Christianity. This may seem a harsh statement, but I believe that the facts well support it. Most definitely, America is the most Christian-professing, major nation in the world. That religious belief and philosophy had an impact on economies and financial markets is a well established fact. Why do Chinese households save so much? Could it be that their Confusion culture is predisposed to such behavior? Max Weber (see The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism) and other social economists developed a framework for such religious/economic connections.

Crucially, only in North America do we find such a significant influence of the Prosperity Theology. It is a teaching that will have played an insidious and contributing (perhaps causal) role in America’s final slide into financial crisis and decline. We want to examine this connection further by investigating some of the doctrinal distortions behind this movement which merges Christianity and money into the eschatological timeline.

Deeply Rooted False Prosperity Beliefs.

While Prosperity Theology tends to be more associated with the charismatic segment of North American Christianity, it could be said that virtually all of North American Christianity has been infected with its influences. This perspective co-exists comfortably with the ideology of the American Dream. For centuries the “Christian nation” of America has been a land of opportunity, espousing upward mobility and success for all who seek it.

Prosperity thinking is therefore subtly imbedded in the psyche of Western Christians. It is almost considered an entitlement in some circles. Of course, most will perhaps not swallow the teachings and techniques of the likes of Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar and Peter Popoff — he of the “divine transfer” — and many others. After all, some of these more extreme teachers in this community even go so far as to claim that if you have much faith that you can “get wealth.” Just send in your seed faith offering and you may get a “divine wealth transfer” or “100-fold” return.

In this bartering system with God, one is taught to expect that He may choose to reciprocate your seed offering with a monetary or material blessing of some kind. It could be a sizable check arriving in your mailbox from a mysterious source or some other lucky happenstance. Unfortunately, this erroneous teaching about money promotes the notion that God runs His kingdom on the principle of monetary and material incentive. How crass. God manipulates Christians to love Him and to obedience through the carrot of material wealth and well-being? They confuse the realm of Mammon for the Kingdom of God.

Theological Wealth Distortions Everywhere

False gospels are deadly, their heresies distorting virtually every doctrine, world view and eschatological perspective. In like manner, Prosperity Theology radiates its destruction into many doctrines and perspectives. If its destructive contributions to America’s recent demise were already not convincing enough, there is yet more to consider. A sure sign of all false gospels is their perspective on money.

Every single false teaching or heresy mentioned in the New Testament epistles was associated with greed or an inordinate affection with money and wealth. This is evident today as it was then. If anything is different, it is that some of these heretical perspectives have become much more systemized than they were in New Testament times.

Though beliefs held by certain Christian sects may appear rooted in scriptural teaching, it is disturbing to discover how subjective and unfounded these are. These beliefs simply do not hold up under the scrutiny of all Scripture. This theology even merits an entry on Wikipedia which points out that this “somewhat similar (yet strikingly different) belief appears in most "New Thought" religions, Unity, Religious Science, Divine Science denominations.” It should seem strange that such commonality is found with these other religions.

Moreover, Prosperity Theology does not even pass the test of common sense. If the promises of Prosperity Theology were legitimate and observable, then it should be discovered that its adherents indeed would be wealthier than the general population. Yet, the opposite is true.

According to the surveys of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life2, the average income level of all Christians is less than that of other faiths. For instance, the percentage of protestant Christians with incomes over $100,000 per annum is 15%. This is less than Muslims (16%), Jews (46%), Buddhists (43%) and Hindus (43%).

Drilling down into comparisons between Christian denominations themselves, the same non-confirmation is evident. If one assumes that prosperity teaching is to be most prevalent in evangelical Pentecostal sects, the falsehood of this teaching is found to be most fraudulent. The Pentecostal demographic is the poorest of all, with the exception of Baptists in the Historically Black Tradition.3 48% of Pentecostals have incomes less than $30,000; only 7% greater than $100,000 per annum. That compares to 31% and 18% in the Christian population overall, respectively.

