Antichrist is not a man.

[Cornelius]

1. The Anti-Christ will be a man - Daniel 7:24-25

2. He will confirm a covenant for 7 years - Daniel 9:27

The Anti-Christ will strengthen a covenant for a 7 year time span. Now this could be an existing covenant (like the Jerusalem Covenant) or a new covenant drawn up at that time.

3. He will rise among 10 kings - Daniel 7:8

4. This 10 nation union will be a revived Holy Roman Empire - Daniel 2:44

5. He will uproot 3 kings from the original 10 kings to gain political power - Daniel 7:8

6. His 10 nation union will merge into a world government which he will dominate - Revelations 13:1-2

Now this also, could refer to several things. First, the 10 nations could merge into an existing world government or a new world government.

7. He will ascend to power on a platform of peace. By peace, he will destroy many - Daniel 8:25

8. He will be promoted and exalted by a miracle working religious partner (false prophet) - Revelations 13:11-12

9. He was, and is not, and yet is - Revelations 17:8

More than likely this is referring to political power. The antichrist will have ruled, but then be taken out of power. Only to rise back up again to power as the head of the One World Government.

10. The world government over which he rules will be a red (communistic or socialistic) government - Revelations 17:14

11. The antichrist will be preceded by 7 kings or rulers. He will be the 8th king. He will also be "of" the 7 - Revelations 17:11

Now this scripture has many different ways it can be viewed. The word "goeth" in the scripture is 5217 hupago (hoop-ag'-o); from 5259 and 71; to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively: KJV-- depart, get hence, go (a-) way.

So we see that he will withdraw or retire from sight. But will rise back up again to power. Now this could be taken as to mean 7 kings. Or this could be taken as 7 World Governments that have ruled. So far there have been 6. 1. Egypt. 2. Assyria. 3. Babylon. 4. Medo-Persia. 5. Greece. 6. Rome

12. He will have a mouth speaking great things. Very boastful - Daniel 7:8

13. His look will be more stout than his fellows - Daniel 7:20

The word "stout" means 7227 rab (rab); by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality): KJV-- (in) abound (-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great (-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, [time]), (do, have) many (-ifold, things, a time), ([ship-]) master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply (-tude), officer, often [-times], plenteous, populous, prince, process [of time], suffice (-lent). So this can have several meanings. It could mean one of the following: the antichrist will be larger in size than everybody else, will be older than everybody else, will have more of a "following" than anybody else, is a higher military or political rank than anybody else, or is more qualified than anybody else. What ever this verse is speaking about, it is obvious when you look at him.

14. He will have a fierce countenance - Daniel 8:23

15. He will understand puzzling things - Daniel 8:23

16. He will cause craft to prosper - Daniel 8:25

It is interesting to note the definition of the word "craft" . It is 4820 mirmah (meer-maw'); from 7411 in the sense of deceiving; fraud: KJV-- craft, deceit (-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. No wonder, for the Bible says that he is the father of lies. So his policy or his success will make it possible for his deception of the world to prosper. God said that if you do not believe the truth, that he would send strong delusion that you should believe a lie.

17. He apparently assumes world dominating power 3 1/2 years after he confirms the covenant. He then will continue to reign for 42 months - Revelations 13:5

18. The Abomination of Desolation is the event that signals the beginning of this final 42 months - Daniel 9:27

It is interesting to note, that many scholars believe that at the Abomination of Desolation is when Revelations 12:7-10 occurs. At which point the Antichrist becomes "possessed" by Satan himself and then forces the Mark or death upon everybody.

19. He opposes God - 2 Thessalonians 2:4

20. He will speak marvellous things against the God of gods - Daniel 11:36

21. He will exalt himself above all that is called God - 2 Thessalonians 2:4

22. He will sit in the temple of God - 2 Thessalonians 2:4

23. He will claim to be God (or an incarnation of God) - 2 Thessalonians 2:4

24. He will take away the daily sacrifices from the temple - Daniel 11:31

25. He will plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain - Daniel 11:45

The Antichrist will setup small "fortifications" in between the sea and Jerusalem, to help keep control over things in distant areas away from the main offices.

