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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Sin – Wrath (Page 3 of 4)

Blog posts about sin and wrath.

The World, The Church, And The KING

July 26, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #128 ~

We live in a world that lies in the power of the devil, and with that, in a world filled with humanists, those who believe that humans, and not God, have the answers to life and life’s problems (Humanist Manifesto II). The majority of people, including many leaders, scientists, educators, business men and women, have rejected God and His plan for the world. They are proud, boasting of their achievements. They want power, they want to be in control and run their own lives and the world. They want fame, they want to be recognized, applauded and awarded. They want fortune, they want money, property, nice homes and nice cars. They are lovers of pleasure, desiring to “take life easy, eat, drink and be merry.” 1 John 5:18; Luke 6:24-26, 12:19; 2 Timothy 3:2-4

They want freedom to do whatever they want, but not freedom from sin. They want peace, but it’s man’s peace, based on guns, sanctions, and signatures on a piece of paper, not a God-given peace in their hearts. They want the physical salvation of a planet, but they don’t see that they are separated from God, and that their primary need is for the spiritual salvation of their soul. They look for saviors, ones who can save the nation, the economy, the environment, and can give them jobs, security, and healthcare, but they shake their fists at God. And God laughs and scoffs at them; and He warns them of coming wrath, and their need to worship His Son, the true Savior and King, the One who will reign over the world. Judges 21:25, Romans 6:15-19, Ephesians 2:1-3, Jeremiah 6:14, Psalm 2

Then there is the church, you and me, and all Christians, and God wants us to be lights in this dark world, and to be fighting for the truth. We are not here for fame, fortune, power, position, and personal glory. We are not to be worldly and set our minds on the things of earth. We are not to get too comfortable, with plans to live long and self-satisfying lives. We are not to be fixated on the political process, thinking that the answer is in secular leaders, for the government cannot do what only God can do. We are to put our hope in God, and not in men. Ephesians 5:8-14, Luke 6:20-23, Colossians 3:1-3, Psalm 146:3-5

We are here for God’s glory, and we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to proclaim and praise His name, and make Him famous. We are to sacrifice our lives for Jesus Christ, and be willing to suffer for Him. We are to preach the gospel, telling people that to enter the kingdom of God, they need to be born again. Our purpose is to build the church, a spiritual kingdom, where Christ is King in believers’ hearts. Our purpose is to be seeking God’s kingdom, and to be praying for Christ’s kingdom to be established on earth. Doing this will bring glory to God, intimacy with Christ, and blessing to your own life. Mark 12:30; Matthew 6:10,33; Luke 6:20-23; John 3:3, 14:21

Jesus Christ, the King of kings, is coming soon. We know this because we live in the end-times, which means it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and take over the world. But this is an evil age, and it’s hard to live in this wicked world, in the midst of lawlessness and the stench of sin. But this is our time, the time God has chosen for us to be alive. And it will get tougher, for the pseudo-savior, that deceptive and devilish Antichrist, will be ruling this earth and making life difficult and distressing for God’s people. But once Christ finishes building the church, He will rapture the Christians on earth, and gather all believers from all time to Himself. Then He will pour out His wrath, righteously punishing the unbelievers on earth. And finally, He will seize that evil Antichrist and cast him into the lake of fire. Matthew 24:9,31; Revelation 8-9,16,19

At the end of Daniel’s 70th week, we will be excitedly saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). At that time, a large remnant of Jews will be saved, and they, along with all glorified believers, will help Christ rule over the world. This will be a very good age, a most glorious time, a 1000-year period called the millennial kingdom. But for now, let’s be doing the work God wants us to do, and be looking forward to this future time when Christ the King will bring true peace and prosperity to this earth. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Romans 11:25-27, Revelation 20:1-6

Jesus Christ is coming to reign over this earth, and we will reign with Him. This is our hope, and it will surely come to pass (Revelation 2:26-27, 5:10). Be encouraged by the following verses that speak about our coming King, and the magnificent future we will have with Him. “The Lord will be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only One” – Zechariah 14:9. “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom” – Isaiah 9:6-7. “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne” – Psalm 47:7-8. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the people with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth” – Psalm 67:4. “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” Psalm 72:18-19

P.S. Two previous posts will help you in your understanding of God’s past, present, and future kingdom work on earth, “The Kingdom of God,” and “Kingdom Instructions for the Church.”

