obadiah
Inactive
There are two great divisions of thought regarding people's view of prophecy: The
Futurist and the Historicist. Both teach that Messiah will return to earth, but the division
arises over the manner of His coming and its timing in relation to "the Tribulation."
Now some may say, what difference does it make HOW Messiah returns, so long as we
all believe that Messiah will indeed come? Is it really an important issue? How will our
viewpoint of prophecy affect our thoughts and actions in preparation for the return of
Messiah?
First of all, it should be established that our eternal destiny and salvation does not stand
or fall upon our belief in either viewpoint. However, our doctrines will determine our
courses of action and our basic attitudes and outlook on the world in general. Thus, the
issue is important to that degree.
The Historical view holds that the tribulation in the book of Revelation is almost
completely fulfilled, except for the final downfall of 'Mystery Babylon." The Futurist view
teaches that almost all of Revelations events have a future fulfillment
The Historicist teaches that the "Revived Roman Empire" prophesied by Daniel was
fulfilled in Papal Rome, and that the "great whore" now primarily rides the "scarlet
coloured beast" (Revelation 17:3) of Red Communism. The Futurist teaches that the
Revived Roman Empire is yet future, and it is often identified with the present-day
Common Market of Western Europe.
The Historicist notes that all through the centuries the Assembly has undergone
tribulation and persecution at the hands of Mystery Babylon, as it rides on various beast
empires and systems throughout the course of history. The average American Futurist
is confident that he will be removed from the earth before such tribulation arrives at his
own door step.
The Historicist, in his study of the world situation in this century, learns that communism,
the Red Beast, has murdered untold millions of Believers and other innocent victims
since 1917, probably more than have been slaughtered in all of past history. Many of
these were tortured and were forced to live a life worse than death. From his historical
perspective he reasons that such tribulation does not have to fall upon the American
assembly before it can be properly labeled "tribulation." Furthermore, if such terrible
tribulation has already fallen upon untold millions of Believers, how can we claim that
Yahweh will remove us from the earth before it comes to America.
So whereas our view of Bible prophecy does not affect our salvation, it does affect our
thinking, our outlook on the world scene, and it will have a great effect upon our
preparation for the return of Messiah.
On the other hand, the Futurist views the rise of Red Bolshevism with a strange
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curiosity. Since he believes that a future "anti-messiah" will arise as head of the revived
Roman Empire (i.e., the Common Market of Western Europe), he cannot identify this
Bolshevism with Bible prophecy, at least not directly. Instead, it has become common
teaching that the Anti-messiah's empire in the West will elect the Anti-messiah to rule
over them as a defense against Red Bolshevism.
Thus, the Historicist generally will do what he can to oppose Bolshevism and its child,
the Socialistic World Government. He is more aware of the nature of the conflict
between East and West, between Socialistic Communism and Christian Republicanism.
The Futurist, when confronted with the millions who have died agonizing deaths and
languish in slave camps, can only say, "Well, just wait until the Anti-messiah comes;
that will make Communism look like child's play!"
2. SAINTS IN TRIBULATION
The Futurist are fond of claiming that the various "beasts" spoken of in the book of
Revelation are representative of the "Anti-messiah" or his allies who will rule the world
during a future tribulation. However, the visions of Daniel clearly identify the beasts as
representing the various nations and systems of government that were to rise to power
from Daniel's day to the end of this age. In the seventh chapter of Daniel those four
Beasts are described as (1) a lion with eagle's wings, (2) a bear, (3) a leopard with four
heads and four wings, (4) an unidentified beast with iron teeth and great strength, and
(5) a "little horn" arising out of the previous beast.
Daniel beheld this "little horn" warring against the saints, and it "prevailed against them"
(Daniel 7:21) until the time came for the saints to take the Kingdom from him. There is
no hint that anyone will be able to escape to heaven before this "little horn" appears.
This is especially made plain in Daniel 7:25-27.
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the
saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be
given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume
and to destroy it unto the end.
27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the
whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose
kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
This passage is usually explained to mean that the saints are the Jews, who will
supposedly be left on the earth during the great tribulation. However, Yahshua taught
that the Jews were not to inherit the Kingdom of Yahweh in Matthew 21:43-45.
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of Yahweh shall be taken from you,
and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it
shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
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45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they
perceived that he spake of them.
