Who or what is Gog and Magog? Will Armageddon be the first war? Has there been enough revealed to answer these questions? We know that there are going to be wars and rumor of wars (Mt.24:6), but there are at least two major battles in the future. One battle will be at the end of the tribulation and another at the end of the Millennium reign.

Who or what is Gog and Magog? The word Gog is found in eleven places starting with 1 Chron. 5:4, which lists him in the genealogy of Shemaiah. Strong’s Concordance (1463) lists Gog as a name of an Israelite, also of some northern nation.

In the N.T. the word Gog is associated with the antichrist. But I think that we get a better idea of who or what Gog is in Ezekiel 38:2-3, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Mesheck and Tubal and prophesy against him, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Mesheck and Tubal. Here we can see that Gog is a chief prince of Mesheck and Tubal.

The word Magog is found in the Bible in two places, one in Genesis 10:2, The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog€¦ and in 1 Chron. 1:5 stating the same genealogy. Japheth was a son of Noah. Magog is listed in Strong’s Concordance as a son of Japeth; also a barbarous northern region (4031).

Gog is often referred to as the king of Magog a land north of Israel. Today all countries North of Israel is considered its enemies, especially Turkey and Russia. The other name, Armageddon has come up many times in modern day from movies, songs, wars and other topics that are associated with doomsday events.

This is a location and is thought to mean the mountain of Megiddo located on the north side of the plains of Jezreel where many military battles have been fought. Let’s try to shed some light on these battles scripturally and logically.

The Bible prophesies of wars in the latter days (Mt. 24:6) and gives a name for one of them, it is called Armageddon. Gog and Magog are names also associated with these battles. In each case the battle objective is to overtake Jerusalem.

One war mentioned is to be fought at the end of the tribulation and another at the end of the Millennium. First let’s review Armageddon. Armageddon is mentioned one time in the Bible, Rev. 16:16, but is not described here. The account of Armageddon in Revelation found in chapter 19:11-21 has a sparse description, but enough to go on to compare with other scriptures. To get a better picture of these battles one has to use chapters Rev. 6, 19, 20, Ezek. 38 and 39, and Zech. 12 through 14, Mt. 24 and 25 and there are many verses found in other chapters that will offer more information. But the above mentioned will give a good start to the study.

In the Armageddon battle

(1) Christ will be the only one doing the destroying
(2) even though the armies of heaven will also be there (Zech. 14). After
(3) Christ defeats the armies that are attacking Israel
(4) He will cast both the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire. And this account also reveals that
(5) the fowls will eat the flesh of kings, captains and mighty men. In Zechariah 14 we find that Christ has come back to stand on the Mt of Olives and this is prophesied in Acts 1:11 and this is talking about the
(6) second coming which is right before Christ sets up His kingdom. To read about the battle one will have to start in Zech. 12 and read through 14. He reason we can pinpoint this particular battle is because we know
(7) when it is to happen. In many of these battles the enemies attacks from the North.

Now the second battle that the Bible speaks of has often been called the battle of Gog and Magog. But Gog and Magog is spoken of in both Ezekiel 38 and 39 and also in Rev. 20:8. But these are clearly not the same battle.

In Rev. 20, verses 1 and 2 tells us of events that happen at the end of the battle named Armageddon, the battle spoken of earlier. Here an angel binds Satan a thousand years and this is at the start of the Millennium. At the end of this period verses 3 and 7 tells us that Satan must be loosed out of his prison.

Satan is loosed to gather nations together for one final battle. The two names mentioned here are Gog and Magog, same names as in Ezekiel, consequently they must be involved in at least both of these battles. But we know that these are different battles because this particular battle (1) ends with Satan being put into the lake of fire and the (2) rest were devoured by fire (not fowls) that came down from God (v. 9). (3) They were not buried by the Israeli, they were devoured, consumed by God’s fire. (4) After this post Millennium battle we have the destruction of heaven and earth and the Great White Throne. After the first battle there is time to bury the dead, etc. but not after the last battle.

Now in Ezekiel 38 and 39 the dead of this battle was ravished by birds and the burying detail went on for seven months. Also you will find that these were also slain by God, but with plagues, turning one against the other (38:21) similar to what happened in the O. T. God also used rain, great hailstones and brimstones. But this battle gives no time for it to happen.

