“Messiah” is a Hebrew word.
“Christos” is a Greek word.
“Christ” is an English word.
All three of these words mean,
“The Anointed One.”

The Holy Bible is called the “Word of God” because it is a faithful record of everything God wanted man to know as a whole, including those things that are evil and degenerate. The original [autograph] was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit, the third Personality of the Godhead. It is free from any error concerning the super-natural, science and history. The substance of the Bible has been preserved for us and is complete! We are not to look for the writing or giving of any additional Scripture (Ro. 1:18-20; 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:12; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:21; Rev. 22:18).

The “Word of God” advises all to:
“Search the Scriptures” (Jn. 5:39, 46-47; Acts 17:10-12).
“Study the Scriptures” (Prov. 15:28; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15).
“Meditate upon the Scriptures” (Ps. 119; 1 Tim. 4:15-16).

Learning about the future, from the Holy Bible, has not been easy.
Knowing about the future, from the Holy Bible, has not been fun.
Sharing about the future, from the Holy Bible, has not been popular.

The Holy Bible. Nothing More. Nothing Less. Nothing Else.

Copyright 2008 by Robert E. Schoenle. All rights reserved.
Cover by John S. Papesh

All quoted Scripture is from The New Scofield Reference Bible.
Authorized King James Version
Copyright 1967 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

The Charlotte Outreach
PMB 164
1825 Tamiami Trail, Unit A6
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

E-Mail: warningsfromjesus@comcast.net
Web Site: www.endtimewarnings.net

Prologue

It was as a young boy growing up in Chicago, that I came to love stories of the old west by first listening to the Lone Ranger on the radio and then by watching westerns on television and at the movies. I would also read stories of the old west in comic books and novels. The stories of how the Indians, pioneers, ranchers, homesteaders and gunfighters interacted with each other have made westerns popular for 130 years. The stories about the changes and challenges we all face in life is what made SHANE a classic western movie and a great example to which I am referring!

One of my favorite characters in western stories has always been the scout. He was the one whose job it was to point the way for the cavalry that was trailing renegade Indians or for the posse chasing outlaws. The scout was seldom a featured player, yet his knowing what to look for was vital in the pursuit of whoever was being followed. It was common for the scout to dismount from his horse and check out a pile of horse manure left behind by one of the horses of those being pursued. I always loved those scenes because it seemed like the scout could determine the date and time this horse had been there along with the age, height, weight, marital state, number of children and health of it’s rider. It was like there was no limit to what the scout could learn by simply looking at that pile of horse manure. The purpose of the scout was to “read signs,” whether it was a pile of horse manure or broken twigs or hoof prints in the dirt, and to disclose their significance for whom he was scouting.

I like to think of myself as a scout for those who are interested in knowing about “things to come” such as when the Lord Jesus will be returning at His return that is referred to as the “Rapture.” The disciples Peter, James, John and Andrew wanted to know (Mk. 13:3-4) and so do I. Thus, I would like to present my conclusions after viewing the many “signs of the times” taking place in our day and compare them to what the Scriptures have to say about the days prior to the “Rapture.”

I want it known that I have never professed to be a prophet of God and have never perceived myself to be a prophet of God. I believe the last prophet of God was the apostle John who wrote The Revelation of Jesus Christ more than 1900 years ago (1 Cor. 13:8-10; Rev. 1:1-2; 22:18-19). The Latin word 'revelatio,' from which we get the English word 'revelation,' and the Greek word 'apokalupsis,' that has been translated into the English word 'apocalypse,' all mean “the disclosure of that which was previously hidden or unknown” (Amos 3:7). Thus all, since the apostle John, who have said they are a prophet of God are false prophets and are not to be believed in anything they have to say about the Scriptures, salvation, or future events.

I also believe Bible Prophecy is a gift from God so that none need be lost. A search through the Scriptures affirms that God has always told in advance WHAT He was going to do, WHY He was going to do it and WHEN He would act. Thus, God is a “date-setter” who has never played 'gotcha' with mankind (Isa. 42:8-9; 44:7-8; 45:18-21; 46:9-10; 48:3-6, 16; Mt. 10:26; Mk. 4:22; Lk. 8:17; 12:2)! God began this method with Adam and continued to do so through the years as the Book of Revelation attests (Rev. 22:18-19). Those who choose to disregard the warnings and signs that God has given mankind throughout the ages are responsible for any judgment that befalls them. This treatise is my attempt to be your prophesy scout.

A Biblical View of the Past

Bible Prophecy is prewritten history whose author is God (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 3:15-16). If anyone would like to confirm whether Bible Prophecy is valid or not they could simply investigate the circumstances of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as His testimony is based upon Bible Prophecy (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; 53; Mic. 5:2; Jn. 5:46-47; Rev. 19:10). His fulfillment of Bible Prophecy was necessary so the Jewish people could correctly identify their promised Messiah! It is important to note that the Gregorian calendar which first came into use in 1582 - is four years short of the actual birth year of the Lord Jesus. Also, B.C. means “Before Christ” and A.D., from the Latin words “anno Domini,” means “In the year of the Lord.”

A three year period of fulfilled prophecy that included events of tremendous importance and significance began with an old man named Zacharias who was of the priestly order of Abijah (1 Chr. 24:10; Neh. 12:4; Lk. 1:5). By the choosing of lots it fell to him to burn incense (Num. 16:40; 2 Chr. 26:18) in the temple during the Feast of Trumpets in September, 5 B.C. (Lk. 1:8). It was while fulfilling his duties that Zacharias was told by an angel of God that he and his wife Elizabeth, who was “of the daughters of Aaron” (Lk. 1:5), were going to have a son. As an old man who was married to an old childless woman who had already gone through menopause he expressed disbelief (Lk. 1:5-25, 36-64, 67-80). The penalty for this was his inability to speak until the birth of his son, John the Baptist. His wife Elizabeth became pregnant in September, 5 B.C., and their son was born on the day of the year with the most hours of sunlight, which would be about June, 21, 4 B.C. John was to be a Nazirite [one separated], according to the angel (Num.6:1-21; Lk.1:15). The ministry of John was for six months and consisted of three parts; The first was to announce the soon coming of the Messiah to the Jewish people (Mt. 3:1-2). The second was to prepare them for Him (Isa. 40:3; Mt. 3:3-12; Mk. 1:1-8; Lk. 3:1-18; Jn. 1:14-28). The third was to identify the Messiah to them (Mt. 3:13-17; Mk. 1:9-11; Lk. 3:21-23; Jn. 1:29-41; 3:22-30). John did no miracles (Jn. 10:41) yet the Lord Jesus said he was the greatest of all the prophets because he came in the power of Elijah (Mt. 11:11-14; 17:10-13; Mk. 9:11-13; Lk. 7:26-28). John was beheaded by Herod Antipas at the request of Herodias, his brothers wife (Mt. 14:1-11; Mk. 6:14-28).

Six months after Elizabeth became pregnant, her cousin Mary was impregnated by God the Holy Spirit on the Feast of the Passover in 4 B.C. (Lk. 1:24-38). In this way the Son of God could be born the God-man without having a sin nature (Jn. 1, 14; 8:58; 10:33; 20:28; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Tim. 3:16; Ti. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 Jn. 1:1-2; 3:5). The reason being that when Adam deliberately ate what God told him not to, he rebelled [sinned] against God (Gen. 2:15-17; 3:6, 8-12; Ps.51:5; 1Cor. 15:21-22; 1Tim. 2:14). This caused Adam to acquire a sin nature which became an intrinsic part of his ‘DNA.’ Thus, “. . . by one man . . . all have sinned” (Ro. 5:12). Eve had been deceived by Satan when she ate the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:1-6, 13, 15; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14). This is why the sin nature can only be passed on by men and not by women. The Lord Jesus was born on the day of the year with the least hours of sunlight in 4 B.C. [December 21st]. He was “like a root out of dry ground” (Isa. 53:2) or like a light entering a dark world (Jn. 3:19).

In our sexually permissive age it is difficult to fully appreciate the scandal caused by the pregnancy of Mary unless you know the three stages involved in consummating a marriage between a Jewish couple during the time of the “1st Advent” of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first stage is the engagement, which is when the father would choose a bride for his son (Gen. 24:1-67; 38:6; Mt. 22:2; Eph. 1:4) and upon her approval - pay for her (Gen. 34:6-12; Ruth 4:10; 1 Sam. 18:22-27; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). The second stage is called the espousement (Dt. 20:7; 22:23-27; 24:5; 2 Sam. 3:14; Song 3:11; Jer. 2:2; 2 Cor. 11:2). This is when the couple was legally united by ceremony and then lived apart, without seeing or knowing each other sexually, for a minimum of 361 days to as many as 720 days! The bridegroom would build a dwelling for her during this time. When his father said it was finished he would then send his son for the “home-taking” of his bride (Jn. 14:1-3). The third stage is the marriage feast or supper which could be for seven days (Jud. 14:12; Jn. 2:1-10; Rev. 19:9). It began with a cry that the bridegroom was returning for his bride (Song 3:6-11; Mt. 25:6). He then would learn whether or not she had been watching for him and take his wife to her new home where their marriage was consummated. Unlike weddings in our current day - the bridegroom was the primary participant.

The reputation of Mary was tarnished for the rest of her life from her being pregnant while in the espousement stage of her marriage with Joseph (Mt. 1:18; Lk. 1:27; 2:5)! She told how she came to be pregnant but Joseph did not believe her. He could have had her stoned to death for adultery (Lev. 20:10; Dt. 22:22-24; Jn. 8:1-5) but because he loved her, he was going to divorce her quietly. It took an angel of God to reveal to him in a dream that Mary was not guilty of adultery (Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:26-56). Therefore, he did not have her stoned to death nor divorce her or even observe the law of jealousies (Num. 5:11-31). The prophecies of Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 and Micah 5:2 had to be ignored by all throughout the pregnancy of Mary and the birth of the Lord Jesus, her first born son (Mt. 1:22-25). It should be noted that after the birth of the Lord Jesus, Mary made a sacrifice for her sins in the manner that all Jewish women were to do after they had a baby (Lk. 2:22-24, 39). The instructions of how Jewish women were to make an offering for their own sins after having a baby was given by God to Moses who recorded them in Leviticus 12:1-8. The fact that this offering is for sin or an atonement by the new mother is stated three different times in this passage. Thus, the teaching that Mary was born sinless and remained so - is false. The teaching that Mary remained a virgin is also false since she and Joseph sexually consummated their marriage after the birth of the Lord Jesus. The evidence of this truth are the four sons she later gave birth to along with an unknown number of daughters, with Joseph being their father, (Mt. 12:46-47; 13:53-56; Mk. 3:31-32; 6:1-3; Lk. 8:19-20; Jn. 2:12; 7:5; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor. 9:4-5; Gal. 1:19).