26. He will have power to make war with the saints and to overcome them - Revelations 13:7

27. He will continue this war with the saints for 3 1/2 years - Daniel 7:21, 25

28. This time of Great Tribulation is launched upon the Earth by the antichrist at the Abomination of Desolation. - Matthew 24:15,21.

Up until this time, it would seem that he is a man of peace and not war. But now he shows his true colors. Perhaps is possessed by Satan himself at this point as well. Which would account for the false front being dropped at this time.

29. During this time, the antichrist will scatter the power of the holy people - Daniel 12:7

30. He will rule a mighty and strong kingdom - Daniel 7:7

31. He was given power over all kindreds, tongues and nations - Revelations 13:7

32. His kingdom will devour the whole earth - Daniel 7:23

33. He will have great military power that will stand behind him, to enforce his laws - Daniel 11:31

34. He will try to change times and laws; and they will be given into his power for 3 1/2 years - Daniel 7:25

35. He will give great honor to the God of forces, with gold, silver, jewels, etc - Daniel 11:38

36. He will prosper in everything that he does - Daniel 8:24

37. He will not regard the God of his fathers - Daniel 11:37

38. He will not regard the desire of women - Daniel 11:37

It is interesting to note here that most people think that he will be a homosexual, which could be. But rather I think that he will place limitations upon children being born. Similar to what is being done in China now. Why? Because it is the natural desire of a woman, that God has given to them, to be a mother. By not regarding this natural desire, he would cause a "forced" limit on the amount of children a woman was "allowed" to have.

39. The mark of the beast will be the amount of his name - Revelations 14:11

40. All that dwell upon the Earth will worship him, except those who's names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life - Revelations 15:2

41. He will have an image made after him - Revelations 15:2

This could also be in reference to his kingdom's logo or insignia.

42. His coming will be after the workings of Satan - 2 Thessalonians 2:8

43. He will fight against Jesus Christ at Armageddon - Revelations 17:14

44. He will stand against the Prince of princes - Daniel 8:25

45. The Lord will consume him with the spirit of his mouth (which is the Word of God) - 2 Thessalonians 2:8

46. The Lord will destroy him with the brightness of his coming (which is his glory) - 2 Thessalonians 2:8

47. He will be cast alive into the lake of fire - Revelations 19:20

48. He will be tormented day and night forday and night for ever and ever - Revelations 20:10

The Bible often speak of a "man" when it means a group.

 

[Cornelius]

Just like the Bible also speaks of a woman and means a group.

Church = woman / bride
The harlot = a group , not just one woman.

 

[Sinthesis]

Just like the Bible also speaks of a woman and means a group.

Church = woman / bride
The harlot = a group , not just one woman.

exactly

 

[Cornelius]

Just like the Bible also speaks of a woman and means a group.

Church = woman / bride
The harlot = a group , not just one woman.

exactly

Few see this, because its so easy to just read the letter. Its easier to see a "man" , but its complicated to see the man as a body of people. But somehow we do not find it difficult to see the church as a bride and people see the Harlot as a group, but somehow when it comes to the "false prophet" the "antichrist" and "son of perdition" we then revert back to the "one person" understanding.

This takes Revelation into the Sci-fi realm, whereas "groups" will not, because we can see how a antichrist group (being all outside Christ) is already taking over the world. We can see how the Harlot (false religion) also (One Word Religion ) is already playing up to the affection of the antichrist system and cuddling under "his" arm .

The Bible tells us the tail of the Dragon takes out a third of the stars . The Bible likens the children of Abraham to the stars. So we can understand that the "tail" must somehow bring down Christians. How will Christians fall? When they believe a lie. So the "false prophet" (Group) that is preaching in many churches AT THIS MOMENT to sleeping Christians, are preaching a lie and it will allow many to loose their "seated in heavenly places" and fall to earth (meaning their flesh will overcome them and they will not have the victory in Christ) Here we see that the Bible tells us who the "tail " is of the Dragon:

Isa 9:15 ..........and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. Now this again is saying "the prophet" but it means ALL who teaches a lie and God calls ALL who teach His people lies, a "false prophet" Notice it does not say "prophecy" it says "teacheth" ! Anybody that teaches God's people today will come under judgment for what they teach.Rev 12:4 And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. So ALL who teaches lies, are in fact PART of the tail and PART of the red Dragon. So some "Christians" are part of the Dragon. That is not Sci-fi , we can already see some of them. Just turn your TV on.

