The Battle of Armageddon will take place towards the close of the Great Tribulation. This will be the decisive battle between the forces of good and evil, when the Antichrist will rally forces from many nations to attack Israel. The battlezone will be set at Megiddo, between Mt Carmel and Mt Gilboa south of the Kishon River.
Those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be spared the bloodshed as His blood had already been shed for them, so theirs would not have to flow.
Rapture is the time when the Lord comes for His saints but the world shall not see Him. In fact, most of the world don't even know what happened after rapture had occurred. Some may even conclude that aliens had descended upon earth and snatched some poor souls away!
When the first seal of the title deed of the earth is opened, believers will hear the trumpet of God and be 'snatched away' to heaven, leaving behind all their personal belongings, even the very clothes they are wearing! Those who are 'asleep' in Christ will rise first, followed by those believers who are living at the time of the rapture to meet the Lord in the clouds.
All those who have missed the rapture will be given a 'second chance' to call upon the name of the Lord for help. Those who are saved during the tribulation - known as tribulation saints - will be delivered from condemnation (Daniel 12:1), every one whose name is found written in the Book of Life.
Some writers are of the view that only overcoming Christians belonging to the Philadelphia church will be in the rapture, while the lukewarm and backslidden kind found in the Laodicean church will be left behind , as they are lukewarm and indifferent to the things of God (Revelation 3:7,14). However, I am of the view that all born again believers, regardless of their spiritual maturity, will be raptured up into the heavens to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). Those who are found faithful and had put their faith and trust in the Lord will yield good fruits that will attract reward to rule and reign with Christ during the Millennial Age (2 Timothy 2:12). These are the saints who will return with the Lord at His Second Coming (1 Thess 3:13). This Second Coming will occur towards the close of the tribulation.
Believers who failed to earn any reward will lose the privilege and honor of inheriting the kingdom of heaven during the Millennial Age. The Millenial Age is the one thousand year reign of Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Nevertheless, they are saved as their salvation is based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. However, they will face the grim prospect of life in chastisement at the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:13).
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) so that we will not be found wanting and ashamed at His coming (1 John 2:28).
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The End-Time Roadmap
Every now and then, we read and hear of news about wars and rumors of wars, strife, plagues. famines, pestilences and earthquakes. Crimes and lawlessness abound with terrorist acts occurring so frequent these days that they are no longer worthy of the headline news.
The world has gone mad with all kinds of weirdos appearing on the world's stage! Satan knows that his time on earth is short and he is trying all means to extract maximum damage to mankind and planet earth before his destimy is shut hell-bound and later the lake of fire.
As Christians we should not be alarmed or disheartened because the Word of God prophesied that all these things must come to pass before restoration comes. The concluding end-time story is one of restoration - for mankind and for planet earth. Man lost the ownership of the earth due to sin. However, through the events of the Tribulation and Armageddon, God will return planet earth to the rule of man with the return of Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Planet earth could well be restored to its perpendicular axis with freak and extreme weather patterns assigned to history.
As a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, man lost control of three main areas of his life.
* his spirit and soul are alienated from the Almighty God
* his body is subject to decay and death
* his dominion of the earth is lost to Satan by default
However, through the mercy and grace of God, His plan of redemption and restoration can be summarised in three areas.
* Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law having become a curse for us. (Galatians 3:13). Hence, anyone who believes and accepts Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord will have his spirit and soul redeemed from the demands of the law, whose penalty for sin is death.
* Man's physical body will be transformed at the point of rapture. Romans 8:23 tells us that we groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. One day, all born again believers will be raptured with a brand new glorified body that will neither decay nor die.
* Christ will return to repossess the earth which is currently under Satan's control. Man is the rightful heir who will one day hold the title deed of the earth under the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The valley of Megiddo is the assembly area where the Antichrist will gather his forces to wage war against the nation of Israel. The army of the Antichrist will march south heading towards Jerusalem. It will be in the Valley of Jehoshaphat that the Battle of Armageddon will take place.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Kinsman-Redeemer. He paid the full price to redeemer us from all our sin as well as to repossess our inheritance of the earth. But before He can reclaim possession of the earth, He has to break open the seals to the title deed of the earth. Revelation 5 tells us that Christ receives the title deed of the earth. Following that in Revelation chapters 6 to 11, He opens all the seven seals and hence has the mandate to evict Satan from the face of the earth. This event will happen at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:14, 16). Satan is then cast into the pit of hell for a thousand years during the Millennial Age. He is subsequently released for a season before having his destiny sealed forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
The Battle of Armageddon will be devastating as it culminates in the wrath of God upon the sin of this world. However, God in His mercy and grace will save those will are His, who have placed their faith and trust in His Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Him during the tribulation will also be saved from condemnation, just like those who believe during the church age. So be prepared and be counted as those who are His - and secured your destiny well ahead of time!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
The world has gone mad with all kinds of weirdos appearing on the world's stage! Satan knows that his time on earth is short and he is trying all means to extract maximum damage to mankind and planet earth before his destimy is shut hell-bound and later the lake of fire.
