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Beginning of Tribulation: Part 2
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Jesus Christ said in John 5: 43: "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive".
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Part 2: “ The Rise of the Anti-Christ “
At the close of Part 1, I said that the 7 year tribulation period, or the 70th week of Daniel, had not even started by the time the armies of Gog attacked Israel. Which is significant, because many will think that the war of Gog described in Ezekiel 38 & 39 is that final battle when Jesus Christ returns at Armageddon. Unfortunately, if one believes the lie that World War 3 is the Battle of Armageddon, then that soul will be set up to believe that the anti-Christ is the true Christ.
Further, since many teach that the war described in Ezekiel 38 & 39 is the battle of Armageddon, some will also incorrectly conclude that the anti-Christ must have been a Muslim or Russian. But, as will be shown in this part of this study, the anti-Christ will not be a Muslim, a Russian or any other nationality other than a Jew. Not only will he have Jewish blood, but this man will be a direct descendant of King David. This is critically important if one is to understand how and why the anti-Christ rises to the throne in Jerusalem.
As with many other common prophecy teachings, what one is taught as truth, may in fact be a misconception, fed by popular doctrines. The rumors of war that Jesus Christ spoke of in Matthew 24 have been down played as simple threats. Or, because Jesus Christ said that nation shall rise against nation, most assume that the conflicts of World Wars I & II , among other battles throughout history, have fulfilled this prophecy. But, Jesus Christ specifically mentions famine, earthquakes and pestilence.
Even though the previous world wars have caused much suffering, and many did in fact experience famine, and even pestilence; there hasn’t been any earthquakes associated with war. In the nuclear age however, earthquakes have occurred as a direct result of nuclear explosions. And further, famines are also usually a result of abnormal weather conditions that could also be caused by nuclear war. And certainly, pestilence or diseases would be very common after a nuclear exchange.
But most important, Jesus Christ said in reference to rumors of war that ‘the end is not yet’, and that ‘these are only the beginnings of sorrows’ (Matthew 24:6). The disciples had asked 3 questions in Matthew 24: when shall these things be (destruction of the temple), what shall be the sign of His coming, and of the end of the world? But Jesus never gave an answer to the first question, but instead directed His answers to explain events that would occur prior to His return.
Therefore, since rumors can be lies, to teach that the war prophesied in Ezekiel is truly the Battle of Armageddon would be wrong, since Revelations 19: 11-21, says that the return of Jesus Christ at the Battle of Armageddon is accompanied by the fact that the beast, and the false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. At this point in Matthew 24, Jesus Christ has not mentioned the anti-Christ, or tribulation. Further, Ezekiel does not mention that all of the armies on the earth will gather to battle against Jesus Christ as stated in Revelations 20, but that specific nations will attack the nation of Israel.
Hence, another question to consider: since some are taught that the war of Gog prophesied in Ezekiel 38 & 39 is the same as the war of Gog and Magog revealed in Revelations 20: 1-9, many believe that Jesus Christ is not referring to the war of Ezekiel as a rumor of war. But the vision in Revelations 20 says that the dead in Christ Jesus are resurrected, before Gog and Magog are destroyed by God.
And since 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17, says that the first resurrection (of the saints) occurs at the return of Jesus Christ at the start of His Millennial reign and that the battle between God and the armies of Gog and Magog occurs after both the resurrection and the Millennium, then the war of Ezekiel 38 & 39 cannot be the same as the war in Revelations 20 either.
There are other differences in each vision given in Ezekiel, when compared to that of Revelations 20. One of the most obvious, is that in Ezekiel 39: 10-12, the people are gathering the weapons to burn, and marking the graves of the dead. But the events seen in Revelations 20 take place after the Millennium, when heaven and earth have fled away, just prior to Judgment Day. There is absolutely no reason to be marking graves where there is no earth, particularly since the battle in Revelations 20 is followed by the Judgment Day of God when all are resurrected and stand before Him.
Hence, since the battle described in Ezekiel differs from the battles taking place in both Revelations 19 and 20, this has created confusion among the many prophecy of teachings of the church. But, it is not all that confusing when one considers that the two texts are in fact, two separate battles. And although some may counter by asking how can Gog be defeated in the war of Ezekiel, and yet live to fight in Revelations 20? The answer is also simple, in that Gog is described in Ezekiel 38 as a chief prince.
A chief prince, as noted in Daniel 10: 13 is an Archangel, and therefore is not necessarily going to perish. But the armies he leads could however be destroyed. Further, as an Archangel, Gog’s status as a high ranking angel would make him the appropriate leader to gather the armies of the earth, who compassed the saints, in Revelations 20.
Last and perhaps most significant for this study, the prophet Ezekiel states that the battle he is describing takes place in the “Latter Days”, at a time when the rise of the anti-Christ is also prophesied to come to pass. Therefore, the timing of these separate events suggests that they linked together as a part of the very same revealation.
Therefore, if the war of Gog prophesied in Ezekiel 38 & 39 is not the Battle of Armageddon, and cannot be the war of Gog and Magog as described in Revelations 20, and there is no historical evidence to suggest that the war of Ezekiel 38 & 39 has already occurred, then it is more than likely this war is precisely one of the rumors of war that Jesus Chrisr said would deceive the nations.
Hence, since Jesus Christ says that there will wars and rumors of war, and these wars precede the anti-Christ, then the aforementioned wars are more than likely to be lies concerning the wars. That is why it is probable that the ministers of the anti-Christ will teach that the regional war in the Middle East is directed by the Hand of God to give His land back to the nation of Israel. But as noted in part 1, this war is really about God’s punishment of the House of Esau.