So ALL the preachers and teachers of the Word who teaches lies will form the group called "False Prophet"
ALL the people who do not preach and believe the true gospel will be called : The Harlot.

ALL the Christians who overcome and move into sanctification and holiness, will be called : The Bride.

All who do not believe that Jesus is coming in His people at this moment will be called : The Antichrist.
ALL the TARES in the church today is called :Son of Perdition.

In these, the last days of this planet, God is calling ALL of humanity to take our place on the stage.We ALL will fall into one of these that the Bible calls a "man" or a "woman" or a "prophet" a "harlot" or a "son of perdition"

So God fitted out a stage with "one man/woman players, so its easier for us to understand. But now we messed it up and some of these false prophets have taught the people of God it is talking about one person.

C

 

[stranger]

Hi Cornelius,

There is a lot of scriptural evidence to suggest that the antichrist will be a man. Scripture also speaks of the spirit of antichrist. These are not mutually exclusive.

The following settles the question in my mind:

2 Thee 2:
3Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
5Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?
6And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.
7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
8Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;
9that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,
10and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
11For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,
12in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

Anoher proof for the antichrist being a man is that Satan can enter into a man and possess him. Demons also has this capacity.

blessings

 

[Cornelius]

Hi Cornelius,

There is a lot of scriptural evidence to suggest that the antichrist will be a man. Scripture also speaks of the spirit of antichrist. These are not mutually exclusive.

The following settles the question in my mind:

2 Thee 2:
3Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
5Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?
6And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.
7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
8Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;
9that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,
10and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
11For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,
12in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

Anoher proof for the antichrist being a man is that Satan can enter into a man and possess him. Demons also has this capacity.

blessings

You will notice the problem of the "temple of God" . Seeing that God will never ordain another temple of stone again, but only recognizes the body of Christ as His temple (unless you do not believe that Jesus made that one final sacrifice that stopped the need for a physical temple and animal sacrifice ? )

So when God Himself in His Word refers to "temple of God" and the sacrifice, He is not referring to what would indeed be an abomination to Him as His temple. IF He was referring to a physical temple, He would not have called it "temple of God" because that would be against the Gospel.

So those who declare that another temple will be built and it will be a "temple of God" does not truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

C

 

[sheshisown]

Hello Cornelius~

How are you brother? I have missed fencing in the word with you. I have a couple of questions about your last comment~ you said;

You will notice the problem of the "temple of God" . Seeing that God will never ordain another temple of stone again, but only recognizes the body of Christ as His temple (unless you do not believe that Jesus made that one final sacrifice that stopped the need for a physical temple and animal sacrifice ? )

So when God Himself in His Word refers to "temple of God" and the sacrifice, He is not referring to what would indeed be an abomination to Him as His temple. IF He was referring to a physical temple, He would not have called it "temple of God" because that would be against the Gospel.

So those who declare that another temple will be built and it will be a "temple of God" does not truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now, if there is no temple to be rebuilt (whether under God's plan or mankind's design outside of God's will) then how else will God redeem Isreal according to His promise? Or do you believe that the church has replaced Isreal? Also, why would believing in another temple being built cause a Christain not to understand the gospel? Exactly what do you believe to be the gospel?

In the wonder of the Lord's mighty sword... the word. bonnie

 

[Cornelius]

Now, if there is no temple to be rebuilt (whether under God's plan or mankind's design outside of God's will) then how else will God redeem Isreal according to His promise? Or do you believe that the church has replaced Isreal? Also, why would believing in another temple being built cause a Christain not to understand the gospel? Exactly what do you believe to be the gospel?

In the wonder of the Lord's mighty sword... the word. bonnie

Hi Bonnie
Bonnie, the remnant of the Jews, will be saved in the same way as you and I . Just like Peter and John and Paul got saved.Through faith in Jesus .There is no other way . Jesus even preached this way to the souls in Hades and those of Israel who believed Him, left Hades with Him. So will it be for anybody who gets saved. Jew or Gentile.

