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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Month: July 2018

That Evil Antichrist, and His Short Rule on Earth

July 27, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #78 ~

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The most wicked and evil man ever, one called the Antichrist, will soon be ruling this world. There’s a whole lot in the Bible about this godless man, which means he’s an important subject, especially for the church, for she will still be on earth during his devilish rule. What does the Bible tell us about this end-times’ “antichrist” (1 John 2:18), this “Beast” (Revelation 13:3-8), this “man of lawlessness?” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10

It tells us about his purpose. The desire of the Antichrist is to carry out the work of that murdering devil. This beast of a man will rule the world, bring a pseudo-peace, blaspheme God and Christ, persecute Jews and Christians, and be worshiped by unbelievers. The world will, being greatly deceived, will love this most hateful man. Revelation 13:4, 8

It tells us about his power. Revelation 13:2 says, “the dragon gave him his power and throne and great authority.” The Antichrist will seemingly be raised from the dead, and be possessed by Satan, whose goal is for him to usurp the rightful rule of Christ. Be assured that our sovereign God is in control, and will use the Antichrist to “execute His purpose… until the words of God will be fulfilled.” Revelation 19:17

It tells us about his authority. “Authority over every tribe, people, tongue and nation was given to him” (Revelation 13:7). This evil impostor will be the head of a one-world religion, for “the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast” (Revelation 13:3). He will be commander of the military, for no one is able “to wage war with him” (Revelation 13:4). He will control the economy, for “no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark… of the beast.” Revelation 13:17

It tells us about his character. This Antichrist will be the most vile, lawless, corrupt, perverted and God-hating man this world has ever seen. He will be super-proud, boastful, smooth-talking and mesmerizing, a devil of a man. “He will be insolent and skilled in intrigue… and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree.” Daniel 8:23-24

It tells us about his partner. There’s another beast, another extremely wicked man, a false prophet who is teamed up with the Antichrist. This second beast will “exercise all the authority of the first beast,” and will make those who “dwell on the earth to worship the first beast.” He will “perform great signs,” and will cause most of the unbelievers to take the mark of the beast, the mark of the Antichrist. Revelation 13:11-17

It tells us about his persecution of the church. The rapture of the church occurs at Christ’s coming, which takes place after the coming of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8-9). Therefore, the church will be on earth during the rule of the Antichrist, and be greatly persecuted by this most powerful pawn of the devil. If you are alive at that time, you will know that he “makes war against the saints” (Revelation 13:7). The evil forces aligned with him “will deliver you (Christians) to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9). But don’t be afraid, for “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). And remember, Jesus Christ will be “with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

It tells us about his time on earth. At the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:27), this coming Antichrist will confirm a peace treaty with Israel. He will then take control of ten kingdoms, his power base by which he will rule the world. In Jerusalem, at the midpoint of this 70th week, he will be revealed to all as the Antichrist, the one “who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” This is the “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), for the Antichrist desecrates the very temple of God. There was given to him “authority to act for 42 months” (Revelation 13:5), the last 3½ years of Daniel’s 70th week. But during that 70th week, at a time unknown to us, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, will return. He will rapture the Christians, and then pour out His wrath upon the world, resulting in the Antichrist’s authority being greatly diminished. Shortly after the end of Daniel’s 70th week, at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:20), the Antichrist and the other beast will be seized, and “thrown alive into the lake of fire.” They will get what they deserve, for they will forever be “tormented with fire and brimstone.” Revelation 14:10

I believe millions and millions of Christians will be alive on earth during this short reign of the Antichrist. If you are one of those chosen by God to be here at that time,  see it as a great privilege and opportunity to be part of His special forces. Pray for Christ’s kingdom to come. Share the gospel. Encourage the saints. Live for Him, and be willing to die for Him. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Yes, there will be this great struggle against the “world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness” but we have God’s promise: “They (Christians) overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Finally, “be looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

P.S. As you know, the subject of the Antichrist is a very important one for the Christian to understand. That’s why I have already written a shorter post, The Antichrist is Coming Soon, and It’s Before the Coming of Christ, and a longer and more comprehensive article, The Coming of the Antichrist, the Devil’s Man on Earth. When you get time, I encourage you to sit down and read them.

P.S.S That “blood moon” taking place today (7/27/2018) has nothing to do with the signs in the heavens, spoken of in Matthew 24:29. That’s because the cosmic disturbances described in that verse (also in Revelation 6:12-14), will be occurring after the Antichrist is revealed, which takes place at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. Read What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return (Post 70).

Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?

July 20, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #77 ~

Do you ever wonder what Jesus is thinking about, what’s on His mind? Millions of things I’m sure, but there is no doubt He is thinking about coming back to earth. There will come a time, not long from now, when Jesus Christ will suddenly return and interrupt all our earthly plans, and everything will gloriously change. I have recently written posts on when Christ is coming back, and what is going to happen when He does, but why is He coming back? Why will Jesus Christ soon leave heaven and come back to this world?

