This morning I saw on my Facebook a website entitled “The Endtimes Insider”; well, I didn’t even bother to read it. Why? ‘Cause the Bible never spoke of the END TIMES but the TIME OF THE END.
Daniel 12:4 “But you, Daniel, SHUT UP THE WORDS AND SEAL THE BOOK, UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
In Daniel, the vision concerning the “time of the end” was sealed, but in Revelation – the time of the apostle John- it was unveiled. Telling us therefore that the fulfillment of the things concerning the time of the end is at hand. It could never be in our future, for John lives some two thousand years away from today.
See Revelation 5:1-5
“Then I saw in the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne A SCROLL WRITTEN WITHIN AND ON THE BACK, SEALED WITH SEVEN SEALS. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
See also Revelation 22:8-10
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “DO NOT SEAL UP THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, FOR THE TIME IS NEAR.
It is also important to note that Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 12) was quoted by Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:21) concerning the destruction of the Jewish temple (Matthew 24:2), which certainly occurred within the lifetime of the apostle John. There is therefore no point believing that there is an impending end time.
To everyone who insists otherwise, saying there is yet an impending end time, read and understand Jesus’ words from Revelation 22:5-6.
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
Also Revelation 22:10
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
Finally, Revelation 22-16-20.
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Postscript: The intention of this blog is always to enlighten peoples’ understanding of the Scripture. Jesus Christ said, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Let us therefore seek to know the truth of God’s words, for only then may we truly have assurance of all things.
Blessings!
If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture and stay updated, you can head to our Home page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox.
Despite clear utterance from the Lord Jesus Christ that His return or parousia would be during the lifetime of the apostles, it has been rejected and denied by the futurists – actually, that includes the majority of professing Christians. See my blog “Confused Christianity” on Jesus’ assurance concerning His return.
One of the most often used arguments may be found through the writings of Luke, see Acts 1:9-11.
“And when He (Jesus Christ) had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.””
They believe “Jesus returning in the same manner as He was taken” means a physical return. Was it?
First, let us see where Jesus was going at His ascension. See John 20:17.
“Jesus said to her (Mary), “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’””
Jesus was ascending to His glory, to God the Father in heaven. Isn’t that where Jesus exactly told the disciples He was going? See John 14:2.
“In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”
Sometime after His ascension, Jesus Christ appeared to Stephen. See Acts 7:55-56.
“But he (Stephen), full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.””
In other words, after His ascension, Jesus Christ, now glorious, is at the right hand of God. Finally, Paul also said the same about Jesus after His ascension. See 1 Timothy 3:16.
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He (Jesus Christ) was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
Nowhere in Scripture would you find Jesus returning in the flesh, but with the cloud. Isn’t that what Luke wrote in Acts 1:9?
“And when He (Jesus Christ) had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
Consequently, the angels were testifying about the imminent fulfillment of God’s kingdom and judgment as prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14.
““I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.”
Incidentally, Jesus made it clear He wasn’t establishing a physical kingdom; see John 18:36.
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world.””
Finally, Jesus said His kingdom cannot be observed but is present. See Luke 17:20-21.
“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He (Jesus Christ) answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.””
Aren’t futurists proclaiming the exact opposite of Jesus at His return and the conflicting realities of His kingdom?
Note: Futurist are those who insist and teach that Jesus’ Return is yet to come.
Blessings!
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One of the major doctrines of the futurist camp has to do with the belief in a rapture. Futurists are those who supposed the Return of Jesus Christ is yet to happen. See my blog “Confused Christianity” for the futurist perspective. Again, as I have said in my previous blog (Delusions of Rebuilding the Temple) futurists are great storytellers, though having no valid biblical passages to support their claim. They are good at sensationalizing from nothing.
Now, the supposed “rapture” doctrine was taken from a verse found in the letter of Paul, see 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
The translation “caught up together” is presented by the futurist camp as the rapture. Here is a summary of their storytelling, at least the most popular version of their narrative:
The rapture of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 would be succeeded by a period of Seven Years Tribulation, after which Christ Jesus together with the church would return. Without going any further in their storyline, I detected an error with their presentation.