In Zechariah 14 it talks about Christ’s feed standing on the Mt. of Olives. Here a time is given, the second return of Christ. This is the same time and in the same location as the battle of Armageddon, so logically it is another account of the same battle.

The results of comparing the battles show that there are similarities of nations and weapons used by God to defeat the individual armies in these different battles. But remember Christ’s warning in Mathew 24:6, And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars€¦.

Also remember in Rev., 6:3-4, the red horse of war in the second seal. Therefore, it is probable that multiple wars will be scatted though out the entire tribulation and that Gog and Magog will be involved with several if not all battles.

Prophecy Questions about Future Wars is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

What does the word “church” mean?  Is it a word that has changed meaning over the years?   The word church means a calling out of people such as an assembly or group for a specific cause.  Now this cause could be for religious purposes, but it could also be for any purpose that anyone might call, such as a town or committee meeting.  The word “church” is often associated with a building where religious people assemble for worship.  This use of the word church is used in the Bible for the building at Ephesus, Galatia, Thessalonica, Jerusalem and the ones mentioned in Revelation. 

The church is actually the group of people that are referred to as Christians today, ones who are reborn by the Spirit 1 Cor. 12:13-28.  This is a body of people that are selected during the time (dispensation) after the law was completed (“it is finished” Jn. 19:30), until the rapture occurs (the resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:14-17).  The church is referred to under many names, as the “body of Christ” (Eph. 1:22-23; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18), the “bride of Christ” (Rom. 7:4; 2 Cor. 11:2) and also as those in the “dispensation of grace”.  The seal (proof) of a member of the church is the “indwelling” Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13) within the Christian.

The Old Testament has not one prophesy mentioning the “Church Age”.  But one must remember that while studying the Bible one must read what it says and also “read” what it does not say.  There is no mention of the word church until Mt. 16:18 and this word is the Greek word ekklesia which is a verb meaning to call out.  This word is used to depict an assembly or gathering of people together for a specific purpose.

The Old Testament goes from talking about Christ’s first coming (first advent) straight into the second.  This is why the Apostles felt that they were in the “last days” and they were very soon to go into tribulation and then the Kingdom.  Examples of these scriptures are found:

Joel 2:28 and 29, they take us up to Pentecost, but verse 30 goes straight into the tribulation.

Ps. 2:1-4 talks about how the nations together crucify Christ and then in verse 5 talks about the tribulation.

Ps. 118:22 talks about the refusal of Christ and straight into the Kingdom.

Isa. 9:6 from His birth straight to His government.

Isa. 61:1-2 from preaching the good tidings to tribulation to millennium.

Dan. 9:24 from making a payment for sin to Kingdom.

Zech.  9:9-10; Lk. 1:31-32; Acts 2: 7, 12, 17-21; Acts 15: 15-16, etc.

The mystery of the church age, the taking out of the world a body for Christ, the time from when the Holy Spirit started “indwelling” up to the time of the rapture was not revealed to just anyone, it was revealed to Paul (Rom. 16:25; Gal 1:16:  Eph. 3:3).   Paul brought his gospel (good news) to the Gentiles after the Jews rejected his message just the same as they did Christ’s good news of the kingdom.  For this reason the Jews as a nation are spiritually “blinded” (2 Cor. 3:14) as well as the lost are blinded (2 Cor. 4:4).

As Paul says in 1 Cor. Chapter one, when we are sanctified by being called by Jesus Christ who is going to faithfully keep us to the end (rapture) so we can be presented that day blameless (bema seat).  What a beautiful time (church age) we are so fortunate to live so we can have such an opportunity that has never been offered before, nor will ever be offered again.  How long will this opportunity continue?   Paul writing to Christians said in 1 Thess 5:4, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief.”  Remember this is to Christians and this scripture is not in conflict with Mt. 16:1-3.  Who was Jesus talking to?  Hypocrites, not Christians, these are among the lost and as mentioned before in 2 Cor. 4:4 the lost are blinded by the god of this world (Satan) who does not want the light (word of God) to shine and light up the “Truth” to their understanding.