Antichrist Revealed, and Then the Rapture – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

June 7, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #121 ~   

The apostle Paul had written one letter to the Thessalonian church, and much of that focused on the future, on details about the coming of Christ. But it wasn’t long before Paul became very concerned about them, for he heard that many in this young church were alarmed and troubled. They received a letter, heard some message, or somehow got the impression that the day of the Lord had already started, which worried them, and made them wonder if they were even saved, and therefore, had missed the rapture.

Paul dearly loved these Christians and knew he needed to write another letter to clear up any confusion, to answer any questions they had. In 2 Thessalonians 1, he tells them that the rapture, and the relief that comes with it, would occur before God’s retribution, before the day of the Lord, before God’s punishment of unrepentant sinners. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1, Paul reminds them that at the coming of the Lord, all believers would be gathered to Him. Then in verse two, Paul referred to the day of the Lord.

But before we go any further, you need to see how the coming of the Lord and the day of the Lord relate to each other. First, let me define this word coming. It is a noun and means arrival and continuing presence, and in this case, the arrival and presence of the Lord. It is not referring to a simple, instantaneous event, but to a comprehensive whole, which includes many events directed by Christ. The 1st event to occur at His coming will be the rapture of the church, immediately followed by the 2nd event, the day of the Lord. I say immediately because of what Luke 17:29-30 says: “On the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone and destroyed them all. It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.” What this tells us is that the day of the Lord starts on the same day as the rapture of the church. At the coming of Christ, the church is raptured, and after that, on that same day, the day of the Lord begins.

Now let’s go back to 2 Thessalonians 2. In verse one Paul speaks of the coming of the Lord. In verse 2 he mentions the Day of the Lord. In verse 3 he tells us about two identifiable events that will occur before the day of the Lord, and also before the coming of the Lord. He says there’s the apostasy, and that the man of lawlessness needs to be revealed. This word apostasy means rebellion, defiance or defection; and I believe part of this apostasy relates to the revealing of this lawless man, the Antichrist, which occurs at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, a seven-year time-frame. Daniel 9:27

Let me explain the connection between the apostasy and the revealing of the Antichrist. Sometime in the first half of Daniel’s 70th week, the Jews will be permitted to build a temple and offer sacrifices to God, for which they will be very happy. Then along comes the most arrogant and evil man ever, the Antichrist, and in total defiance of God, he desecrates their temple. Verse 4 tells us that he “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.” Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15

This shocking display of pride and power, along with other signs, will cause many Jews, and many so-called religious people around the world to be deceived, to defect, and to turn away from God (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). The result will be that most of them will begin to worship this lawless man, this beast, this Antichrist. (Revelation 13:3-17). What Paul is saying is that the apostasy and the revealing of the Antichrist will occur before the day of the Lord. These two events did not take place back then, and still have not taken place today, close to 2000 years later. In particular, we have not seen the Antichrist on earth, at least not yet. Therefore, we know that the day of the Lord has not yet started, and we know that the Lord has not yet come in the clouds and raptured the church, but He will, and it will not be long from now.

In the near future, the Antichrist will be revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and after that, at some unknown time to us, the coming of the Lord and the day of the Lord will begin. Since the rapture of the church is the first event to occur at the coming of the Lord, we know the rapture will take place sometime after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, after the Antichrist is revealed, sometime during the last half of that 7-year period. This means Christians will be living on earth when the Antichrist is revealed, and is ruling over the world.

Let me go back to the first word in this passage. It is the word request and is translated as beg, plead or beseech. In verse 3, Paul says, “Let no one in any way deceive you.” Paul, a concerned pastor, was strongly pleading with these young Christians, warning them not to be tricked, lied to, nor led astray by anyone, in any way. I have the same concern, that you know the truth about the end-times and the coming of Christ, and are not at all deceived, confused, or in error. God wants you to know about these events that will be taking place before the coming of the Lord, and also have a clear grasp as to where they fit in, that is, understand the sequence of these end-time events. When you understand these things, you will realize that you may go through some short-lived tribulation brought on by the Antichrist, but you will not go through the eternal wrath brought on by God. This is very good news, for “God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ… we will live together with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

P.S. What I am talking about in this post relates to the sequence, the chronology of end-time events, something all good students and teachers of Bible prophecy need to understand. The best chapter that covers this subject is Matthew 24. I encourage you to read my article, entitled, Matthew 24 – The Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.