The futurists also said only true Christians would be raptured, leaving nominal or professing Christians behind for a second chance to surrender to Christ.
Would any dare say Christians today are better and more faithful as compared to the apostles James, Peter, John, and the rest?
If indeed only the faithful ones would be raptured, why then was the apostle John enduring the tribulation and left behind? See Revelation 1:9-10.
“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet”
Without a doubt, John claims he was already in the tribulation, yet he was not raptured to escape the tribulation as suggested by futurists.
John also said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day”, literally referring to the Day “belonging to the Lord (Greek #2960)” – an adjective pertaining to the “Day of the Lord”. See 1 Thessalonians 5:2.
“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
In other words, John was already in the tribulation, which Jesus Christ in Matthew 24 relates to His soon coming, an event preceding His Return, fulfilling His words concerning the Day of the Lord – God’s Judgment Day. See Matthew 24:15-21.
““So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
The reference to Daniel’s prophecy has to do with the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. See “Delusions of Rebuilding the Temple” for perspective.
So what happened? John said the tribulation was happening, occurring in his days. He was suffering and exiled for his faith but not RAPTURED.
There are loose ends in the futurist storybook. Here is a guide from Scripture concerning prophetic teachings. See Deuteronomy 18:18-22.
“I (God) will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put My words in His (Jesus Christ) mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And whoever will not listen to My words that He shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.”
It is easy to tell a wonderful story that is nice to hear and comforting to the heart. But if it isn’t founded on the truths of the Scripture, then it should be better not to fall into such hallucinations and embrace it as truth.
Blessings!
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Disclaimer: This is not a photo of the destroyed Second Temple
The pandemic triggered a lot of delusions from among the Futurist camp – the belief that Jesus is yet to return in the future. Yes, Jesus promised His disciples He was coming in their generation. See my previous blog “Confused Christianity” for a better perspective on the topic.
Futurists believe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ would be preceded by a rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. Futurists are great storytellers on the said topic. Novels and movies have been made based on their narrative. However, there is no valid biblical passage to support such a claim. Nowhere in the Bible did Scripture promise the rebuilding of a Third Jewish Temple.
On the contrary, Jesus Christ spoke of the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple (Herod’s temple), and it came to pass in 70 A.D. See Matthew 24:1-2.
“Jesus left the temple and was going away, when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the temple. But He answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.””
Jesus actually first spoke of its destruction in Matthew 23:36-38.
“Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate.”
By “this generation”, Jesus points to the Jewish generation who saw and crucified Him. See Isaiah 64:10-11 for clarity about the “house” in Matthew 23:38.
Your holy cities have become a wilderness; Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.Our holy and beautiful house, where our fathers praised you, has been burned by fire, and all our pleasant places have become ruins.
By “house”, Jesus Christ prophecied about the desolation of the temple. Hence, His mention of its destruction in Matthew 24:2 was to reiterate the fact that truly the temple would be destroyed for the second and final time.
The disciples, having heard Jesus saying twice “the temple would be destroyed”, understood its implication, so they asked:
“As He (Jesus Christ) sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”” (Mat 24:3)
The disciples were able to connect the dots. Temple destruction means “The Return of Christ” and “The End of the Age”. Let me repeat: “IT’S THE END OF THE AGE, NOT THE WORLD.”
The Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of the New Testament defined “age, aion” Greek #165 “an age or era”. In other words, it’s the end of an era – the Old Covenant Israel.
It’s not only the apostles who understood that “temple destroyed = second coming = end of the age.” So do generations of Christians after the catastrophic event in Jerusalem. See the quotation about “Julian the Apostate’s attempt to rebuild the temple” below:
The Church Fathers embellished the story in various ways adding that the Jews received Julian’s proposal enthusiastically, coming in thousands to the Temple Mount with stones in their hands, but when the first stones were laid the Jews were threatened by earthquakes and hurricanes, and finally driven off by a heavenly fire and specter of Christ (Gregory of Nazianz, Contra Julianum, Oratio, no. 4, 2:149–50; Socrates, Historia Ecclesiastica, 3:196; Sozomenus, Historia Ecclesiastica, 5:214–5). Two important facts may be gathered from these sources: (1) Julian wished to rebuild the Temple to strengthen paganism against Christianity (he saw Judaism and paganism as having sacrificial rites in common); (2) he wished to refute Jesus’ prophecy concerning the Temple (Luke 21:6; Matt. 24:2).