If the rumored wars include the Battle of Armageddon, as many will be taught, then this belief can be used to set the stage for the rise of the Judaic Messiah. But then, the words of Jesus Christ, in Matthew 24: 8-31 would be out of context. But, if one reads the script in verses 8-15 of Matthew 24, and consider that these warnings take place after the war described in Ezekiel, then the verse provides a more accurate description of what Jesus Christ sees.
But the Holy Word of God should not contradict itself. As it is written, Jesus Christ gave His Word to His disciples, who recorded His message as they received it. The Prophets (2 Peter 1: 19-21) were also inspired by the Holy Ghost, and prophesied as instructed. Therefore, everything that Jesus Christ told His disciples, and the words inspired to the prophets should verify each other, and therefore, they cannot, and must not contradict scripture in any sense of the word. The words of Ezekiel, and the writings of Paul and of John, must be in agreement with Jesus Christ. Otherwise, the teaching is false, and one’s understanding of prophecy is corrupt.
Therefore, in response to their questions, the Savior in verses 4 to 8 is giving His disciples a time line of events to follow, that culminate with the ‘abomination of desolation’ in verse 15. Then, in verse 9 of Matthew 24, Jesus Christ said that: “ they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake!” This would be a rather odd statement for our Savior to make, if His children are killed and hated for His name’s sake, had this occurred after tribulation, or even after the Millennium. Hence, what does Jesus Christ mean by verse 9? Is this statement a clue that the 70th week of Daniel has now begun at this point, which occurs after the wars and rumors of wars?
Yes, since the prophet Daniel is told in chapter 10 of his book that the vision of the anti-Christ is in the latter days, the destruction of the House of Esau takes place in the latter days and the war of Ezekiel 38 & 39 also takes place in the latter days, then it is likely that Jesus Christ is telling the disciples that verse 9 portrays events taking place in the tribulation.
Therefore, this would be logical, since the Book of Revelations, in chapters 6, 7, 12, 13,17, 19 and 20 all state that the saints of God are delivered up to be killed, and are hated because of the name of Jesus Christ. The only reasonable way that this could take place, is because the anti-Christ is sitting in the temple of God, claiming to be God.
Then, verses 10-12 would also make sense, since the world will be divided over just who is their God, and as a result, would certainly betray one another, as the love of many shall wax cold. This also explains why Jesus Christ said in verse 13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved!” A clear reference to the persecution and tribulation of the saints during the rule of the anti-Christ.
Christians will be hated because they will not bow down and worship the god of this world, and many will be turned over to the authorities of the anti-Christ to be executed. Another example of the cold hearts of men. In verse 14, Jesus Christ also says: “And THIS gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come!”
The word ‘gospel’ literally means a distribution or delivery of truth (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4). Jesus Christ was not referring to the complete Bible text, as having reached the entire world, as many are taught. If He was, He would have said “ the gospel”. But, He was referring to the vision of Matthew 24 itself, specifically, because He knows that the tool the devil will use to bring about the abomination, is the teaching of corrupt biblical prophecies.
Verse 14 is then also a very strong recommendation by Jesus Christ to His saints, to study and learn the true meaning of His words, so that the witness of the saints will reach the world. Unfortunately however, the religions of the world create confusion, rather than provide the truth.
As an example, Jesus Christ said that the anti-Christ would be in the temple. Paul also wrote that the anti-Christ would be in the temple, and Daniel the Prophet, saw the very same vision. But if one hears the many voices that cry that the war of Gog is the Battle of Armageddon, then one must somehow ignore this fact. Because it is certain that the Jews in Israel will not build their temple, until after the war of Ezekiel 38 & 39. Therefore, the anti-Christ cannot be the aforementioned Russian or Muslim, as will be claimed.
Logically speaking, is it a reasonable conclusion to suggest that after World War 2, the United States of America, after defeating Japan would at the conclusion of the war welcome the Japanese Emperor as their god? Why then do theologians expect the Jews to ignore their victories over the armies of Gog and the House of Esau, only to surrender in worship of a Russian or Muslim god?
Further, since the world will be dominated by the religious system of the anti-Christ, the very last thing these pulpits would be teaching, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, this is the intent of this article is to not only dispel the errors of institutionalized prophecy teaching, but to also explain the rise of the anti-Christ to the throne. As written in Daniel 11: 32-35, the truth will become known throughout the world. From many sources, and many peoples that know their God. But as the days draw near, one will not find truth in the modern church.
Therefore, since Jesus Christ then mentions the abomination of desolation in verse 15, He says: “When ye therefore shall see”, meaning that during the days that these events take place, one will actually see the abomination of desolation STAND in the holy place. Sadly, the devil greatly depends upon man’s willingness to ignore even the slightest teaching, so that an implication can be accepted as truth. The devil does not need to bold-face lie to deceive. He merely offers a suggestion of truth, and hopes that man will NOT compare his teaching with all scripture, and thereby prevent the listener from recognizing any contradiction in verse.
Hence, because the devil will place his abomination upon the throne of God, by the use, and abuse of Biblical text, one must stop, go back, and unshackle the chains of previously learned doctrines of prophecy, and reaffirm what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has taught. Remember, Jesus Christ ‘s first response to His disciples questions was to state: “Take heed that no man deceive you!”
The very first question one should ask, is why does the devil need to declare that the war of Gog is the Battle of Armageddon? Because, in order for the anti-Christ to be worshiped in the temple, he must be confirmed as the Messiah of the Jews. Therefore, since Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4, that the anti-Christ will be revealed “before” the return of Jesus Christ, the anti-Christ will need a patsy, or false anti-Christ to blame for the dramatic upheaval that World War III will cause.