The birth of the Lord Jesus was first told to the people of Israel by way of angels to the shepherds who were in the field because it was the “lambing season.” What the shepherds heard and saw they made known abroad (Lk. 2:1-20). They told of the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29, 36) being born who was their promised Messiah. On the eighth day after His birth, the Lord Jesus was taken by Joseph and Mary to the temple to be circumcised according to the covenant between God and Abraham (Gen. 17:9-14; Lk. 2:21-24). It was there that an old man named Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he saw the Lord’s Messiah, declared their baby to be the one for whom he had been waiting (Lk. 2:25-35). After Simeon said this, Anna, a prophetess of about 105 years in age, also told them that their baby would bring redemption (Lk. 2:36-38). Simeon and Anna were ignored by the people of Israel like Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds had!

About two years later a caravan of wise men known as the Magi came from the east and arrived in Jerusalem asking where the King of the Jews was to be born so they could go and worship Him (Mt. 2:1-2). The Jewish citizens of Jerusalem and King Herod, an Edomite, became highly agitated upon hearing their request (Mt. 2:3). The answer to their question was the little town of Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2; Mt. 2:4-6). The visit of the Magi from the east had to be in the fall or winter of 2 B.C. There are two reasons for saying this. The first being that Joseph and Mary were found living in a house in Bethlehem when the Magi arrived to worship the Lord Jesus and present their gifts to Him (Mt. 2:11). The other reason is that King Herod the Great had determined, from what the Magi had told him about the star and when they began their journey, that the baby they were seeking could have been as old as two years. The news of a possible rival to his throne and his desire to preserve his position as king caused Herod to have all of the boys and girls in Bethlehem who were two years or younger killed (Mt. 2:13-18). Thus, the prophecy of Jeremiah was fulfilled (Jer. 31:15). All of these things took place in a time and in a society where news of any kind would spread like a wildfire and not be easily forgotten (Lk. 1:65). The snide remark of the Pharisees to the Lord Jesus that they were not born of fornication is proof of this (Jn. 8:41). They said this after more than 30 years from the time of His birth. They had not forgotten the scandal of His mother’s pregnancy!

The name 'Jesus' is a transliterated word from the Hebrew 'Yeshua' which, when translated to English, is 'Joshua.' The Lord Jesus came unto His own [Jewish people] and His own knew Him not (Zech. 9:9; Mt. 10:5-7; 15:24; Jn. 1:11; Ro. 15:8). The Jewish people had to ignore many prophecies recorded in the Scriptures concerning Him for them to not know the time of His visitation (Lk. 19:41-44; 24:25-27, 44-48; Acts 3:18, 20-26). There were three stages during the “1st Advent.” The first stage began with His conception on the Feast of the Passover in 4 B.C. It ceased when He taught the Jewish religious teachers in the temple for 3 days after the Feast of the Passover in 9 A.D. (Lk. 2:41-50). We know little of the second stage which ended at age 30 (Lk. 2:51-52)! The third stage began with His being identified as the Messiah by John on His 30th birthday in December, 26 A.D. (Lk. 3:21-23). The third stage ended with His death on the Feast of the Passover in 30 A.D. It was during the third stage when the Lord Jesus did a great number of miraculous healings, along with raising the dead and feeding thousands of people (Mt. 14:13-21; 16:1-3; Mk. 6:32-44; Lk. 9:10-17; 12:54-56; Jn. 6:1-14; 12:37; 20:30-31; 21:25).

After His resurrection from the dead, the Lord Jesus taught His disciples for 40 days before His bodily ascension into Heaven that was viewed by hundreds of eye witnesses (Mt. 27:50, 57-60; 28:1-10, 16-20; Mk. 15:37, 42-46; 16:1-7, 9-19; Lk. 23:44-46, 50-55; 24:1-7, 13-31, 33-51; Jn. 19:30-42; 20:1-9, 11-29; 21:1-24; Acts 1:1-11, 21-22; 2:22-36; 3:12-15; 1 Cor. 15:1-8). If His resurrection and ascension were not true, then the story of either would have become a joke. The same as “Elvis Sightings” became after the death of Elvis Presley. Instead, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and His ascension into Heaven was confirmed and proclaimed! The Lord Jesus has the three offices of prophet, priest and king. John the Baptist identified Him as the Messiah on His 30th birthday in December, 26 A.D., since a man had to be at least 30 years of age to be a priest (Num. 4:3, 23, 30, 35, 39, 47). The public ministry of the Lord Jesus was for 40 months and ceased at Calvary on the Feast of the Passover in April, 30 A.D. Thus, the time of the “1st Advent” by the Lord Jesus from His conception on the Feast of the Passover in 4 B.C., to His death on the cross on the Feast of the Passover and His ascension in 30 A.D., lasted for 34 years.

A Biblical View of the Present

I am a realist. As such, I believe it is a strong possibility that the Presidential election in November, 2008, will be the last such election in which Americans will ever participate. I think this since the Judeo-Christian principles that America was founded upon have been discarded by the majority of its leaders and its citizens. The reason for this is that most Americans are historically and biblically ignorant! I believe America has abandoned God and that God will soon abandon America.

Vladimir Lenin, was the mastermind behind the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917. He was also an atheist with a dilemma. He believed it was impossible to think of something that did not already exist. Thus, he was unable to explain how the concept of God came to be. Lenin, illogically, died an atheist. The national religion in America is now evolution whose teachings are based upon the belief that out of nothing came something. This act cannot be reproduced in a laboratory and there are no witnesses to it, so this teaching must be believed by faith. Also, the proponents of evolution hardly ever address how the immaterial might have evolved such as thought, memory and conscious or from where they came (Ps. 14:1; 53:1)!

America now endorses abortion, homosexuality, gambling, pornography and Godlessness. It is illegal to bring a Bible into a classroom and to discuss how creation came about, but it is legal to pass out condoms and burn the American flag. The United States was founded as a republic that made it a nation “ruled by law.” It now thinks of itself as being a democracy meaning, “ruled by the majority.” The fact that, according to history, democracies have a short life span is unknown to most!

History also records that any nation that has tolerated the practice of sacrificing babies to its gods has always been judged by the God of the Holy Bible. A study of the religions of the Incas, Mayans, Aztecs and other nations who thrived and then disappeared will reveal they all threw babies and children into fires as a way of sacrifice to idols made of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood and stone. Babies are now being sacrificed in America to the modern day idols of money, hedonism and convenience by killing them in the womb of their mothers (Ps. 96:5). The number of babies that have been legally murdered in America is now in the millions. The God of the Bible will judge America for this horrible and great sin just as He has in the past judged Israel and other nations (Lev. 18:21; Dt. 18:9-14; Jer. 19:4-5, 8, 15)!

Homosexuality is now accepted as an alternative life-style in America and is taught in schools while protected by “hate speech” and “hate crime” laws. These laws make it difficult to speak against sexual acts and relationships that have always been thought to be perverted until recent years. Thus, the term “queer.” Those who speak out against homosexuality are accused of being “homophobic.” “Phobia” is defined as an “illogical fear” of something. This type of logic concludes that if I insisted a door that says “enter” and a door that says “exit” are only to be used in those ways then I could be called a “doorphobic.” Those involved in homosexuality have always been severely judged by God since their behavior is an abomination to Him (Gen. 18:16-19:29; Lev. 18:22-30; 20:13; Ro. 1:26-28, 31-32; 1 Cor. 6:9; 2 Pet. 2:4-14)!

The God of the Holy Bible has been removed from the classrooms, courtrooms and boardrooms in America. As a result America will soon be judged by God for doing so and suffer loss in the same way as Israel and other nations have for doing the identical thing (Dt. 28). Thus, America cannot be found in Bible Prophecy!

One third of the Scriptures were prophetic when they were written. Many of these prophecies have been fulfilled and many have yet to be. The most controversial and unappreciated of all biblical prophecies is the one known as the “Rapture.” This is because of faulty hermeneutics and teachings based upon assumption. The word “Rapture” is not a biblical word! The apostle Paul in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica used the Greek word “harpazo” which means “to snatch away” or “to catch up” when describing this return of the Lord Jesus FOR His own (1 Th. 4:13-18). The Latin word “rapare” also means “to snatch out” or “to take away.” It was translated from the Greek word “harpazo” for the Latin Vulgate Bible translation. Thus, “rapare” led to the use of the English word “rapture” meaning “an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion” among those snatched up by the Lord Jesus.

In his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul told of a generation of Christians who would not experience physical death (1 Th. 4:14-17). Paul also comforted this church in his second letter to them with this truth which was told of by “the word of the Lord” (1 Th. 4:15). Paul wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians shortly after his first to reassure them that they had not missed the coming of the Lord Jesus and the assembling to meet Him in the air (2 Th. 2:1), regardless of what they had been told or what they had heard (2 Th. 2:2). In his first letter to the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 15:51-53), Paul expanded upon this return of the Lord Jesus when he told of a “mystery” that he was going to reveal to them.

It is commonly taught that the English word “mystery,” when used in the Scriptures, is about a teaching [doctrine] not previously revealed or known. This interpretation and teaching for the word “mystery” cannot be true since Paul is using this word AFTER he had first taught about the “Rapture” in his two letters to the Thessalonians. The English word “mystery” is from the Greek word “musterion.” The Greek word “musterion” was often used by secret Greek fraternities in ancient Greece. When used, it meant something that wasn't known by the people at large but only to those initiated into the fraternity; or the subject under discussion was something that was known only to the initiated of the fraternity [Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible]. Thus, the “Rapture” is a teaching that the apostles, being members of the fraternity of Christ, were already aware of! Paul is now revealing this teaching to both the “Church” and the world at large in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

The place where the Lord Jesus is going to take those who He will meet in the air at the “Rapture is a city God has prepared for them (Heb. 11:16). It is the city to which Abraham looked forward to seeing (Heb. 11:8-10) and why Christians have thought themselves strangers and pilgrims while on the earth (Heb. 11:13). They knew their true citizenship was in this city located in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). Its beauty and size will be a wonder to behold (Rev. 21:2, 10-23; 22:1-5) and the citizens of this city will only be those people who have done the will of the Father during their life on earth, during whichever of the five ages in which they lived (Mt. 7:21; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9; Rev. 21:24-27). The Christians snatched up by the Lord Jesus at the “Rapture” will be taken to Heaven to face the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10). This is not a judgment for sin (Heb. 10:12, 14, 17) but for the works they did after they became a Christian (Mt. 12:36; Ro. 14:10-12; Gal. 6:7; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:23-25). They will be rewarded accordingly (1 Cor. 3:8, 13-15; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 2:10; 22:12). After they have received their earned rewards, the marriage supper of the Lamb [Christ] will be celebrated (Rev. 19:7-9). The Lord Jesus promised to come FOR His own and take them to this city in Heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). He will keep this promise with the return known as the “Rapture.” At His “2nd Advent” the Lord Jesus will return WITH His saints (Rev. 19:11-14) and His angels (Mt. 25:31).