If Julian the Apostate had succeeded in his effort to rebuild the Jewish temple, then Jesus would’ve failed to fulfill His promise of return. Jesus Christ, about His judgment against Old Covenant Israel, said:
““So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”(Mat 24:15-21)
One implied meaning was that the Jewish temple would never be rebuilt ‘cause its desolation wouldn’t be repeated. No surprise, the LORD spoke the same truth through Isaiah the prophet. See Isaiah 25:1-2.
“O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For You have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the foreigners’ palace is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.”
Remember that Scripture originally had no chapter or verse division. Hence, Isaiah 24 & 25 are in the same context. God was speaking of His judgment. For reference and clarity to the “city” mentioned in Isaiah 25:2, see Isaiah 24:5-12 below. Take note that “earth” should properly be translated as “land, Hebrew #776,” the land of Israel with whom God gave the Mosaic Law.
“The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are scorched, and few men are left. The wine mourns, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted sigh. The mirth of the tambourines is stilled, the noise of the jubilant has ceased, the mirth of the lyre is stilled. No more do they drink wine with singing; strong drink is bitter to those who drink it. The wasted city is broken down; every house is shut up so that none can enter. There is an outcry in the streets for lack of wine; all joy has grown dark; the gladness of the earth is banished. Desolation is left in the city; the gates are battered into ruins.” (Isaiah 24:5-12)
The Bible is unified in saying, “Old Covenant Jerusalem and its temple will be destroyed, and not be rebuilt.” Amazing to think: Julian the Apostate, despite his enormous power and authority as emperor of Rome, failed to rebuild a Third Jewish Temple. However, the Muslims successfully built the Dome of Rock on the precise site of the former temple.
In conclusion, let us see John’s story concerning Jesus’ words about temple. See John 2:19-22.
“Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking about the temple of His body. When therefore He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”
There is no need for a rebuilt temple. The essence of the temple was to signify God’s presence with Israel. But with the New Covenant, God’s dwelling place is with His people. See 2 Corinthians 6:16.
“What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we (Christians) are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2Co 6:16)
See also 1 Peter 2:4-5.
“As you come to Him (Jesus Christ), a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
It is our prayer that everyone would abide in the words of Christ, discerning truth from myths.
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (Joh 8:31-32)
Blessings!
If you want to follow our journey of unlearning tradition and relearning Scripture and stay updated, you can head to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox.
Without a doubt, 21st-century Christianity comes in many shapes and forms. Christians differ in doctrines, but they seem to be unified in believing that the return of Jesus Christ is still in the future, though it has been millennia since Jesus promised His apostles that He would be coming in their generation. See Matthew 16:27-28.
“For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.””
The synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, & Luke – have the same assurance concerning the imminent return of Christ:
“And He (Jesus Christ) said to them (apostles), “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”” (Mark 9:1)
“For whoever is ashamed of Me (Jesus Christ) and of My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:26-27)
Not only that, Jesus Christ sending out the twelve apostles, instructing them on His message, said, “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7)
“At hand” in the original Greek language means “near,” and near cannot by any means be thousands of years and continuing, as suggested by the Futurists. Jesus Christ did not just give them the message to proclaim, but He reinforced the message with the assurance that it was indeed occurring soon. See Matthew 10:23.
“When they persecute you (the apostles) in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”
As I researched the validity of Jesus’ words, it’s sad, actually disgusting, to find known Bible scholars saying, “No, Jesus was confused or hallucinating when He uttered those words.” Some dismissed the passages saying, “There must be another meaning for that, but we just have to find out.”