In this way, his path to throne can continue without suspicion. If one is going to be the Christ, then one needs an anti-Christ to defeat, and thereby give the illusion that one’s millennial reign is about to begin. A demonstration such as this will satisfy the questions of many Christians around the world. But, what about the Jews? They are not looking for a return of Jesus Christ to conquer the empire of an anti-Christ. The Jews are still waiting for the appearance of their Messiah Ben David. A time when their Christ rises, defeats the enemies of the Jews, and establishes his kingdom rule in Jerusalem. A reign that places the chosen people as priests and rulers of the earth.
This fact presents two very critical problems for the anti-Christ: he must first be given credit for defeating the enemies of the Jews, and then he must be able to prove that he is a direct descendant of King David. Given the fact, that the Royal Line of King David appeared to end in 586 BC, when the Babylonian empire conquered Jerusalem, and murdered the king Zedekiah and his sons, the anti-Christ has a difficult work ahead of him. Therefore, a design of deceit exists, that the devil will exploit to cultivate the hearts of the Jews, and when successful, all of Israel will lead the way for the world to accept the anti-Christ as king.
In Ezekiel 37: 19-28, the LORD has promised to bring the nation of Israel back to the Holy Land, where they will build the sanctuary of God to receive their Messiah Ben David. This is the blueprint that the devil has nurtured for the Jews, to convinced them that the prophecy is being fulfilled. Hence, if one reviews part 1 of this chapter, one can see how false impressions of fact, can alter one’s belief, and even faith, especially if one is confronted by difficult choices.
Step one, is to convince the world that the Jews in modern Israel is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel 37: 21. Step two provides a fulfillment of the prophecy in Genesis 15: 18, when the nation of Israel possess all of the land between the Nile and Euphrates Rivers, which is a result of the destruction of the House of Esau. Remember, it is the anti-Christ who is will divide the land for a gain, and it is he that is behind the peace initiatives to divide the Holy Land, which brings about the war between Israel and her neighbors.
Step three is to appear to be that mighty sword that God calls upon to defeat the armies of Gog (Ezekiel 38: 21), and thereby establish the kingdom of Israel, as a permanent and everlasting nation in the Holy Land. As a result of steps 1-3, the nation of Israel can move forward with step four, which is to build their temple in Jerusalem, and await the appearance of their Messiah (Ezekiel 37: 25-28).
Therefore, going back to Matthew 24: 15, Jesus Christ said that the ‘abomination of desolation’, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, will stand in this holy place which will be the new, or third temple in Jerusalem. In Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48, the prophet receives a rather extensive description of this new temple in Jerusalem. But what is most compelling, is that there are two things wrong with it: one, in chapter 44, in verses 6–9, the prophet is told that abominations are committed in the sanctuary, because they have brought strangers into the sanctuary to pollute it.
But Ezekiel 37 clearly states that the God of Israel will dwell among them, in the sanctuary. Therefore, this appears to be a contradiction. But, when one considers that the word abomination means something that is odious, detestable, loathsome or has deprecated a place, one may understand that something or some one, is going to commit this act, which pollutes the temple. Obviously then, this would be the reign of the anti-Christ.
Second, looking at this scripture from God’s point of view, why would He allow the building of this temple in Jerusalem, only to then allow the sanctuary to become polluted by an abomination? First, note that God has given the priests specific instructions to establish the practice of burnt offerings and oblations. Why would God also tell His people to re-institute these practices, when God sent Jesus Christ as the ONLY, TRUE, RIGHTEOUS and LASTING sacrifice? Isn’t the offering of animal sacrifices for atonement an abomination in itself? Is God using this demonstration to teach the Jews in Israel something?
Yes, because God knows the hearts of men, and desires to change that heart, and to write His covenant within their hearts, as all of the Old Testament prophecies have promised. Therefore, to convict the hearts of the Jews, to repent and to recognize that their Messiah had already come to them in the form of Jesus Christ, God will allow this false god, the anti-Christ to reign in His temple.
By allowing the anti-Christ to reign from the temple in Jerusalem, the Jews will come to know, and understand, that their wait for the Messiah to establish his kingdom was not the promise God had given to Abraham, their father. Some of the Jews will understand that the true promise is salvation, and without it, there can be no reconciliation with their God.
For it is written in Romans 2: 28-29: For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God!”
The throne of the anti-Christ will be brought, so that God can make a final attempt to reach His own. As written in Deuteronomy 4: 29-31: “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the LATTER DAYS, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His voice; For the LORD thy God is a merciful God; He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers, which he swear unto them!”
When the anti-Christ removes his mask, and reveals his true nature, after he is crowned their king, the Jews in Israel will begin to understand that they’ve lost their way and have received evil in their sight. That is why Moses also said in Deuteronomy 31: 28-29: “Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them. For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the LATTER DAYS; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the works of your hands!”
This is why Jesus Christ tells His disciples in Matthew 24: 16: “Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains!” The anti-Christ will not only turn on the Jews, but all Christians as well, whom are joint heirs of the promise to Abraham. In verses17-20 Jesus Christ is telling His people to flee, because in verse 21, He says: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be!”
The beginning of tribulation, or more correctly, the 70th week of Daniel, will be a critical time for the anti-Christ to make his move. But this 7 year period of time is not the horror that the writers of biblical fiction portray. Because, the 70th week of Daniel (tribulation period) is actually a time frame that is divided into two main revelations: one, the rise and acceptance of the anti-Christ during the first 3 ½ years, and two, a second 3 ½ year period when the rule of the anti-Christ is enforced, a time that Jesus Christ calls the ‘Great tribulation’ (Matthew 24: 21). The last portion of the 7 year period is when God sends His wrath. More specifically, the “LAST DAYS”.
There are three immediate issues that come into play, and addressing each, one at a time, may help to clear some of these misconceptions taught in church. First, the most common, and perhaps most deadly, is the general acceptance by man that the so called 7 year tribulation is a terrible period of God’s wrath upon mankind. But, common sense dictates that, if one adds up, and places one punishment of God’s wrath upon another: the bowls, the trumpets, seals and vials; and consider the impact of all of those events for 7 full years, or even 3 ½ years; the earth and mankind would completely perish.