Clearly, the promises of Prosperity Theology are a hoax. Much worse allegations could be made. It would be considered a financial sham were its promoters to be seen to be preying on the hopelessness of its congregants. In that sense, it would not be much different than the consumer credit business. Just which demographic has historically proven to be the most profitable credit market for financial institutions … at least up until the GFC? The poor. It is these people that are made to pay high loan fees and interest rates and tend to run high balances on their credit cards with exorbitant charges. This gospel is certainly not “releasing the oppressed” as was Christ’s mission. (Luke 4:18)

Why is it that Christians are so gullible? It may be for the same reason that the thickest complaint file of the Council of Better Business Bureaus in America is the category of religiously-associated fraud. When con artists or teachers imply a relationship with God or make a purported scriptural reference promising prosperity, the wallets are opened unthinkingly. Charismatic churches time and again have proven themselves most vulnerable to the flimsiest of Ponzi schemes. It is simply astounding.

This quote from an op-ed article published just recently in the Russian online news portal, Pravda, offers a disturbing perspective. The journalist, though somewhat irreverent and an apologist for the official Russian Orthodox Church, does make some connections between America’s economic slide and liberal Christianity:

“First, the population was dumbed down through a politicized and substandard education system based on pop culture, rather then the classics. Americans know more about their favorite TV dramas then the drama in DC that directly affects their lives. They care more for their “right” to choke down a McDonalds burger or a BurgerKing burger than for their constitutional rights. Then they turn around and lecture us about our rights and about our “democracy”. Pride blind the foolish. Then their faith in God was destroyed, until their churches, all tens of thousands of different “branches and denominations” were for the most part little more then Sunday circuses and their televangelists and top protestant mega preachers were more then happy to sell out their souls and flocks to be on the “winning” side of one pseudo Marxist politician or another. Their flocks may complain, but when explained that they would be on the “winning” side, their flocks were ever so quick to reject Christ in hopes for earthly power. Even our Holy Orthodox churches are scandalously liberalized in America.”4

In the populist mindset of prosperity and easy money, what Christian might not be tempted to think that God and country abandoned them should they experience hardships and trouble during an economic downturn such as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC)? What Christian would not be inclined to whine to God, as did Jeremiah: “Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?” (Jeremiah 15:18) Jeremiah figured that since he was walking with God and answering His calling, that he deserved special treatment. He bargained with God, saying “I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me, and you had filled me with indignation. Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable?” (Jeremiah 15-17-18)

How did God respond? He didn’t even acknowledge the complaint. He simply said this: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me.” (verse 19)

No doubt, all 12 of the New Testament apostles settled this same issue in a satisfactory manner. They were doing the Lord’s will and were all blessed with rich robes and fine foods. Actually, directly to the contrary. 11 of them died an unnatural death. All of them physically suffered for their beliefs. Was this just? Said Paul, “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love […]” (2 Corinthians 6:4-6).



Notes

1. Prosperity theology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_theology, accessed April 25, 2009.

2. U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, February 2008, Table: Income Levels of Major Religious Traditions, pg. 60.

3. Ibid, Income Level by Protestant Denominations, pg. 80.

4. Stanislav Mishin, Op-ed, Pravda Russia, June 1, 2009



About the Author:

Wilfred Hahn is a global economist/strategist. Formerly a top-ranked global analyst and one-time head of a large global investment company with worldwide operations, his writings focus on the endtime roles of money, economics and globalization. He has been quoted around the world and his writings reproduced in numerous other publications and languages. His most recent book is The Endtime Money Snare: How to live free. For resources on "endtime economics" and to subscribe to the free newsletter, Eternal Value Review, visit Wilfred's website www.eternalvalue.com

Red Heifer

Messiah And The Red Heifer

Q. Thanks again for your dedication and service as a teacher of the scripture. My question today has to do with something I recently read about the 3rd Temple. According to Jewish belief (as stated on the Temple Institute website) once the temple has been rebuilt the initial cleansing sacrifice of the pure red heifer will be performed by the messiah. This causes me conflict as I am under the belief that the Jews will again be worshiping in the 3rd Temple during the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period.