There is a common teaching and belief among Christians that no one can know when either the “Rapture” or the “2nd Advent” will take place. This is not true for reasons which I will explain in this treatise. As I have previously stated, God has always told in advance WHAT He was going to do, WHY He was going to do it and WHEN He would act. He did this first with Adam and has continued doing so with mankind throughout the ages. Thus, God is a “date-setter!” There is another method that God uses that must be considered. It is His method of giving a warning of coming judgment and then to authenticate His warning with a sign prior to executing His judgment. There are many examples of this being so that are recorded in the Holy Bible, but my favorite examples involve Noah, Lot and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The people of Noah’s day were warned by him for 120 years of the coming judgment of God (Gen. 6:3, 17). The sign to authenticate his warning was when the animals arrived to board the ark (Gen. 6:18-20). The warning and the sign were ignored and possibly as many as six billion people died by drowning (Gen. 7:17-23). Lot and his family were warned that God was going to destroy the city of Sodom for its grievous and great sin (Gen. 18:20; 19:1-3, 12-14). This warning was authenticated by the sign of simultaneously blinding all who were in the mob of homosexual men that were attempting to rape the two men who gave the warning (Gen. 19:4-11). The married daughters of Lot and their husbands ignored the warning and the sign and perished with all who lived in Sodom (Gen. 19:24-29). In 30 A.D., the Lord Jesus warned His generation of the coming judgment of God (Mt. 23:13-36; Lk. 11:50-51). He was asked for the sign that would reveal when it would come to pass (Lk.21:7f) and He gave it (Lk. 21:20-24). In 68 A.D., a Roman legion placed Jerusalem under siege to end a rebellion against Roman rule and then withdrew. Those who believed the warning and the sign given by the Lord Jesus left the city. Thus, they did not suffer the fate of the 1,100,000 plus who died when Jerusalem and the temple were placed under siege by four Roman legions and destroyed in 70 A.D.

Learning these two methods of God caused me to ask why can I not know when the “Rapture” and the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus will be? Since God is a “date-setter” and based upon what He has done in the past, as recorded in the Holy Bible, why would He not also tell our generation what He is going to do along with why and when? Thus, I believe we can and should know when the return of the Lord Jesus known as the “Rapture” will take place (Mk. 13:23; Lk. 12:2), since it will be the greatest supernatural sign and event since the resurrection of the Lord Jesus!

The Scriptures tell of two returns by the Lord Jesus! The first return is the one known as the “Rapture” when He will come as a bridegroom for his bride or as a thief in the night (Mt. 24:37-44; 25:1-13; Mk. 13:33-37; Lk. 12:35-48, 56; 13:25; 17:26-30, 34-36; 18:8; 21:34-36; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; 2 Cor. 11:2; 1 Th. 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:2-6; 2 Th. 2:1-3, 6-7; 2 Tim. 4:8; Ti. 2:13; 2 Pet. 3:3-4; 1 Jn. 2:28; 3:2-3; Jude 18; Rev. 3:10-11; 22:20). Those who are left behind will be nonChristians which He did not personally know (Mt. 7:21-23; 25:12; Lk. 13:25-27).

The second return is known as the “Second Coming” or the “2nd Advent” of Christ. This is the return in which the Lord Jesus will touch down on the Mount of Olives from which He ascended into Heaven in 30 A.D. He will then rule over the earth from the city of Jerusalem with a rod of iron for 1000 years (Ps. 2:1-12; Isa. 2:10-21; Jer. 23:5-6; Dan. 2:35, 44-45; 7:13-14; Zech. 12:8-11; 14:1-7; Mt. 24:29-30; Mk. 13:24-26; Lk. 21:27; Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-3). In my view of the future, I will give the month and the year for each of these two events knowing that I will be called a lunatic and a “date-setter” which to many is the same as being a “heretic.”

The reason for my being viewed as a heretic by some for daring to set a date for the return of the Lord Jesus is because of those who have made predictions about His return in the past and were wrong. It is for this reason that many so called prophecy experts will “pussyfoot” as to when they think the “Rapture” or the “2nd Advent” might take place. I have always viewed the “pussyfooters” as someone who while walking, have their hands covering their rear end. They are more interested in covering their butts than in declaring what they believe and their reasons why. Of course, those who do this are being both practical and prudent since to be incorrect would subject them to merciless ridicule. I speak of this from personal experience.

They also believe they have a sound biblical reason for taking their “pussy-footing” position. It is what the Lord Jesus answered when asked “And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled” (Mk. 13:4b)? His answer was, “But of that day and (Mt. 24:36a; Mk. 13:32a) that (Mk. 13:32b) hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels (Mt. 24:36b; Mk. 13:32c) of heaven (Mt. 24:36c), who are in heaven, neither the son (Mk. 13:32d), but (Mt. 24:36d; Mk. 13:32e) the Father (Mk. 13:32f), my Father only” (Mt. 24:36e). This answer is part of His Olivet Discourse that was entirely recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. These are the two passages from which all will quote to support their belief that we cannot know when the “Rapture” will take place. I have, by God’s grace, been able to reassemble this conversation to enable it to be read as it was given by the Lord Jesus!

I believe no one, including the Lord Jesus, knew when the “Rapture” would be when He gave His answer to this question (Mk. 5:25-34; Lk. 8:43-48; Phil. 2:5-8). However, the day would be known prior to when the “Rapture” will take place! Otherwise the apostle Paul could not have said, after telling those in Thessalonica of the “Rapture,” (1 Th. 4:13-18), “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all [sons] of light, and [sons] of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be [sober-minded]” (1 Th. 5:1-6). Watch for what I ask? It can only be the “Rapture.”

There are three events that will be fulfilled by the Lord Jesus at His “2nd Advent.” The first one being His fulfillment of the prophetic significance of The Feast of a Day of Atonement. The LORD [the self-existant one] gave the people of Israel seven holy feast days that they were to observe each year (Lev. 23). Few knew
then and few know now that each of these feast days were “prophetically significant” and that each of them were to be literally fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ!

The Lord Jesus Christ HAS fulfilled: 1. The Feast of the Passover with His death (Lev. 17:11; 23:4-5; Dt. 16:1-2, 5-7; Jn. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 9:22; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). 2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread with His burial (Ex. 12:14-20; 23:15; Lev. 23:6-8; Dt. 16:3-4, 8, 16; Jn. 6:35). 3. The Feast of First Fruits with His resurrection (Ex. 23:16a; Lev. 23:9-14; Lk. 24:1-7; 1 Cor. 15:20-23a; Col. 1:18). 4. The Feast of Weeks [Pentecost] with the birth of His church [called out assembly] (Ex. 34:22a; Lev. 23:15-22; Dt. 16:9-12, 16; Acts 2).

The Lord Jesus Christ WILL fulfill: 5. The Feast of Trumpets with the “Rapture” (Ex. 23:16b; 34:22b; Lev. 23:23-25; Num. 29:1-6; Jn. 14:2-3; Lk. 17:26-30, 34-36; Mt. 24:36-42; 25:6-10; Mk. 13:32-37; 1 Th. 4:13-18; 5:2; 2 Th. 2:1; 1 Cor. 15:23b, 51-53; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 3:3, 10-11; 22:12-13, 20). 6. The Feast of a Day of Atonement with His “2nd Advent” (Lev. 16; 23:26-32; Num. 29:7-11; Ps. 2:1-12; Zech. 12:10; 13:1; Ro. 11:26-27; Heb. 7:27; 9:11-12, 22; 10:12, 17-18). 7. The Feast of Tabernacles with His 1000 year reign on earth from Jerusalem (Lev. 23:33-44; Num. 29:12-40; Dt. 16:13-15; Ezk. 37:26-27; 45:25; Zech. 14:16-19).

The second event the Lord Jesus will fulfill with His “2nd Advent” to earth will be the Times of the Gentiles (Lk. 21:24). Jerusalem will never again be ruled or controlled by Gentiles but only by the Lord Jesus upon His return to earth as King!

The third event the Lord Jesus will fulfill with His “2nd Advent” will be The Year of the Jubilee that was given by the LORD to the people of Israel (Lev. 25:8-55; 27:16-24). This unique year was to be celebrated every 50 years in Israel when each generation of Israelites would receive freedom and grace from the LORD [self-existent One] and all debts would be forgiven and forgotten along with regaining mortgaged family real estate. It was also to bring the Jewish people relief from every kind of oppression and to allow all of Israel to find Him as their personal Redeemer. Thus, at His “2nd Advent,” the Lord Jesus will separate His sheep [believers] from the goats [unbelievers] (Mt. 25:31-46). The people who enter the Kingdom Age under His rulership will do so debt free - both spiritually and financially.

The fact of the matter is that past predictions regarding the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, prior to the 20th century, were always about His “2nd Advent” and never about the return we now know as the “Rapture.” The reason why is that the teaching of the “Rapture” became one of the casualties of the Allegorical Method of Interpretation begun by Origen and later systematized by Augustine. This bogus method of Bible interpretation also led to the doctrine of “replacement theology” that teaches the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Jewish people were transferred to the “church.” Thus the doctrine of the “Rapture” was unknown to most from about 245 A.D. to the 1740’s when it was rediscovered by Morgan Edwards. In the early 1800’s, John Nelson Darby reintroduced the doctrine of the “Rapture” along with other theological teachings like dispensationalism, prophecy and the priesthood of every believer to mainline Christian groups. As with the “Rapture” these doctrines were also unknown to most church members. Darby became the victim of much verbal abuse and ridicule and was accused of heresy before his teachings were validated!