Note especially that in speaking of the Kingdom of Yahweh, Yahshua called it "this
stone" in verse 44. He was referring to the great Stone Kingdom of Daniel 2:34, 35,
which is said to smash the image of the beast and break in pieces all of the empires it
represented. Yahshua said that this stone would grind to powder all on whomsoever it
shall fall. And it was to fall on the Jewish Pharisees, and by implication, all who followed
their anti-messiah religion.
Thus, it is not possible that the saints against whom the "little horn" wars should be the
Jews. They must be a Covenant keeping people.
The notion that Believers will not have to face the tribulation of this world is foreign to
the Scriptures. If a modem rapture-teaching preacher had lived in Rome 1800 years
ago, proclaiming that those persecuted Believers would escape tribulation, he would
have been dis-fellowshipped from the church as a deceiver, or he would have been
laughed out of the church for being a fool. In those days Believers were being
slaughtered just for sport.
The Red Beast of New World Order and Catholic Church is the modem vehicle that
carries the "great whore" of Mystery Babylon. The Believers behind the Iron Curtain do
not believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. They-like the Christian martyrs of ancient Romesee
tribulation all around them. How odd it is that Believers living in the West would be
so near-sighted and so insensitive as to suppose that the tribulation could NOT have
arrived on the earth until it lands on American soil! Thank Yahweh the full force of evil
has not yet come upon this late great Christian Republic, but let us not forget our
persecuted brethren or think that Yahweh measures tribulation by its exclusive effect
upon American Believers.
3.WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF YAHWEH?
A strange phenomena has appeared in the doctrinal position of thousands of today's
professing Christians. At one moment they speak of going to heaven in the rapture (or
when they die), where they say they will live FOREVER; but then in the next breath they
speak of Messiah coming to earth with His saints to rile all nations with a rod of iron
(Revelation 2:26,27).
This doctrinal schizophrenia is readily apparent to those who teach only one of the
above positions. However, there are literally millions who believe both to be true, in
spite of their inherent contradiction.
So we must examine the Scriptures to see where the Bible locates Yahweh's Kingdom
and where Messiah shall reign with His saints. Where is the inheritance of the believer?
Does the Bible promise heaven or earth as the eternal abode of the Believer?
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If believers are to receive their inheritance in heaven, then the rapture would be a
logical method of ferrying them to their reward. If, however, our inheritance is on the
earth, then there would be no need for a rapture, except (as is supposed) to prevent us
from undergoing tribulation.
We have already seen that the Beast-systems were to make war against the saints here
on the earth. We also touched upon the great Stone Kingdom that was to smash the
other kingdoms and grind them to powder. This great Kingdom, the Kingdom of
Yahweh, "became a great mountain, and filled the whole EARTH" (Daniel 2:35).
Those who rule with Messiah in His Kingdom will be on earth as well, for we read in
Revelation 5:10, "and we shall reign on the earth." This is but a reflection of the Old
Testament Scripture. As far back as the days of Moses, this was the great hope of the
believers. Numbers 14:21 reads,
21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the YAHWEH.
Two other prophets took up the same themes. See Isaiah 11:9 and Habakkuk 2:14
David's theme, repeated over and over in Psalm 37 was that "the meek shall inherit the
earth." Yahshua verified His doctrine in His sermon on the mount, when He taught the
people in Matthew 5:5,
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Yahshua viewed the earth with a great deal more respect than many Believers do
today. After all, He was the Creator of this earth (John 1:3), and thus His was the voice
which pronounced it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). It was Yahshua who inspired the
Psalmist to write Psalm 115:16
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are YAHWEH'S: but the earth hath he given
to the children of men.
When we learn to view Creation with the same love as does it Creator, we will not
despise Yahweh's good earth. Instead, out of love we will attempt to fulfill the first and
foremost responsibility that Yahweh gave to man: to subdue and have dominion
(authority under Yahweh) over the earth (Genesis 1:28), which is Yahshua's footstool
(Matthew 5:35). When Yahshua Messiah finally sets up Hs Divine Government on the
earth, and when true Believers rule with Him in the Kingdom, then the earth will indeed
become a paradise once again. It will be "heaven on earth," fit for habitation for Messiah
and Hs people.
4. MEETING YAHSHUA IN THE AIR
Perhaps the most well-known Bible passage known today in rapture-believing circles is
1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.
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16 For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahweh: and the dead in Messiah shall
rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds, to meet Yahshua in the air. and so shall we ever be with Yahshua.
This passage teaches that Messiah shall return to the earth some day, and that the
resurrection of the dead in Messiah shall occur before the living believers are caught up
to meet Messiah in the air. BUT THERE IS NO MENTION OF ANYONE GOING TO
HEAVEN.