The church does not replace Israel. The church is the spiritual fulfillment of what Israel was the type and shadow for. The church has always been "Plan A" . God has never failed in His plan, we are not the backup plan B as many think. Everything is still on track as planned by God before the foundation of the Earth.

Regarding the temple: If people think that God will still call any physical temple "The temple of GOD" they do not understand the gospel, because Jesus was the fulfillment of the Scriptures.Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

and then when He fulfilled the Scriptures he said this before He died: Joh 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

and then He: Heb 10:12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

One sacrifice.........for ever.

So any "sacrifice" now cannot be done in any physical temple , because the GOSPEL says: Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins............for ever.

Any person who preaches that another physical temple will be called the "temple of God" does not understand what Jesus did, when He presented that one sacrifice......for ever.

Now the Jews can build another 1000 temples and not one of them will ever again be "the temple of GOD" Impossible according to the gospel.


1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are a temple of God,

 

[Cornelius]

So Bonnie, if we are the temple and the Bible says we are the Royal Priesthood serving in this spiritual temple of God. What would you say the Biblical view is about the daily sacrifice ?

I know that sounds like a contradiction, but its not. The Bible is clear about it. This sacrifice is not paying for our sins.

C

 

[Lee100]

Correct, the next temple, Jesus Himself will build.
It will be one mile long, one mile square and one mile high. Not to be confused with the heavenly city which will be 4000 miles built like a square.

 

[Cornelius]

Correct, the next temple, Jesus Himself will build.
It will be one mile long, one mile square and one mile high. Not to be confused with the heavenly city which will be 4000 miles built like a square.

I don't even know how to answer this. Church doctrine is like a leaking dam.You can start fixing one leak and soon as you think its done, another place will open up.

No offense meant, but who are the teachers of God's people these days. I know you read these words in the Bible, but maybe you should consider that Jesus did not write everything for us to be taken so literally.

C

 

[Lee100]

Do you not believe that Jesus will come back to set up his thousand year kingdom literally . Do you not believe that we will reign with Christ for a thousand years.

 

[sheshisown]

Hello Cornelius~

Thank you for promptly answering my questions. Let me just make your points again, so I am clear about your answer.

The remnant of the Jews, will be saved in the same way as you and I. Just like Peter and John and Paul got saved. Through faith in Jesus. There is no other way.
The church does not replace Israel. The church is the spiritual fulfillment of what Israel was the type and shadow for. The church has always been "Plan A". God has never failed in His plan, we are not the backup plan B as many think.
John 19:30 When He fulfilled the Scriptures he said this before He died: When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.
Heb 10:12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

One sacrifice.........for ever.
So any "sacrifice" now cannot be done in any physical temple, because the GOSPEL says: Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins............for ever.

Any person who preaches that another physical temple will be called the "temple of God" does not understand what Jesus did, when He presented that one sacrifice......for ever.
Regarding the temple: If people think that God will still call any physical temple "The temple of GOD" they do not understand the gospel, because Jesus was the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

Now the Jews can build another 1000 temples and not one of them will ever again be "the temple of GOD" Impossible according to the gospel.

Let’s take the scripture you highlighted in Luke first~ (in context) and expound what Jesus meant by the verse you quoted.

Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things." Luke 24:44-48

Cornelius said:
Jesus was the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Luk 24:44 And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

So how does Jesus say He fulfilled the scriptures in this verse? Doesn’t he say that the prophesies written in the law of Moses, in the prophets and in the psalms concerning Him must be fulfilled?
It was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day: Jesus wanted His disciples then and now, to understand that the cross was not some unfortunate obstacle that had to be hurdled.

Most of us, certainly you, Cornelius, know of many prophetic words written in the law of Moses and in the prophets concerning Jesus Christ that He here declares must be fulfilled. So what was written in the Psalms about Jesus that had to be fulfilled?

