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2. WHY WE DON’T BELIEVE IN THE THEORIES OF THE RAPTURE AND ARMAGEDDON AS TAUGHT BY MEN! 1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

3. A DOCTRINE OF MEN OR FROM GOD? • While premillennialists agree upon the restoration of Israel in the earthly reign of Jesus Christ, many are divided over the relation of Israel to the church, particularly just before Christ’s appearance at the end of the Tribulation. • Covenant theologians see Israel and the church as one people who go through the Tribulation together. • Some dispensational theologians believe Israel and the church are always separated in the Bible. • As a result, they believe the church will not join Israel in its days of tribulation, but will be transported to heaven before it begins, at the beginning of the seven years. • Among premillennialists, theories exist about the time of the church’s departure to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:13–17): • the pre-tribulational rapture, • the mid-tribulational rapture, • and the post-tribulational rapture.

4. A DOCTRINE OF MEN OR FROM GOD? • These three theories place the rapture at the time • of John’s ascension to heaven (Rev. 4:1), • at the time when the two prophets ascend to heaven (Rev. 11:11–12), • and at the end of the series of seven bowls (Rev. 16:15), respectively. • Youngblood, Ronald F., General Editor; F.F. Bruce and R.K. Harrison, Consulting Editors, NelsonÆs New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1995. • Although no ancient Christian authors attest the view that the restrainer is the church (the idea of a rapture before the tribulation first explicitly appears in history around 1830, as a corollary of dispensationalism), the many adherents of this view today cite various other New Testament texts for its support. • Keener, Craig S., IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament , (DownerÆs Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press) 1997.

5. Saints Meet The Lord “At the Second Coming, Christ is coming back to earth to reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem with all His saints for a thousand years- Rev 20:4-6??? Revelation Or Second Coming Rapture Church Age Kingdom Age Pre-Millenialism “A Theory and Doctrine of Men” • “Great Tribulation” • “Battle of Armageddon” • “Jews Return to Palestine

6. Saints Meet The Lord Saints return with the Lord 2nd Chance Revelation Or Second Coming Rapture Heaven Kingdom 1000 Year Reign Church Age Great Gulf Pre-millenialism “A Theory and Doctrine of Men” Hell The Resurrection of the Wicked Then Final Judgment The Resurrection of the Righteous Dead

7. QUESTIONS ??? • WHERE IN THE SCRIPTURES IS THE WORD “RAPTURE” FOUND? • WHERE IN THE SCRIPTURES IS IT FOUND THAT CHRIST FAILED TO SET UP HIS KINGDOM? • WHERE IN THE SCRIPTURES DOES IT TEACH THAT CHRIST IS EVER TO SET FOOT UPON THIS EARTH AGAIN? • WHERE IN THE SCRIPTURES DOES IT TEACH THAT THERE IS YET ANOTHER DISPENSATION BEYOND THIS PRESENT DISPENSATION? • IT IS NOT FOUND IN ANY SCRPTURES ONLY IN THE TEACHINGS OF MEN!

8. AT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST • We do not know when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36) • Christ’s return will be unmistakable (Mark 13:26–27) • Christ’s return will be joyous for those who are ready (Luke 12:35–40) • The Second Coming will be a time of judgment on unbelievers (John 12:37–50) • At Christ’s second coming we will be with him forever (John 14:1–3) • The promise of Christ’s return (Acts 1:10–11) • Believers will be resurrected and given glorious bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51–57) • Christ’s return will be visible and glorious (1 Thessalonians 4:16) • At Christ’s return, Christians who are dead and alive will rise to meet him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) • Continue to serve God as you await the Second Coming (1 Peter 4:7–8) • Patiently await Christ’s return (2 Peter 3:8–13) • Jesus is coming soon (Revelation 22:20–21) • Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.