Thus, the Church was always to look forward to the “Rapture” and not the “2nd Advent!” This is why references to the “return” or “coming” or “appearance” of the Lord Jesus in the New Testament are usually about the “Rapture” and not to the “Second Coming” of the Lord Jesus Christ to planet Earth (Ro. 8:22-25; 1 Cor. 1:7; 15:22-23, 51-53; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; 3:20-21; Col. 3:4; 1 Th. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:2-6; 2 Th. 2:1-3, 7; 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:8; Ti. 2:13; Heb. 9:28; 10:25; Jas. 5:7-9; 1 Pet. 1:7, 13; 2:12; 4:7, 13; 5:4; 2 Pet. 3:3-4; 1 Jn. 2:28; 3:2-3; Jude 17-19; Rev. 2:25; 3:3, 10; 16:15; 22:7, 12, 20).

In speaking of the 1260 days prior to His “2nd Advent” the Lord Jesus said, “For (Mt. 24:21a; Mk. 13:19a) in those days shall be affliction (Mk. 13:19b) then shall be great tribulation (Mt. 24:21b), such as was not since the beginning of the (Mt. 24:21c; Mk. 13:19c) creation (Mk. 13:19d) of the world (Mt. 24:21d) which God created unto this time (Mk. 13:19e), no, nor ever shall be (Mt. 24:21e; Mk. 13:19f). And except the Lord should shorten those days, no flesh should be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, those days shall be shortened” (Mt. 24:22; Mk. 13:20). Thus, according to the Lord Jesus, this will be the worst period of time in the history of planet Earth when God will be judging people for rejecting the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. This terrible period of time will end with the Battle of Armageddon (Ps. 2:1-12; Zech. 12:10-11; 14:4-7; Mt. 24:29-30; Mk. 13:24-26; Lk. 21:27; Rev. 19:11-21). This is why believers were repeatedly told to watch and to pray for the “Rapture” so that they might escape this time of great tribulation (Mt. 24:42-51; 25:13; Mk. 13:33-37; Lk. 21:34-36; Rev. 3:10-11).

The “2nd Advent” or “Second Coming” will be anticipated by those who become Christians AFTER the “Rapture.” Peter, James, John and Andrew became concerned with His “2nd Advent” and wanted to know what to look for to ascertain His return was near after they were told what they would face during their lifetime for the name of the Lord Jesus. This is why they asked the Lord Jesus, “What shall be the sign of thy coming” (Mt. 24:3f)? The Lord Jesus answered by first describing all of the things that would take place prior to His “2nd Advent” (Mt. 24:4-31; Mk. 13:5-8, 10, 12-27; Lk. 21:8-11, 25-28). After doing this, He gave them the sign that they had asked for. He did this by way of two parables. They are the Parable of the Fig Tree and the Parable of All the Trees (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28; Lk. 21:29-31).

A parable is a story told to illustrate and bring understanding of truth. With stories of familiar things in the natural or material world, the Lord Jesus was able to teach important spiritual truths. Thus, the signs which were to indicate that the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus was near would be the rebirth of the nation of Israel and the return of her men to Israel! My reason for saying this is based on the fact that the fig tree is a symbol used in Scripture that refers to the nation of Israel. Figs were used by God Himself as a symbol for Israel in a parable recorded in Jeremiah 24:1-2. In Jeremiah 24:4-10, God explains that the good figs represent those of Israel whom He would return to the land of their fathers. The bad figs were those of Israel whom He would destroy. Trees refer to the men of Israel when used symbolically in the Bible. This can readily be seen in a parable told by Jotham to the men of Shechem that is recorded in Judges 9:7-15. The trees, in the parable, were the men of Israel who had gone forth to anoint a king over themselves as recorded in Judges 8:22.

The disciples knew, as did all Jews, that a fig tree leafed out in late spring, near the beginning of summer (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28). Thus, when they saw the fig tree begin to bloom [the nation of Israel reborn], they should know that summer [the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus to earth] is now near at hand (Lk. 21:29-30). Also, when Jewish men [the trees] returned in great numbers to their beloved homeland of Israel they should know His “2nd Advent” was near. The number of Jews of various skin colors who have immigrated to Israel from every nation of the world during the past 60 years has been stunning. This is another sign that has been ignored by most (Dt. 4:27; 28:63-68; 30:1-5; Jer. 23:3-8; Ezk. 37:21-25). The Lord Jesus was saying that when we see the things He described taking place, we should know His “2nd Advent” to earth is near, “even at the doors” (Mt. 24:33; Mk. 13:29; Lk. 21:31). The sign of the rebirth of Israel as a nation was fulfilled on May 14, 1948!

The 20th century witnessed more growth and advancement in human knowledge, science and technology than any century in the history of mankind! This is a century that began with people on horseback and ended with them in a space station circling the earth. There is no way to name all of the products that are now in use and the services that are performed which were totally unknown of 100 years ago. It was the period of time when computers replaced pencils. This is why it would seem next to impossible to declare the single most remarkable thing that happened in the 20th century. However, it isn’t. The rebirth of Israel was. I will now explain why.

The Jewish people had not been a sovereign nation since the defeat of Judah by the king of the Chaldeans when they were taken as captives to Babylon. The land that God had promised to Abraham (Gen. 12:7; 13:14-17), Isaac (Gen. 26:1-5) and Jacob (Gen. 28:10-15; 31:3, 13) and their descendants (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:15) and to which He led them out of Egypt (Dt. 1:8) was renamed Syria Palestina [Palestine] by Emperor Hadrian after the Bar Kokhba rebellion [132-135 A.D.]. With the annihilation of the temple and the city of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the Jewish survivors were dispersed throughout the world as slaves (Dt. 4:27) to endure centuries of misery. It is a fact of history that the holocaust by the Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler was simply more of what the Jewish people had suffered through many times beginning with their dispersion in 70 A.D. It is a miracle of God that His Chosen People were able to survive and maintain their identity as Jews no matter where they were or lived!

Israel has been described as being the nation that was “born in a day” and whose population is comprised of Jews from all of the nations of the world to where they had been dispersed by God because of their disobedience to Him (Lev. 26:32-38; Dt. 4:27; 28:58, 62-68). They have returned to the land of their fathers in disbelief the way God said they would (Dt. 30:1-5; Jer. 16:14-15; 23:3-8; 30:3-4; Ezk. 34:11-16; 36:24-28, 35; 37:4-5, 11-14, 21) speaking many different languages. This caused a “Babel” of confusion. Thus, the ancient language of Hebrew was revived in fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:23. In Isaiah 66:8, God asked, “Shall a nation be born at once?” In regards to the nation of Israel on the 14th day of May, 1948, the answer was YES! This is why Israel’s rebirth is the greatest single event of the 20th century.

Since the day of her rebirth Israel has been forced to fight four wars and has been victorious against overwhelming odds each time. Israel’s third victory in the Six Day War of June, 1967, eventually led to her having peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. She has since had to defend herself against countless terrorist attacks!

There are three questions that must be answered correctly to know when the Lord Jesus will return FOR His own (Jn. 14:1-3) and then to return WITH His own (Rev. 19:14). The first question is: What year would begin the generation that would see His “2nd Advent?” The second question is: How many years make up this generation? The third question is: What will be the sign that the “Rapture” is about to take place? The answers to these questions will allow us to know when the Lord Jesus will return at the “Rapture” and afterward with His “2nd Advent!”

Many Bible-believing Christians thought the generation of people the Lord Jesus said would not pass away until His “2nd Advent” (Mt. 24:34; Mk. 13:30; Lk. 21:32) began with the rebirth of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948. Israel was the fig tree that had begun to bloom so summer [the return of the Lord Jesus] was near at hand. They also thought that the duration of the generation in question would be for 40 years, just as it had been for the generation of Israelites that had wandered in the wilderness for its unbelief (Ex. 16:35; Num. 14:33; Dt. 29:5; Acts 7:36-42). Thus, they reasoned, if the generation began on May 14, 1948, and was for 40 years, then the Lord Jesus would have to return to rule over the earth by the end of 1988. Those who alluded to 1988 being the year of the “2nd Advent” now deny doing so!

I am convinced that the generation of people the Lord Jesus said would participate in the “Rapture” and witness His “2nd Advent” began with the liberation of Jerusalem when it came to be controlled by the nation of Israel during the “Six Day War” in June, 1967. Jerusalem had been under some type of foreign domination for about 2570 years, beginning with its capture by the king of Babylon. This foreign rule ended with the defeat of Egypt and Jordan by Israel in 1967. Thus, the liberation of Jerusalem and it being ruled by the people of Israel in June, 1967, is second only to the rebirth of Israel in prophetic significance! “Jerusalem” means “City of Peace.” It will be so only with the “2nd Advent” of the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6b).

There have been those who have attempted to apply “The Parable of the Ten Virgins” (Mt. 25:1-13) to the nation of Israel and her people. Thus, they teach that the “virgins” in this parable represent saved and unsaved Jews. The reason why this cannot be true is that the nation of Israel and her people have never been identified, symbolically, in the Scriptures as “virgins.” Israel is described as the “unfaithful and adulterous wife” of Jehovah (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 3:20; Hos. 2:2, 7, 16-23). The “Church” however, is referred to as a “virgin espoused to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:2). This parable is part of the answer given by the Lord Jesus to the question of “And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled” (Mk. 13:4b)? His answer being that the “Rapture” will be the sign that all will be fulfilled including His “2nd Advent!” The ten virgins represent two groups of people who are unaware of the soon return of the bridegroom [Christ] for His bride [the Church] since they are sleeping, which the apostle Paul said we are not to be found doing (1 Th. 5:1-7). The “wise virgins are true [saved] believers and the foolish virgins are professing [unsaved] believers” (Mt. 13:24-30, 36-40). Something wakes them from their sleep. They then get up and go out to meet the bridegroom. This is why I have often said that no one is going to be quoting Matthew 24:36 or Mark 13:32 just prior to the “Rapture.” I have also said that I want to be in the group of “wise virgins” who are not referred to in this parable because they are not sleeping and are very much aware of the “signs of the times.”

The “espoused” bride who loved her husband would begin to count the days from the day of their “espousement.” The reason why is she knew his return for her could only be from the 361st day to the 720th day from when it began. This was to prove she was not pregnant and to prevent him from procrastinating. As the 720th day drew closer she could become ever more confident in knowing when he would return for her. Thus, the Lord Jesus warned repeatedly to watch for the “Rapture” (Mt. 24:42-51; Mk. 13:34-37; Lk. 21:34-36). The “espoused” bride who truly loved her husband would never be found sleeping [unaware] on the day he returned for her!