Jesus said that; In the volume of the book it is written of Me, meaning that the scripture reveals Him, in the Old and New Testaments. Also, Jesus comforted the disciples on the road to Emmaus concerns by giving a study from the scriptures expounding the things concerning Himself.
And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself: Jesus began to teach them what was surely one of the most spectacular Bible studies ever taught. Beginning in Moses and all the Prophets, He told them all about the Messiah.
He told them that the Messiah was:

o The Seed of the Woman, whose heel was bruised.
o The blessing of Abraham to all nations.
o The High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
o The Man who wrestled with Jacob.
o The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
o The voice from the burning bush.
o The Passover Lamb.
o The Prophet greater than Moses.
o The captain of the Lord’s army to Joshua.
o The ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer mentioned in Ruth.
o The son of David who was a King greater than David.
o The suffering Savior of Psalm 22.
o The Good Shepherd of Psalm 23.
o The wisdom of Proverbs and the Lover of the Song of Solomon.
o The Savior described in the prophets and the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.
o The Princely Messiah of Daniel who would establish a kingdom that would never end.(Guzik)

These men must have been amazed at Jesus’ ability to teach and understand the Scriptures - even though they did not know who He was yet! Jesus expounded to them in all the Scriptures.
The idea of expounding is to simply let the text speak for itself; exactly what a Bible teacher should do his or her best to do.

The Greek word for expounded (diermeneuo) has the idea of sticking close to the text. In another passage when Luke uses this word, it is expressed with the word translated (Acts 9:36). Jesus wasn’t going off on speculative "bunny trails." He expounded, which means He stuck close to the text. (Strongs)

The Psalms are filled with prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. There are entire Psalms that are known as Messianic Psalms; Psalms 22, graphic description of the crucifixion. Psalm 110, the priest after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 118...and just over and over, in many Psalms certainly more than I have listed speak of Jesus and the work he was to do.

Therefore this verse gives us the way of salvation~ He suffered, He died, and He rose again on the third day. It was a necessary part of God’s redemptive plan for man, and that it would be in the name of a crucified and risen Savior that repentance and remission of sins will be brought to the world.
So let me be VERY clear, I also believe that every nation and the Jews, must find salvation through faith in the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

However, that no temple may be built. Hmmm… of course it will be, not 1000 times, just once more, during the Tribulation, and God will reveal to the blinded eyes of His Israel who their Messiah truly is. They will be deceived temporarily, just as we all were before we were saved…

How, when?

By the deceiver, the devil. The Jewish people have not been redeemed as yet, the father has a plan and purpose to fulfill according to His word for Israel. As long as we, the church, the bride of Christ, do not try to take the place of Israel, (which is not given to us in the scripture) then we can see that the promises given to them are not yet fulfilled. The unchanging promises of the Lord to Israel are proof that they will be redeemed after they have seen the Lord whom they pierced. In their current blinded foolishness they will seek salvation through the defunct system of temple sacrifices.

But we must be mindful that the antichrist will spur on their desire to rebuild the temple, and will make it possible through the peace treaty he confirms with them and the contending factions of Islam around them for seven years. The antichrist will make a "Covenant" with the Jewish people. It may be a Covenant restoring to them their own land. I am not adamant about the actual form this covenant takes but whatever its character, the Prophet Isaiah speaks of it as a "Covenant With Death and Hell." Isa. 28:15.

I do not see Israel as a plan A and the church as a plan B or vice-versa, no. I believe He is redeeming one Body of worshippers for the eternal inheritance of Jesus Christ, made up of both Gentiles and Jews, and so the word declares:

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation… and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. … For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. … having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone… …in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ehp. 2:11-22

In Him... bonnie

 

[Cornelius]

I do not see Israel as a plan A and the church as a plan B or vice-versa, no. I believe He is redeeming one Body of worshippers for the eternal inheritance of Jesus Christ, made up of both Gentiles and Jews, and so the word declares:

That is correct and there is only way to that redemption. Jesus Christ. (not a temple)Joh 6:44 No man (not even a Jew) can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day.

And here Jesus says it even more plainly: Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one (not even the Jews) cometh unto the Father, but by me.

So, yes, no Temple will bring them to God.