As Christians we should not be alarmed or disheartened because the Word of God prophesied that all these things must come to pass before restoration comes. The concluding end-time story is one of restoration - for mankind and for planet earth. Man lost the ownership of the earth due to sin. However, through the events of the Tribulation and Armageddon, God will return planet earth to the rule of man with the return of Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Planet earth could well be restored to its perpendicular axis with freak and extreme weather patterns assigned to history.
As a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, man lost control of three main areas of his life.
* his spirit and soul are alienated from the Almighty God
* his body is subject to decay and death
* his dominion of the earth is lost to Satan by default
However, through the mercy and grace of God, His plan of redemption and restoration can be summarised in three areas.
* Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law having become a curse for us. (Galatians 3:13). Hence, anyone who believes and accepts Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord will have his spirit and soul redeemed from the demands of the law, whose penalty for sin is death.
* Man's physical body will be transformed at the point of rapture. Romans 8:23 tells us that we groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. One day, all born again believers will be raptured with a brand new glorified body that will neither decay nor die.
* Christ will return to repossess the earth which is currently under Satan's control. Man is the rightful heir who will one day hold the title deed of the earth under the kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The valley of Megiddo is the assembly area where the Antichrist will gather his forces to wage war against the nation of Israel. The army of the Antichrist will march south heading towards Jerusalem. It will be in the Valley of Jehoshaphat that the Battle of Armageddon will take place.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our Kinsman-Redeemer. He paid the full price to redeemer us from all our sin as well as to repossess our inheritance of the earth. But before He can reclaim possession of the earth, He has to break open the seals to the title deed of the earth. Revelation 5 tells us that Christ receives the title deed of the earth. Following that in Revelation chapters 6 to 11, He opens all the seven seals and hence has the mandate to evict Satan from the face of the earth. This event will happen at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:14, 16). Satan is then cast into the pit of hell for a thousand years during the Millennial Age. He is subsequently released for a season before having his destiny sealed forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
The Battle of Armageddon will be devastating as it culminates in the wrath of God upon the sin of this world. However, God in His mercy and grace will save those will are His, who have placed their faith and trust in His Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Him during the tribulation will also be saved from condemnation, just like those who believe during the church age. So be prepared and be counted as those who are His - and secured your destiny well ahead of time!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Major Prophetic Events To Come
As time marches on towards the calamitous close of the church age, the scripture reveals a series of events that will unfold from the rapture through to the new heavens and the new earth. Even though Satan will attempt to thwart the order of these events, however, the plan and purposes of God will prevail.
Hebrews chapter 11 reveals in typological terms, the order of events to come for Christians in regard to the consummation of the age. Let the truth be known that these events will affect everyone regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religious affiliations or status in life.
1. Crucufixion of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 11:4 speaks of Abel (son of Adam) who offered up the blood sacrifice to God. This signifies the atoning blood of Jesus Christ on the cross for all who would place their faith and trust in Him. Hence, the beginning of the age of grace was born.
2. Rapture of the Saints
The next prophetic event that affects Christians to take place will be the rapture of the saints to heaven. The dead in Christ will rise first, follow by those born-again Christians who are still living at the time of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). The translation of Enoch (Hebrew 11:5) typifies this event for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
3. God's Judgment Upon the World
After Enoch comes Noah (Hebrews 11:7), a time of flood that brought destruction to the whole world. This signifies that after rapture comes the tribulation - the time of God's judgment upon the whole world. It is a time when the age of grace is over and God is dealing with His chosen people - the nation of Israel - and the world who had rejected His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!
4. Judgment Seat of Christ
The first thing to happen to believers who are raised and translated (Christians being given new bodies) will be to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every Christians will be required to give an account of their lives to Jesus Christ from the time of their initial salvation to the time of death or rapture (Ecclesiastes12:14; Jeremiah 17:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13)
There will be crowns of rewards, honor and inheritances to positions of privileges and prestige for the faithful stewards of the Lord. For those who failed to earn any reward, there could be shame and even temporary punishment for the unfaithful believers.