Why? The most important reason is that Jesus loves His Father, and wants to please Him by fully carrying out all His plans for this world. “The world must learn that I love the Father, and that I do exactly as the Father commanded me.” John 14:31

Why? For the church. Jesus Christ loves her and cannot wait to see her. She is His bride, and He wants to come and get her so she can be with Him, and can in a much greater way, see His glory and know His wonderful love. At the end of this age, Jesus Christ will return to rapture all the Christians on earth. Immediately they will be gathered together with believers who have already died, and then taken to be with Him. “I desire that they also… be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me.” John 17:24

Why? God’s character demands it. One of the primary themes in the book of Revelation is the holiness of God. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8). God’s holiness and justice cannot be ignored or compromised. God cannot just let evil go – it must be punished. Once the church is rescued from this earth, and is safe in heaven with Christ, then God will pour out His deserved and devastating wrath on this wicked world. Revelation 8-9, 16

Why? For the Jews. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies tell us that God will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel, redeem a remnant of them, and then fulfill His promises to them during the millennial kingdom. With regards to the Jews, His chosen people, God will not go back on His promises, and they, along with the glorified believers, will be assisting Jesus Christ in His reign over the world. “The counsel of the Lord stands firm forever… Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

Why? To defeat the Antichrist, and to silence Satan. At His first coming, Jesus Christ disarmed the devilish rulers and authorities, but the outworking of that victory has been seen throughout the years, and particularly so at His second coming when the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire, and Satan will be imprisoned for 1000 years. “The beast was seized, and with him the false prophet… these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Revelation 19:20). “He (the angel) laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:2

Why? To take this world back from Satan. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, we have been living in a world that lies in the power of the evil one. The effects of his rule during this age, the wickedness and corruption covering this planet, has been clearly seen. But this evil will end, for Christ will come back, regain what is rightfully His, and begin His glorious reign. Then there will be peace on earth. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of he Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14

Why? So that you will be glorified, so your salvation will be made complete. Your present earthly body is sin-prone, weak and mortal, but at Christ’s return, you will receive a brand new and perfect body, one that is powerful, immortal and spiritual, one like His. “We know that when He appears, we will be like Jesus.” 1 John 3:2

Why? So God and Christ will be glorified. For the “summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:11). “So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Indeed, Jesus Christ will be “a great King over all the earth… God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:2, 8

I am so glad Jesus Christ is coming back to earth! I am excited He is coming back! I can’t wait to see Him! It will be the best thing for the world and the best thing for believers. But sadly, many people don’t even think about this. They are sleeping, and are loving this world, but are not loving God and looking forward to His Son’s return. But whether they know it or not, Christ is coming back. He has promised it, and He has planned it. His character demands it, and His word guarantees it. There is nothing in this whole world that can stop Christ from coming back, for you and for me, and for the purposes and glory of God. “‘Behold, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I have published a new article describing the special kind of person God wants us to be in the end times, Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Spiritual Forces. But I want to also encourage you to read an older article that expands on this present post, giving you many more details on why Jesus is coming back to earth.

When Does the Rapture Take Place?

July 13, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #76 ~

Some things about the future aren’t clear at all, and other things, like when the rapture takes place, are as plain as day. You see, God wants us to have clarity as to the timing of Christ’s coming and the rapture, and not be naïve, confused, or in error. As I have said before, we do not know the exact time of Christ’s coming and the rapture, but we are to know the general time (Matthew 24:32-36). That’s because the Father wants us to be excitedly looking forward to seeing and being with His Son.

There are two things we need to know to determine the timing of the rapture. The first is realizing that the rapture takes place at the coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 says, “we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord.” This means Christians will be alive on earth at the coming of Christ. Then verse 17, referring back to verse 15, says we “who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” By putting these two verses together, we understand that the Christians will be caught up, will be raptured (vs 17) at Christ’s coming (vs 15).

2 Thessalonians 2:1 confirms this point, for we read, “with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” It is at the coming of Christ that believers are being caught up (raptured) from the earth, and will be gathered together with believers who have already gone to heaven, and will “meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “those who are Christ’s at His coming” will be resurrected (glorified). Those who are glorified includes those who are raptured. Therefore, we must conclude that the rapture of the church takes place at the coming of Christ, and is, in fact, the first event to take place at His coming.

The second thing we need to know is when Christ’s coming and the rapture take place in the sequence of end-time events. By studying prophecy passages we find the answer to this question. When you examine Matthew 24, you discover that the coming of Christ is spoken of in verse 30 – “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky.” Then verse 31 speaks about the gathering of all the believers, which includes the rapture of the Christians. “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

Look at Luke 21. Verse 27 says, “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud…” That’s Christ’s coming, and in verse 28 we read that the Christians are redeemed, delivered from the earth which, of course, occurs at the rapture. 2 Thessalonians 2:1, as I have already said, is a rapture verse. Revelation 7 talks about a great multitude of believers who have just come out of the great tribulation on earth (vs 14), and they are assembled in heaven, standing and celebrating before the Lamb, before Christ Himself (vs 9). This multitude is, no doubt, speaking of the raptured believers.