My question is could the reference in the Jewish scripture to the “messiah” in actuality be the anti-christ posing as the messiah and performing this initial sacrifice? What does the scripture really indicate about this? If it really is the AC, how are the Jews misinterpreting this scripture? Please help me out with this. Thank you so much for your insight.

A. Some Jewish beliefs about the coming Temple are just that, beliefs. That means they’re traditions based in interpretations of Scripture, not Scripture itself.

The Jewish Scripture is our Old Testament and the passages about the 3rd Temple are contained in Ezekiel 40-47, with it’s actual location spelled out in Chapter 48. There’s nothing in these passages that requires the Messiah to be the one to perform the initial purification. But since every living Jew is ceremonially unclean and will remain so until the red heifer purification sacrifice can be conducted, they’ll need someone who can claim to be clean to solve this problem (Numbers 19:1-10).

In chapter 43 Ezekiel describes the Shekinah Glory returning to the Temple and mentioning how the people have defiled it in the past, and in chapter 44 He speaks of them allowing foreigners to officiate in His sanctuary. I believe this is a reference to the Anti-Christ and perhaps the false prophet. If so, it’s possible that one or both of them could have presided over the Temple’s initial purification, but again there’s no specific reference to the ceremony itself.

Jesus prophesied that while they rejected Him as their Messiah, they would one day accept another who would prove to be false. (John 5:43) and Isaiah 28:15 speaks of Israel making a covenant with death, referring to the treaty they make with the anti-Christ.

It’s clear that a Temple will be built in Israel before the beginning of the Great Tribulation, which means it’s well before the 2nd Coming. That means someone other than the Lord will have to perform the initial purification ceremony. Since the anti-Christ and false prophet will have established themselves as world leaders during that time, and since the anti-Christ will be perceived as the one who made the Temple’s construction possible, and since the Temple’s dedication will take place before the anti-Christ makes his claim to be God in the flesh which alienates the Jews, it’s possible that he’ll be the one who dedicates the 3rd Temple.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Rapture

Do We Really Vanish?

Q. For some time now, I’ve wondered if we will simply disappear at the Rapture. When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He did so visibly. Also, the saints that were raised up appeared in the city to hundreds of people. So where do we get the idea that we would vanish, leaving our clothes behind? Am I missing something here?

A. In 1 Cor. 15:51 Paul wrote that we would be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye. Since the Greek word for changed is transformed, it’s been assumed that this instantaneous transformation will include both location and composition. In John 14:1-3 Jesus said after He prepared a place for us in His Father’s house, He would come to take us there, and in 1 Thes 4:17 Paul said that when this happens we’ll be with the Lord from then on. I think vanishing is a lot more likely explanation than having the world watch while we float up into the air.

Also in Isaiah 26:20 the word translated come (KJV) or go (NIV) means to come away, depart, or vanish. I believe this is an Old Testament reference of the Rapture.

As for the clothes, we’ll be getting new ones so it makes sense we’ll leave the old ones behind.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Is the times and fullness of the gentiles different?

Times Of The Gentiles And Fullness Of The Gentiles

Q. In Luke 21: 24 it is mentioned, ‘times of the Gentiles’. I checked several translations, all translation say, ‘times of the Gentiles’, instead of ‘time of the Gentile’. This is one of the puzzles to me, how to differentiate between ‘times of the Gentiles’ versus ‘time of the Gentiles’. Is it because Jerusalem is occupied by different gentile nations at different time period?

In Romans 11:25, it is mentioned ‘until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in’. But, according to Revelation 7:9 and 7:14, there will be Gentiles that will be saved during the great tribulation. I have difficulty to explain Romans 11:25 together with Revelation 7:9,14.

