The Sovereignty of God #8

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I had anticipated this to be our last posting on the sovereignty of God and the End Times, but there were far too many slides for a single posting, which compelled me to split it into two. So, see you again next week. Let me know if you’re ready to return to Heritage Lounge anytime soon. More info at the end. 

Chart lays out the End Times – Church age: Pentecost to the Rapture.  /  Seven-year Tribulation: Following Rapture to Second Coming of Christ.  /  Second Coming and battle of Armageddon are followed by 1,000-year Millennium, at the end of which comes the creation of a New Heaven and New Earth.  The first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation is when the Antichrist establishes his reign over the world system. We are seeing how that's possible with the Covid-19 shutdown of almost everything, including churches and even restrictions of certain civil liberties plus curtailment of free speech by Big Tech. The second 3 ½ years is a time of God’s judgment, when His wrath is poured out on unrepentant mankind. 

Chart shows the four prevalent End Time views:  #1. No rapture; Christians go through the Tribulation.  #2. Pre-tribulation Rapture; Christians do not go through the Tribulation.  #3. No rapture; no specific 7-year Tribulation or Millennium; that the current age is a symbolic Millennium.  #4. Amillenialism; waiting for the Return of Christ; no specific Tribulation or Millennium.  #1, 3 & 4 do not believe in the relevance of Israel; believe Church is the new Israel based on the destruction of Israel in 70 AD.  Since there was no Israel, the Church held to that belief for several hundred years (based on opinion, not biblical doctrine). The problem with that view is it ignores the rebirth of Israel in 1948. The other problem is that the Bible does not mention the Church during the Tribulation period, other than new converts who are persecuted.  Rev. 20 states specifically about Christ reigning a thousand years and Satan being bound in the Abyss for 1,000 years. So, I’ll stick with #2. 

Rev 20:4b—5, 7 …They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth — Gog and Magog — to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.  (NIV)

May 15, 1948, New York Times' headline announcing the new State of Israel; along with the bombing of Tel Aviv (Israel’s capital at the time) and invasion by Egypt. Yet Israel prevailed. America played an important role with President Truman’s recognition of Israel. Without U.S. recognition, there may not have been a State of Israel. It all gets down to “God’s sovereign decree!” Once again, God used the USA to achieve His purpose; just as with the defeat of Nazi Germany and saving of the European Jews, all of whom would have been killed by the Nazis if they had not been defeated, which was only possible because America joined the allies. 

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 is a biblical milestone. Ezekiel 36 & 37 contain His prophecy of the rebirth of Israel. Generally, we cannot interpret Bible prophecy until the events begin to unfold. But as they unfold, they will become more apparent. Prior to the rebirth of Israel in 1948, most branches of Christianity did not see the relevance of Israel in the End Times because it had ceased to exist in 70 AD. Since there was no longer an Israel, Christians concluded that the Church was the new Israel. And yet, Israel is back!

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 shows that God has not abandoned His People. They were restored and they will recognize their Messiah at His Second Coming. I have to wonder, why is the rebirth of Israel still ignored by many Church denominations and Bible scholars? The only answer that I can think of is that they see modern Israel as a secular society and therefore having no ties back to biblical Israel. I respectfully disagree, especially with Jerusalem being recognized by the USA as Israel’s capitol. Ezekiel speaks of Israel, not the Church. 

Isaiah 43 speaks of Israel’s restoration. “The Lord will regather to the land of Israel, the faithful remnant of His people from their worldwide dispersion in conjunction with the inauguration of the Messiah’s kingdom on earth.” The Messiah’s kingdom takes place during the 1,000-year Millennium. 

Isa 43:6  I will say to the north, 'Give them up!’ and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth… (NIV)  -- perfect description of the rebirth of Israel in 1948, gathered from across all of Europe.