Any Christian that knows God, recognizes His long suffering patience for His creation, and is thankful for God’s willingness to reach out and reconcile man from sin. Punishment is the last thing God desires, and He is willing to wait until He has exhausted every imaginable resource to save man. God’s love for the House of Esau had tarried for over 3,000 years, before He finally, and probably sorrowfully, brought punishment.
Second, the first 3 ½ years of the 70th week of Daniel, is the time taken to place the anti-Christ upon the throne of Israel. Daniel says in 9: 27, that in the ‘midst of the week’, the anti-Christ shall cause the sacrifices and oblations to cease. The only way the priests in the temple would stop their sacrifices, is if they believed that their promised Messiah has come. Therefore, in the first 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70th week, the world will be taught and prepared to accept the king when he arrives. Then as John states in Revelation 13: 5-7, that the rule of the anti-Christ will last for 42 months, or 3 ½ years there after.
Since the devil desires to be worshiped, and conspires to steal souls, his last great defiant act against God will be the willingness and desire of man to accept his rule. Therefore, most people will not recognize the first 3 ½ years as a part of Daniel’s 70th week, nor will they realize that a tribulation period is even coming. Rather, most of the world will see the beginning of the tribulation period as a new era, and for many, the new Millennium.
Why? Because the world has just gone through a terrible world war, and the survivors will be looking for restoration. Treaties of peace will be brought to the table, and the ways and means of establishing global order will become man’s main priority. This requires total global cooperation, coupled with a believable hope of success. And here is where the concept of the ‘abomination of desolation’ will change the focus of mankind’s direction.
When one considers the awesome extent of God’s long suffering love for His creation, and His mighty willingness to forgive, and the purity of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made upon the cross, one must confess that none are worthy of the gift. But, as is our promise, Jesus Christ brought reconciliation with man to his God. Therefore, if one sin, however small, can be forgotten, how great a sin must be committed before that great sin, is a sin unto death? The simple truth is, God will forgive, and forget all the sins of man, except one: the blaspheme of the Holy Spirit.
Despite what some churches teach, this blaspheme of the Holy Spirit can only be accomplished when one sees the miracles and works of Jesus Christ a result of satanic power. This is that important point, where two streams of prophecy converge and clash, head on, for the souls of men.
As stated above, the anti-Christ must accomplish two things to become the king of the Jews: one, be recognized for defeating the enemies of Israel, and two, he must prove that he is a direct descendant of King David. In order to address this last issue, the proof of this claim is already in place, as will be explained below. But, he must also either immediately confront and destroy the works of Jesus Christ, or appear to be Jesus Christ himself. After all, his claim to be the Messiah would be meaningless, as long as the teachings and belief in Jesus Christ still exists.
Resolving the lineage of the anti-Christ first, recall that the devil’s greatest weapon will be to put his abomination upon the throne by the use of biblical text. Therefore, the devil begins his assault by producing evidence to physically support his version of bible script. When the Babylonian king murdered King Zedekiah and his sons, he apparently thought that he had finished the royal line forever. However, in the book of Numbers chapter 27 verses 8 through 11, God clearly points out that the inheritance of a man will pass to the daughter, if there are no sons to receive the inheritance.
The court of Babylon did not consider this, since the daughters of Zedekiah were not taken captive back to Babylon, and had remained in the Holy land. Therefore, since the seed of the king’s daughters could pass along the inheritance, the royal line would have continued beyond the deaths of Zedekiah and his sons. Hence, what happened to the king’s daughters, and did their royal blood produce an heir whom continued the line of David?
The book of Jeremiah appears to answer the question. When the Babylonians took the Jewish nation captive, in chapter 40, consider that the captain of the guard offered Jeremiah the choice of going to Babylon or staying in Jerusalem. Further, in Jeremiah chapter 39 verse 8-14 state that the Babylonian king had ordered the captain of the guard to do unto Jeremiah even what he shall say unto him.
First, Jeremiah chose to stay in the Holy Land, and went to a place called Mizpah. It is doubtful that Jeremiah would have left the daughters of the king behind to fend for themselves, and therefore likely that he received permission to take the king’s daughters with him, along with any temple artifacts that remained in the temple.
One can conclude that this is probably true, because in chapter 41, the Governor appointed by the Babylonian King to rule over Judah, was murdered by a rebel named Ishmael; who then took captive the Remnant of Judah. Notice that in verse 10 of chapter 41, that Ishmael had carried away captive all the residue of the people that were in Mizpah, even the king’s daughters. Who else but to King Zedekiah, could these daughters belong? Therefore the seed of David was a part of the remnant left behind.
Ishmael was then hunted by Johanan, who recovered the remnant of Judah from the rebel, and made plans to enter into Egypt to escape Babylonian revenge. However, when Johanan asked Jeremiah to ask his God if they should go to Egypt, he was told that they should not go there. If they did, they would be killed.
The God of Jeremiah promised to take care of them if they had stayed where they were, near Bethlehem. God also promised to protect them from the Babylonians, but because Johanan and his people feared the Babylonians, they went to Egypt anyway. (As a side reference, had the remnant stayed where they were, Jesus Christ would have still been born in Bethlehem).
Shortly after arriving into Egypt, the remnant was caught in the middle of the Babylonian invasion of Egypt and the men were killed, as Jeremiah had told them they would be. Fortunately, in Jeremiah chapter 44:14-30, some of the women were spared. It would certainly be reasonable to believe that the surviving women included the king’s daughters, in as much that God has promised to keep the seed of David, for all generations (Psalm 89)..