Mystery of the Church is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The Second Beast, The False Prophet is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

We now come to the chapter of the beasts, one from the sea and another from the land.  Yes, these definitely are two separate beasts or personages.   We can find evidence in Rev. 19:20 where Scripture tells us that “the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet. . .These both were cast alive. . .”   Also in Rev. 13:1 the first beast came from the “sea” and in Rev. 13:11 we find that the second beast came from the “earth”.  They did not come from the same location. 

In the first few verses of chapter thirteen, we have the first beast, the sixth personage of Revelation, having seven heads with names of blasphemy, having ten horns with a crown upon each.  The second beast, the seventh personage, was like a lamb with two horns and v. 12 tells us “he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him.”   This evidence should put an end to the discussions of those claiming both beasts are in one personage; these Scriptures plainly describe two separate beings.

This article will concentrate on the first beast.   For some history we need to go back to Daniel and re-read chapter 7:2-7 and keep in mind the order of the beasts.  Remembering this order we can compare John’s version to Daniel’s and see that Daniel is looking forward in time while that John is looking backward, causing the order to be reversed.  Daniel’s first beast was a lion for the Babylonian Empire, the second was the bear for the Medo-Persia, and the third was the leopard or Grecian Empire.  The fourth beast was like no other ever known, but symbolized the Roman Empire.  John’s version mentions the leopard first, next the bear and then the lion, but all these characteristics are on the same beast.  John was living in the time of the Roman Empire.  The Romans were who imprisoned him on the Isle of Patmos.

All of Daniel’s beasts symbolized world empires that were dominated by a person (Dan. 7:12).  The empire was a government headed by a president, or a king, or a ruler of some title (Dan. 7:24).  The anti-christ and beast are not the same, but they are linked, just like Obama and the USA are not the same, but he is the President.  The king and beast are linked together as one is the leader and the other is what he leads.  One can hardly think of one without associating it with the other.  Just like Alexander the Great was to the Grecian Empire, Nebuchadnezzar to the Babylonian Empire, etc.

This leaves the word “beast” symbolic in nature just like the word “beast” in Daniel.  I believe that we have a two fold meaning here, just as when we speak of a major political figure of today, such as Winston Churchill we think of England or with Hitler we will think of Nazi or any other major leader will be associated with his reign.  In the same way the anti-christ and the beast are linked, the man with his empire.  Since Daniel’s fourth beast was the Roman Empire, and portions of the Roman Empire still exists today, then Roman Empire has never completely expired.   It is logical then to think that John’s beast also will be the revised Roman Empire.  Remember that much of our language has Roman roots, as well as our laws, social structure, governing system, etc.

In Rev. 13:1-10 we are talking about the first beast out of the sea, which is the personage of the anti-christ.  What we have here is that the first beast and the anti-christ is synonymous, they are one in the same.  One is the name and the other is the symbol for what he stands, which like Daniel’s will be an empire.

The first beast comes out of the “sea”.  And sea is a term used often in the Bible to stand for nations or world population.  Since this beast comes out of the populous then he has to be in the image of a human.  

When comparing Daniel’s fourth beast and John’s first beast we find many similarities. 

1. Both exist for the same amount of time.  3½ years.
2. Both are to be destroyed at the second coming of Christ.
3. Both occupy the same location.
4. Both behave in evil ways.
5. Both come up out of the sea.
6. Neither is like any other existing beast.
7. Each had ten horns.
8. Horns stand for kings.

 

Differences:

1.  Daniel’s had one head.                          1.  John’s had seven heads.

2.  A little head among the horns.                     2.  No little horn or little head mentioned.

The heads of the beasts represents seven mountains (Rev. 17:9).  We also know that mountains many times in the Bible are a symbol for kingdoms.  Over these seven heads we can find different interpretations from biblical scholars and I too, have my own.  I believe that the difference between Daniel’s and John’s number of heads is that Daniel talked of empires that were ruled mostly by one ruler or government, such as Nebuchadnezzar, Xerxes or Alexander the Great.   So when he got to the fourth beast, the Roman Empire was still one big military powerful regime just like the former three.  These empires were taken by using the military might of one army.  Now when we get to John’s beast in the tribulation we find that the anti-christ will take over by political power.  He rides a horse with bow, but no arrows (Rev. 6:2).  He will combine kingdoms to form a united governmental rule of huge proportions.  He will put his regime together something similar to that of the EU (compare Rev. 17:12), several countries or kingdoms put together, but with one person as the president.  And the one-hour time means it is of short duration (Rev. 17:10).  This time could be the 3½ years (13:5) or for even the total seven years, it is but a short time compared to most reigns like Saul, David and Solomon each with 40 years and Manasseh who reigned 55 years.