So the question is this: When the believers "meet Yahshua in the air," will they escort
Him back to earth to rule in His Kingdom, or will Messiah escort them back to heaven
for a time? In other words, shall we "ever be with Yahshua” in heaven or on earth?
The key to understanding this question is found in the verb, "to meet." The Greek word
used by Paul here is apantesis, and this particular word is loaded with meaning which
does not come forth in our English translation of the word. It is a word which was used
in ancient times to describe the actions of an official welcoming delegation that had
been sent "to meet" a visiting dignitary. Thus, it literally means, "meeting and returning
with." It was customary back then (as it is today) that when a V.I.P. visits a city, the
leader of that city send out a delegation to welcome him and escort him to the mayor.
Thus, when the Queen of England visited President Ford during the American
Bicentennial, she was not expected to get off the plane and call a cab to take her to the
White House. No, she was met by a special committee that escorted her to the White
House.
Therefore, when Paul uses the term apantesis to describe our action in meeting
Messiah, he uses this particular term to show us that we are going to be sent TO
ESCORT MESSIAH BACK TO EARTH WHEN HE SETS UP HIS KINGDOM.
Those who find this information to be unbelievable may do further study on this Greek
word by noting how it is used in other Bible passages. The word is used in three other
New Testament passages:
(1)Matthew 25:1 and 6 speaks of the ten virgins, who "went forth TO MEET the
bridegroom." It was common practice in ancient times for the wedding parry to escort
the bridegroom to the bride after the marriage supper.
(2) John 12:13 speaks of Messiah's triumphal entry into Jerusalem (a prophetic type of
Messiah's second coming at which time He will truly have a triumphal entry). 1t says
that the people "took branches of palm trees and went forth TO MEET Him." Yahshua
certainly did not turn around and escort the people back to Bethany with Him! No, the
people escorted Yahshua to Jerusalem.
(3) Acts 28:15 speaks of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. When the Believers
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heard that Paul was outside the city, "they came
TO MEET us as far as Appii forum," which was about 43 miles from the city. They
treated Paul like a Believer V.I.P., and Paul's heart was encouraged at their boldness to
be identified as Believer friends of his.
Thus, we conclude that Paul was not teaching that Believers would return to heaven
with Messiah, but rather that Believers would form Messiah's escort back to earth.
A few verses later (in chapter 5) Paul writes further about "the day of Yahshua."
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of Yahshua so cometh as a thief in
the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and Safety, then sudden destruction cometh
upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a
thief.
In reading this passage, most of us immediately picture Messiah coming as a burglar
and stealing something of value in secret. However, 2,000 years ago a "thief in the
night" usually meant something entirely different. It was common in those days for a
band of robbers to swoop down upon an unprotected and unsuspecting village in the
middle of the night, when the people were sleeping peacefully. The thieves would storm
into town, throw everyone out of bed, strip the village of all its valuables, and kill anyone
who resisted.
This is what Paul meant when he compared the return of Messiah to "a thief in the
night" While the world sleeps in "peace and safety," then will come "sudden destruction"
upon the wicked, "and they shall not escape." However, the Believers, who are "men"
on the walls, will not be taken by surprise. They will have prepared themselves for this
"sudden destruction" (called "tribulation), and thus they will not be harmed.
Amos 5:18 has this to say about that day:
18 Woe unto you that desire the day of Yahweh! To what end is it for you? The
day of Yahweh is darkness, and not light.
The prophet Joel echoes the same theme in Joel 1:15.
15 Alas, for the day! For the day of Yahweh is at hand, and as a destruction from
the Almighty shall it come.
Again, he describes the day in chapter 2, verses 1-2.
1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all
the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of Yahweh cometh, for it is nigh at
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hand:
2 A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as
the morning spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong, there hath
not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of
many generations.
The descriptions of this alien enemy invading the land fits perfectly the armies of Red
Communism today. Yahweh said that they would be "my great army which I sent among
you" (2:25) in order that the people might repent from their sins, call upon Yahweh for
divine intervention and protection, and that Yahshua would then come to save them.
For the vast majority of the people, including, sad to say, many professing Believers,
this day of Yahweh will come upon them unexpectedly. They will not have prepared
themselves spiritually, mentally, or physically for such times.
So let us strive to be as those to whom Paul wrote: 'But ye, brethren, are not in
darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief."