Is the ‘times of the Gentiles’ and the ‘fullness of the Gentiles’ pointing to the same time?

A. The times of the Gentiles mentioned in Luke 21:24 runs from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to the 2nd Coming. The reason it’s plural is because there are four major kingdoms involved, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome (twice).

The fullness of the Gentiles in Romans 11:25 refers to the number of people who become believers during the Church age. When this number is reached, the Rapture will take place. Gentiles saved after the Rapture (Rev. 7:9,14)are called Tribulation Saints and don’t belong to the Church.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Fig Tree

Question: "Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?"

Answer: The account of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree is found in two different Gospel accounts. First it is seen in Matthew 21:18-22, and then also in Mark 11:12-14. While there are slight differences between the two accounts, they are easily reconciled by studying the passages. Like all Scripture, the key to understanding this passage comes from understanding the context in which it happened. In order to properly understand this passage, we must first look at the chronological and geographical setting. For example when did this occur, what was the setting, and where did it happen? Also, in order to fully understand this passage, we need to have an understanding of the importance of the fig tree as it relates to the nation of Israel, and understand how the fig tree is often used in the Scriptures to symbolically represent Israel. Finally, we must have a basic understanding of the fig tree itself, its growing seasons, etc.

First, in looking at the general chronological setting of the passage, we see that it happened during the week before His crucifixion. Jesus had entered Jerusalem a day earlier amidst the praise and worship of the Jewish people who were looking to Him as the King/Messiah who was going to deliver them from Roman occupation (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11). Now, the next day, Jesus is again on His way to Jerusalem from where He was staying in Bethany. On His way, both Matthew and Mark record that He was hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance that had leaves on it (Mark 11:13). Upon coming to the tree expecting to find something to eat Jesus instead discovered that the fig tree had no fruit on it and cursed the tree saying, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:14). Matthew records the cursing and the withering of the fig tree all in one account and includes it after the account of Jesus cleansing the Temple of the moneychangers. Mark explains that it actually took place over two days with Jesus cursing the fig tree the first day on the way to cleanse the Temple, and the disciples seeing the tree withered on the second day when they were again going to Jerusalem from Bethany (Mark 11:12-14 and Mark 11:19-20). Of course upon seeing the tree “withered from the roots up,” the disciples were amazed as that would have normally taken several weeks.

Having reviewed the general chronological setting of the story, we can begin to answer some of many questions that are often asked of it. First of all is the question: Why did Jesus curse the fig tree if it was not the right season for figs? The answer to this question can be determined by studying the characteristics of fig trees. By doing that we learn that the fruit of the fig tree generally appears before the leaves and because the fruit is green it sort of blends in with the leaves right up until it is almost ripe. Therefore, when Jesus and His disciples saw from a distance that the tree had leaves, they would have expected it to also have fruit on it even though it was earlier in the season than what would be normal for a fig tree to be bearing fruit. Also, from studying about the way fig trees grow in Israel we learn that each tree would often produce two to three crops of figs each season. There would be an early crop in the spring followed by one or two later crops. In some parts of the area, depending on climate and conditions, it was also possible that a tree might produce fruit ten out of twelve months. This also explains why Jesus and His disciples would be looking for fruit on the fig tree even if it was not in the main growing season. The fact that the tree already had leaves on it even though it was at a higher elevation around Jerusalem, and therefore would have been outside of the normal season for figs, would have seemed to be a good indication that there would also be fruit on it.

As to what the significance of this passage is and what it means, the answer to that is again found in the chronological setting and in understanding how a fig tree is often used symbolically to represent Israel in the Scriptures. First of all, chronologically, Jesus had just arrived at Jerusalem amidst great fanfare and great expectations, but then proceeds to cleanse the Temple and curse the barren fig tree. Both had important significance as to the spiritual condition of Israel. With His cleansing of the Temple and His criticism of the worship that was going on there (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17), Jesus was effectively denouncing Israel’s worship of God. With the cursing of the fig tree He was symbolically denouncing Israel as a nation and in a sense even denouncing unfruitful “Christians.” (That is people who profess to be Christian but have no evidence of a relationship with Christ).