The blasphemy against God is pretty much confined to verbally saying evil things about God.  So in verse six the anti-christ is saying evil things against God, His name, His temple and all those in heaven. 

In verse seven he was given the power to make war against the saints.  Since the anti-christ had been cast out of heaven in Rev. 12:9 the saints cannot be those in heaven.  Neither can it be ones protected by God, the 144,00 sealed ones and those that left Jerusalem Rev. 12:13-17.  This will answer two questions, the saints that the anti-christ wars with are the one that accept the message of the kingdom and are put to death during the Great Tribulation, the latter 3½ years.  This is a universal massacre, it is world wide Jews and Gentiles. 

Of course the anti-christ will continue all the way up to Rev. 19:20, where he and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire, and as Paul Harvey used to say, “This is the rest of the story”.

The anti-christ is the tangible part that we see and the beast is his dominion.  He will take over his regime by political power and rule with seven subordinate kings for a period of 3 1/2 years.  This last 3 1/2 years are known as the tribulation.

Revelation Chapter 13 Beasts is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

God created for six days and He said that it was good, then, it was finished so He rested, Gen 2:2.  Now Christ has finished His work of the cross and now He also has sat down.  Heb. 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our rfaith. who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”   These two scriptures let us know that up to this particular time, God’s plan is on schedule and this part is completed.

Now we know that Christ is not walking with His disciples today.  The role of being the prophet, the sacrificial lamb is over.   The requirements for the law has been met.  All the prophecies of the first advent has been fulfilled.  Rom. 15:8, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.”  Now it is time to move on to the dispensation of grace and leave behind the dispensation of law.

Now Christ has finished-

1. The sacrifices.  The atonement for sins. 1 Cor. 3:13.  (A)  Because Christ has now atoned for all sins past, present and future.  (B)  No longer is sin the judging criteria for man.  (C)  At the Bema Judgment Seat what is the evidence that will be pesented for judgment? [Works]  (D)  What evidence will be presented at the Great White Throne Judgment? [Works]
2. Judaism that is Temple worship and sacrifices is of no avail and can now be put away.  The Temple at Jerusalem can now be destroyed like it had been prophesied by Jesus in Matthew.  This event occurred in 70 A.D. (A)  Done away with having to go to a Temple in order to worship God.  (B)  Done away with having to go to a Temple to fulfill rituals, like sacrifices and required attendance at certain feasts.  (C)  Done away with having to go to the Temple to give alms, get forgiveness or to pray.  (D)  Done away with having to go to the Temple to have someone else talk to God for you.  (E)  In this dispensation of grace, you are the Temple.  (F)  Now the Holy Spirit is “indwelling” with a role of guidance and utterance.

The old covenant is now useless and this is where the new begins.  The old covenant was OK, but Paul says the new covenant is better.  This is the whole theme of Hebrews.  The book of Hebrews is telling the Jews to give up Judaism, the old covenant and take up Grace, the new covenant.  Rom. 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law but under grace.”

The old covenant, the Mosaic Law. Rom. 10:14 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.”  The old covenant was between God and Israel and was an earthly covenant.  The promised land was here on earth, the priest was here on earth, the kingdom was to be here on earth and the Temple was here on earth.  This system was full of legalism.  One must do it this way and not do these things.  Full of do’s and don’ts, rules, regulations and rituals.  Things of this covenant were physical,earthly, visibile or tangible.  Enforced by punishement or even death for wrong deeds committed.  The Jews were dealing with a God of wrath or anger.