A Biblical View of the Future

I have learned that most people do not want to hear about the return of the Lord Jesus because they find the subject matter scary. Actually, there is good reason to find the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus scary when you truly appreciate how miserable the seven years preceding His “2nd Advent” will be for all who are living on planet Earth during this period of time. Yet, the Lord Jesus said, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth [near]” (Lk. 21:28). I believe the “redemption” that “draweth [near],” to which the Lord Jesus was referring, is the “Rapture” and not His “2nd Advent.”

A common teaching among Christians is the “Rapture” could take place at any moment. This is a false teaching! The “Rapture” must take place on the Feast of Trumpets which is the third and final harvest feast of the year for the Jewish people. The prophetic significance of this feast day will be literally fulfilled by the Lord Jesus as He had fulfilled the previous four Feasts of the LORD. The Jews knew the day and the hour when the high priest would blow his trumpet and, when he did so, that they were to immediately stop their harvesting and go to the temple where they were to worship the LORD (Ex. 23:16; 34:22b; Lev. 23:23-25; Num. 29:1-6). They also knew they were not allowed to return to the fields afterward and harvest any remaining grain. Thus, the closer it got to the time of the blowing of the trumpet, the harder each worked. This will be true of the “Church” as the “Rapture” draws near.

Another false teaching that is believed by many is that nothing is required to happen prior to the “Rapture” taking place. However, the apostle Paul said three things had to take place before the gathering with the Lord Jesus [“Rapture”] could happen (2 Th. 2:1-3; 1 Th. 5:1-3). The first being a great apostasy [falling away] from the fundamental biblical doctrines of historic Christianity. This has happened during the past 40 years with the growth of the Ecumenical Movement whose goal is to unite all denominations regardless of what they believe. The Charismatic, and Pentecostal and Faith Movements emphasize “speaking in tongues” and “divine healings” while twisting the Scriptures. There are various “churches” known as Seeker Friendly, the Emerging, the Purpose Driven, the Emergent, the Prosperity Church, etc. These and other movements have added to the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4) works, experiences or feelings. Many of their teachings originate from the occult and the “New Age” movement (Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Heb. 13:9). Their followers do not search the Scriptures and are deceived (1 Tim. 4:13-16; Ti. 1:9; 2:1)!

The second thing that had to happen before the “Rapture” could take place was for the identity of the Antichrist to be revealed. There are those who believe and teach that the Antichrist cannot be identified prior to the “Rapture.” However, Paul said, “. . . that day [the “Rapture”] shall not come, except there come [the] falling away first [the great apostasy], and that man of sin [the Antichrist] be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Th. 2:3). Thus, Paul is saying that the identity of the Antichrist would be known after the great falling away [apostasy] and before the “Rapture.” The meaning for the word revealed is, “to uncover” or “unveil” or “disclose” from the
Greek word 'apokalupto.' Therefore, to reveal who the Antichrist is before he comes into a position of power (2 Th. 2:8-10) is simply a fulfillment of Paul’s prophecy (2 Th. 2:3b)! This is something that God has done in the past when He named key men such as Isaac (Gen. 17:19) and John the Baptist (Lk. 1:13) prior to their conception and Josiah (1 Ki. 13:2) and Cyrus II, king of Persia (Isa. 44:28-45:4; 2 Chr. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4) many years prior to their birth. God also told of Alexander the Great (Dan. 7:6; 8:5-8, 21-22; 11:3-4-9) and the men who would divide his kingdom and succeed him along with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Syrian king (Dan. 11:21-35) who would desecrate the temple before they all became part of world history (Amos 3:7). The word “Antichrist” can mean either “against Christ” or “instead of Christ.”

On January 1, 1958, the European Economic Community [EEC] was born. It is now known as the European Union [EU]. I believe this alliance of nations will be the last great gentile world power the earth will ever see. The European Union currently consists of 27 nations of which 15 participate in the European Commission that oversees the currency known as the Euro. I have believed Romano Prodi to be the Antichrist from the day he became the President-designate of the European Commission on March 24, 1999 (Dan. 9:26; Rev. 13:1-9). He has been a Professor of Economics and President of the European Commission and Prime Minister of Italy twice. I believe Mr. Prodi will be elected President of the European Union by the end of 2010 with the membership of the European Commission having been reduced to 13 and another 3 member nations being removed from it by him. Thus, Romano Prodi will fulfill Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue and its ten toes as described by Daniel more than 2500 years ago (Dan. 2:1, 28-29, 40-43; 7:23-25; Rev. 17:12-13).

The first two things that Paul said had to happen before the “Rapture” could take place have been fulfilled (2 Th. 2:3)! The third thing that has to happen is the warning Paul gave after describing how the “Rapture” would be (1 Th. 4:13-5:2). It is, “For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape” (1 Th. 5:3). I believe the “peace and safety” Paul is speaking of here is how Israel will feel before her invasion by the armies of Russia and her allies of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Turkey as told of in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Prior to this invasion, Israel is described by the prophet Ezekiel as being the land of unwalled villages (Ezk. 38:8-12). Thus, I expect Israel to come to some sort of peace agreement with her Arab neighbors and enemies that will cause her to remove the wall she has built to prevent terrorists and suicide bombers from entering her land. Israel has peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan. If Israel should sign a peace agreement with Syria and Syria was then able to secure the borders of Lebanon to prevent hostile military attacks upon Israel it might give Israel and her people the false sense of “peace and safety” of which Paul is speaking. The people of Israel are tired of the constant strife with her Arab neighbors and enemies and are willing to do and give almost anything to have peace with them. Also, Israel is under increasing pressure from America to give away even more land to gain a peace agreement. However this sense of “peace and safety” is achieved, it will simply be the last thing necessary to take place prior to the “Rapture.”

The assembling of the forces who will take part in this invasion of Israel will wake-up the sleeping “church members” as described in the 'Parable of the Ten Virgins' (Mt. 25:1-13). These are people who did not know the time was near when the Lord Jesus would return for His bride in the “Rapture.” I believe the gathering of the armies of Russia and her allies will begin to take place in the summer of 2011! This act will wake-up the sleeping true [saved] and professing [unsaved] Christians. They will not only wake from their sleep but they will also get up and then go out to meet the bridegroom. As I have said, no one then will say we cannot know when
the “Rapture” will take place while quoting Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32. The apostle Paul, while speaking of the ‘Rapture’ said, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief” (1 Th. 5:4). This is why the Lord Jesus repeatedly said that Christians should watch for the “Rapture” (Mk. 13:33; Mt. 24:37-42; Mk. 13:34-37; Lk. 21:34-36; Mt. 24:43-25:13)!

The Lord Jesus will fulfill the Feast of Trumpets with the snatching up of His bride [the Church] in September, 2011. The date for this feast day is usually at the time the Jewish holiday of Rosh HaShanah is celebrated. I believe there will be 180 million true born from above Christians (Jn. 3:1-7) who will be taken up at the “Rapture.” It will be impossible to have a natural or scientific explanation for the disappearance of all these people! Those who refuse to believe the biblical account will probably say that aliens from outer space took them. Those who are left behind will include millions of people throughout the world who professed to be Christians but were not because they had been deceived by a false gospel (Mt. 7:13-18; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15; Phil. 3:18-19). Prior to the “Rapture” they will reexamine what their salvation was based upon and realize they were not ready to meet Him. Thus, they will be left behind (Mt. 7:21-23; 25:1-12; Lk. 13:22-27). I believe that millions of people will trust the Lord Jesus as Savior by faith alone the day after the “Rapture.”

According to the author of 'The Numerical Bible,' Mr. F. W. Grant, “In each number there is . . . a central thought, derived from some natural significance, and from which all other meanings take their rise” (p. 12). This should be expected, “. . . when . . . you remember how all the natural sciences in the present day are ranging themselves under arithmetical law; when, as Herschel says, every law of nature tends to express itself in terms of arithmetic . . . (p. 10). Why should not a law of numbers pervade Scripture also, and link God’s work and His Word together, ----or show His Word also to be His work? We must now look, though briefly, at the symbolical meaning of the numbers themselves . . . (p. 11). As there are seven notes in music, and the eighth is but the octave --the beginning again of the series in another key, so there are seven numerals which are alone fundamental in Scripture---symbolism. . . . All other significant numbers derive their meaning from these, which combine in some way to produce them” (p. 12). What Mr. Grant has said is numbers used in the Bible have a definite meaning! We will look at a few of them.

The fundamental thought for the number six, when used in the Holy Bible, is “manifestation of evil.” The fundamental thought for the number three when used in Scripture is, “fulfillment or completeness.” Thus, the number for the Antichrist is “666” (Rev. 13:18) which simply means, “complete manifestation of evil.” The sayings and deeds of this man are recorded in the 'Book of Revelation' and the reason why God calls him a “beast” repeatedly since God views him as such (Rev. 13:1-8; 14:9-11; 16:1-2, 10, 13; 17:12-13; 19:19-20; 20:10). Six billion people living on the earth at the moment of the “Rapture” signifies the evil on earth numerically and 3% of those alive who are snatched out by Him will complete the bride of Christ.

The fundamental thought for the number 40 is, “Full testing according to the whole responsibility.” This is the number where reward or judgment is based on revealed obedience to God! It is possible there were six billion people living on the earth when the worldwide flood took place that Noah warned of for 120 years [complete testing according to the whole responsibility]. Of that number only eight people were willing to board the ark that God had Noah build so they could be saved from drowning (Gen. 6:1-8:14). The fundamental thought for the number eight is “New Beginning.” Only Lot, his wife and two daughters escaped the judgment of God with the destruction of Sodom and the other four cities that were in the plains of Jordan (Gen. 13:10-14:3; 19:1-29). There were more than two million Jews living in Babylon when their 70 years of captivity ended (Jer. 25:11; Dan. 9:2) but few returned to Jerusalem when given the opportunity to do so (Ezra 1:1-3; 2:64). The Scriptures confirm the fact that it is always a very small number of people who will believe God’s Word enough to obey it and avoid the consequences for not doing so.

According to Ezekiel 38 and 39, Russia will invade Israel with her allies of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Libya and Turkey. I believe this will be in October, 2011, and be known as World War III. I believe that “Gog” [the end time leader of Russia] referred to in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is Vladimir Putin who is now the Prime Minister of Russia and chairman of his nations most powerful political faction known as the United Russia Party. The current President of Russia is simply a puppet for Mr. Putin. It will be Vladimir Putin who will direct the invasion of Israel and a first strike nuclear attack upon the United States of America (Ezk. 39:6-7)! This war will end within 10 days leaving America in shambles and complete her judgment by God (Gal. 6:7).