Funny that for as long as the passages or verses are convenient to their theological position, they adhere to the Words of Christ, but if it doesn’t, then it’s excuses after excuses. Scripture does not need affirmation from men; rather, the Bible is the dispenser of truth because it is the Word of God.
One of the key disciplines in interpreting Scripture involves recognizing “time statements.” However, Futurists often overlook these time statements in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, and instead suggest that they refer to the future. It’s important to remember that what the apostles considered “the future” is no longer future to us today.
Hence, statements like “this generation” in Matthew 24:34 no longer make an impact on the readers, for time statements have been disregarded. See Matthew 24:29-34.
“29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
So some have suggested “this generation” refers to the generation who saw the literal signs of Matthew 24:29-34. Yet, they miss out on John’s confession in Revelation that he was already in tribulation. See Revelation 1:9.
“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”
Scripture is a unity. The apostles’ writings cannot be different from the Words of Jesus found in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, or the Book of Revelation. Jesus’ words have their foundation in the Old Testament Scripture. The entire Bible is a cohesive revelation concerning the declaration and fulfillment of God’s words.
See Luke 24:44.
Then He (Jesus Christ) said to them (The disciples), “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of fake news online. Most people now get their news from the web, particularly from platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Unfortunately, fake news spreads easily because many individuals click to watch or read without considering the source or the intent of the uploader or poster.
Even if a Facebook post or YouTube video contains factual information, ignoring the date it was published can severely affect its relevance today. The same principle applies when reading and studying the Bible. It is essential to recognize the audience’s relevance, the timing of statements, and their historical accuracy. Failing to do so can lead to misinterpretations of Scripture, whether by inexperienced readers or poorly informed pastors.
Jesus Christ warned, “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)
Find someone who can teach you the disciplines of studying Scripture. Avoid using human-tailored Bible study materials, as they often reflect human influence. It’s important to recognize that even within different Bible translations, traces of human interpretation can be found. Let me be clear: the Bible itself is perfect, infallible, and without error; the issues arise with the translations.
You don’t need to be a scholar of Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic, but it is beneficial to read the Bible by comparing different translations. Additionally, learning to use language tools, such as lexicons, is essential for in-depth Bible study. There are many free lexicon tools available online or for download. You just need to find someone knowledgeable to guide you in using these tools effectively.
It’s never too late to start studying Scripture and practicing proper exegesis. Ultimately, Scripture reveals truths about salvation that extend beyond our physical needs and concerns, addressing both our current lives and eternity. Don’t let yourself become part of confused Christianity.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
I saw a YouTube video posting saying “Jesus is coming, Be ready,” but wait, how did he know? Didn’t they also claim that no one can know the day or the hour?
Like everyone else, I came to faith embracing the same teachings and declarations. But in my twenty-one years of reading and studying the Bible, I have found more contradictions than truths with their prevailing teachings.
Can we Christians simply ignore statements of Jesus Christ concerning His return and say otherwise? Look and see:
“For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.””Matthew 16:27-28
“And He (Jesus Christ) said to them (Jesus’ immediate audience including the apostles), “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.””Mark 9:1
“For whoever is ashamed of Me (Jesus Christ) and of My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.””Luke 9:26-27
“When they persecute you (the apostles) in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you (the apostles), you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”Matthew 10:23
A lot of Christians may have thought of the same thing before, during, and after the First World War, and again with the second one, that Jesus is coming soon. Yet, we knew nothing like what they had claimed happened. Sad to say, it was precisely due to such failed declarations that challenges to the Christian faith have increased.
We have seen similar trends happening again and again. Young people would join a Christian fellowship or Bible study group, excitedly seeking the truth, but after a while, a lot would walk away in search of true Scriptural teachings. Many would find none, so they gave up the search, turning cold and simply becoming attendee Christians. Some would only go by practice, meeting together with friends but not necessarily truthfully seeking the truth. Then as they grow older, when worries and challenges of life start to confront them, many would become like any of the first soils in the parable of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:18-23).