5. Marriage Supper of the Lamb
After the Judgment Seat of Christ, those who are found faithful and obedient to the commandments of the Lord will form the Bride of Christ. Revelation 19:7-8 stipulates that only those with righteous good deeds will form the Bride of Christ. Note that the marriage of the Lamb is only for the New Testament saints of the church age. The marriage of the Lamb is followed by a wedding feast. All those who are invited to the feast are blessed (Revelation 19:9).
The Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth probably at the time of the battle of Armageddon to save the remnant of the Jews from destruction (Rev 19: 11-16; Zechariah 13:6-9).
He will then gather all the Gentiles before Him and divide them into two groups - the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-34). The sheep are those who received the gospel of the kingdom that was preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the time of tribulation as prophesied in Revelation chapter 7. The goats are those Gentiles who rejected the gospel of the kingdom. The sheep had demonstrated good deeds by their kind treatment of the Israelites (the Lord's brethren - Matthew 25:35-40). These sheep who are saved will then enter the Millennial Kingdom of Christ as God's earthly people.
The New Testament saints and some of the faithful saints of the Old Testament era are God's heavenly people who will dwell in the New Jerusalem located in the heavens during the Millennial Age. During this period of one thousand years Satan will be bound in hell and unable to deceive the nations in the Millennial Kingdom. (Rev 20:1-3).
At the end of the Millennial Age, God will gather all the unsaved and the fallen angels to be judged at the Great White Throne, with their final destiny in the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15).
When all these are over, the old heaven and old earth will passed away to be replaced by the new heaven and the new earth (Rev 21:1). Therein will dwell three groups of God's people - the New Testament saints, the redeemed nation of Israel and the redeemed Gentile nations - in perfect harmony for eternity!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Hebrews chapter 11 reveals in typological terms, the order of events to come for Christians in regard to the consummation of the age. Let the truth be known that these events will affect everyone regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religious affiliations or status in life.
1. Crucufixion of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 11:4 speaks of Abel (son of Adam) who offered up the blood sacrifice to God. This signifies the atoning blood of Jesus Christ on the cross for all who would place their faith and trust in Him. Hence, the beginning of the age of grace was born.
2. Rapture of the Saints
The next prophetic event that affects Christians to take place will be the rapture of the saints to heaven. The dead in Christ will rise first, follow by those born-again Christians who are still living at the time of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). The translation of Enoch (Hebrew 11:5) typifies this event for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
3. God's Judgment Upon the World
After Enoch comes Noah (Hebrews 11:7), a time of flood that brought destruction to the whole world. This signifies that after rapture comes the tribulation - the time of God's judgment upon the whole world. It is a time when the age of grace is over and God is dealing with His chosen people - the nation of Israel - and the world who had rejected His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ!
4. Judgment Seat of Christ
The first thing to happen to believers who are raised and translated (Christians being given new bodies) will be to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every Christians will be required to give an account of their lives to Jesus Christ from the time of their initial salvation to the time of death or rapture (Ecclesiastes12:14; Jeremiah 17:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13)
There will be crowns of rewards, honor and inheritances to positions of privileges and prestige for the faithful stewards of the Lord. For those who failed to earn any reward, there could be shame and even temporary punishment for the unfaithful believers.
5. Marriage Supper of the Lamb
After the Judgment Seat of Christ, those who are found faithful and obedient to the commandments of the Lord will form the Bride of Christ. Revelation 19:7-8 stipulates that only those with righteous good deeds will form the Bride of Christ. Note that the marriage of the Lamb is only for the New Testament saints of the church age. The marriage of the Lamb is followed by a wedding feast. All those who are invited to the feast are blessed (Revelation 19:9).
The Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth probably at the time of the battle of Armageddon to save the remnant of the Jews from destruction (Rev 19: 11-16; Zechariah 13:6-9).
He will then gather all the Gentiles before Him and divide them into two groups - the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-34). The sheep are those who received the gospel of the kingdom that was preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the time of tribulation as prophesied in Revelation chapter 7. The goats are those Gentiles who rejected the gospel of the kingdom. The sheep had demonstrated good deeds by their kind treatment of the Israelites (the Lord's brethren - Matthew 25:35-40). These sheep who are saved will then enter the Millennial Kingdom of Christ as God's earthly people.
The New Testament saints and some of the faithful saints of the Old Testament era are God's heavenly people who will dwell in the New Jerusalem located in the heavens during the Millennial Age. During this period of one thousand years Satan will be bound in hell and unable to deceive the nations in the Millennial Kingdom. (Rev 20:1-3).
At the end of the Millennial Age, God will gather all the unsaved and the fallen angels to be judged at the Great White Throne, with their final destiny in the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15).