Modern Israel has secured its place in the sun against insurmountable odds but only by the providence of a Sovereign God. In agriculture Israel is number one exporter of Agricultural products in a once barren desert land. Israel is at the top in medical research including vaccinating all its citizens against Covid-19. Millions of tourists safely visit Israel each year. Without God’s providence and protection in two wars (1948 Arab—Israel war; 1967 Six Day war) plus numerous terrorists’ attacks, there would not otherwise be an Israel. 

Joel 2:18 Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people. 19 The LORD will reply to them: 'I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.  (NIV) 

Isaiah foretells the rebirth of Israel, that it's by God’s sovereign decree and not an accident of history or act of man. 

Isa 66:8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. (NIV)

President Donald J. Trump’s election, if for no other reason, was certainly by the decree of God and formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel, and moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018, which no president had ever dared to do—they talked the talk, but never walked the walk, until Trump. 

The End Times, as most understand it, is yet to come. If the United States falters, it will leave a vacuum that Communist China will gladly fill, and perhaps even in cooperation with Russia, thus opening the door for the Antichrist’s rise to power. Something is seriously wrong in the United States of America, with the nation and congress split down the middle, like no other time except perhaps the Civil War. We are in unprecedented times. Nevertheless, everything happens as God decrees, even as to when the Antichrist takes center stage. We may decline as a nation or reach out to God as a people!

In 2 Thess. 2:4, Paul describes the Antichrist, which fulfills the prophecy in Daniel 11—some believe this is in reference to Rome’s destruction of the temple in 70 AD, others see it in reference to the Antichrist, the “beast” in Revelation (Rev. 13:2), me too.

2 Thess 2:4 He [the antichrist] will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.  (NIV)

Dan 11:31 "His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.  (NIV)

The Book of Revelation isn’t only about the End Times. It’s Jesus’ Revelation to the Church—the Alpha (Genesis) and the Omega (Revelation) from the beginning to the end of history (Rev. 1:8, 21:6, 22:13). Our goal is to provide a better understanding of Revelation when you read it. The Book of Revelation is seen as a reality of what is to come and even an incentive for evangelism. All who are not raptured before the Tribulation will be subject to the wrath of God poured out on a sinful rebellious world during the Tribulation. I believe in signs, such as the Covid-pandemic lockdown of everything including churches; alleged voter fraud; presidential executive orders that weaken America on the world scene; rebirth of Israel after almost 2,000 years. Revelation wouldn’t be in the Bible if God didn’t want us to read it and try to understand it.

Chart shows the Tribulation Judgments: the 7 seals in Rev. 6 & 8; followed by the 7 trumpets in Rev. 8, 9 &11; followed by the 7 bowls in Rev. 16.  You may even want to share this chart with family and friends with a message that it is biblical prophecy that will be fulfilled, and that those who put their faith in Jesus Christ will be raptured and not undergo the Tribulation when God’s wrath is poured out on a sinful world. Perhaps an opportunity to witness to someone. 

Rider on the white horse in the First Seal, is believed to be the Antichrist since the rider has a crown (leadership) a bow but no arrows (peaceful and/or political persuasion). He went out conquering (political or military pressure) and making everyone subject to him (like in Nazi Germany or Communist Russia, or the Covid-shutdown). The chart notes the significance of each of the seven seals. 

The first six trumpets usher in catastrophic events noted in chapters 8 & 9. The seventh trumpet doesn’t occur until chapter 11, a precursor of the coming of Jesus Christ, but only after the seven bowls of judgment.

Rev 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.  (NIV)

Chapter 15 and 16 describe the seven bowls of judgment as noted on the chart with associated Bible verses. Right after the sixth bowl the world’s armies gathered for battle at a place called Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). What was the state of the world that led up to these events? Rev. 9:20-21 tells us.

Rev 9:20 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood — idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.  (NIV)

Verse 14 refers to four angels who are bound at the river Euphrates, which appear to be Satan’s fallen angels (i.e., demons) who assist Satan in inciting mankind to battle. Satan is not omnipresent like God, he works through his fallen angels. We will explore the 200 million in v.16 a little further on. 