9. IS THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON SCRIPTURAL? • Revelation 16:16 • “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” • The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

10. ARMAGEDDON IS A DOCTRINE THAT CHANGES WITH TIME • "Russia's invasion of Afghanistan and its moves in Iran could signal the beginning of the last days by triggering the great war of Armageddon." • Such is the lead-in sentence for an article written October 1980. • It states the pandemonium of those in prophecy circles who see modern political events as fulfillment of biblical prophecy. • In the past these "prophecy freaks" fixed 1988 as the date of Armageddon and the Lord's return to establish in Jerusalem His supreme Throne. • Those in positions of great influence peddled this sensationalism to millions. • One well-known radio preacher has stated that Christ would set up His Kingdom in 1988 as a result of a world-wide military conflict occurring at the end of Armageddon. • The "Battle of Armageddon" is the sensational doctrine of Pre-millennialism. • It is the topic under consideration every time something happens in the Middle East region.

11. The Judgment of ARMAGEDDON • In these articles (dd. 2002), we have supplied Scripture evidence for concluding that we are living in the epoch of Christ's second coming, and that the events in sequence are as follows: • Christ returns first to raise the dead and judge his household. • Meanwhile, Russia will complete the invasion of the Middle East, and will occupy Egypt. • The judgment completed, Christ will send forth Elijah and his assistants to Israel scattered abroad, to proclaim to Jewry that Messiah has returned, and to bid them make their way back to the land. • The whole world will be involved in war, and the armies of the nations will converge on the Middle East. • Christ will emerge from Sinai on a work of conquest, and will first discipline and subdue the Arab nations. • He will then turn his hand towards Egypt, and will "smite and heal" that nation, destroying the remnant of Gog's host that will be left there as an occupation force when the main body of the army moved north to Jerusalem. • The representatives of all nations being gathered to Jerusalem to battle, divine judgment, in the form of Armageddon will be poured out upon them. • http://www.antipas.org/news/logos/judgment_armageddon.html

12. The Biblical Account Of This Great Battle Is Found In… • Revelation 16:13-19; 19:11-21; 20:8,9 • The references in Rev 19 and 20 describe the final phases of the battle but are not described as "Armageddon" in the text. • John saw an unholy alliance between the dragon, the sea-beast, and the false prophet. • From the mouths of these 3 came unclean spirits like frogs. These frogs led the armies against God and His saints. • The 2 forces gathered together for final combat at "Har-megdon". • Rev 19:19ff reveals the evil forces gathered but were destroyed by Christ's great power. • A further reference is found in 20:8,9 when the battle of Armageddon is pictured as world-wide in scope. There God's saints are surrounded and Satan's final blow was about to be given when Christ's power destroyed all evil forces.

13. THREE QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION… • Is "Armageddon" a harbinger for WW III and a nuclear holocaust? • Is "Armageddon" political or spiritual? • How does "Armageddon" apply to John's readers as well as to modern readers?

14. Two General Theories Of Armageddon • It refers to a literal, political war in Israel. • This is the common interpretation. Denominational preachers like Billy Graham believe and teach this point. • Texts used to support their position– • Rev 9:16-18. • But this refers to those slain who were not sealed of God, hence it cannot be a world-wide event (4b). Also it is absurd to take this text literally (v. 7-10, 17-19). • Rev 14:20. • This refers to the Final Judgment when Christ returns. It shows the harsh penalty awaiting all the wicked. • It refers to a figurative battle and the term symbolizes the conflict between good/evil; Christ/Satan. • This conflict began in Genesis 3:15 and continues even today (2 Timothy 2:3, 4). • This conflict will end when Christ returns and consigns all enemies to Hell (Rev 16:15-17).

15. In Summary Here Is The Program For A Political Armageddon. • (Notice that this changes as the world's governments change and new political leaders arise.) • Russia will invade Israel having gathered allies (Libya, Ethiopia, Iran). These will briefly conquer Israel. • Red China begins to mobilize its forces and marches on Russia who is in Israel. Before Red China gets to Palestine, Russia has been destroyed by a nuclear attack from Europe. Now the forces of Europe unite with Red China and fight a final battle in the Valley of Megiddo. • In this battle 200 million soldiers fight and blood runs as high as horses bridles for 200 miles. The final battle spreads over all the earth and at the very last minute Christ returns to save His saints.