The presence of a fruitful fig tree was considered to be a symbol of blessing and prosperity for the nation of Israel. Likewise, the absence or death of a fig tree would symbolize judgment and rejection. Symbolically, the fig tree represented the spiritual deadness of Israel, who while very religious outwardly with all the sacrifices and ceremonies, were spiritually barren because of their sins. By cleansing the Temple and cursing the fig tree, causing it to whither and die, Jesus was pronouncing His coming judgment of Israel and demonstrating His power to carry it out. It also teaches the principle that religious profession and observance is not enough to guarantee salvation, unless there is the fruit of genuine salvation evidence in the life of the person. James would later echo this truth when he wrote that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). The lesson of the fig tree is that we should bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), not just give an appearance of religiosity. God judges fruitlessness, and expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit” (John 15:5-8).

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Website: www.GotQuestions.org

Signs of the End Times

Pestilence In Various Places

Q. Do you have any thoughts on the swine flu epidemic? It seems to me that God has been screaming warnings to mankind from the Heavens for the past few years through all the weather changes, i.e. hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, hail and thunder storms, droughts, and the like, but people for the most part are ignoring those warnings.

Are tornados, earthquakes, and now swine flu judgments from God, or are these a result of sin and Satan’s dominion on the earth? I’ve been told by ministers that God does not judge the earth and its dwellers until the tribulation, but one can’t help but wonder if God is not judging the world now. I would be most grateful for your thoughts.

A. One of the signs the Lord gave that the end is coming is the rise of pestilence in various places. The Aids virus, new drug resistant strains of familiar diseases, and flu epidemics all fit into this category. In Luke 21:11 the Lord called them birth pangs.

Ultimately, these things can all be traced back to the entrance of sin into the creation, since God did not create the world this way. Technically they aren’t judgments but warnings that judgment is coming. The Lord said they would become more frequent and intense as the time for judgment approaches.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Rapture of Believer's

Partial Rapture Theories

Q. I love the insight you have into Revelation you make it so clear.

I have been interested in End Times since I was first saved 33 years ago and I feel that I have a good understanding of it all BUT willing to learn more.

Now…..I have a question which has troubled me since I read it and because you may know the person who wrote it I won’t mention his name although you may be able to guess. He says that not all the Christians will be going in the rapture but only the Bride of Christ. The rest will have to face the consequences and go through the tribulation and could be martyred or lost.

Now I find this extremely worrying as my belief is that all those that are born again will go in the rapture even if they are what you would call luke warm Christians. The Bible says…’believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved’. I see that as saved from the wrath to come.

My personal interest in this is that my eldest daughter and granddaughter have given their lives to Jesus and have been water baptized but unfortunately both are married to husbands that are unsaved so they don’t go to church and after reading the article they won’t be in the rapture either but will have to face the wrath to come and I can’t see them being able to do that.

Please give me your answer to this problem I value it and would appreciate if very much.

A. There are a couple of different sources for the notion of a partial rapture. One was developed by church leaders who believe that there needs to be some kind of behavioral qualification to receive such a blessing. It’s a combination of grace plus works that has no biblical basis and denies the sufficiency of our Lord’s death on the cross.

The other one comes from a major denomination that teaches that only its members are the Bride of Christ. All other Christians are “Friends of the Bridegroom” and are not privy to the blessings of the Bride. This is an equally un-scriptural view. There is but one church and all who accept the Lord’s death as payment in full for all their sins belong.

I don’t know which of these two applies in your family’s case, but the fact is that we are saved by what we believe, not by how we behave, and certainly not by what denomination we’ve joined. It’s true that our behavior as believers can earn heavenly rewards for us, but the Rapture is not such a reward. It’s a basic promise to everyone who believes that Jesus died for all of our sins.