The new covenant, that which we are under now, is called grace.  This is a heavenly covenant between God, Christ and Christians.  As the song says, “this land is not our home”, heaven is our home.  Our head (the high priest) is not in this world today.  Neither is our rewards of this world.  We are not God’s “people”, we are His children.  Israel is God’s people.  God’s children are “translated into the kingdom of his dear Son” Col. 1:13.  “They are not of this world even as I am not of the world.” John 17:16, “but ye (the Gentile and Jewish Christians that make up the Church) are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels (heavenly, not earthly). 23.  To the general assembly and Church of the first-born, who are written in heaven, and to God.  The Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. 24.  And to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant. . .” Heb. 12:22-24a.  These scriptures are referring to the Grace Age and being with Christ.  Things of this covenant are spiritual, heavenly, invisible.  Encouraged by promise of reward hereafter.  The Church is dealing with a God of forgiveness or grace “For God hath not appointed us (the Chruch) to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thess. 5:9.  “Everybody now has access to God, we no longer have to go through a Temple, priest, sacrifices or rituals.

The Gospel of the Kingdom.  This gospel was preached by John the Baptist, Jesus and the twelve. Mt. 4:23, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom. . .”  This gospel has been set aside till after the Church has been ratured.  This gospel shows that God intends to set up an earthly kingdom that is prefect.  This kingdom will be in fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

The Gospel of Salvation which is also known as Paul’s Gospel.  Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  Also in Heb. 12:2 we find that Jesus is the author and  finisher of our faith.  “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Les Feldick says that “I don’t think any human being can comprehend all that was accomplished when He (Christ) finished the work of the cross.”  He also says that “Faith + (Nothing) = Salvation”.

What can we add to what Christ did at the cross?  What else must we do to be saved?  Eph. 2:8-10. “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves.  [it is] a gift of God. 9. Not of works lest any man should boast. 10.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”   Romans 4:1-4 tells us that Abraham was given righteousness by his faith, no works involved here.  What other Old Testament saint was saved by just faith alone?

Jesus came.  He was crucified, buried, and then resurrected by the power of God.  This fulfillment was in accordance to the prophecies of the Old Testament.  Today by the gospel that Paul preached, we live under the Age of Grace and our only requirement for salvation in this age is faith.

IT IS FINISHED part three is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Why did Christ have to fulfill the law for man?  remember God does not want anyone to perish, 2 Peter 3:9.  But all that the law did was condemn man.  Just as was said earlier in part one Romans 3:20, we find that the “law” could not justify any flesh, all it could do was show that man was a sinner.  The law had no power to help us abstain from sinning.  Romans 8:3-4.  Then how are we justified before God?  Through God’s grace Christ was sent to be the perfect sacrifice.  Romans 3:25 “who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.”  Romans 8:3 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

Christ was the only one worthy to fulfill the law.  Back in part one it showed how Christ was the perfect sacrifice.  God demanded the law be fulfilled before the dispensation of grace could begin.  In Mt. 5:17-18, Christ said in the Sercom on the Mount, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophetes, I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.”  So first the law had to be completed.

The “Law” is perfect from God’s viewpoint.  Remember that the Godhead is perfect.  The law is telling us what God is, this is His character.  God is perfect and has no problem at all keeping the law, the law is really just a picture of what God is like.  But man on the other hand,  since the old Adam fell, man is not perfect.  No man has been able to keep the law.  Consequently no man has the ability to be justified or sanctified in the eyes of God.  This is why Christ had to come as a baby Jesus.  This is why Christ had to die for He was the only perfect sacrifice that could be acceptable to God to justify or sanctify man in God’s eyes.  The dispensation of law had to be fulfilled before the dispensation of grace could start.

Now how did Christ fullfill the law?  Now lets take a close look at Romans 3:23-26 and we can see how the new Gospel of Salvation works.  “For all (men) have sinned and come short of the glory of God, (Consequence being death) 24.  being justified (being pardoned of all charges) freely by his (God’s) grace through the redemption (the removing and freeing from bondage) that is in Christ Jesus, 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (the payment of the fine to gain the good will of God) through faith in his blood (which is our part of salvation), to declare his (Christ) righteousness for the remission (payment) of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26. To declare, I say, at the time his (Christ) righteousness, that he (God) might be just (fair), and the justifier (the one who declares freedom) of him (the Christian) who believeth in Jesus.”  Here scripture tells that all men are sinners and deserve death, but God through His grace sent His Son to be the redeemer.  Christ, using His own blood paints the sinner clean and righteous to God”s eyes.  Now all one has to do is accept the gift and believe in what Jesus did at the cross.  This is called the Gospel of Salvation.