During this invasion by Russia and her allies, Israel will nuke the city of Damascus in Syria (Isa. 17:1-3, 12-14; Jer. 49:23-27) along with the Muslim holy sites of Mecca and Medina. The Muslim mosque that is known as the 'Dome of the Rock' and is stationed on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem will also be destroyed during this attack on Israel. It is for this reason that the religion of Islam will then cease to be since without these three Muslim holy sites - Islam cannot exist. The word Islam means, "submission." According to the Koran all people must submit to the Muslim moon god, Allah. The message of Islam is very simple. You must submit to Allah or be killed. Islam is unwilling to cooperate or to coexist with any other religion. In the 'Book of Revelation,' a one world religion is clearly described when all religions will coexist and cooperate under the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church that is headquartered in Rome (Rev. 17:1-19:3). This will happen during the first half of the seven years that precede the “2nd Advent.” A union of all the various religions in the world cannot come about as long as Islam continues to exist as a viable religion. Thus, the religion of Islam must and will cease to be. Bible Prophecy is error free!

When Russia and her allies invade Israel no nation will come to her aid (Ezk. 38:13). It will be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who will protect Israel with a major earthquake (Ezk. 38:19-20) and a meteor shower that will fall on the invading armies. These events will cause the invading troops to kill each other in their panic to vacate the land (Ezk. 38:21-22) like twice before (Jud. 7:9-22; 1 Sam.14:15-23). Thus, five out of six [84%] who invade Israel will die on her mountains (Ezk. 39:1-5). The people of Israel will burn the spoils of war for seven years as fuel and take seven months to bury all the bodies (Ezk. 39:9-16). What takes place in this engagement will reveal the glory of God to Israel and the nations of the world (Ezk. 39:21-29).

The Temple Mount and Land of Israel Faithful Movement, whose Chairman is Gershon Salomon, will clear the site on Mount Moriah of the rubble from the remains of the mosque known as the 'Dome of the Rock' and then will build a new temple in which to worship the God of Israel. This is the site where the temple of Solomon had been built and then destroyed during the invasion and capture of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar and the site of the second temple that was built under the leadership of Ezra by those Jews who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon after their 70 years of captivity (Ezra 1:1-11; 3:1-2, 8-13; 5:2, 11; 6:3-5, 14-15; 7:1-10:17).

In the years to come the second temple would be plundered and then defiled with idolatrous worship by the Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes from 171 B.C. to 164 B.C. It would first be cleansed and restored by Judas Maccabeus and then by King Herod the Great. The restoration of this temple with additional buildings and their porches in the surrounding courts was begun by King Herod the Great 46 years prior to the ministry of the Lord Jesus (Jn. 2:18-22). The Herod family would continue to add unto it until its completion in 64 A.D. This is the temple that Daniel the prophet and the Lord Jesus prophesied would be totally destroyed (Dan. 9:26; Lk. 21:5-6; Mk. 13:1-2; Mt. 24:1-2). Their prophecies were fulfilled in 70 A.D!

World War III will see the destruction of New York City along with the Federal Reserve banking system and all of the stock and commodity exchanges that are headquartered in America. This will cause a worldwide financial collapse and economic chaos of epic proportions. Gold, silver and all commodities will soar in value while paper currencies will become worthless. A new cashless/checkless medium of exchange will come into use by way of a computer chip to be inserted in the meat part of the right hand below the thumb or in the forehead of the user! This method of exchange will be voluntary during the first half of the seven years that precede the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus to earth (Rev. 13:1-2, 5-8, 11-18; 14:9-11). It will become mandatory during the second half when gold and silver will no longer have any worth or value or be able to be used to purchase goods or services (Jas. 5:1-6).

The destruction of America and Russia in World War III will cause a global power vacuum among the nations of the world. This power vacuum will be filled by the European Union which will become the dominant political and economic and military power in the world! It will be led by a man from Italy, Romano Prodi, who is called many things and names in the Scriptures but the three names he is most known for are the “Roman Dictator” or the “Antichrist” (1 Jn. 2:18) or the “beast” (Rev. 11:7; 13:1-8, 18; 14:9-11; 15:2; 16:2, 10, 13; 17:11-13; 19:19-20; 20:4, 10).

The reason why this man must be from Italy is because of what we are told in Daniel 9:26. Here we find that after the “anointed one” has been killed, “. . . the people of the prince [leader] that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.” Both the Hebrew word 'Messiah' and the English word 'Christ' mean the “anointed one” (Mt 16:16, 20; Jn. 1:41; 4:25; 6:66-69; Acts 4:23-28; 10:34-43). Yeshua of Nazareth, being the “anointed one,” was crucified in 30 A.D. The city of Jerusalem and the temple which contained the sanctuary was destroyed in 70 A.D., by Roman troops who were led by the Roman General Titus who was under orders from the Roman Emperor in Rome. Therefore, the prince or leader who is to come, according to Daniel 9:26, must be a Roman or what we today would call an Italian. This is why he has been referred to as the "Roman Dictator" and why many have thought that a Pope of the Roman Catholic Church would be the man known as the Antichrist!

In Daniel 9:27 we are told that this Italian leader will sign a treaty with many for one week. The many is in reference to Israel since Daniel is writing of his people, the Jews, and their holy city, Jerusalem (Dan. 9:24) and one week is a term meaning “seven years” (Gen. 29:26-28, 30). This will be a Defense Treaty between the leader of the European Union and the leadership of Israel. Romano Prodi, in this treaty, will promise to defend Israel against any future foreign aggression or attack! It is ironic that this man who will revile God and those taken at the “Rapture” (Rev. 13:6) and is viewed as a “beast” by God is also his minister [labourer] (Ro. 13:1-4).

The man who will advise Israel to sign this treaty will be Henry Kissinger who I believe is the man called the “False Prophet” in the 'Book of Revelation' (Rev. 13:11-17; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). He, like Romano Prodi, is also viewed as a “beast” by God for what he will do and say and will be Prodi’s right hand man. The “False Prophet” must be a Jew since he comes up out of the earth [land] which in the Bible always refers to the land of Israel (Gen. 28:13; Ezk. 38:8-9, 11-12). Henry Kissinger is the only Jewish man involved in international politics and diplomacy who has the prestige, credibility and influence necessary to convince Israel to sign such a treaty!

The significance of this defense treaty must be appreciated in order to fully understand why it will bring the judgment of God upon the entire world. When the leaders of Israel sign this treaty they will be placing their trust in Romano Prodi to protect them from any future attacks against their land. They will not be trusting in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to protect and preserve them even though He had magnified Himself before the nations only seven months earlier when He prevented their annihilation during the invasion by Russia (Ezk. 38:16, 23; 39:6-7, 21-22). As a result, the judgment of God upon a Christ rejecting world in general and a Christ rejecting Israel in particular will begin with the signing of this defense treaty!

But before the signing of this treaty between Israel and Romano Prodi, God will seal 144,000 Jewish men (Rev. 7:1-8; 14:1-5) to share the good news of the coming kingdom of Christ [Messiah] throughout the world (Mt. 24:14). These men will point to the “Rapture” as being the sign from God to authenticate their message! They are the elect who the Lord Jesus was referring to and why He will reduce the number of hours in a day during the seven years preceding His “2nd Advent” (Mt. 24:21-22; Mk. 13:19-20). It is these men who He will protect from being deceived by false messiahs and false prophets (Mt. 24:11, 24; Mk. 13:22; 1 Jn. 4:1). Many of these men will be killed in their service to God (Rev. 6:9-11; 14:13). It is the treatment these 144,000 men receive from those being judged by the Lord Jesus after His “2nd Advent” that will disclose whether they were Christians or not (Mt. 25:31-46).

Immediately after the signing of this treaty between Romano Prodi and the nation of Israel, two men will appear in Jerusalem (Rev. 11:3). These two men, like the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, will tell of the coming kingdom of Christ and warn of the judgment of God upon the earth. Their presence and message and power will torment people all over the world beginning on the day this treaty is signed. After 1260 days have passed these men will be killed and their bodies will be left to lay in the streets of Jerusalem. The people of the world will rejoice in their death and give gifts in celebration while looking at their dead bodies on television. When three and one half days have passed these two men will rise up from the dead and ascend physically and visibly into the heavens (Rev. 11:4-12). This will be reality television at its best as viewers around the world watch them in horror. I believe these two men are Enoch (Gen. 5:23-24) and Elijah (2 Ki. 2:1-12; Mal. 4:5) who are the two Old Testament prophets who had never physically died. Incredibly, there will be many people who will continue to reject the message of the coming kingdom of Christ and the inerrancy and authority of the Holy Bible even after seeing their resurrection from the dead and their ascension (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 20; 19:11-19; 20:11-15; 21:8)! On the other hand, it is encouraging to note that John could number a 200 million man army from the East (Rev. 9:13-16; 16:12) and not be able to number those in heaven who became Christians and died for their faith after this event (Rev. 7:9-17; 22:14).

The defense treaty between Israel and Romano Prodi is for a total of seven years. This period of time is specifically described in the Scriptures in three different ways. The first way is 1260 days for the first half (Rev. 11:3-7) and 1260 days for the second half (Rev. 12:5-6) that totals 2520 days. The second way is 42 months for each half of the seven years (Rev. 13:5-6) with a total of 84 months. In the Bible a month consists of 30 days like during the flood of Noah (Gen. 7:11, 24; 8:3-4). It is simple math to multiply 30 days by 84 months with the sum being 2520 days. The third way this period of time is described is time [year], times [2 years] and half a time [1/2 year] (Dan. 7:25; Dan. 12:7; Rev. 12:6). The 3 and 1/2 years is the same as 42 months that equal 1260 days multiplied by two totals 2520 days. The total number of days always specifies the same amount of time for the seven years that precede the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus to earth regardless of the method used!

“For (Mt. 24:21a; Mk. 13:19a) in those days shall be affliction (Mk. 13:19b) then shall be great tribulation (Mt. 24:21b), such as was not since the beginning of the (Mt. 24:21c; Mk. 13:19c) creation (Mk. 13:19d) of the world (Mt. 24:21d) which God created unto this time (Mk. 13:19e), no, nor ever shall be (Mt. 24:21e; Mk. 13:19f). And (Mt. 24:22a; Mk. 13:20a) except those days should be shortened (Mt. 24:22b), except the Lord had shortened those days (Mk. 13:20b), there should (Mt. 24:22c) no flesh (Mt. 24:22d; Mk. 13:20c) should (Mk. 13:20d) be saved (Mt. 24:22e; Mk. 13:20e); but for the elect’s sake (Mt. 24:22f; Mk. 13:20f), whom he hath chosen (Mk. 13:20g), those days shall be shortened (Mt. 24:22g), he hath shortened the days” (Mk. 13:20h).