16. Keys To Understand Rev 16 Is The Term "Armageddon" • The word refers to battles fought by Israel. • "Har" in Hebrew signifies "mountain"; hence John refers to "the mountains of Megiddo." • "Megiddo" was a city in Northern Israel where a number of important battles in Jewish history had been fought. • Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera even though outnumbered (Judges 4). • The "boy king" Josiah was killed in battle by Pharaoh Neco (2 Kings 23) and King Saul's defeat at Gilboa was nearby (1 Samuel 31). • At Megiddo Israel had won her greatest victories and suffered her greatest defeats. • To any Jewish reader the mention of "Har- megedon" would mean the history of conflict and war. When John's readers saw the term they did not look for a literal battle but understood the symbolism.

17. It Is Not Unusual For John To Use A Physical Place To Symbolize A Spiritual Concept. • He had done this before--Egypt and Sodom (11:8) symbolized worldliness; Euphrates (16:12) symbolized boundaries and limits of God's punishments; etc. • In our day we do the same--one who is going to meet his "Waterloo" does not have to travel to Belgium. The place symbolizes utter defeat such as Napoleon suffered in 1815 at that place. • Why should we make John's reference to Armageddon literal when we know he refers to other places in a symbolic manner?

18. Symbolic Concept Of Armageddon Expresses The Correct Interpretation Because Of 2 Facts. • Such is in harmony with Scripture. • Throughout the Bible conflict is presented. • Those who follow God are in a war! • They stand as ancient Israel at Megiddo, outnumbered and overpowered. • This battle is constant (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8,9; etc.). • Numerous references are given which encourage saints to be steadfast in this battle with Satan (2 Timothy 2:3, 4; Ephesians 6:10-18). • The symbolism of Armageddon is in harmony with Scripture. • God saved Israel before at Megiddo when all seemed hopeless and He will do so again.

19. We must accept these absurd facts if it is to be a literal war- • We must accept these absurd facts if it is to be a literal war– • The invading armies must ride horses (14:20). • The implements of was must be ancient weapons such as bows and arrows, swords and spears (Rev 14:20; Ezekiel 38:4, 15). • The commander-in-chief of God's enemies (Gog) would use a bow and arrow (Ezekiel 39:3). • That FROGS would lead the enemy (Rev 16:13). • The Calvary would ride grasshoppers (Rev 9:7-10, 17-19). • That over 200 million men could fight a war on a portion of land 14 x 20 miles long! Note: • There would be 200 million enemies and we are not told the number in God's army (cf 9:16). • That the ultimate blow would be struck by One riding a white horse whose only weapon was a sword sticking out of His mouth! (Rev 19:15).

20. Observations Arising From Our Study. • If Armageddon is a literal war then . . . • We are forced to accept absurdities in God's Word. • We remove the relevancy of the text from John's readers, thus contradicting the promise of God to "all" who read and obeyed (Rev 1:3; 22:7). • We make God a liar because He said the things in Revelation would "shortly" come to pass (Rev 1:3; 22:6). • The logical, consistent, and reasonable conclusion is that the Battle of Armageddon is figurative. • It presents, in well-known symbols, the constant conflict between Christ and Satan. It assures us that on the final day of the battle, Satan and his evil forces will be destroyed.

21. In Conclusion…. • Satan is adept at leading innocent hearts away from God (Acts 20:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). • The sensationalism and date fixing by modern interpreters of prophecy must be exposed for what it is -- a perversion of God's divine Truth. • Sensationalism has found the car (Nahum 2:3, 4); the airplane (Isaiah 31:5); the submarine (Amos 9:3); the radio (Ecclesiastes 10:20); and WW III by 1988! • Those who pervert the simple message of victory, in the book of Revelation, will stand damned on the Judgment Day by Almighty God! • The challenge of Armageddon -- Rev 16:15. “Watch your garments!” • This means we must be vigilant and dedicated to God. We are thus prepared for the war and will not be put to shame!