Christ is the only one who had no sin in his blood.  Christ had no earthly father, Luke 1:35.  Sin is transmitted through the blood of the father into all his children.   Since the mother has an earthly father she has sin in her blood.  But the mother’s and child’s blood is not mixed in the womb.   This will prohibit the sin that is in the blood be transfered by the mother.  Since Christ’s father had no sin in his blood, then sin was not transmitted to Christ as it is in all other humans.   Because Christ had no sin in His blood then He became the only sacrificial lamb that could be worthy.  He had absolutely no blemish.   Even if a man could go through his entire life without sinning, he would still have sin in blood that had been passed down from his father, which could be traced all the way back to Adam.  Man with an earthly father could never be perfect.   This is why only Christ is worthy. 

IT IS FINISHED part two is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

What did Christ mean by the statement “It is finished” in John 19:30?  Another term often used for the word finished is “fulfilled”.   Well what was Christ’s purpose for coming to earth as the “Son of man” or as God in the flesh?  When Christ stated that it was finished, He was meaning that His purpose up to that time, had been accomplished.  God’s plan was now completed. Christ finished another critical step that man could not do himself.  Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection has now redeemed man from the bondage of sin.

What was it that man could not do?  Man could not offer an acceptable sacrifice that would permanently cover sin and heal the relationship between man and God.  Without this sacrifice man was doomed by God’s own judgment in Romans 6:23.

God’s ultimate judgment upon man.  God said all are guilty and the sentence is death, Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death. . .” then add Romans 3:23a “For all have sinned. . .” equates, from God’s point of view, all men deserve death.  But this was not God’s purpose for man.  2 Peter 3:9b tells us that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  So God devised a plan to bring man to an acceptable righteous being Romans 5:20b, “but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”  But first the law had to be fulfilled.

God’s plan for man’s redemption began in Gen. 3:15 with the prophecy about woman’s seed.  Over the next 4000 years that one prophecy was followed by over 350 more written concerning the first advent which would bring us up to the time of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.  To fulfill the law there had to be a perfect sacrifice.  Jesus did not have an earthly father, therefore the sin of Adam was not present in the blood.  Because Jesus had no sin then He could be the eternal sacrifice without “any” blemish.

How the Mosaic Law affected man can be found in Romans 3:19-20, “Now we know that whatever things the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, (Israel) that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world (the law was given to Israel, but was expanded to every man and condemned the entire world.) may become guilty before God.  20.  Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”  also in Gal. 2:16 “for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

The law is by definition God’s character.  To God, the law is just how He is every day.  But for man, who is not perfect, man can never be free of sin on his own.  Remember if one has an earthly father, then he already has the Adam sin nature in his blood.  To man the law is a death sentence.  The law was never a saving tool, it was a judgment tool in that it showed man that no matter how hard he tried, he would still have sin, Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. . .”  Romans 6:23 “For the wages (sentence) of sin is death. . .”.

The law was the “schoolmaster” Gal. 3:24, in that it taught us that we do sin.  Keeping the law has never saved anyone nor will it ever save anyone.  Keeping the law would be saving by works and we know what the Scripture says in Eph. 2:8-9, “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. 9.  not of works lest any man should boast.”  The action of being good is doing something to earn salvation.  Being good or doing good never saved anyone, Isa. 54:6, “our righteousness are as filthy rags. . .” .  Again in Luke 18:19 Jesus said, “Why callest thou me good?  None is good, save one, that is God.”  Now if Christ was not considered “good” then what chance does man have?  Man does not have the ability to be good and be called righteous by God.  What does Eph. 2:8-9 say?  That we are saved through what? (Faith, not works).  So in conclusion the law just lets us know that we had to have a Savior.