 

[Lee100]

Correct, rather the people will go and see God in His temple that will be set up in the New Jerusalem, the Holy Mountain, Mount Zion!

 

[Lee100]

Zec 14:17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain.

The will simply dry up.

 

[Cornelius]

Zec 14:17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain.

The will simply dry up.

Gal 4:26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.
God's throne is in spiritual Jerusalem, that is where the nations must worship the King. But they will not, will they? No , that is why judgment is coming on the nations in the day of God's wrath.

C

 

[Lee100]

Yes, but in Christ thousand year reign, the nations will be forced to go up and worship the King of Kings, or they will have no reign.

Are you saying that you do not believe in a literal City Of God which will physically come down out of heaven and sit on earth.

The nations will worship the King only in mount Zion in Jerusalem. The nations must bring their splendor into it, and honor the Lord, Jesus Christ on the feast of Tabernacles.
Zec 14:16

Spiritual Israel is the Church, the family of God. Every believer in Christ is a part of Spiritual Israel.

 

[Cornelius]

Yes, but in Christ thousand year reign, the nations will be forced to go up and worship the King of Kings, or they will have no reign.

Are you saying that you do not believe in a literal City Of God which will physically come down out of heaven and sit on earth.

The nations will worship the King only in mount Zion in Jerusalem. The nations must bring their splendor into it, and honor the Lord, Jesus Christ on the feast of Tabernacles.
Zec 14:16

Spiritual Israel is the Church, the family of God. Every believer in Christ is a part of Spiritual Israel.

I do not believe in a literal city. We are the city that comes down out of heaven. We are "born from above" .That is the real meaning of "reborn".

Secondly the Bible tells us that Heb 12:18 For ye are not come unto a mount (mount Zion) that might be touched, that means, you cannot touch it because its a spiritual mountain. Its symbolic for God's Kingdom.

The "wealth of the nations" : The only thing of real value are the people of God. The nations still have many brothers and sisters of ours but in the end, ALL the elect will be saved as the nations surrender those Christians to the Kingdom of God.

So the nations will indeed worship God on spiritual Mount Zion, where God will finally reign in and through His people.

I know we have been taught that everything is literal and I must admit that I felt a bit cheated when I first started realizing that we are not going to have it exactly the way we were taught.

But God has something better planned for us.

blessings
C

 

[whirlwind]

C, I keep coming back to this thread trying to understand what you are teaching. When first reading it I wrote.....

The first beast of Rev.13, as you pointed out, comes out of the sea...out of people and is the beast the harlot "sitteth" on, or is "all mankind outside of Christ." But, there is a second beast...

13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

This, to me is THE anti-christ. The others operate in his spirit...as we operate with The Spirit of Christ...we are Christians and they are antichristians. And yet, there is A Christ and an antichrist that the disciples follow.

11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that cometh up out of the abyss shall make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.

This is strange...I just went to the Strong's and then to the Bible Dictionary to be certain of my understanding of "abyss" and it isn't listed. However, good old Webster's tells us that it is a deep chasm. It isn't just of the ocean but as one of the definitions states..."anything to deep for measurement." Another is "bottomless gulf"."

That second beast, the one coming up from the abyss is, I believe.....

Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

So my understanding of those scriptures is...the second beast of [Revelation 13:11], the one kicked out of heaven, into the earth or...bottomless pit, abyss, is Satan (the dragon, the devil, antichrist, false prophet). He is the one that crawls out to deceive the world by pretending to be the Lamb. As his workers pretend to be Christians he pretends to be Christ.

In reading through the responses I can't find if that question was answered. Who do you believe the second beast is? Is it too a group? As the man child, a group in which Christ lives, will be/is operating, do you believe the second beast is a group of Satan's man child(ren)? I guess my question is....do you see the antichrist as both beasts of Revelation?


11 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand

We are the temple, we are the holy place. So, where it is written..."when ye see," "see" meaning understand....not physically see, is it understanding that the abomination, the "man" of sin is
(1) an entity pretending to be Christ or
(2) his body pretending to be Christian?
If it is the second selection then how can his body "shew himself that he is God?" I understand showing themselves as Christians but...not that "he is God," if indeed it is a group.