More On Partial Rapture Theories

Q. I have a question about a comment you left to a person that was asking you a question about partial rapture theories. You stated:

“Now I find this extremely worrying as my belief is that all those that are born again will go in the rapture even if they are what you would call luke warm Christians.”

I was wondering why you did not point him to Rev 3:16. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

I was just wondering what your reason was. I am not perfect by any means we have all fallen short so I am no one to judge. Just wondering why it was never pointed out?

A. You’re referring to the letter to the church in Laodicea. If you read it carefully you’ll see that this is not a church in the sense of being a body of born again believers. It’s only a church in the sense that many liberal denominations are today. They meet on Sunday and they talk about Jesus, but they don’t teach the need to be born again, they don’t take the Bible literally, and they don’t believe in the validity of prophecy. They’re not just Christians whose faith is only lukewarm, they’re Christians in name only and are not born again. When the Rapture comes they’ll be left behind.

The proof of this is in Rev. 3:20 which shows the Lord standing outside the church knocking on the door asking to come in. The Lord should be inside His Church.

The partial rapture theory holds that only those born again believers who are deemed worthy of escaping judgment will be taken in the rapture. They think that even some believers who have trusted Jesus for their salvation will be left behind because their lives didn’t measure up. There’s no Biblical basis for this belief.

Laodicea And Me

Q. I believe that because I am saved that there is nothing that can separate me from the Lord and He will never forsake me. I have read that our sins are cast as far as the east is from the west but does that mean they are forgiven, Past, Present and Future as some term it?

If that’s so then why when the Lord speaks to the Church at Laodicea, does he warn them to not be lukewarm for He will spew them from His mouth? How can I begin to judge if I’m lukewarm?? If He spews me from His mouth, doesn’t that mean I can no longer be His? I know there is a great debate about “once saved always saved” within the Church - but I just believe that not only by the Word but by the nature of God as we come to know Him personally would assure us that once truly saved is forever and eternal. Can you explain this?

A. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior then all the sins of your life, past present and future are forgiven, and you’re saved forever. The big difference between you and the Church in Laodicea is the Lord’s position and that changes everything. You’ve let Him into your heart, but Rev. 3:20 says in Laodicea He’s standing at the door knocking, trying to come in. That means He’s on the outside and they’re not saved. They’re a church in name only, the ones left behind after the Rapture. They think they’re rich and don’t need a thing, even Him. They don’t even realize how poor they are.

You don’t have to worry about being lukewarm but the fact that you do worry actually confirms that you’re His. The Laodiceans should be worried about it but aren’t and that confirms that they’re not His.

Who Are The Luke Warm Christians?

Q. I hear all the time that Lukewarm Christians will miss out on the Rapture, being left behind. Can you tell us who are the Lukewarm Christians? On a scale of 1-10, where is the cut-off? Do I need to be a 10, and never sin to go? I hear people say that Lukewarm Christians will miss out on the Rapture. Does scripture paint this picture in your opinion?

A. The so-called partial rapture view always gets my dander up. Just who are the like warm Christians, you ask? Well let’s look at what current polls say. 93% of those who claim to be born again Christians live secular lives and have a secular world view. About 50% don’t believe in the Holy Spirit or that Satan is real. Nearly 40% have never given the first penny to Kingdom work. The divorce rate among Christians is the same as among non-believers and so is the abortion rate. A much better question to ask is who are the Christians who aren’t luke warm?

The partial rapture theory is promoted by “holier than thou” Christians who want to scare everybody into behaving the way they think we should. Of course they all believe they are going. It’s just the rest of us who have a problem.

There’s not one word in the Bible that supports a partial rapture. According to the Bible, there is just one condition for being included in the Church. “Believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29) Everything else you hear is some form of Pharisaical legalism invented by man in an effort to impose behavioral standards on others. This is a control issue not a theology issue.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Who is worthy?