Our Christian mission is to declare the message of the kingdom, not to impose millennia-old traditions that have no solid foundation in Scripture. In this pandemic, once more, many are interested to know what truly lies ahead. Hence, we see and hear pulpit messages and fellowship gatherings focusing on the topic of eschatology – the doctrine of the last things.
Funny, a lot also claim that the Jewish temple would be rebuilt for a third time. May I ask where in the Bible speaks of a third rebuilt Jewish Temple?
In biblical history, Solomon built the Jewish temple which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Seventy years after the exile of the Jews (Judah, the Southern kingdom), the temple was rebuilt during the time of Nehemiah and Ezra. It came about due to God’s promise of return and rebuilding by the Jewish people found in the Book of Jeremiah and Daniel. However, in the same vision shown to Daniel regarding the rebuilding, a second another destruction, a final destruction, was also announced (Daniel 9).
Herod the Great worked on the expansion and beautification of the second temple. This is the same temple during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry and those of the apostles. And Jesus Christ spoke of its destruction, affirming therefore the vision and prophecy of Daniel in all three Synoptic Gospels of the Bible – Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
In Revelation, John saw the vision and the reality of the Holy City and the New Heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21). This is misrepresented and missing in the modern teaching of the Bible.
One of the primary disciplines in studying the Bible is to recognize audience relevance, time statements, and the context of the passage. That is violated in the presentation of modern preachers and teachers of the Bible.
Listen to the words of Jesus Christ, see Matthew 15:12-14.
“Then the disciples came and said to Him (Jesus Christ), “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.””
Do your reading of the Scripture. Don’t just listen to the preaching or teaching of a pastor simply because he is popular or because it is the popular teaching. Beware that when Jesus Christ came teaching and preaching, many found His teaching new and strange ‘cause it was not according to the popular teachings of His time.
“And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him (Jesus Christ).””Mark 1:27
“And they took him (the apostle Paul) and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?”Acts 17:19
“Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as He taught at Capernaum. When many of His disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”“John 6:59-60
Check for yourselves the truthful teachings of the Scripture. Learn to discern truthful teaching of the Bible from man-invented ideas misquoting Scripture. Do not be afraid to challenge conventional Christian ideas or teachings if Scripture proves otherwise.
Remember the words of Jesus Christ.
““Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”Matthew 7:13-14
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The Lord Jesus Christ spent three years calling disciples to Himself. He ate, slept, and taught them the truths of the Bible. When the opportunity arose, He cautioned against living double lives and encouraged them to trust His Word and change for the glory of God. Nowhere in Scripture did He teach the disciples to enrich themselves with worldly goods but to be rich with treasures in heaven.
Many fail to understand that discipleship cannot be done en masse without sacrificing the truths of the Scripture. Certain discipline needs to be done first before truthful discipleship can ensue. Successful disciples are not attained by numbers, nor is it by water baptism; rather, it’s only when one’s life has been transformed for Christ. This is the ultimate goal of discipleship.
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.”” 2Co 6:14-18
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”” 1Co 5:9-13
The scriptures above explained one crucial discipline that needed to be learned and done. But we have double the problem if the entity supposedly engaging in discipleship was already compromised. Would anyone sincerely deny this truth? The invitation of Jesus Christ is clear, so He said “Come, follow Me.”
True discipleship then begins and ends with the person following Jesus Christ. This involves one’s full commitment to the word of God, notwithstanding its demands.
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
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The pandemic has claimed many lives. A lot of questions arise with the passing of a person. We probably have heard sermons concerning the afterlife. I was in a similar circumstance when my only son passed away decades ago. I also have my questions. What happens after death?
Death has always been a mystery, though some may have tried to figure out the answer through research and experiments. Yet, the only source for answer should be from the Giver of Life Himself – God eternal.
Just as I have said earlier, a lot of sermons have focused on the topic of the afterlife to provide hope and assurance. I have heard of sermons on the topic as I attended funeral or necrological services. Yes, all of them were right to say the hope of eternity is in Christ alone. But the details on when and how somehow differs.