The Scriptures affirm that the number of days stipulated in this treaty cannot be reduced. Yet, the Lord Jesus said the days would be shortened for the elects sake who are the 144,000 Jewish evangelists sealed by God to preach the message of the coming kingdom of Christ [Messiah] during these years (Mt. 24:14; Rev. 7:2-8). God will simply increase the rotation of the earth so that a complete day will be one of 16 hours and not of 24 hours as it has been in the past (Isa. 13:10-11; Joel 2:30-32; Rev. 8:12). In this way, God can fulfill the 2520 days of the defense treaty with the Antichrist from May, 2012, to the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus in October, 2017. These years are also known as the “70th Week of Daniel” (Dan. 9:24-27)!

The reason why the seven years of this treaty are known as the “70th Week of Daniel” is there are 70 weeks of years prophesied by Daniel that concerned themselves primarily with Daniel’s “people” [Israel] and their “holy city” [Jerusalem] (Dan. 9:24). The two men who are mentioned in Daniel’s prophecy are “Messiah, the Prince” (Dan. 9:25) and “the prince that shall come” (Dan. 9:26) who is the “little horn” (Dan. 7:8, 20) whose “people” would destroy Jerusalem after “Messiah” had been cut off [killed] (Dan. 9:26). The 70 weeks of this prophecy are “weeks of years” (Gen. 29:26-30). It was the failure of the Jewish people to observe and obey the Word of God and the law of God and His sabbatical years for the land He gave them that brought His judgment down upon them with their dispersion among the world’s nations (Lev. 25:1-22; 26:32-39; Dt. 28:58-68; 2 Chr. 36:19-21; Jer. 25:11; Dan. 9:2). This seven year treaty with Israel is the last “week” of Daniel’s prophecy!

The mathematics involved in this prophecy are simple when you multiply seven weeks [years] by the 70 times the sabbatical year was ignored by the Jewish people. This resulted in the Jewish people owing God 490 years that consisted of 360 days each. This is proved by the Biblical references to the 70th week of seven years which is also divided into two halves (Dan. 9:27) with the latter half being variously designated as “a time, and times, and the dividing of time” (Rev. 12:14) or “forty-two months” (Rev. 11:2; 13:5) or “1260 days” (Rev. 11:3; 12:6).

The 70 weeks of Daniel is in segments of seven weeks and then 62 weeks and then one week (Dan. (9:24-27). The first 69 weeks began with “the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem” (Dan. 9:25) and concludes with the death of “Messiah” (Dan. 9:26). The only decree found in Scripture authorizing the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem and its wall is recorded in Nehemiah 2. Thus, the first 69 weeks of Daniel’s prophecy began in the 20th year [453 B.C.] of the reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus, king of Persia, in the month of Nisan and ended in 30 A.D., outside the walls of Jerusalem in the month of Nisan with the death of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. The last week of seven years remains to be fulfilled!

I believe one billion people will die from October, 2011, to May, 2012, as casualties of World War III and its aftermath. Hence, the world population will have been reduced to five billion people when the treaty between the leadership of Israel and the President of the European Union is signed in May, 2012. The fundamental thought for the number five is, “Whole responsibility under God.” Thus, we are each responsible to God for what we think, say and do whether we choose to acknowledge Him or not. I believe that half of the five billion people who are alive on earth when this treaty is signed in May, 2012, will die before the Lord Jesus returns at His “2nd Advent” in October, 2017, on the 'Feast of a Day of Atonement' (Rev. 6:8; 9:15-19). It is during this time when the wrath of God’s judgment will be like nothing the world had ever seen before or will ever see again (Dan. 12:1; Mic. 5:15; Mt. 24:21; Mk. 13:19). This is why the “Rapture” is called the Blessed Hope (Ti. 2:13) and was the return of Christ that the “Church” was to anticipate and not His “2nd Advent!”

The fundamental thought for the number seven is, “perfection.” There are 21 judgments [perfect judgments fulfilled] of God recorded in the 'Book of Revelation' under three different designations with each of them having seven judgments. These judgments of God upon the earth are explicit as to what they are and what their effect will be! They will take place during the seven years that precede the “2nd Advent” (Rev. 19:11-16). The “Seal Judgments” bring the Antichrist (Rev. 6:2) and war (Rev. 6:3-4) followed by famine (Rev. 6:5-6). One quarter of the earth’s population will be killed by war, starvation and hungry animals (Rev. 6:8). Many of God’s 144,000 Jewish evangelists will be martyred in their service for the Lord Jesus (Rev. 6:9-11) and an exchange of nuclear bombs will kill millions of people (Zech. 14:12; Rev. 6:12-17; 8:1). The “Trumpet Judgments” begin with another nuclear exchange that will burn a third of all the trees on the earth and all grain (Rev. 8:2-7). A large meteor will land in an ocean that will result in a third of all the life in it being killed and a third of all ships being destroyed (Rev. 8:8-9). A meteor shower will fall and pollute one third of the earth’s water supply making the water poisonous and killing many (Rev. 8:10-11). The hours in a day will be reduced (Rev. 8:12-13) and Satan is cast down (Rev. 9:1) bringing a type of virus to torment everybody on the earth for five months with fever and pain (Rev. 9:2-10) except for the 144,000 Jewish elect who will have been sealed by God to preach the coming kingdom of Christ during this time (Rev. 7:2-8). One third of the world’s remaining population will be killed by invading Asian troops and armament (Rev. 9:13-19; 16:12, 14, 16). A huge earthquake will take place and a great hail will fall upon the earth (Rev. 11:19).

The “Bowl Judgments” begin with a painful sore being received by all those who had the computer chip implanted into their bodies to buy and sell goods and services (Rev. 13:16-17; 16:1-2). All life in the sea will die (Rev. 16:3) and water will become undrinkable (Rev. 16:4-7). There will be intense heat on the earth (Rev. 16:8-9), with more pain and sores and spiritual darkness (Rev. 16:10-11). The Euphrates River will dry up and a 200 million man army from the east will use it as a highway to march into the valley of Megiddo that is in the northern part of Israel (Rev. 9:16; 16:12). The last war on earth will be between the Asian nations and the European Union, who will be led by the “unholy trinity” (Rev. 16:13-14). It is called the "Battle of Armageddon" (Rev. 16:14, 16; 19:17-19) and will end with the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus (Mic. 4:11-13; Zech. 12:10-11; 14:1-11). The plagues of God conclude with an earthquake so powerful that it will level cities and mountains and sink islands. In addition, there will be 100 pound hailstones with which to contend (Rev. 16:17-21). Unlike the “Rapture,” I believe all of these judgments will be explainable scientifically or naturally for those who choose to reject the Holy Bible!

These are the events that will take place on the earth prior to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ at His “2nd Advent.” They will include the happenings during the time Daniel and the Lord Jesus said would be the worst ever in the history of the world (Dan. 12:1; Mt. 24:21-22; Mk. 13:19-20). A time in which the nations of the world will be miserable and confused (Lk. 21:25). A time when men will die from fear in anticipation of what they know is yet to come (Lk. 21:26). This is why those who insist that the return the Lord Jesus told of in His 'Olivet Discourse' (Mt. 24:37-39) and in Luke 17:26-30 is His “2nd Advent” and not the “Rapture” cannot be correct! It is both illogical and irrational to believe that people will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, building, planting, marrying, divorcing and remarrying on earth when the Lord Jesus returns at His “2nd Advent.” The Lord Jesus compared the day of His return at the “Rapture” with those days that preceded the worldwide flood of Noah (Gen. 7:11-24; 2 Pet. 3:6) and of Lot in Sodom before it was destroyed (Gen. 19:24-25; 2 Pet. 2:6). The warnings were given to all but few believed them.

A sidebar is the number of significant events that will take place at the half way point of this seven year period of time. They include the two witnesses of God being killed (Rev. 11:3-12). Romano Prodi will break the treaty and proclaim himself to be God and demand he be worshipped in the new Jewish temple in Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Th. 2:3-4). Satan will be cast out of the heavenlies (Rev. 12:7-9) and indwell Romano Prodi who will persecute the Jews. They will then flee Jerusalem for the safety of the city of Petra that is located in Jordan (Mt. 24:16-20; Mk. 13:14-18; Rev. 12:1-6, 12-17). Romano Prodi is almost assassinated with a bullet to the head with what appears to be a mortal wound but isn’t (Rev. 13:3-4, 12). The city of Rome will be nuked and the Roman Catholic Church with her worldwide religious coalition will be totally destroyed (Rev. 14:8; 17:1-18:19). This will cause all in Heaven to rejoice with great joy (Rev. 18:20-19:6)!

At His “2nd Advent” the Lord Jesus will end the 'Battle of Armageddon' and cast Romano Prodi and Henry Kissinger into the "Lake of Fire" (Rev. 19:11-21). He will have Satan chained and sealed in the abyss for 1000 years (Rev. 20:1-3) and then release him for 40 years during which time Satan will instigate his final rebellion against God (Rev. 20:7-9). Satan is then cast into the "Lake of Fire" where the Antichrist and the False Prophet still are and will be tormented forever and ever like them (Rev. 20:10). It is during the first 75 days after His “2nd Advent” (Dan. 12:11-12) that the Lord Jesus will judge those who lived through the “seven years of tribu-lation” (Mt. 25:31-46). The “sheep” are people who came to trust the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, by faith alone, after the “Rapture.” The proof of their faith in the Lord Jesus is the love they showed to those of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists [elect] they encountered during those terrible years of tribulation (Mt. 25:34-40). The saved “sheep” will then enter into the 1000 year Kingdom Age and begin the process of rebuilding a world in ruin and to repopulate it under the rulership of the Lord Jesus from Jerusalem (Isa. 2:2-5; 9:6b-7; 11:1-12:6; 52:1-10; 60:1-22; 65:18-25; Jer. 23:3-8; Ezek. 37:20-28; Dan. 2:35, 44-45; 7:13-14, 27; Mic. 4:1-7; Rev. 20:6).

The “goats” on the other hand, are those people who rejected the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior until the moment of His “2nd Advent.” They had taken the computer chip upon themselves so they could buy and sell goods and services (Rev. 13:11-17; 14:9-11) and had no regard for any of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Mt. 25:41-46). These people [goats] will then be cast into the torment section of Hades (Lk. 16:19-31) to await the "Great White Throne Judgment" that will take place 1040 years in the future (Rev. 20:11-15). The "Great White Throne Judgment" will be for all of the unsaved who lived in the five ages of mankind. These ages are known as: 1. Innocence 2. Beginnings 3. Law 4. Grace [the one in which we live] 5. Kingdom.