Jeremiah had spoken that God would eventually bring this last remnant back to the Holy land (verse 28) but, in Jeremiah chapter 15, we learn that their return would not be immediate. Verse 14 says that because they disobeyed God, they would be placed in a strange land. Evidently, Jeremiah also was placed in this strange land with them, as he continues to serve His God faithfully.
In chapter 16:11-15, God reminds Jeremiah that even though the remnant was scattered because of their iniquity, God also promises to bring them back when they repent. Notice in verse 13 that God said that He would cast them out into a land they knew not, neither their fathers. Therefore, the strange land mentioned could not be Egypt, since their fathers certainly knew about Egypt. Hence, where did the remnant of Judah, and the daughters of the King in particular, go at that time?
The majority of the rest of the house of Judah were at that time living in Babylon, and they did not return in great numbers until after the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians. Therefore, the trail of the daughters of the king appears to have run cold.
Now, however one chooses to interpret the importance of the daughters of the king, it does not matter, because it is from the daughters of Zedekiah, that the devil will begin to corrupt scripture to certify the claim of the anti-Christ, as the king of the Jews.
The book of Jeremiah, chapter 32 mentions that God instructs Jeremiah to purchase some land in Israel. This is a rather curious command, since God knew that the Babylonians were at that time destroying Jerusalem. But Jeremiah, after having the purchase witnessed, sealed and authorized before the prison court; praises God. He not only thanked God for what must be considered under the circumstances, a worthless piece of property; he equates this transaction with the great exodus of the nation of Israel out of Egypt.
Imagine, Jeremiah sees this ridiculous transaction as a monumental thing and places its importance right up there with the removal of Israel from Egypt. So then why did God instruct Jeremiah to buy this land, particularly at that time? Going back to Jeremiah 39, consider that the Captain of the Guard was ordered to do unto Jeremiah as he pleased. Therefore, there must have been some treasures or instruments of worship remaining in the temple, that Jeremiah knew about, before the temple was completely destroyed. This is why in chapter 32: 13-14, Jeremiah had his scribe Baruch, place the evidences in an earthen vessel, and that the evidences would continue many days.
Notice also, that in verse 14, that Baruch was charged to take both the sealed evidence and the open evidence. Now, it is easy to understand that title deeds or documents of ownership could certainly be sealed. But the open items suggests that they were relics, that were either too large, too heavy or cumbersome to properly seal.
Since God had Jeremiah purchase a specific piece of land, and then was instructed to bury the evidences; then it is reasonable to assume that the field of Hanameel, that was in Anathoth, in the country of Benjamin may still contain these ancient evidences, whatever they are. But before speculating upon what the evidences contain, is there a possible link between Jeremiah's evidences and the missing daughters of the king?
The purpose of the devil’s plan is to prove that his false Christ is a direct descendant of King David, consider also an Irish legend that picks up, where the daughters of the king left off, in Egypt. According to this legend, a Crown Prince from Ireland just happened to be in the city of Jerusalem, when the Babylonians came to destroy it.
As a result, the story claims that the Prince was among those traveling with Jeremiah, and the daughters of the king. When they arrived in Egypt, the Prince was believed to have contacted a group of Greek mercenaries on the north coast of Egypt. The Greeks then agreed to carry the Prince, the daughters of the king, as well as Jeremiah, and his scribe Baruch, to safety in Ireland, just before the armies of the Babylonians came.
Further, once safely home, the Prince was said to have fallen in love with one of the king’s daughters, and a marriage between the two was arranged. Eventually the Prince, as the heir to the throne of Ireland, became King, and of course his wife became Queen, which would make it appear that the lineage of King David continued.
But, legends are simply that, and unless there can be found irrefutable proof to substantiate this story, it is doubtful that any one, particularly a Jew, would accept this ancestry. As a result, it is also claimed in the legend, that when the escaping party left Egypt, they carried with them a large stone.
First, every Irish King that has ever sat upon the Irish throne claims that the very seat of the their power rests upon the “Stone of Destiny”. This stone is believed to be the actual stone that Jacob rested his head upon, when he had his famous dream. The Bible records in Genesis 28: 10-22, that Jacob anointed the stone with oil and called the stone, “God’s house”.
Further, in Genesis 31: 13, God accepts Jacob’s vow to Him. Then in II Kings11: 12-14, there is mention again of this stone, or pillar. Only this time, the pillar appears in a ceremony to anoint the king of Israel. The incident is also reported in II Chronicles 23:13. Since the pillar was placed in the sanctuary during the anointing of the king, if the Irish legend is true, then the stone would also have been used when each generation of Irish kings was anointed.
Therefore, this stone may be a possible physical relic, that can be shown as evidence that the legend has some merit of fact. After all, one can correctly assume that Jacob did not anoint his stone pillow with oil and then simply leave the pillar lying on the ground when he returned home. It is logical to conclude that Jacob carried this pillar with him and the relic eventually became part of the royal court in Jerusalem. Such reverence for a simple stone in the court of the king may suggest that the stone may indeed have been the pillar of Jacob.
History records that the Irish kingdom lasted until 573 AD, when the Scots took control of the kingdom. Since that time, up until 1296 AD, every King, or Queen of Scotland also placed their throne upon this ‘alleged’ sacred stone. Then in 1296 AD, the British conquered the Scots and likewise placed their throne upon this very same so called “Stone of Destiny”. Every King or Queen of England, that ascended to the throne, were also anointed upon the pillar, including the present Queen Elizabeth. Oddly enough, the stone has since been removed, and placed in a castle in Scotland. Wonder why? Is it possible that this stone is being prepared to be returned to Jerusalem?