When all these are over, the old heaven and old earth will passed away to be replaced by the new heaven and the new earth (Rev 21:1). Therein will dwell three groups of God's people - the New Testament saints, the redeemed nation of Israel and the redeemed Gentile nations - in perfect harmony for eternity!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Blessings and Curses of Our Times
In this blog, I am going to share with the readers what I observed are three major trends that seem to grip THREE major groups of people and are being fulfilled according to end-time prophecy. Generally speaking, it may seem that one group has distinct advantages over the other two groups, but from God's perspective, this is not necessarily so.
1. The Haves vs The Haves-Not
The past couple of decades had seen the shift towards globalisation, where the world has become a global village. Such trend has resulted in unprecedented wealth creation in the history of mankind. Those with the capital - the investors/capitalists - and those with the required skills - the professionals - have greater mobility to move their funds in various capital markets and their choice of employment worldwide. However, those without the capital and or required skills are often being left behind as the world passes them by. Hence, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer in relative terms.
Such dichotomy between labor (the haves-not) and the capital (the haves) is a recipe for tensions and conflicts in this divided world. James 5:1-8 warns those who are rich in this world not to heap up riches at the expense of the poor - in these last days.
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten.
Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.
Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
You have condemned, you have murdered the just, he does not resist you.
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (Jas 5:1-8).
2. Moral Decadence
The rich of this world are often less willing to share their riches with the poor and needy. Instead, they would rather spend their wealth on the pleasures and the material trappings of this world. That is why billions are spent on marketing campaigns targetting at the well-heeled and famous. Little wonder that businesses that cater to purchases of luxurious penthouses, branded marques, exquisite watches and exotic vacations are doing extremely well, especially in major cities of the world where the wealthy congregate.
Such observation is consistent with 2 Timothy 3:1-5 where it warns of the things to come in the last days.
" But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such peoepele turn away."
3. Mark of the Beast
In the end-time scenario prophesised in Revelation 13:15-17, there is a group of people who are under the 'spirit of domination' in almost every aspects of their lives. They lose all personal rights and civil liberties, and are being dominated by a system with the mark of the beast, with the number being 666. This could refer to a current religious system that dominates the lives of over one billion people of the earth's population.
It will rise up to challenge the democratic freedom of modern civilisation as most of the world's population is currently living under.
To have a strong Christian family foundation, check out the following link:
Save Your Christian Marriage.
1. The Haves vs The Haves-Not
The past couple of decades had seen the shift towards globalisation, where the world has become a global village. Such trend has resulted in unprecedented wealth creation in the history of mankind. Those with the capital - the investors/capitalists - and those with the required skills - the professionals - have greater mobility to move their funds in various capital markets and their choice of employment worldwide. However, those without the capital and or required skills are often being left behind as the world passes them by. Hence, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer in relative terms.
Such dichotomy between labor (the haves-not) and the capital (the haves) is a recipe for tensions and conflicts in this divided world. James 5:1-8 warns those who are rich in this world not to heap up riches at the expense of the poor - in these last days.
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten.
Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.
Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
You have condemned, you have murdered the just, he does not resist you.
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (Jas 5:1-8).
2. Moral Decadence
The rich of this world are often less willing to share their riches with the poor and needy. Instead, they would rather spend their wealth on the pleasures and the material trappings of this world. That is why billions are spent on marketing campaigns targetting at the well-heeled and famous. Little wonder that businesses that cater to purchases of luxurious penthouses, branded marques, exquisite watches and exotic vacations are doing extremely well, especially in major cities of the world where the wealthy congregate.
Such observation is consistent with 2 Timothy 3:1-5 where it warns of the things to come in the last days.
" But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such peoepele turn away."
3. Mark of the Beast
In the end-time scenario prophesised in Revelation 13:15-17, there is a group of people who are under the 'spirit of domination' in almost every aspects of their lives. They lose all personal rights and civil liberties, and are being dominated by a system with the mark of the beast, with the number being 666. This could refer to a current religious system that dominates the lives of over one billion people of the earth's population.
It will rise up to challenge the democratic freedom of modern civilisation as most of the world's population is currently living under.
To have a strong Christian family foundation, check out the following link:
Save Your Christian Marriage.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Gospel of Grace vs Gospel of the Kingdom
And the gospel of the kingdom wll be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Many Christians believe that the gospel of grace must be preached in all the world to all nations before the second coming of Christ will materialise. A careful reading of Matthew 24:14 will reveal two crucial facts that are often misunderstood.
1. It is the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven that must be preached and not the gospel of grace before the consumation of the end.