God’s perfect world demanded a perfect sacrifice.  Christ bore all the sins of the world (past, present and future), while on the cross.  He and He alone, could pay the price required by God.  Only Christ is worthy, Rev. 5:4-5, no man could be found that was worthy.   Only the “Lion of the tribe of Judah. . .a lamb as though it has been slain.”   Christ is the only one who had no sin in His blood.  Jesus’ father was the Holy Spirit, Luke 1:35.  Therefore, perfect blood for the perfect sacrifice.  Christ is the only one that would have the qualifications and power to bare every sin in the entire world on His shoulders and He did this at the cross.  “It is finished” meant that the perfect sacrifice had been given.   The Law was now fulfilled.  The prophecies of the first advent were fulfilled.  this part of God’s plan to redeem man was completed.

IT IS FINISHED part one is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

It has been told that one of the Biblical mysteries is that the Gentiles were to be presented the Gospel. It plainly stated in the Old Testament otherwise. I will show you where.

First lets define “Biblical Mystery”. It is  talking about an event that has never previously been explained in Scripture. For some reason God chose not to reveal all to man, Isa. 55:8-9. Then in some instances God chose not to reveal certain events until later. Such as Dan. 12:4, where God told him to seal up the book until the latter days.

Many of the great mysteries of the Old Testament are revealed in the New Testament. There are over ten mysteries revealed throughout the New Testament. (For a list of some check writing on “Mysteries in Scripture” on 12/01/08). Some events have been called mysteries that are not. Searching the scriptures one will find that they were explained in the Old Testament prophecies. One of these is the presenting the Gospel, that is offering the plan of salvation to the Gentiles/heathen/Greek/nations, referring to those who were not Jews. The Old Testament prophesied that this would be offered. Consequently the Gospel being presented to someone other than a Jews is not considered one of the mysteries of the Bible.

Hosea, a prophet around 750 to 700 B.C., is a book about his faithfulness to an adulterous wife. God is using this to compare this relationship between Hosea and Gomer to that of God and His relationship with His wife, Israel. In chapter one of Hosea God commanded Hosea to “Go, take unto thee a wife of [harlotry]“. In this book you will read how Hosea had so much trouble with Gomer. Just the same as God has had so much trouble with Israel.

In Hosea 2:23, “And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them who were not my people. Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou are my God.” Israel has always been God’s people since the covenant made with Abraham in Gen 17:7. So the statement, “who were not my people” above cannot mean the Israelites. Here “my people” is talking about the Gentiles.

Another prophet Isaiah foretells where Christ will bring justice to the Gentiles. Is. 42:1, “he shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles.” 6, “for a light of the gentiles.” 49:6, “I will also give thee for a light to the gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” 55:5-6, “Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD, thy God, and for the HOLY One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” You can find more in Is. 56:8.

You will also find references in the Gospels of the New Testament. Remember that only about five percent of the Gospels are considered to be under the new covenant. The new covenant started at the resurrection of Christ. So before this time you can still refer to the prophecy as under the law of the Old Testament. Mt. 21:43 “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits of it.” Again in Mt. 12:18. These verses are typical of several others found in the Gospels. And are sufficient to point out that the Gentiles were to be brought in and that this concept was indeed prophesied. So the idea that the Gentiles were to be given the chance to become Sons of God, “grafted in” (Rom. 11:17-24), was not one of the mysteries of the Bible. This process has been prophesied many times in the Bible.

There are over ten great mysteries presented in the Bible. We can cover these topics at another time, but for now one should be aware that bringing the Gentiles into the family of God was not one of these mysteries.

We keep searching to “rightly divide the word of truth”. 2 Tim. 2:15

Prophecy For Saving Gentiles is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

Death is the barrier that separates us from the physical world and the spirit world. The physical matter remains with the physical world and that of the spirit returns to the spirit world. Since the people of the physical world are blinded to the spiritual world many believe that the spirit world does not exist. 1 Cor. 2:14; John 12:40.

Many will tell you that physical death is the end of man, that there is nothing after the grave. I have heard people preach on the subject of death and say that there is no separation of body, soul, and spirit. Once dead, you will remain there until the great judgment. I have heard others say on the subject that there is nothing until the resurrection. As Paul tells Timothy in 2 Tim 2:8, “Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”What does the word of God say? It takes a lot of studying, prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit to rightly divide the Word. 2 Tim. 2:15. I do not want to be a stumbling block any. Therefore, be informed by the pertinent Scriptures and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you to the truth and let it set you free.