Thus, we see that in I Thessalonians 4 and 5 Paul does NOT teach a pre-tribulation
rapture, but rather that when Yahshua comes, we will welcome I-Jim back to earth,
where He shall rile all nations in righteousness.
5. FOR HIS SAINTS AND WITH
5. FOR HIS SAINTS AND WITH HIS SAINTS
It is common among rapture teachers to hear the theory that the Bible teaches two
separate comings of Messiah in the future-the first time FOR His saints, and the second
tine WITH His saints. In other words, the theory says that Messiah will only snatch the
Believers off the earth when they go out to "meet Him in the air," and then after a period
of either 3 1/2 or 7 years in heaven, Messiah will return to earth WITH those Believers.
This is not true. The Assembly will all stay here till the end of the tribulation when He
comes for them to include them in His final judgment.
This theory of a double coming is only partially based upon 1 Thessalonians 4:17, 18. It
is mostly based upon Jude 14 and 15, which reads:
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, Yahweh cometh WITH ten thousands of His saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince (convict) all that are
unrighteous among them of all their unrighteous deeds which they have
committed, and of all their hand speech which unrighteous sinners have spoken
against Him.
Yahshua did come with ten thousand angels at Sinai, but these are not the saints that
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will came with Him, to judge the world at the end time, at the last Trump, the last Feast
of Trumpets at the end of the three and one half years. Nor was Sinai the time when all
were judged. The coming at Sinai was to give the law, not to judge! One must realize
also, that in some scriptures saints represent angelic host (Deut 33:3), where in others
like Jude, (Matt 27:52; acts 9:13; Rom 1:7) represents the believers or the very elect
that are in the first resurrection. This also includes the two witnesses that are called up
and are raised from the dead as they lay in the streets of Jerusalem. (Rev 11:3)
Now when Yahweh (Yahshua) descended upon Mount Sinai to give the Law to Israel,
did He come with ten thousand Believers? No! He came with angelic host, but the term
saints now means the ones that died in faith or were alive at His corning. These verses
14 and 15 are speaking of the judgment and Yahshua’s final victory over all His
enemies and to claim the earth as Ids throne, dwelling at Jerusalem. There is not two
coming as we hear the Sunday people say, but one. One return at the end of the
tribulation to take them up or meet Him in the clouds and escort Him back to finish the
judgment. It can not be any other way. To start with, look at Revelations 1:7.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also
which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even
so...
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall
other _ her his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other.
Again we see that He does come with angelic host, but also to gather His elect to Him
as He returns. And notice that it says after the tribulation this occurs. Nowhere does it
say that He comes twice, or even at the beginning. The Assembly is still an earth during
the tribulation! Remember, all scripture has to agree. And every fact is established by
two or more witnesses as we give you here. Now look at what happens to the Assembly
in the end time.
Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she
might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time and times
and half a time from the face of the serpent
See that John is very specific. He says that she is in the wilderness, which can not be
heaven. And he says that she is there for the entire time of the tribulation, three and one
half years. If this is not enough, let us go to the book of Corinthians for a third witness.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eve, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality.
We have already seen that the dead are raised and given glorified bodies at Hs coming
Here it makes it clear that that coming is at the last trumpet of Revelation, at the end of
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the tribulation or three and one half years.
Now let us finally go to the first scripture that was mentioned, but was not discussed, l
Thessalonians 4:14-17
14 For if we believe that Yahshua died and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Yahshua will Yahweh bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of Master, that we which are alive and
remain unto the coming of the Master shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahweh: and the dead in Messiah shall
rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds, to meet Yahshua in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Master.
What does this say? Yahshua will come at the last trumpet, and raise the elect and we
will be with them and meet Him at His coming What could be plainer than that. Notice
also that it says that they that sleep in Him shall be raised. This means two things. It
means that they died in faith keeping the commandments and whole covenant including
Saturday Sabbath, but they are in the ground sleeping, not in heaven as the Sunday
doctrines teach.
So in conclusion of this discussion of " FOR HIS SAINTS AND WITH HIS SAINTS" it is
a clear teaching of error to say that Yahshua comes twice. It is error to say that He
comes at the beginning or the middle of the tribulation. Even Yahweh, our father Himself
said in Psalms 110:1.
1 Yahweh said unto my Master, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make throe
enemies thy footstool.
This explains that Yahshua stays at the right hand of Yahweh as intercessor till He
comes to finish the judgment after His enemies are made Ids footstool. Any other
doctrine is not the doctrine of Messiah.