2. The preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is set forth as the end and not the second coming of Christ.
The 'end' as used in Matthew 24:14 comes from the Greek word 'telos' which means the final comsummate end of all things. And this only happens after the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth (known as the Millennial Kingdom). This word differs from the word 'end' used in Matthew 24:3 which is a Greek word 'sunteleios' in reference to the accomplishment of certain events before the close of the present church age.
According to the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthins 15:3-4, the gospel of grace refers to the good news pertaining to the grace of God. 'That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.'
The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is the good news pertaining to the establishment on earth of a corporeal kingdom which will rule and reign for one thousand years in fulfillment of God's covenant to David (2 Samuel 7:8-16).
Paramount to the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom is the call upon the nation of Israel to REPENT of her disobedience to the commandments of God. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, the nation was called to REPENT of their rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah.
Central to the gospel of grace, individuals are called upon to BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation of their spirit (Acts 19:43; 16:30-31; Romans 1:16; John 3:16).
Under the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom, signs, wonders and miracles were manifested to authenticate the messengers and the messages (Mark 16:16-20). While the preaching of the gospel of grace is to be accompanied by the Word of God from Scriptures, illuminated by the Holy Spirit and those who hear are to accept by faith.
In Matthew 24:14, the Lord Jesus focused on the end of the world, rather than the end of the church age. The preaching of the kingdom will come during the millennial age to all the nations of the world before the consummation of the end of the world.
Therefore, this end of the world will not come until after the return of Christ to earth, ruled and reigned for one thousand years and put all enemies under His subjection, including death, before delivering all things to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).
As Christians, our task is to preach the gospel of grace to all people. The return of the Lord Jesus is not solely dependent upon the success of the churches and missions organisations to fulfill this prophecy, though it is their mandate to disciple the nations (Matthew 28: 19-20). The fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the second coming of Christ is the prerogative of God alone.
The time of our Lord's return has been set by God as given to us in Acts 15:14 and Romans 11:25, when the number of the Gentiles together with the remnant of Israel are fulfilled according to the election of grace to form the Body of Christ. When that prophecy has been fulfilled, then our Lord will return.
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Many Christians believe that the gospel of grace must be preached in all the world to all nations before the second coming of Christ will materialise. A careful reading of Matthew 24:14 will reveal two crucial facts that are often misunderstood.
1. It is the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven that must be preached and not the gospel of grace before the consumation of the end.
2. The preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is set forth as the end and not the second coming of Christ.
The 'end' as used in Matthew 24:14 comes from the Greek word 'telos' which means the final comsummate end of all things. And this only happens after the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth (known as the Millennial Kingdom). This word differs from the word 'end' used in Matthew 24:3 which is a Greek word 'sunteleios' in reference to the accomplishment of certain events before the close of the present church age.
According to the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthins 15:3-4, the gospel of grace refers to the good news pertaining to the grace of God. 'That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.'
The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is the good news pertaining to the establishment on earth of a corporeal kingdom which will rule and reign for one thousand years in fulfillment of God's covenant to David (2 Samuel 7:8-16).
Paramount to the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom is the call upon the nation of Israel to REPENT of her disobedience to the commandments of God. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, the nation was called to REPENT of their rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah.
Central to the gospel of grace, individuals are called upon to BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation of their spirit (Acts 19:43; 16:30-31; Romans 1:16; John 3:16).
Under the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom, signs, wonders and miracles were manifested to authenticate the messengers and the messages (Mark 16:16-20). While the preaching of the gospel of grace is to be accompanied by the Word of God from Scriptures, illuminated by the Holy Spirit and those who hear are to accept by faith.
In Matthew 24:14, the Lord Jesus focused on the end of the world, rather than the end of the church age. The preaching of the kingdom will come during the millennial age to all the nations of the world before the consummation of the end of the world.
Therefore, this end of the world will not come until after the return of Christ to earth, ruled and reigned for one thousand years and put all enemies under His subjection, including death, before delivering all things to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).
As Christians, our task is to preach the gospel of grace to all people. The return of the Lord Jesus is not solely dependent upon the success of the churches and missions organisations to fulfill this prophecy, though it is their mandate to disciple the nations (Matthew 28: 19-20). The fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the second coming of Christ is the prerogative of God alone.
The time of our Lord's return has been set by God as given to us in Acts 15:14 and Romans 11:25, when the number of the Gentiles together with the remnant of Israel are fulfilled according to the election of grace to form the Body of Christ. When that prophecy has been fulfilled, then our Lord will return.