22. The Teachings of The Scriptures – Inspired by God The Second Coming Of Christ A.D. 33 Heaven Church/Kingdom Age – Matt. 16:18-19; Revelation 1:9; Col. 1:13 Lord Adds to the church - Acts 2:47 ? What Happens Next Great Gulf Pentecost A.D. 33 Hell

23. The Teachings of The Scriptures – Inspired by God The Second Coming Of Christ Church/Kingdom Age – Matt. 16:18-19; Revelation 1:9; Col. 1:13 Heaven Great Gulf • John 5:28-29 – all the dead raised • Acts 24:15 – Only one Resurrection • John 6:44 – Raised in the Last day • 1 Cor. 15:52-53 – Bodies Changed • Matt. 25:31-46 – Judgment will occur • 2 Tim. 4:1 – Judged at His Coming • Jude 14-15 – Judgment on all • Rev. 20:12 – All Stand before His Throne Pentecost A.D. 33 Hell

24. The Second Coming Of Christ The Resurrection The Final Judgment A.D. 33 Church/Kingdom Age – Matt. 16:18-19; Revelation 1:9; Col. 1:13 Heaven Great Gulf • In the LAST AGE NOW – 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb 9:26-28 • In the KINGDOM NOW – Col. 1:13-14; Heb 12:28; Rev. 1:9 • New birth puts one in the Kingdom – John 3:5 • Conversion puts one in the Kingdom – Matt. 18:3 • Lord’s Supper eaten in the Kingdom – Luke 22:29-30 • Christ Is REIGNING NOW – Matt. 28:18; 1 Peter 3:22 • Was to be given the Throne of David – Luke 1:31-33 • Was raised to Sit on David’s Throne – Acts 2:30 ; Eph. 1:20-23 • Would be PRIEST while on His Throne – Zech. 6:13; Heb. 8:1-5 Hell

25. The Second Coming Of Christ The Resurrection The Final Judgment A.D. 33 Church/Kingdom Age – Matt. 16:18-19; Revelation 1:9; Col. 1:13 Heaven EVERLASTING KINGDOM Great Gulf • John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15 – all the dead raised • Judged the Last Day – John 6:44 • Salvation revealed in the Last Day – 1 Peter 1:5 • Acts 24:15 – Only one Resurrection • 1 Cor. 15:50-53 – Bodies Changed • Matt. 25:31-46 – Judgment will occur • 2 Tim. 4:1 – Judged at His Coming • Jude 14-15 – Judgment on all • Rev. 20:12 – All Stand before His Throne Hell Ushered In 2 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 1:11; 1 Cor. 15:50

26. 2nd Chance Revelation Or Second Coming Rapture Kingdom 1000 Year Reign Heaven Church Age Great Gulf THESE THEORIES CANNOT BE TRUE: An age beyond the end of ages – 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb 9:26 The End of the World – Heaven & Hell – Matt. 13:39-43 Will deliver up the Kingdom – 1 Cor. 15:23-24 Earth will be Burned up – 2 Peter 3:10 Has days beyond the LAST DAYS – John 6:44; 12:48; 1 Pet. 1:5 Judgment occurring 1,000 years later – Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Tim 4:1 Resurrection (immortality) 1,000 years later – 1 Cor. 15:52-53; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Thess 4:16-18 Hell

27. Call To Speak ToUS Live Now!!! • Call And --- • Ask For A Copy Of This Presentation. • BY EMAIL, BY FLOPPY DISK or IN PRINT. • Ask To Be Added To The Beacon’s Mailing. • Ask For A Free Bible Correspondence Course. • Call With A --- • Biblical Question Or Comment. • Receive a Biblical Answer – “Book, Chapter and Verse”. Call (828)485-5555