Since the passing of my son, I have a particular interest in the topic of death and life. I initially came to faith in Christ Jesus simply for the selfish reason of wanting to see him again. But with the years of seminary training, study, and teaching of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ graciously opened my eyes and mind to understand His Word.
Christians, at the end of our physical journey, do not end up in soul sleep but have continued. For Jesus Christ said:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” John 11:25-26
Obviously, in verse 26, Jesus Christ wasn’t referring to the continuance of physical life but life eternal with Him. None of the apostles remained alive physically though they believed in Christ Jesus. No Christian since the onset of Christianity remained physically alive forever. Without a doubt, Jesus Christ was/is true and faithful to His Word and promises – “everyone who lives and believes in Him shall never die”. Therefore, Christians need not wait for a future resurrection. Again Jesus Christ said:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24
The Greek word for “Christian or Christians, Strong #G5546” was used only three times in the New Testament – Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
The Strong’s Greek definition for the noun “Christian” literally means “follower of Christ”. The apostle Peter clearly taught a Christian person ought to glorify God in that name – follower of Christ. It is therefore important to know the Bible’s definition of a Christian. Go, read and study the Word of God. Do not allow yourself to be trap in the loosely interpreted, used and application of the word “Christian”.
The true blessings of Christ Jesus rest in the authority, truthfulness and validity of His Words.
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I was asked recently, “Is it true that Russia would supply arms to Middle Eastern nations in war with Israel as taught in Scripture preceding the Return of Christ?”
The simple and straightforward answer in Scripture was a definite “no, nowhere in the Bible,” but with Christian myths and fictitious novels, “yes, a lot!”
Here was the warning from Christ Jesus our Lord on His return:
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:18-20
It is important to note that Jesus Christ said “soon,” not today but two thousand years ago. And He made that promise to a real person, the apostle John, not just any John Doe today.
“And he (the angel) said to me (John), ‘These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants (John, included) what must soon take place.’ ‘And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me.”Revelation 22:6-8
The same narrative has been repeated for decades, perhaps centuries, until recently. It’s truly pathetic and becoming like “the boy who cries wolf.”
For Jesus Christ attested to His disciples – that is, Peter, James and John, and the rest – saying:
“Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”Matthew 16:28
Are any of the apostles to whom Jesus Christ gave the assurance of His return still alive today?
Anyone who insists otherwise should debunk the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Would anyone dare to do so?
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Christendom has two important annual occasions – the celebration of Christmas and the remembering of the Holy Week. It is widely acknowledged that the month of December, a winter time in Bethlehem (December to February), cannot be the time of Christ’s incarnate birth, given that Scripture spoke of shepherds in the field at the time of His birth (Luke 2:4-16). Let me be very clear here: The incarnate birth of Jesus Christ is factual and historical but the celebration of Christmas in December is more highly atradition.
It must have been a little over a month since I last wrote a blog. I came out writing this blog since our calendars once again reminds us of the supposed Holy Week. The idea of the Holy Week was never mentioned in the New Testament Scripture, particularly the Book of Acts, written by Luke narrating the beginning and events of the early church. Here is the reason the Holy Week was never mentioned in Scripture:
Holy Week, in the Christian church, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, observed with special solemnity as a time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. In the Greek and Roman liturgical books, it is called the Great Week because great deeds were done by God during this week. The name Holy Week was used in the 4th century bySt. Athanasius, bishopof Alexandria, and St. Epiphanius of Constantia. Originally, onlyGood FridayandHoly Saturdaywere observed as holy days. Later, Wednesday was added as the day on whichJudasplotted to betray Jesus, and by the beginning of the 3rd century the other days of the week had been added. The pre-Nicene church concentrated its attention on the celebration of one great feast, the Christian Passover, on the night between Saturday and Easter Sunday morning. By the later 4th century the practice had begun of separating the various events and commemorating them on the days of the week on which they occurred: Judas’s betrayal and the institution of the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday; the Passion and death of Christ on Good Friday; his burial on Saturday; and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
As you can see, the observance of the Holy Week was a tradition that began in the 4th century, hundreds of years after the inception of Christianity. See Matthew 12:40. Jesus Christ said:
For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
See also John 2:18-22; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22-23 and many more. Jesus Christ, the last and great Prophet of God (Matthew 13:57; Acts 3:19-22), proclaimed that He would be three days and three nights buried on the ground. How then can He had died on a Friday, buried on a Saturday and resurrected on a Sunday? Something obviously is wrong or misleading, don’t you think? See also information below.