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Monday, April 23, 2007
Events Leading To Armageddon
The recent shooting massacre at Virginia Tech in America is a foreboding of extreme violence that man is capable of. The Apostle warned in Romans 1:30 that man is capable of being 'inventors of evil things'. Just two days after this disaster, some 230 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks and car bombs in Baghdad, Iraq. Could it be that violence will turn more gruesome, and God's covering of protection in general will slowly recede as we march towards the tribulation midnight hour?
During the great tribulation of three-and-half years, Israel is prophesied to face great persecutions and sufferings as a conglomerate of nations will descend upon Jerusalem to wage war against her (Zechariah 14:2). It will culminate in the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). The nation from the north of Jerusalem of the land of Magog (Ezekiel 38:2), probably Russia, will lead some Middle Eastern and eastern nations to attack Israel. This scenario is set to unfold as after the rapture of the church, Israel could lose much of her politicaal and economic support as most of her supporters were no longer on planet earth! Israel's arch enemies could take full advantage of the chaos in the Western world arising after the rapture, to take full advantage of her vulnerability in a last ditch attempt to wipe her out from the land of Palestine.
The Jews living in Judea - currently the West Bank - will have to flee for their lives as warned by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 24:15-21. At the present time, the West Bank has been
separated from Israel proper by a stretch of high security wall, leaving the Jews living there vulnerable to attacks during the great tribulation.
Revelation 11:1-2 states that the Temple Mount (temple of God) will be shared between the Jews and the Gentiles. Though currently under Jewish control, the outer court will come under Gentile control during the great tribulation. This could well be the antichrist who will head up the proposed international community to supervise the sharing of the Temple Mount.
In recent years, there were plans to rebuild the Temple Mount by the recently formed Sanhedrin in Israel. The Temple has to be rebuilt in order that the antichrist can perform his unholy acts in the holy place as was prophesied by prophet Daniel.
On the technological front, radio frequency identification (RFID) could well be the next phase of chip technology to replace the bar codes. It looks like this is another step forward to fulfill the 'mark of the beast' as prophesied in Revelation 13. Such spychips, as they are known, is set to become pervasive in corporate and individual lives. There are reports in America and Japan where such chips had been embedded under the skin of adults and children for medical and security reasons.
The good news is that, as a pre-tribulationist, I beleieve that all born again believers will be snatched away from planet earth, to appear before the Lord Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We as Christians are to give an account of our lives to the Lord and nothing will be hidden from Him. After their works had gone through God's refining fire (1 Cor 3: 12-15), those who deserves a reward will have the privilege to rule and reign with Christ in His coming Millennial Kingdom. All these happening somewhere in heaven while planet earth is going through burning fire (nuclear fallout at Armageddon?) during the seven years of tribulation - the time of God's wrath and judgment on earth!
Will Israel be annihilated with such great numbers of forces formed against her? At the last trumpet, the Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with His saints (glorified) and touchdown at the Mount of Olives, the same mountain where he gave His warnings to the Jews some two millennia ago! He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth; and with the breadth of His lips He shall slay the wicked (Isaiah 11:4). The enenies will be totally routed and one-third of the remnants of the land of Israel will be saved to enter the Millennial Kingdom (The promise Land)- albeit two millennia later!
Some sceptics may wonder why all these fuss about endtime prophecies when there is relative peace and prosperity in most parts of the world? In the days of Noah, there were corruption and violence (Genesis 6:11,13) that eventually brought about the Flood to judge the people of the earth. The Lord Jesus in Luke 17:26-30 warns that in the last days, just like in the days of Noah, people will go about their business as usual - eating, drinking and marrying - oblivious to what is about to happen. As Solomon penned in Ezekiel 1:9 "That which has been is what will be. That which is done is what will be done."
As bible believing Christian, it is my duty like a watchman to forewarn of the coming midnight hour. When the One (Holy Spirit) who restrains (evil forces) is taken out of the way (2 Thess 2:7), the salt and light of the earth will be no longer around. That will be the time when pandemonium strikes!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
During the great tribulation of three-and-half years, Israel is prophesied to face great persecutions and sufferings as a conglomerate of nations will descend upon Jerusalem to wage war against her (Zechariah 14:2). It will culminate in the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). The nation from the north of Jerusalem of the land of Magog (Ezekiel 38:2), probably Russia, will lead some Middle Eastern and eastern nations to attack Israel. This scenario is set to unfold as after the rapture of the church, Israel could lose much of her politicaal and economic support as most of her supporters were no longer on planet earth! Israel's arch enemies could take full advantage of the chaos in the Western world arising after the rapture, to take full advantage of her vulnerability in a last ditch attempt to wipe her out from the land of Palestine.