Normally, this would be a classic example of the devil’s ability to mix scripture with the knowledge of man. Been done for centuries. But this is no ordinary situation, and for the anti-Christ, everything is at stake. Therefore, it is highly possible that the evidences buried by Jeremiah’s scribe in the land of Benjamin will someday be discovered. And, if so, the sealed evidences could contain proof that only proves that the Holy Land does indeed belong to the nation of Israel, but the world could also be told that the Irish legend is a fact.
Then, the evidence of the ‘pillar of Jacob’ could bolster the ‘open’ evidences that would be found as well, including possibly the Harp of David, and even the Ark of the Covenant, whether authentic or fake. Therefore, the story of Jeremiah’s land purchase, and the buried evidences may be used to verify the ancestry of the anti-Christ, as a descendant of King David.
In 2003, or the summer of 2004, channel 2 news in Tel-Aviv ran a story that discussed the possible heritage of the British throne with the line of David. At the time of this broadcast, members of the Orthodox Judaic community were asked if this account was true, and, at least according to the news coverage, they agreed with the report.
Jeremiah could have easily requested and received a simple stone left in the palace of a now destroyed Jerusalem. Had the stone remained in the palace and not taken by Baruch as evidence to be buried, then Jeremiah would have certainly considered making a request for the stone, and could have assured it’s safety by taking the stone with him.
Therefore, if the legend of the Irish claim is true, and Jeremiah as well as Baruch traveled to the British isles, not only would the stone of Jacob gone with them, but the knowledge of where the exact location of the buried evidences is, also went with them. Hence, when the time was right, this information would make it easy for researchers to find the old field purchased by Jeremiah, and the contents would be strong evidence to support the claim.
But make no mistake about this, I do not believe that this legend has any resemblance of fact to it. But it does not matter what one may think. What matters, is that a major discovery of this kind will have a definite impact upon the world. Whether any evidence presented is real or fabricated, is also immaterial, because all that really matters is whether or not the Jews in Israel believe it.
It is serious mistake to think that the Orthodox Jew living in Israel, will just fall down and worship any claimant to the throne. While there may another plan in place, other than the one I have presented, to seduce the Judaic priesthood, it will be severely tested. Further, any evidence would have to be compelling and legitimate enough to impress the scrutiny of a nation that has waited 3,000 years for it’s king. Obviously, they’d rather be right, than in a hurray.
Next, there remains the hurdle of the legitimacy of Jesus Christ as the King of the Jews, that the minions of the anti-Christ, must get behind them. A complete volume of literature could be presented today, that clearly demonstrates that the forces to destroy the testimony of Jesus Christ have been working already. Governments have removed His name from their offices and buildings. City governments and Military chaplains cannot pray in His name, and modern Bible revisions have carefully altered text to reduce our Savior to the level of man.
For example, Isaiah 7: 14 states that the Messiah will be born of a virgin. But modern bibles have rewritten text to suggest that our Savior was born to a young women. This leaves open the door to suggest that His mother may, or may not have been a virgin, as the prophecy states.
Isaiah 9:6 declares that our Savior is also the Everlasting Father. This too is removed so that the prophecy will not demonstrate just how much God loves His creation; that He would send Himself, as atonement for sin. In fact, Genesis 22: 8 says exactly that, but modern scholars have added a word to change the meaning of the text, from “God will provide Himself a lamb”, to God will provide “for” himself a lamb. This would kill two birds with one stone, because the anti-Christ would not be born of a virgin, and provides an argument against the lineage of Jesus Christ.
After all, the Judaism has already questioned the ancestry of Jesus Christ, by noting that the lineage presented in Matthew is entirely different than the one written in the Book of Luke. This would indicate to some scholars that the Bible not only has errors, but that the ancestry of Jesus Christ, as heir to throne of David, is questionable. But as described below, if all one does is gloss over the ancestries presented by both disciples, then vital information will be missed.
The devil hopes that Christians will miss the point of why there are two different bloodlines, because he does not want any one to understand that this ancestry not only proves that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, but also discredits the anti-Christ as well. Therefore, this little study is very important, because to be honest; by the time this argument is presented to the world, most Christians will be wondering why they have not been taken in a rapture, and therefore, will be second guessing their faith. (More on this below)
When one reviews the text of Matthew 1: 1-18, one can see clearly that Joseph's lineage came from King Solomon. Judaism is quick to point out that Jesus claimed He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, and not of Joseph. Therefore, they say that not only is Jesus Christ considered a liar, but if He was born of the Holy Spirit, then He could not be the anointed one, because He was not born of Joseph. Why do the Jews believe that the Messiah must come from Joseph?
Because the Jews believe that his lineage must go through King Solomon. As stated in I Kings 9:4-5; "Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, "then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'
However, there is a problem with this promise that few are taught: the text in I Kings 9 says: if King Solomon kept God's commandments, and statutes, and never served other gods or worship them; his throne would continue forever. But, in I Kings 11: 4-6 it is also written: "For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David."
Then, in verse 11 of this chapter: "Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant."
God promised that the anointed would have to come from the lineage of King David, but now He could not bring it through Solomon's lineage, because Solomon worshiped other gods. Therefore, whom did God give it to? God gave it to a servant of Solomon. But, the term 'servant' can also mean' your younger' as in younger brother.
Therefore, in Luke 3:23-38; the lineage runs down to Heli, the father of Mary, rather than through Solomon, down to Joseph. Mary's lineage in fact traces to Nathan, who was also a son of King David, but just as important, he was also the younger brother of Solomon, as proven 1Chr 14:3-7 and 1Chr. 3:5.
But this does not explain away the lineage given in the book of Matthew. That is because this passage is misunderstood. The reason this ancestry is given, is because of the right of inheritance must pass through the sons, but, as previously noted from Numbers 27, the daughter can inherit the blessing, if there are no sons. There is no biblical record of Mary having any siblings.