Knowing where Christ’s coming and the rapture takes place in the context of Scripture enables us to see where they take place in the chronology of end time events. And what do we learn? Matthew 24:3-31 tells us that the rapture takes place after the birth pains, after the abomination of desolation, after great tribulation, after the gospel is preached to the world, and after the signs in the heavens. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9 says the rapture occurs after the building of the temple, after the coming of the Antichrist, and after the apostasy. Revelation 6-7 substantiates this same order of events. The fact that the rapture is seen in Revelation 7, means believers are rescued from this earth before God’s wrath is poured out upon unbelievers, which is described in Revelation 8-9.

These prophecy passages clearly tell us where in the sequence of end time events that the rapture takes place. By looking at these passages, it’s obvious that the rapture is not imminent and cannot happen at any time, for many events still need to take place before we fly off this earth to be with Jesus Christ. There’s one more thing you need to know about the timing of the rapture. Daniel 9:27 says the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9 says Christ’s coming occurs after he is revealed. Therefore, we must conclude that the rapture takes place sometime during the 2nd half of that week, that seven-year time period.

In the near future, millions and millions of Christians will be living at the time of Daniel’s 70th week, serving the Lord, and experiencing great tribulation. You and your family may be among them. That’s why it’s so important for you to know when the rapture takes place in the whole sequence of end-time events. As time goes on, you will be seeing and hearing that these prophesied events are taking place, giving you an even greater confidence that Christ’s return and the rapture are getting closer and closer. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). Yes, life will be extremely difficult during those tribulation days, but remember that the Holy Spirit will be with you until the end of the age, and then you will, for the first time, see your loving Savior face to face. “Do not let your heart be troubled… I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:1-3

P.S. Over 2500 years ago there was this question in Daniel 12:6 –  “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” People are still asking this question today, and God gives us the answer, not specifically, but in general. That’s why I have written other posts similar to this one, to help you know what God wants you to know, especially in these days of the end times. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to read these two related posts – The Timing of the Rapture, and The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ.

What Will Happen When Christ Comes Back?

July 6, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #75 ~

People look forward to birthdays, weddings, graduations, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and that’s good. But as Christians, it’s most important that we look forward to being with Jesus, our Lord, Savior and Friend. And since the Jews are back in their land, we know it won’t be long before we will see Him come back in the clouds. What a day that will be, the best day of our lives, for this age will be over, and we will be rocketing off this planet to be with Him. Over 100 verses describe Christ’s second coming, which means it’s vital that we understand it, especially in these days (Mark 13:23). Here are some verses that will help you know what’s going to happen when Christ returns:

* Matthew 24:3, 33 – “When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? …when you see all these things, recognize He is near, right at the door.” Many signs will take place before Christ’s coming and the rapture.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” Jesus Christ will not come back secretly or quietly. The whole earth will know that He has returned.
* Luke 21:27 – “They will see the son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Christ’s return will be visible, demonstrating His great power and great glory.
* Mark 13:27 – “He will send forth His angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” All believers from all time, past and present, will be gathered together to be with Jesus.

* John 14:3 – “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Jesus Christ is coming to take you home.
* 1 Peter 1:13 – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Put your hope in Jesus; be looking forward to seeing Him.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17 – “… that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord… then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” The rapture takes place at Christ’s coming, and is one of the first events to occur at His coming.
* 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51-52 – “…Christ, the first fruits, after that, those who are Christ’s at His coming… we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable.” All believers will be glorified, will be perfected at Christ’s coming.

* James 5:7-8 – “You too be patient, strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” It’s important to be patient while waiting for the return of our Lord.
* Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming soon.” Christ is coming back very, very soon.
* Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it on the day of Christ Jesus.” Your salvation will be completed at Christ’s coming, for then you will be glorified.
* 1 John 3:2 – “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is.” How special and intimate this will be, for when Jesus returns, you will be with Him, and see Him face to face. 

* Acts 16:32 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” If you are not yet saved, don’t wait, or it will be too late. Repent of your sins, and believe that Jesus Christ died for you, paying for your sins, and then rose again. John 5:24, Ephesians 2:8-9
* Psalm 98:8-9 – “The Lord is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” God will pour out His wrath on the unbelievers and the nations of the world. This will be a most holy and sobering time.
* 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” At His coming, Jesus Christ will soundly defeat and destroy the Antichrist.
* Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever.” Jesus Christ is coming back to rule the world. 

It’s hard to believe the end of the age is almost here, and that Christ will return to earth, but it’s true. How then should you live? Do not be sleeping or sinning. Be awake and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8). Be loving God (Mark 12:30). Be holy (2 Peter 3:11-13). Have faith. (Luke 18:8). Be working (Luke 19:13). Be encouraging the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Be sharing the gospel (Matthew 24:14). Be making disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20). Be praying for the coming of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 6:9-10). Be excited about seeing Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:10). And soon enough you will see Jesus, and your life will dramatically, wonderfully, and eternally change, for you will be with Him, the enemy will be judged, the Jews will be saved, and He will begin His glorious reign on earth. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.” Revelation 22:20-21

P.S. Here are two other instructive and encouraging articles about the coming of Christ, Over 100 New Testament Verses on Christ’s Second Coming, and Thirty Important Truths about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

© Steven J. Hogan and ChristsKingdom.org, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven J. Hogan and ChristsKingdom.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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