The Jews living in Judea - currently the West Bank - will have to flee for their lives as warned by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 24:15-21. At the present time, the West Bank has been
separated from Israel proper by a stretch of high security wall, leaving the Jews living there vulnerable to attacks during the great tribulation.
Revelation 11:1-2 states that the Temple Mount (temple of God) will be shared between the Jews and the Gentiles. Though currently under Jewish control, the outer court will come under Gentile control during the great tribulation. This could well be the antichrist who will head up the proposed international community to supervise the sharing of the Temple Mount.
In recent years, there were plans to rebuild the Temple Mount by the recently formed Sanhedrin in Israel. The Temple has to be rebuilt in order that the antichrist can perform his unholy acts in the holy place as was prophesied by prophet Daniel.
On the technological front, radio frequency identification (RFID) could well be the next phase of chip technology to replace the bar codes. It looks like this is another step forward to fulfill the 'mark of the beast' as prophesied in Revelation 13. Such spychips, as they are known, is set to become pervasive in corporate and individual lives. There are reports in America and Japan where such chips had been embedded under the skin of adults and children for medical and security reasons.
The good news is that, as a pre-tribulationist, I beleieve that all born again believers will be snatched away from planet earth, to appear before the Lord Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We as Christians are to give an account of our lives to the Lord and nothing will be hidden from Him. After their works had gone through God's refining fire (1 Cor 3: 12-15), those who deserves a reward will have the privilege to rule and reign with Christ in His coming Millennial Kingdom. All these happening somewhere in heaven while planet earth is going through burning fire (nuclear fallout at Armageddon?) during the seven years of tribulation - the time of God's wrath and judgment on earth!
Will Israel be annihilated with such great numbers of forces formed against her? At the last trumpet, the Lord Jesus will descend from heaven with His saints (glorified) and touchdown at the Mount of Olives, the same mountain where he gave His warnings to the Jews some two millennia ago! He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth; and with the breadth of His lips He shall slay the wicked (Isaiah 11:4). The enenies will be totally routed and one-third of the remnants of the land of Israel will be saved to enter the Millennial Kingdom (The promise Land)- albeit two millennia later!
Some sceptics may wonder why all these fuss about endtime prophecies when there is relative peace and prosperity in most parts of the world? In the days of Noah, there were corruption and violence (Genesis 6:11,13) that eventually brought about the Flood to judge the people of the earth. The Lord Jesus in Luke 17:26-30 warns that in the last days, just like in the days of Noah, people will go about their business as usual - eating, drinking and marrying - oblivious to what is about to happen. As Solomon penned in Ezekiel 1:9 "That which has been is what will be. That which is done is what will be done."
As bible believing Christian, it is my duty like a watchman to forewarn of the coming midnight hour. When the One (Holy Spirit) who restrains (evil forces) is taken out of the way (2 Thess 2:7), the salt and light of the earth will be no longer around. That will be the time when pandemonium strikes!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Signs of the End of the World (Age)
There were three questions posed by Jesus' disciples about the end time signs and events. the first two were dealt with in my earlier articles. Now the third of the three questions was regarding the 'end of the world' (the word 'world' was used in the original King James Version of the bible). The correct translation should be the 'end of the age'. The 'end of the world' will come some one thousand years later at the close of the millennial age.
The one sign that the Lord Jesus highlighted was the 'abomination of desolation' spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Dan 9:27). This refers to the image of gold that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar erected for the people to worship him. Those who refused to do so were punished by death on the burning fiery furnace (Dan 3:1-7).
Fast forward to Revelation13:15, the 'image of the beast' is the antichrist which will be placed at the Holy of Holies (the sacred part of the temple of God) for people to bow down and worship during the period of the seven year tribulation. Those who refused will be killed. God has set the typology of the golden image to be the end time image of the antichrist. For that which has been is what will be; that which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun. (Eccl 1:9)
Besides this, there are other events that will be fulfilled to usher in the 'end of the age'.
1. The Rapture (1 Thess 4: 13-18)
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1Thess 4:13-18)
The rapture (catching away of the saints to heaven) will be a worldwide event where all the born again believers will disappear from the face of the earth. Their flesh and bones (dead and alive) will be translated into heavenly bodies at the 'twinkling of an eye'. Surely, the world will wake up and take notice of the fact that all Christians have suddenly disappeared without warning or trace of their whereabout. This will be one sure case of 'abduction by aliens' for the uninitiated, except they are 'abducted' by the holy angels of God. We are all forewarned!