Further, if there are no sons, then the inheritance given to the daughter is only good, if the daughter marries into the same family as her father. When one compare the two ancestries, the two bloodlines do run from the same line. Therefore, both ancestries are presented to show that Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit, and that His inheritance as the King of the Jews remained valid, through His mother’s ancestry, passed to her from Nathan.
Therefore, Jesus Christ is the rightful heir to the throne. And, even if the Irish legend of Zedekiah’s daughter is true, the fact remains that this line of ancestry runs from Solomon. Therefore, by virtue of I Kings 11, the anti-Christ cannot be the heir to the throne. Worse, as will be shown in Part III of this series, this legend does as much to point a finger at the British throne as the origin of the anti-Christ, than prove that he is heir to the throne of Israel.
But since few are taught this ancestry lesson, the devil will pour on the heat by discrediting the life of Jesus Christ. The book the Da Vinci Code has created some doubt, but I would not be surprised to learn that some ancient text, whether from Jeremiah’s evidences or not, is fabricated to support the common satanic lie, that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, nor did He rise from the grave.
And this is that unpardonable sin, because if Jesus Christ is denied as the true Messiah, and the only way of salvation, then all of His works, His miracles and teachings would have to be then considered as a result of satanic power. And since by scripture, if one is drawn to God, he is led by the Holy Spirit to God. And if Jesus Christ is not the way, then accepting Him would blaspheme the Spirit. That is why the worship of the anti-Christ will not be forgiven, and considered an abomination.
Therefore, the devil knows that if he can soil the truth of Jesus Christ, then he can teach that receiving Jesus Christ is blaspheme. Then it is no wonder to consider the words of Jesus Christ in John 16: 2: “They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service!”
On such ploy to destroy the ministry of Jesus Christ began in 1980, when construction workers in south Jerusalem, unearthed a cave that contained 10 ossuaries believed to be 2000 years old.. In 2006, archaeologists were given permission to examine the discovery, and have determined that the burial chamber does indeed date back to the early first century AD.
When the site was first discovered in 1980, the bones in each of the ossuaries were removed and placed in another burial site for safekeeping. However, since six of the ten containers had rather compelling names written on each ossuary, the discovery remained unreported. But in 2006, the names of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Matthew, another Mary and Judah became startling news. Although the above names were common 2000 years ago, DNA experts are now trying to determine if the boxes held remains of the family of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
As a result of the tests, which are still under examination, the testimonies of highly respected scholars will at some point, be presented to the world. I’ve no doubt that those whom have examined the findings and have conducted forensic tests to validate the authenticity of the burial site, will announce that the remains are indeed that of Jesus, his mother Mary, his father Joseph, that of Matthew, Mary Magdalene and Judah.
Some of the experts may also suggest that Judah is the son of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. Accordingly, the file will suggest that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, but fainted. And, that our Lord and Savior married Mary Magdalene, sired children and lived out the rest of His life in secrecy.
Unfortunately, this news is being taken seriously by the academic world. Since most people trust the authority and honesty of those in position; few will consider that this discovery is a hoax. While evidence can be planted, compromised or stolen; unless this fraud is questioned accurately by the experts, the lie becomes fact.
When Jesus Christ said in John 5: 43: “ I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive!” He knew that the machinery of deceit would be fully against Him. When Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4: 1-2: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the LATTER times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron!” He knew that the weakness of modern Christianity in the latter days would cause many to fall. And predictably, a Christian should be both angry and outraged at such a statement.
But, consider this: a large portion of Christianity, particularly in America, is too unconcerned about the things written in prophecy. Why? Because most have put their trust in a teaching that says they will escape these times of trouble. Unfortunately, many among this number are true servants of God, whom seek the will of the LORD, daily. But, they are also wounded victims of spiritual warfare, and do not even know it. Not because they do not love God, nor are they filled with themselves, but because they have been swallowed up in the profitable business of religion.
The modern American church has stayed clear of controversial teachings, and has replaced essential doctrines with teachings designed to bring the congregation back each Sunday. And no modern teaching is as successful, nor as endearing as the dispensation view of a pre-tribulation rapture. And, from the devil’s point of view, this teaching can, and will have a devastating effect upon the lives of those that believe in it’s doctrine.
Therefore, to expose the lie of a pre-tribulation rapture, one must first deal with the question of, when is the resurrection? According to Revelations 20: 1-5, the FIRST resurrection takes place AFTER the devil is cast into the bottomless pit, and bound there for 1,000 years. As verse 5 indicates, this first resurrection is for the dead in Christ only, as the rest of the dead, lived not again.
But since 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17 states that we which are alive shall NOT prevent them which are asleep, and that the dead in Christ shall rise FIRST, and then those whom are alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.
In reference to Revelations 20, this would be another contradiction of verse. After all, the living Christian cannot be gathered to Jesus Christ in the clouds, until the dead in Christ are raised first. And the dead in Christ are not raised up until after the devil is cast into the bottomless pit, at the end of tribulation, at the time when Jesus Christ returns for His Millennial reign.
Curiously though, Paul also writes in 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God!”
Carefully examine the subject, which is, our gathering together unto the him; the rapture. This is the subject that Paul is addressing, not tribulation as some interject, nor is Paul suggesting the saints missed the return. What Paul is saying to this church is this: hey, listen. I have not sent you a word or letter telling you that the day of the Lord’s return is near. Because the day of the Lord’s return will not come until the anti-Christ is revealed, and he is not revealed until he’s sitting in the temple claiming to be God.
Those that understand Paul’s message, then recognize what Daniel wrote in 9:27: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate!”