Read and decide for yourself. Isa. 14:9-17 where the dead talk; again in Ezek. 32:21; Luke 16:19-31 many living characteristics are shown here; Eph. 4:8; Rev. 6:9-10 and again the dead conversing; decide for yourself what the Bible tells us how life continues after death. This illustrates as Scofield says, “the state of the spirit after death”.

According to Strong’s Concordance the word Tanatos occurs 119 times. “Thanatos, death has the basic meaning of separation of (1) the soul ( the spiritual part of man) from the body ( the material part). . .” Also the Greek word apothnesko for “died” which occurs 112 times “and is used (1) of the separation of the soul from the body. . .” this is the word used in Luke 16. As one can see that the Greek terms used in the New Testament for death, died, etc. show a separation of the physical body and the spiritual body.

BEWARE  A WARNING to those prophets (prophets today are those who teach the Word).

I personally believe that one second after their death they will know the truth. Remember those who teach or preach the word of God are always held to a higher standard of accountability at their day of judgment. One needs to make sure that what you teach or preach is right. I would strongly urge any who teach today to study in earnest the second chapter in 2 Timothy.

I hope that this has given an insight to the human trinity and what happens to the soul and spirit after death. The state of being after death will be also changed in the twinkling of an eye when the spirit comes back for its body. For more on this subject read the resurrection series.

Have a nice day, God bless, and hope that you have enjoyed searching for the truth that God reveals to us in His Word.

After Death part four is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy

The time of this kingdom begins when Christ comes back to earth.  This will not happen until the Time of the Gentiles are fulfilled, Romans 11:25.  Which is the completion of today’s Chruch Age.  At the end of the “Great Tribulation” Christ will come back with all His armies of saints and angels, Rev. 19:14.  Then the Battle of Armageddon, Rev. 19:17-20.  The beast and false prophet will then be cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 19:20.  The imprisonment of Satan in the bottomless pit for the 1000 years, Rev. 20:1-3.  This all happens when Christ first returns to earth the second time.  Christ will now set up His reign.  This is the reign of “The King of kings”.

During this time the curse of the earth will be lifted.  The curse of man will be held captive for 1000 years.  There will be changes in agriculture (Joel 3:19).  Changes in the animal kingdom (Isa. 65:20-22).  There will be no Satan to influence the people.  This is the last test for mankind.  And as usual man will fail the test.  This is the seventh time (dispensation), and the eighth number is known Biblically as the new beginning.  1.  Innocence (Gen. 1:28).  2.  Conscience (Gen. 3:17).  3.  Human Government (Gen. 8:15).  4.  Promise (Gen. 12:1).  5.  Law (Ex. 19:1).  6.  Church (Acts 2:1).  7.  Kingdom (Rev. 20:4).  8.  Perfect Age (Rev. 21).

[The eighth dispensation, the last kingdom or age is called the Perfect Age.  This is the new earth and new Heaven (Rev. 21:1-2).  This dispensation will last for eternity.  This is a promose from God for all His people.]

Who are the people that will go into the Millennium?  Only Believers.  For at the judgment of nations when Christ divides the sheep (righteous) to his right and the goats (unrighteous) to the left and in Mt. 25:46 Christ sends the unrighteous into everlasting punishment.  Yes, only the righteous will enter into the Millennial era.

Now who are these righteous ones?  1.  The Saints.  These include all the ones of the first resurrections.   First-Fruits, Tribulation Saints, guest and family of the Bridegroom and the Bride herself, the Church at the rapture.  These all have their glorified bodies.  2.  Armies of Heaven who follow Christ into this battle.  Which are probably the Church and angelic beings.  3.  The believers that survived the tribulation.  This last group does not have glorified bodies, they still are flesh and blood.  They will have the sinful nature of man.  These will be the ones who will repopulate the earth.  From out of these new born will be the ones that Satan will get to follow him into the final battle of Gog and MaGog.

The Kingdoms (part three) is a post from: Study Bible Prophecy