Futurist and the Historicist. Both teach that Messiah will return to earth, but the division
arises over the manner of His coming and its timing in relation to "the Tribulation."
Now some may say, what difference does it make HOW Messiah returns, so long as we
all believe that Messiah will indeed come? Is it really an important issue? How will our
viewpoint of prophecy affect our thoughts and actions in preparation for the return of
Messiah?
First of all, it should be established that our eternal destiny and salvation does not stand
or fall upon our belief in either viewpoint. However, our doctrines will determine our
courses of action and our basic attitudes and outlook on the world in general. Thus, the
issue is important to that degree.
The Historical view holds that the tribulation in the book of Revelation is almost
completely fulfilled, except for the final downfall of 'Mystery Babylon." The Futurist view
teaches that almost all of Revelations events have a future fulfillment
The Historicist teaches that the "Revived Roman Empire" prophesied by Daniel was
fulfilled in Papal Rome, and that the "great whore" now primarily rides the "scarlet
coloured beast" (Revelation 17:3) of Red Communism. The Futurist teaches that the
Revived Roman Empire is yet future, and it is often identified with the present-day
Common Market of Western Europe.
The Historicist notes that all through the centuries the Assembly has undergone
tribulation and persecution at the hands of Mystery Babylon, as it rides on various beast
empires and systems throughout the course of history. The average American Futurist
is confident that he will be removed from the earth before such tribulation arrives at his
own door step.
The Historicist, in his study of the world situation in this century, learns that communism,
the Red Beast, has murdered untold millions of Believers and other innocent victims
since 1917, probably more than have been slaughtered in all of past history. Many of
these were tortured and were forced to live a life worse than death. From his historical
perspective he reasons that such tribulation does not have to fall upon the American
assembly before it can be properly labeled "tribulation." Furthermore, if such terrible
tribulation has already fallen upon untold millions of Believers, how can we claim that
Yahweh will remove us from the earth before it comes to America.
So whereas our view of Bible prophecy does not affect our salvation, it does affect our
thinking, our outlook on the world scene, and it will have a great effect upon our
preparation for the return of Messiah.
On the other hand, the Futurist views the rise of Red Bolshevism with a strange
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curiosity. Since he believes that a future "anti-messiah" will arise as head of the revived
Roman Empire (i.e., the Common Market of Western Europe), he cannot identify this
Bolshevism with Bible prophecy, at least not directly. Instead, it has become common
teaching that the Anti-messiah's empire in the West will elect the Anti-messiah to rule
over them as a defense against Red Bolshevism.
Thus, the Historicist generally will do what he can to oppose Bolshevism and its child,
the Socialistic World Government. He is more aware of the nature of the conflict
between East and West, between Socialistic Communism and Christian Republicanism.
The Futurist, when confronted with the millions who have died agonizing deaths and
languish in slave camps, can only say, "Well, just wait until the Anti-messiah comes;
that will make Communism look like child's play!"
2. SAINTS IN TRIBULATION
The Futurist are fond of claiming that the various "beasts" spoken of in the book of
Revelation are representative of the "Anti-messiah" or his allies who will rule the world
during a future tribulation. However, the visions of Daniel clearly identify the beasts as
representing the various nations and systems of government that were to rise to power
from Daniel's day to the end of this age. In the seventh chapter of Daniel those four
Beasts are described as (1) a lion with eagle's wings, (2) a bear, (3) a leopard with four
heads and four wings, (4) an unidentified beast with iron teeth and great strength, and
(5) a "little horn" arising out of the previous beast.
Daniel beheld this "little horn" warring against the saints, and it "prevailed against them"
(Daniel 7:21) until the time came for the saints to take the Kingdom from him. There is
no hint that anyone will be able to escape to heaven before this "little horn" appears.
This is especially made plain in Daniel 7:25-27.
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the
saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be
given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume
and to destroy it unto the end.
27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the
whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose
kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
This passage is usually explained to mean that the saints are the Jews, who will
supposedly be left on the earth during the great tribulation. However, Yahshua taught
that the Jews were not to inherit the Kingdom of Yahweh in Matthew 21:43-45.
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of Yahweh shall be taken from you,
and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it
shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
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45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they
perceived that he spake of them.
Note especially that in speaking of the Kingdom of Yahweh, Yahshua called it "this
stone" in verse 44. He was referring to the great Stone Kingdom of Daniel 2:34, 35,
which is said to smash the image of the beast and break in pieces all of the empires it
represented. Yahshua said that this stone would grind to powder all on whomsoever it
shall fall. And it was to fall on the Jewish Pharisees, and by implication, all who followed
their anti-messiah religion.