Man was created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6) and therefore, like the angels, mankind is an immortal, spirit being with a free will. But, unlike the angels, man was given a physical body in which their spirit dwells. The word “life” means connection. The word “death” means separation. Upon physical death the spirit is separated from the body (Ps. 72:14; 116:15; Lk. 16:19-31; 2 Cor. 5:8; Rev. 14:13). This is the first separation [death]. At the "Great White Throne Judgment," all who are judged by the Lord Jesus will be cast into the "Lake of Fire." This is when they will be forever separated from the presence of God. This is the second separation [death] (Rev. 20:6, 11-15). The "Lake of Fire" is where they will spend eternity forever alone, in total darkness (Jude 12-13), with nothing but the memories of their life while on the earth. Theirs will be a never ending nightmare with no hope of escaping from their miserable situation. The sins of humanity came upon the Lord Jesus while He carried His cross as the “scapegoat” for mankind (Lev. 16:7-10, 20-22, 26; 2 Cor. 5:21). The Lord Jesus [God the Son] was separated for three hours from the presence of God the Father while on the cross (Mt. 27:33-50; Mk. 15:22-37; Lk. 23:33-46; Jn. 19:16-30). His anguish at that time is impossible for anyone to comprehend!

All “spiritual gifts” (Ro. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-12) given by God to the Christian are to be used in love (1 Cor. 13:1-2). Love is superior to even faith and hope (1 Cor. 13:4-7, 13). The three sign gifts of languages [tongues] (Acts 2:4-11; 10:44-46) and healing the sick (Acts 3:1-11; 9:32-35; 14:8-10; 19:11-12; 28:7-10) and raising the dead (Acts 9:36-42; 20:7-12) were given to be used among unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22) to authenticate the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). However, the greatest spiritual gift in the early apostolic assembly of believers in Christ was - prophecy (1 Cor. 14:1, 5). The gift of prophecy was to be used primarily among believers to edify and encourage and comfort them (1 Cor. 14:3, 6, 22, 31; 2 Cor. 1:3-6). My hope is that I have done that with this treatise!

Epilogue

God revealed Himself to mankind with Adam and then by way of prophets like Enoch and Noah and then through His written word using men like Moses and Daniel. The love of God for mankind is revealed throughout the holy Scriptures because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). The greatest sign of God’s love for mankind was to send God the Son, the second personality in the triune godhead, to join Himself with mankind in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, God the Son was able to suffer the separation [death] from God the Father that we each deserve so we could each be saved (Mt. 27:45-50; Mk. 15:33-37; Lk. 23:44-46; Jn. 19:30). We simply need to believe [trust] in the finished work of the Lord Jesus (Jn. 20:30-31)!

The Lord Jesus made a statement about Himself that must be believed by anyone truly expecting to go to Heaven. It is a statement that does not allow for any other spiritual beliefs nor for any list of do’s and don’ts that all manmade religions have made necessary to follow in order to enter whatever is their idea of heaven. It is a statement that is totally intolerant of all religions and other beliefs. “Jesus saith. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). Those who believe what He said here and act upon it will be in fellowship with God in Heaven throughout eternity. Those who do not believe this statement will spend eternity totally alone in the Lake of Fire. We are responsible for the decisions we make! The question that must be answered by all is, “Upon what is your salvation based?” Your answer will determine where you spend eternity.

IF - the starting date for the generation that will see the return of the Lord Jesus Christ at His “2nd Advent” began with the liberation of Jerusalem and it being under Jewish rule in June, 1967, then these events will take place in the time and sequence I have given. As I have said - America is not found in Bible Prophecy! This means that something will happen to America before the invasion of Israel by Russia and her allies as described in Ezekiel 38 and 39. America’s demise could be from an economic collapse or by way of nuclear suitcase bombs placed in certain cities as has long been rumored or from natural disasters like tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods or drought. Any or all of which could be used by God as He judges America.

I personally believe this is the most exciting time to ever be alive if you are a true born-from-above Christian. Many of the prophecies given by the prophets and by the Lord Jesus and His apostles that are recorded in the holy Scriptures are being fulfilled and reported in the news media on a daily basis. They are recognizable if, like the scouts of the Old West, you can “read the signs.” God is the One who has given us the signs to read! We are responsible for applying ourselves to the task.

Not being a prophet of God, I could be wrong with some of what I have written in this treatise that was completed on July 13, 2008. I actually would prefer not to be correct with a number of my viewpoints. But, because I am convinced that what is contained in this booklet is true and unknown to most people, I am obliged to share it with all that I can. While there is still time to do so. I do hope that those who read this will be like the Bereans and search the Scriptures daily to see whether or not these things are true (Jn. 5:39, 46-47; Acts 17:10-12; 1 Jn. 4:1). The truth of all that matters in life can only be found in the pages of the Holy Bible! Maranatha.

My Testimony

My name is Bob Schoenle and this is how I became a Christian. Having very little money I opened a real estate agency with a national firm in a small town in central Michigan in January, 1972. I went from leaving the house with a dime in my pocket to having thousands of dollars in our checking account and a number of land holdings within two short years. I attained everything I ever wanted from January, 1972, to December, 1973 and became a big fish in a small pond. I had it all with a beautiful family, house, pets, property and money. I ate, drank and slept real estate. Afterward, I realized that real estate had become like a god to me which is why I left the business after my conversion. I never gave God any credit for being so successful and seldom thought of Him. I was the reason for my success because I was great at what I did. It was a book, given to me by a client in December, 1973, that changed my outlook about the future and caused my 18 month journey with fear to begin.

This book answered lingering questions about runaway inflation from when I was a youngster. I learned that runaway inflation can cause the devaluation of a currency and bankruptcy for a nation. I became convinced that a financial collapse was inevitable for America because of her excessive debt and currency backed by nothing. The result being that I would lose all that I had attained through no fault of my own. I became frightened and determined to become one of the few to profit from it all.

I began an extensive study of economics, politics, history and current events all of which caused me to conclude that not only was a financial collapse inevitable but so was a nuclear war and a world dictatorship. Most people are optimistic by nature and are unaware of how bad conditions in the world are at this time. They are unwilling, possibly, to acknowledge that life cannot continue as we have known it in the past. For them to do so would be depressing and offer little hope or reason to carry on. As a result, most people simply ignore what is going on throughout the world. For if one seriously considered subjects such as the spreading of infectious diseases, failing national economies, unstable political regimes, ecological disasters, nuclear and weapon proliferation, energy shortcomings, population growth, changing weather patterns, inadequate food and water supplies, one would have to conclude that there is little hope for the future. Whenever I shared some of what I was learning with others I was ridiculed. It was like I was the only one who could see an invisible tornado coming. I learned that most people will always reject messages of warning!

I also learned of the coming cashless and checkless medium of exchange for all goods and services. History confirms the fact that whoever controls the money supply of a nation - actually controls that nation! Free elections do not make this fact any less true. After all paper money has been devalued and discredited the new medium of exchange will be a microchip placed in either the forehead or the meat area below the thumb of the right hand. All financial accounts will be electronically updated daily by computers using the personal information initially programmed in each users microchip. “Digital Angel” could be a precursor of what will be used.

The advantages of such a system of exchange are many. It will prevent the loss of money and assets due to accident, theft, bad checks or stolen credit cards. It will stop illegal aliens from entering a country and criminals from leaving. False identification will be a thing of the past along with identity theft. Fraudulent use of government programs such as medicare, welfare and food stamps will end along with income tax evasion, the illegal sale of drugs and secret bank accounts. The “under-ground economy” will also cease with the use of these microchips and computers!

I learned afterward that the Scriptures have prophesied of such a system for more than 1900 years (Rev. 13:16-17). They also tell of the penalty for those taking this computer chip in their body which will be necessary for anyone to buy or sell anything (Rev. 14:9-11). The Bible calls this microchip the “...mark of the beast...” (Rev. 16:2). The beast is the President of the European Union and be from Italy! He will rule over all the nations of the world through the use of this new medium of exchange during the seven years preceding the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus.

By the spring of 1975, I had become a fatalist. There was nothing that I or anyone else could do to prevent what I knew was eventually going to take place. I did those things necessary to survive a runaway inflation and economic collapse by divesting of illiquid investments and stock piling gold, silver, guns, ammunition and dehydrated food as other “survivalists” were doing. But I was not hopeful of my family and I being able to live for long after a financial collapse and a war and being under a dictatorship. Also, living without freedom and being in fear of somebody taking what I had held little appeal for me and added to my hopeless state of mind.

Then in May, 1975, I bought and read 'There’s a New World Coming,' by Hal Lindsey. It was an exposition of the 'Book of Revelation.' I was raised as a Roman Catholic. Therefore, I knew nothing about the Bible or of Bible Prophecy. As I read of the many prophecies of the Bible that had been fulfilled and those which, as of yet, had not been I learned that what I had determined about the future had been prophesied in the Bible along with much more. Knowing he was right in my areas of interest and study, which were economics and politics, I had to conclude that Mr. Lindsey must also be right in his. There is no doubt that our generation will see the return of the Lord Jesus Christ! After 18 months of fear I had hope for the future.

I then read Hal Lindsey’s 'The Liberation of Planet Earth.' In this book he clearly and simply explained the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ which I had never understood as a Roman Catholic. It was while reading this book that I came to understand and appreciate just how much God loves me. It was His love for me that caused the Lord Jesus to come and pay the penalty that I deserved for all my transgressions against God. If everyone in the world was perfect and sinless He still would have done everything the same - just for me. I found that amazing. It was the love of God for me that broke my heart and caused me to kneel by my coffee table in the middle of the night, while my family was sleeping, and ask the Lord Jesus to be my personal Savior. It was then that I accepted His free gift of salvation for the forgiveness of ALL my sins by simply believing and trusting that what He had done was for me personally and was sufficient to save me. I was spiritually reborn that night and became a new creation in Christ and my life has not been the same since!

The fear that I had lived with during the previous 18 months left me. I had peace of mind with hope and excitement for the future instead. It is the hope of the “Rapture” by the Lord Jesus and my being reunited with loved ones in Heaven that has helped carry me through many bad years and heartbreaking experiences since that night. Only the grace of God could save someone like me! Amazing grace indeed.