All saved believers in Christ who had ever lived since the cross will be transported to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). They will all be required to give an account of their lives individually before the Lord (Rom 14:10,12).
2. The 144,000 Jewish Evangelists
Revelation 7 gives an account of the works of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists who will preach the Gospel of the Kingdom (different from the gospel of grace) as was done during the time when the Lord Jesus walked the earth in the first century. As a result, many will be converted as tribulation saints to enter the Millennium Kingdom of Christ after the seven year tribulation.
The world will certainly take notice of the large numbers of converts happening all over the world.
3. Rise of Antichrist (2 Thess 2)
The coming antichrist will sign a seven year peace treaty with Israel. There will be peace and prosperity in the first half of the seven year period. In the midst of it, there will be persecutions and conflicts as the antichrist will break the covenant and demanded worship and submission. It will eventually lead to the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16) where Russia will lead her allies (Middle Eastern and Eastern bloc nations) to invade Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth to save Israel from destruction.
In the mayhem, God will send prophet Elijah (who was himself translated to heaven some twenty eight centuries ago) to prophesy for 1,260 days (three-and half years) with great signs and wonders as he had done more than two millenniums earlier. (Rev 11:3) He will come to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers (Mal 4:6). The meaning is not just literal but also spiritual, and that is to reconcile the children of Israel back to God and the Father to accept them again.
Elijah will be killed by those who opposed his mission but he will be raised to life again after lying dead for three-and-half days. Many will witness this event and fear fell upon them. (Rev 11:11)
As Christians we are called to be watchful for the signs that are like shadows appearing on the horizon. Do make the necessary preparations for when they do occurred, it will well be too late!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
The one sign that the Lord Jesus highlighted was the 'abomination of desolation' spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Dan 9:27). This refers to the image of gold that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar erected for the people to worship him. Those who refused to do so were punished by death on the burning fiery furnace (Dan 3:1-7).
Fast forward to Revelation13:15, the 'image of the beast' is the antichrist which will be placed at the Holy of Holies (the sacred part of the temple of God) for people to bow down and worship during the period of the seven year tribulation. Those who refused will be killed. God has set the typology of the golden image to be the end time image of the antichrist. For that which has been is what will be; that which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun. (Eccl 1:9)
Besides this, there are other events that will be fulfilled to usher in the 'end of the age'.
1. The Rapture (1 Thess 4: 13-18)
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1Thess 4:13-18)
The rapture (catching away of the saints to heaven) will be a worldwide event where all the born again believers will disappear from the face of the earth. Their flesh and bones (dead and alive) will be translated into heavenly bodies at the 'twinkling of an eye'. Surely, the world will wake up and take notice of the fact that all Christians have suddenly disappeared without warning or trace of their whereabout. This will be one sure case of 'abduction by aliens' for the uninitiated, except they are 'abducted' by the holy angels of God. We are all forewarned!
All saved believers in Christ who had ever lived since the cross will be transported to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). They will all be required to give an account of their lives individually before the Lord (Rom 14:10,12).
2. The 144,000 Jewish Evangelists
Revelation 7 gives an account of the works of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists who will preach the Gospel of the Kingdom (different from the gospel of grace) as was done during the time when the Lord Jesus walked the earth in the first century. As a result, many will be converted as tribulation saints to enter the Millennium Kingdom of Christ after the seven year tribulation.
The world will certainly take notice of the large numbers of converts happening all over the world.
3. Rise of Antichrist (2 Thess 2)
The coming antichrist will sign a seven year peace treaty with Israel. There will be peace and prosperity in the first half of the seven year period. In the midst of it, there will be persecutions and conflicts as the antichrist will break the covenant and demanded worship and submission. It will eventually lead to the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16) where Russia will lead her allies (Middle Eastern and Eastern bloc nations) to invade Israel. The Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth to save Israel from destruction.
In the mayhem, God will send prophet Elijah (who was himself translated to heaven some twenty eight centuries ago) to prophesy for 1,260 days (three-and half years) with great signs and wonders as he had done more than two millenniums earlier. (Rev 11:3) He will come to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers (Mal 4:6). The meaning is not just literal but also spiritual, and that is to reconcile the children of Israel back to God and the Father to accept them again.
Elijah will be killed by those who opposed his mission but he will be raised to life again after lying dead for three-and-half days. Many will witness this event and fear fell upon them. (Rev 11:11)
As Christians we are called to be watchful for the signs that are like shadows appearing on the horizon. Do make the necessary preparations for when they do occurred, it will well be too late!
Adrian Fah is the author of The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
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