Thus, it is not possible that the saints against whom the "little horn" wars should be the
Jews. They must be a Covenant keeping people.
The notion that Believers will not have to face the tribulation of this world is foreign to
the Scriptures. If a modem rapture-teaching preacher had lived in Rome 1800 years
ago, proclaiming that those persecuted Believers would escape tribulation, he would
have been dis-fellowshipped from the church as a deceiver, or he would have been
laughed out of the church for being a fool. In those days Believers were being
slaughtered just for sport.
The Red Beast of New World Order and Catholic Church is the modem vehicle that
carries the "great whore" of Mystery Babylon. The Believers behind the Iron Curtain do
not believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. They-like the Christian martyrs of ancient Romesee
tribulation all around them. How odd it is that Believers living in the West would be
so near-sighted and so insensitive as to suppose that the tribulation could NOT have
arrived on the earth until it lands on American soil! Thank Yahweh the full force of evil
has not yet come upon this late great Christian Republic, but let us not forget our
persecuted brethren or think that Yahweh measures tribulation by its exclusive effect
upon American Believers.
3.WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF YAHWEH?
A strange phenomena has appeared in the doctrinal position of thousands of today's
professing Christians. At one moment they speak of going to heaven in the rapture (or
when they die), where they say they will live FOREVER; but then in the next breath they
speak of Messiah coming to earth with His saints to rile all nations with a rod of iron
(Revelation 2:26,27).
This doctrinal schizophrenia is readily apparent to those who teach only one of the
above positions. However, there are literally millions who believe both to be true, in
spite of their inherent contradiction.
So we must examine the Scriptures to see where the Bible locates Yahweh's Kingdom
and where Messiah shall reign with His saints. Where is the inheritance of the believer?
Does the Bible promise heaven or earth as the eternal abode of the Believer?
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If believers are to receive their inheritance in heaven, then the rapture would be a
logical method of ferrying them to their reward. If, however, our inheritance is on the
earth, then there would be no need for a rapture, except (as is supposed) to prevent us
from undergoing tribulation.
We have already seen that the Beast-systems were to make war against the saints here
on the earth. We also touched upon the great Stone Kingdom that was to smash the
other kingdoms and grind them to powder. This great Kingdom, the Kingdom of
Yahweh, "became a great mountain, and filled the whole EARTH" (Daniel 2:35).
Those who rule with Messiah in His Kingdom will be on earth as well, for we read in
Revelation 5:10, "and we shall reign on the earth." This is but a reflection of the Old
Testament Scripture. As far back as the days of Moses, this was the great hope of the
believers. Numbers 14:21 reads,
21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the YAHWEH.
Two other prophets took up the same themes. See Isaiah 11:9 and Habakkuk 2:14
David's theme, repeated over and over in Psalm 37 was that "the meek shall inherit the
earth." Yahshua verified His doctrine in His sermon on the mount, when He taught the
people in Matthew 5:5,
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Yahshua viewed the earth with a great deal more respect than many Believers do
today. After all, He was the Creator of this earth (John 1:3), and thus His was the voice
which pronounced it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). It was Yahshua who inspired the
Psalmist to write Psalm 115:16
16 The heaven, even the heavens, are YAHWEH'S: but the earth hath he given
to the children of men.
When we learn to view Creation with the same love as does it Creator, we will not
despise Yahweh's good earth. Instead, out of love we will attempt to fulfill the first and
foremost responsibility that Yahweh gave to man: to subdue and have dominion
(authority under Yahweh) over the earth (Genesis 1:28), which is Yahshua's footstool
(Matthew 5:35). When Yahshua Messiah finally sets up Hs Divine Government on the
earth, and when true Believers rule with Him in the Kingdom, then the earth will indeed
become a paradise once again. It will be "heaven on earth," fit for habitation for Messiah
and Hs people.
4. MEETING YAHSHUA IN THE AIR
Perhaps the most well-known Bible passage known today in rapture-believing circles is
1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.
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16 For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahweh: and the dead in Messiah shall
rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds, to meet Yahshua in the air. and so shall we ever be with Yahshua.
This passage teaches that Messiah shall return to the earth some day, and that the
resurrection of the dead in Messiah shall occur before the living believers are caught up
to meet Messiah in the air. BUT THERE IS NO MENTION OF ANYONE GOING TO
HEAVEN.