Since the Judaic priests in the temple would not allow the sacrifice and oblations to cease unless their Messiah came, the prophet is saying that this won’t happen until the middle of the week, which is the 70th and last week of his prophetic vision. Therefore, it can be argued that the rapture, will not come until after the middle of the week, when the anti-Christ is in the temple of God, being worshiped.
Jesus Christ appears to confirm this thought when He says in Matthew 24: 21-22: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened!”
This would indicate that the rapture would take place after the mid point of the tribulation, and therefore implies that the saints will be taken before the end of tribulation, when God’s wrath is poured out. But this also would be a contradiction of Revelations 20 and 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17, because those texts indicate that the rapture won't take place until after tribulation.
Therefore, is there a common link in all of these scriptures that would tie them all together, so that there is no contradiction or confusion? After all, if scripture conflicts with scripture, then the teaching is corrupt.
Hence, read carefully to what the prophet Daniel writes in 12:11-12: “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, AND the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days!”
Since the prophet Daniel says that the daily sacrifice and the abomination is set up at the mid point of the last week (9:27), the prophet is saying that the rule of the anti-Christ will last for 1290 days, and that blessed is he that waiteth until the 1,335th day. In other words, the prophet agrees with Revelations 20 and 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-17, because clearly this would mean that the Christians are here until AFTER the seven years, or 70th week is finished.
But what about the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24: 21-22, or of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4? With respect to Paul’s letter, in verses 1-4, he is simply stating that the day of the Lord’s return won’t be at hand, until after the anti-Christ is worshiped in the temple. But, because he knows that the reign of the anti-Christ’s rule will last for 1290 days, he ALSO says in verse 8: “And then shall that Wicked be REVEALED, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming!”
What Paul is telling the saints is this: when you see the anti-Christ in the temple, you know that he will reign for 1290 days. But, the day of the Lord’s return, and our gathering together unto Him is not until the beast is revealed. The anti-Christ will not be revealed until Jesus Christ shows to the lost world (verses 9-12), at His return, just exactly who the anti-Christ is.
In other words, the revelation of who the anti-Christ is, is not for the saints, but for those whom are damned. The true saints of God, will already know who the anti-Christ is, because they are martyred by the anti-Christ’s government. But the lost will not know that they are worshiping a false god, and will be shocked and surprised when they see the True and Faithful God return.
Jesus Christ further confirms this when He says in verses 21-31 that unless those days of tribulation are shortened, there should be no flesh saved. In other words, if the rule of the anti-Christ is prolonged beyond the 1290 days, no flesh shall be saved. This means all flesh. That is why Jesus Christ referred to these days as the same as the days of Noah.
Had God not destroyed the earth when He did, all of flesh would have been corrupted. As it was, Noah and his family were the only ones left on the face of the earth that had not given themselves over to the corruption of the world. As with Noah and his family, the elect of God are spared before they too, can be corrupted. Their days are shortened for the sake of their salvation, not for the sake of escaping tribulation.
This is why Jesus Christ goes on to say in verses 23-28 that the Christians should not believe in the words, the miracles, false signs and wonders. Nor are they to believe that He has returned. Then, in verse 29-31 Jesus Christ says: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other!”
Jesus Christ is not contradicting what Daniel, Paul or John have written. It is very clear that He isn’t coming back until after tribulation, and that the dead in Christ, whom are in heaven will be gathered to return with Him. This then is why all of the tribes shall mourn (verse 30), because the lost shall see the sign, and realize as Paul wrote, the anti-Christ is revealed as the false god that he is. The rise of the anti-Christ is simply that fig tree that putteth forth leaves in summer. It is not the end of the year.
Further, in Revelations 7:9-17 the great multitude, that no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people and tongues are those that came OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION. If there had been a pre-tribulation, or mid-tribulation rapture; the numbers that remained to find salvation during tribulation could easily be counted. Because after all, Revelations 14:9-11 state that if one takes the mark, and worships the beast, his salvation is forever lost. And since scripture indicates that most of the world will worship the beast, there won’t be many left whom have refused his mark.(See Part III).
Last, there is nothing left to be said, that the heart of a Christian doesn’t already know. I fear for most Christians, especially American Christians, because they’ve little by little, allowed a part of themselves to fall into a dangerous rut. The American society recognizes the need for salvation, but does not take that gift with the reverence and love for God that the Christian life requires. As with babies, the congregations are fed the smooth things of the Bible, that are easy to embrace, but allow the things of this world to dominate their lives.
Having a God Whom blesses them, loves them and cares for them is sufficient. Then, their efforts to be Christians is rewarded by an escape clause called the pre-tribulation rapture. In this way, they can go on stuffing their savings and retirements. Build bigger and better homes. Buy fancier cars, and indulge in the luxury of entertaining themselves.
Their children are raised upon a social order that glorifies the works of men, as they watch their idols become those whom practice witchcraft, like Harry Potter, and have their television heroes consort with mediums and ghosts. How long before the line of the true purity of the Gospel becomes blurred by the tolerance and unity of men toward apostasy?
Of course there will be those Christians whom have developed a strong relationship with their God by prayer and scripture study. These, who will not allow the pleasures of life to interfere with the call of God. They will study and learn. They will hold perfect doctrine, and their testimonies will frighten the devil. The concept of the pre-tribulation rapture was born to kill this precious babe, and keep the pure Christian saddled in self interest, preservation and a hope that won’t come.
Imagine, a world war. Famine, disease and global chaos. Out of the ruins, a new government, and a new Messiah that will hear the cries of the afflicted, and restore the comfort and ease of the old world. The Christian will hear the taunts and scoffing of: “ where is your Jesus?” (2 Peter 3: 3-4) by those whom worship a false god. Sadly, when the Christian must point at the anti-Christ for who he really is, they will not know the scriptures well enough to convict the hearts of those they love, and those they may lose. God forbid.