Worthy To Escape

Q. Would you be kind enough to explain Luke 21:36? I am a born again Christian depending on what Christ sacrificed on the cross for me. I do not believe I am worthy to escape what is soon to happen, except for Christ in me, He alone is worthy. I am confused as to why it states in Luke 21:36 to pray always that I may be worthy to escape.

A. The correct understanding of this verse depends on knowing what it takes to be worthy. Throughout the New Testament we’re told that no one will be made worthy by attaining a certain standard of behavior. In 2 Thes. 1:3-5 Paul used the same Greek words found in Luke 21:36 to explain that it’s our faith, even through times of persecution and suffering, that makes us worthy. When we pray that we’ll be counted worthy to escape, we’re praying that our faith will be sufficient to sustain us in spite of what may be happening around us.

Am I Worthy To Escape?

Q. RE:Luke 21:36 - Jesus says “pray that you be counted worthy to escape these things” - meaning the horrors of God’s judgment. This scripture troubles me as I sometimes wonder if I AM worthy, even though I am a born-again, Spirit-filled Christian who loves the Lord and is serving Him to the best of the talents and abilities that He has given me. I have always believed in the pre-Trib Rapture, but this verse seems to suggest that there are some Christians who won’t make it.

Also - it has been reported that we, meaning the Church of this age, is the Laodocian church - the one that Jesus said He would spit out of His mouth because it was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. I tend to agree with this as I see very few churches, including my own, that are truly on fire for God.

A. A couple of corrections are in order. First, the Lord’s words in Luke 21:36 concerned the first century destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, not the Great Tribulation. We know this because He said “what is about to happen” in the verse. If you read Luke 21 carefully you’ll see that He jumps back and forth between 70 AD and the end of the age.

But actually the same qualifications apply to both events. We are made worthy by the shed Blood of the Lamb, and by that alone. If you’re saved you’re worthy.

Second, the Laodicean Church (apostate) is alive and well on Earth today, but so are Thyatira (Catholic) Sardis (Main Line Protestant) and Philadelphia (Church of the Rapture). Just because you’re here on Earth and part of the Church doesn’t mean it’s the Laodicean Church.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Isaiah 17

What’s The Timing Of Isaiah 17?

Q. Your website is a great blessing. I read you everyday, both the questions and answers and also once a week on your articles. I praise God that you are very plain in your explanations.

Here’s my question. I am interested in the end times and have been reading a lot over the years. But I have not really studied out the time line of when Damascus will be destroyed. Do you think this could happen before the rapture of the Church? Or is it specific to during the trib or at armageddon?

A. Syria is not listed among the participants of the Battle of Ezekiel 38. The only reason I can see is because Syria will have ceased to exist as a threat to Israel by that time. This leads me to believe that Isaiah 17, the prophecy of the destruction of Damascus, will take place before the Battle of Ezekiel 38 and quite possibly before the rapture.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Rapture

Don’t Come Yet Lord!

Q. During recent discussions with members of the Church regarding the end-times events which are unfolding on the world scene, I have been surprised by the negative comments regarding the rapidly approaching return of Jesus. Several professing Christians have expressed their desire that there be enough time remaining which would allow them to “experience a full life.” Some of the most common comments are as follow:

“I want to see my kids grow up.”
“I have some things that I want to do first.”
“I want to serve God longer.”

Most of these people would agree that they are tired of the evil we face every day and that things are getting worse. I am baffled by their desire to remain in our current state of existence. Do their reasons for wanting to continue in this life conflict with the sentiment of 1 John 2:15-17?

A. Yes, people who say these things are in conflict with 1 John 2:15-17. They don’t understand the times we’re in. They have a secular world view and expect life to go on as it always has until we disappear some say. They can be compared to the Jews who didn’t understand what the Promised Land would be like and demanded that Moses take them back to Egypt.

Any body who really understands what’s coming upon the world and what’s waiting for us in Heaven would be praying that the Lord takes us as soon as possible. And they would especially want their kids out of here.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com