What else did John’s vision include regarding the 200 million? V.17 tells us that their breastplates were fiery red (first color noted; “Red China?”) They were riding on what are called horses—which in John’s day would be war-chariots pulled by horses. Out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur—a tank’s cannon would produce that same affect. V.19 tells us that their tails were like snakes—possible description of the shape of the tail end of a military helicopter, which China has plenty of? One commentary believes they are demons released from hell. The truth is, we don’t know if its literal or symbolic. But, I lean toward a literal army in keeping with the main message of Armageddon.  

The sixth trumpet releases an army of 200 million to kill a third of mankind. The power was in their mouths (tank canons?) and in their tails (helicopter gunships?). One commentator believed it was in reference to 200 million demons from hell. We have seen throughout history that man can be every bit as evil as demons, because they are instigated by demons (Eph. 6:12); e.g. the holocaust.  

Rev 9:19 The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.  (NIV)

So, who are the 200 million? Some, including myself, lean toward China, especially today’s China, who in the 21st century has become a powerful economic and military force. Especially if the USA withdraws from its leadership role in the world, which seems to be happening. But again, it's pure speculation on who the 200 million may be. Many like myself, believe born-again Christians will be raptured before the Antichrist’s reign of power. I don’t know how we can exclude an atheistic Communist China in these events.

One map on the web came to the same conclusions, showing China invading the Middle East, especially with a further weakened America, both politically and militarily. 

Examples of why I think China’s military may be part of the Gog and Magog army, even though there is no mention of them. China has been increasing the size of its military including the latest state-of-art weapons. Being “mounted” as noted in Rev. 9:6, could be enough tanks and other military vehicles to transport such a large army, just as seen in WWII by Nazi Germany and also by Soviet Russia in their invasion of Berlin, and East Germany. 

Rev 9:16 The number of the mounted troops was two hundred million. I heard their number. (NIV)

China, with perhaps others like Iran, even Russia, could easily fit the description “Kings of the East” in Rev. 16:12.

Rev 16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.  (NIV)

The Bible refers to it as Armageddon (Rev. 16:16), which is the biblical name for a particular place, but in our vernacular, some refer to the events leading up to Armageddon as being equivalent to World War III. 

Rev 16:14, 16 – 14 They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty ….16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.  (NIV)

Rev 16:16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.  (NIV)

Armageddon (Megiddo) – har-ma-ged'-on (Harmagedon from Hebrew har meghiddo, "Mount of Megiddo"; the King James Version Armageddon): This name is found only in Revelation 16:16. It is described as the rallying-place of the kings of the whole world who, led by the unclean spirits issuing from the mouth of the dragon, the beast and the false prophet, assemble here for "the war of the great day of God, the Almighty."

In spite of their military might, the Antichrist and his armies didn’t stand a chance against the Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev. 17:14)

Rev. 19:11-21 the heavens opened up and Jesus returns with His heavenly army, to destroy the Antichrist and False Prophet and their armies. 

Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast [Antichrist] was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse [Jesus Christ], and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.  (NIV)

Satan gets bound and cast into the abyss after Armageddon, and the 1,000-year Millennium will be totally free of his influence. 

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.  (NIV)

Jesus’ return ushers in the 1,000-year Millennium. At its end, Satan will be released and once again incite rebellion against God and the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 20:7). That final conflict focuses on Gog and Magog (next slide).

Rev 20:7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth — Gog and Magog — to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  (NIV)

We will resume with Gog and Magog next week.

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 40-minute sermon: The Midnight Cry and Rapture of the Church.

https://youtu.be/E3YQMmHvIEc

(copy and paste into your web browser)

Pray that the American people and leadership turn back to God. Pray for our church, our pastor and his family, our congregation and their families. 

End of the Sovereignty of God #8