Fixing the date on which the Resurrection of Jesus was to be observed and celebrated triggered a major controversy in early Christianity in which an Eastern and a Western position can be distinguished. The dispute, known as the Paschal controversies, was not definitively resolved until the 8th century. In Asia Minor, Christians observed the day of the Crucifixion on the same day that Jews celebrated the Passover offering—that is, on the 14th day of the first full moon of spring, 14 Nisan (seeJewish calendar). The Resurrection, then, was observed two days later, on 16 Nisan, regardless of the day of the week. In the West the Resurrection of Jesus was celebrated on the first day of the week, Sunday, when Jesus had risen from the dead. Consequently, Easter was always celebrated on the first Sunday after the 14th day of the month of Nisan. Increasingly, the churches opted for the Sunday celebration, and the Quartodecimans (“14th day” proponents) remained a minority. The Council of Nicaea in 325 decreed that Easter should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox (March 21). Easter, therefore, can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25.
So like the Christmas celebration, the observation of the Holy Week, specifically regarding the day of resurrection, traditionally understood as a Sunday, also was/is more of tradition rather than Scripture.
Sunday, the first day of the week. It is regarded by most Christians as the Lord’s Day, or the weekly memorial of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. The practice of Christians gathering together for worship on Sunday dates back to apostolic times, but details of the actual development of the custom are not clear. Verse 10 of the first chapter of the Revelation to John (mid-1st century AD) mentions the “Lord’s Day”; this was subsequently interpreted by most commentators as a reference to Sunday.St. Justin Martyr(c. 100–c. 165), philosopher and defender of the Christian faith, in his writings described the Christians gathered together for worship on the Lord’s Day: the Gospels or the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) was read, the presiding minister preached a sermon, and the group prayed together and celebrated the Lord’s Supper.
The Roman emperor Constantine I (died 337), a convert to Christianity, introduced the first civil legislation concerning Sunday in 321, when he decreed that all work should cease on that day, except that farmers could work if necessary. That law, aimed at providing time for worship, was followed later in the same century and in subsequent centuries by further restrictions on Sunday activities.
Make no mistake that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was/is the centerpiece of our faith. See 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; the apostle Paul explaining the truth concerning resurrection said:
12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Let me be very clear here. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are factual and historical events clearly authenticated by the Bible and is without error. But the day of resurrection is more of a tradition. You may want to read my blog entitled “Small Details May Say A Lot (The True Sabbath Rest)” for further explanation on the topic of the resurrection day and more. But the point of this blog is to align our understanding of Christ’s Resurrection with that of the Bible. Christ’s Resurrection occurred in fulfillment of the Jewish Feast of Firstfruits, (1 Corinthians 15:20). See Leviticus 23:9-11.
9And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 10“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, 11and he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.
Christ’s redemptive work, His death and resurrection, should be understood through the pages of the Old Testament Scripture. See Luke 24:13-27.
13That very day [the day of Christ’s resurrection] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. 17And He said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.22Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23and when they did not find His body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see.”25And He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
See also Luke 24:44-48.
44Then He [Jesus] said to them [the apostles], “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”45Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things.
Aren’t the apostles witnessed of the New Testament Scripture, which we believe, proclaim and teach? Sadly, it is quite evident that through the centuries, the Christian doctrine have been diluted with tradition, which has been passed down and repeatedly been taught for millennia now. Shouldn’t it be re-examined, corrected and restored to its original narrative – that is, in fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets?
Lord willing, in the next few blogs, we hope to go back to the Bible, to unlearn tradition and relearn Scripture. Let us learn from the Bereans: “they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if what they have been told is true”.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25)
Blessings!
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Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 