So the question is this: When the believers "meet Yahshua in the air," will they escort
Him back to earth to rule in His Kingdom, or will Messiah escort them back to heaven
for a time? In other words, shall we "ever be with Yahshua” in heaven or on earth?
The key to understanding this question is found in the verb, "to meet." The Greek word
used by Paul here is apantesis, and this particular word is loaded with meaning which
does not come forth in our English translation of the word. It is a word which was used
in ancient times to describe the actions of an official welcoming delegation that had
been sent "to meet" a visiting dignitary. Thus, it literally means, "meeting and returning
with." It was customary back then (as it is today) that when a V.I.P. visits a city, the
leader of that city send out a delegation to welcome him and escort him to the mayor.
Thus, when the Queen of England visited President Ford during the American
Bicentennial, she was not expected to get off the plane and call a cab to take her to the
White House. No, she was met by a special committee that escorted her to the White
House.
Therefore, when Paul uses the term apantesis to describe our action in meeting
Messiah, he uses this particular term to show us that we are going to be sent TO
ESCORT MESSIAH BACK TO EARTH WHEN HE SETS UP HIS KINGDOM.
Those who find this information to be unbelievable may do further study on this Greek
word by noting how it is used in other Bible passages. The word is used in three other
New Testament passages:
(1)Matthew 25:1 and 6 speaks of the ten virgins, who "went forth TO MEET the
bridegroom." It was common practice in ancient times for the wedding parry to escort
the bridegroom to the bride after the marriage supper.
(2) John 12:13 speaks of Messiah's triumphal entry into Jerusalem (a prophetic type of
Messiah's second coming at which time He will truly have a triumphal entry). 1t says
that the people "took branches of palm trees and went forth TO MEET Him." Yahshua
certainly did not turn around and escort the people back to Bethany with Him! No, the
people escorted Yahshua to Jerusalem.
(3) Acts 28:15 speaks of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. When the Believers
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heard that Paul was outside the city, "they came
TO MEET us as far as Appii forum," which was about 43 miles from the city. They
treated Paul like a Believer V.I.P., and Paul's heart was encouraged at their boldness to
be identified as Believer friends of his.
Thus, we conclude that Paul was not teaching that Believers would return to heaven
with Messiah, but rather that Believers would form Messiah's escort back to earth.
A few verses later (in chapter 5) Paul writes further about "the day of Yahshua."
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of Yahshua so cometh as a thief in
the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and Safety, then sudden destruction cometh
upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a
thief.
In reading this passage, most of us immediately picture Messiah coming as a burglar
and stealing something of value in secret. However, 2,000 years ago a "thief in the
night" usually meant something entirely different. It was common in those days for a
band of robbers to swoop down upon an unprotected and unsuspecting village in the
middle of the night, when the people were sleeping peacefully. The thieves would storm
into town, throw everyone out of bed, strip the village of all its valuables, and kill anyone
who resisted.
This is what Paul meant when he compared the return of Messiah to "a thief in the
night" While the world sleeps in "peace and safety," then will come "sudden destruction"
upon the wicked, "and they shall not escape." However, the Believers, who are "men"
on the walls, will not be taken by surprise. They will have prepared themselves for this
"sudden destruction" (called "tribulation), and thus they will not be harmed.
Amos 5:18 has this to say about that day:
18 Woe unto you that desire the day of Yahweh! To what end is it for you? The
day of Yahweh is darkness, and not light.
The prophet Joel echoes the same theme in Joel 1:15.
15 Alas, for the day! For the day of Yahweh is at hand, and as a destruction from
the Almighty shall it come.
Again, he describes the day in chapter 2, verses 1-2.
1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all
the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of Yahweh cometh, for it is nigh at
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hand:
2 A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as
the morning spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong, there hath
not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of
many generations.
The descriptions of this alien enemy invading the land fits perfectly the armies of Red
Communism today. Yahweh said that they would be "my great army which I sent among
you" (2:25) in order that the people might repent from their sins, call upon Yahweh for
divine intervention and protection, and that Yahshua would then come to save them.
For the vast majority of the people, including, sad to say, many professing Believers,
this day of Yahweh will come upon them unexpectedly. They will not have prepared
themselves spiritually, mentally, or physically for such times.
So let us strive to be as those to whom Paul wrote: 'But ye, brethren, are not in
darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief."
Thus, we see that in I Thessalonians 4 and 5 Paul does NOT teach a pre-tribulation
rapture, but rather that when Yahshua comes, we will welcome I-Jim back to earth,
where He shall rile all nations in righteousness.
5. FOR HIS SAINTS AND WITH
5. FOR HIS SAINTS AND WITH HIS SAINTS
It is common among rapture teachers to hear the theory that the Bible teaches two
separate comings of Messiah in the future-the first time FOR His saints, and the second
tine WITH His saints. In other words, the theory says that Messiah will only snatch the
Believers off the earth when they go out to "meet Him in the air," and then after a period
of either 3 1/2 or 7 years in heaven, Messiah will return to earth WITH those Believers.
This is not true. The Assembly will all stay here till the end of the tribulation when He
comes for them to include them in His final judgment.
This theory of a double coming is only partially based upon 1 Thessalonians 4:17, 18. It
is mostly based upon Jude 14 and 15, which reads:
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, Yahweh cometh WITH ten thousands of His saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince (convict) all that are
unrighteous among them of all their unrighteous deeds which they have
committed, and of all their hand speech which unrighteous sinners have spoken
against Him.
Yahshua did come with ten thousand angels at Sinai, but these are not the saints that
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will came with Him, to judge the world at the end time, at the last Trump, the last Feast
of Trumpets at the end of the three and one half years. Nor was Sinai the time when all
were judged. The coming at Sinai was to give the law, not to judge! One must realize
also, that in some scriptures saints represent angelic host (Deut 33:3), where in others
like Jude, (Matt 27:52; acts 9:13; Rom 1:7) represents the believers or the very elect
that are in the first resurrection. This also includes the two witnesses that are called up
and are raised from the dead as they lay in the streets of Jerusalem. (Rev 11:3)
Now when Yahweh (Yahshua) descended upon Mount Sinai to give the Law to Israel,
did He come with ten thousand Believers? No! He came with angelic host, but the term
saints now means the ones that died in faith or were alive at His corning. These verses
14 and 15 are speaking of the judgment and Yahshua’s final victory over all His
enemies and to claim the earth as Ids throne, dwelling at Jerusalem. There is not two
coming as we hear the Sunday people say, but one. One return at the end of the
tribulation to take them up or meet Him in the clouds and escort Him back to finish the
judgment. It can not be any other way. To start with, look at Revelations 1:7.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also
which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even
so...
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall
other _ her his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other.
Again we see that He does come with angelic host, but also to gather His elect to Him
as He returns. And notice that it says after the tribulation this occurs. Nowhere does it
say that He comes twice, or even at the beginning. The Assembly is still an earth during
the tribulation! Remember, all scripture has to agree. And every fact is established by
two or more witnesses as we give you here. Now look at what happens to the Assembly
in the end time.
Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she
might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time and times
and half a time from the face of the serpent
See that John is very specific. He says that she is in the wilderness, which can not be
heaven. And he says that she is there for the entire time of the tribulation, three and one
half years. If this is not enough, let us go to the book of Corinthians for a third witness.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we
shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eve, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality.
We have already seen that the dead are raised and given glorified bodies at Hs coming
Here it makes it clear that that coming is at the last trumpet of Revelation, at the end of
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the tribulation or three and one half years.
Now let us finally go to the first scripture that was mentioned, but was not discussed, l
Thessalonians 4:14-17
14 For if we believe that Yahshua died and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Yahshua will Yahweh bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of Master, that we which are alive and
remain unto the coming of the Master shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice
of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahweh: and the dead in Messiah shall
rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds, to meet Yahshua in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Master.
What does this say? Yahshua will come at the last trumpet, and raise the elect and we
will be with them and meet Him at His coming What could be plainer than that. Notice
also that it says that they that sleep in Him shall be raised. This means two things. It
means that they died in faith keeping the commandments and whole covenant including
Saturday Sabbath, but they are in the ground sleeping, not in heaven as the Sunday
doctrines teach.
So in conclusion of this discussion of " FOR HIS SAINTS AND WITH HIS SAINTS" it is
a clear teaching of error to say that Yahshua comes twice. It is error to say that He
comes at the beginning or the middle of the tribulation. Even Yahweh, our father Himself
said in Psalms 110:1.
1 Yahweh said unto my Master, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make throe
enemies thy footstool.
This explains that Yahshua stays at the right hand of Yahweh as intercessor till He
comes to finish the judgment after His enemies are made Ids footstool. Any other
doctrine is not the doctrine of Messiah.