Relief or Retribution – 2 Thessalonians 1

May 31, 2019 /

By Steven J.Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #120 ~

Ever since the start of the church, Christians have been persecuted. But this should not be a surprise to us, for the Bible told us this would happen. Jesus said to His disciples, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). In his epistle, Peter wrote, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow” (1 Peter 2:21). The apostle Paul said to fellow Christians, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

Paul, who suffered greatly himself, was involved with many churches who were being persecuted, one of which was at Thessalonica. He was there for only a few weeks, but after leaving and hearing this church was enduring much tribulation, he writes a letter to encourage them. “Grace to you and peace from God the Father… we ought always to give thanks to God for you… we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:2-4). Now God had this chapter written with the big picture in mind, taking us from the time of the Thessalonian church clear up to Christ’s return, which means these verses are for all believers living during this church age, but are particularly relevant to those living in the end-times.

What Paul says to the Thessalonian believers is instructive to 21st century saints who live in the midst of persecution. We are to keep trusting the Lord. We are to love one another. We are to persevere, to bear up under unjust suffering. We are to know that suffering is proof that we are true Christians, and are worthy of God’s kingdom. And we are to also have hope – we are to know there will be permanent “relief” from this suffering. Close to 2000 years have gone by since the church began, which means relief and rest has already come to millions of believers who have died, and are now in heaven with Jesus. But since we live in the end-times, there is a good possibility many of us won’t die, but will continue to live on, and suffer for Jesus, and then be raptured and given relief.

There is something else God wants us to know. As Christians we sometimes complain when we suffer. We may even look at unbelievers with an envious eye, wishing to have the comfort and ease which they seem to have. Yes, they may be eating, drinking and being merry, but don’t forget, if they don’t turn to Jesus, then God “will cast them down to destruction” (Psalm 73:18, Luke 12:4-21). God wants us to know that unrepentant unbelievers may afflict us for a short while on earth, but they will be eternally afflicted in hell. It is imperative that we have this perspective, and realize that “momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17), and that the unrepentant unbeliever will receive eternal retribution, God’s holy vengeance.

God goes on to explain the who, what and when of His vengeance, His righteous wrath:

* Who receives this wrath? All people who don’t know God, who have rejected the gospel, God’s offer of mercy, will be judged and suffer His eternal wrath.
* What is this wrath? It is eternal destruction. This does not mean God annihilates sinners, that He wipes them out of existence. It means they will be “away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power.” It means they will never experience any bit of love, joy, peace, mercy or pleasure. But it’s not just the absence of that which is good, it’s the presence of eternal pain. Jesus says, “these will go away into eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46). But always remember, when God brings retribution, He is completely righteous, for His wrath is based on His perfect and holy justice.

* When does this wrath, this eternal destruction begin? First, know that all unrepentant unbelievers who die before the return of Christ are cast into Hades (Luke 12:5, 16:19-23). Second, know that 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 has particular reference to the end-time unbelievers who are on earth at Christ’s return. Their judgment starts when Christ is revealed from heaven, on that very day when He comes to be glorified in His saints, which is at Christ’s coming. The first event to occur at His coming is the rapture of the church, and right after that begins this eternal destruction, which has three stages to it. First, these unbelievers suffer during the day of the Lord (Revelation 8-9, 16). Second, they are cast into Hades, where they will remain for one thousand years. Third, they are thrown into the lake of fire, where they will be eternally punished. Revelation 20:11-15

This last section about the unbelievers is true, and very sad, and most sobering. How then does Paul conclude this chapter? With a prayer, “that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.” Jude 21-25 tells you what to do: “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire… to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority.”

P.S. 2 Thessalonians 1 tells us that Christians go through tribulation from the beginning of the church age to the end of the church age. We also know that Christians all over the world will go through great tribulation in the time leading up to Christ’s return. Two posts that speak about this are: Christians Go Through Tribulation and Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation.

Salvation Instead of Wrath – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

May 24, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #119 ~

The young church at Thessalonica had a great interest in learning about Christ’s return and the future God had for them. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul taught that at Christ’s coming, all believers who had died throughout history would be resurrected, and all believers still living on earth would be raptured, and then together they would meet the Lord in the air. But Paul had much more to say about God’s end-time plans for the believers and the unbelievers, and so he continues to teach them.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3. Paul knew they did not need to know about times and seasons, about dates and events, for he had already taught them these things. “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” Right after the Christians are raptured, this day of the Lord, God’s cataclysmic judgment, will devastate this evil world. And “they”, the unsuspecting unbelievers, will be totally caught off guard. With the Antichrist ruling the world, “they” will be saying “peace and safety,” and be “eating and drinking” (Matthew 24:38). But “they” will be deceived, for it’s a pseudo peace. Suddenly the skies will darken and there will be a great earthquake, and “they” will try to run and hide, but there will be no escaping “the wrath of the Lamb.” “Then destruction will come upon them.” Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 8-9

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5. “But you brethren are not in darkness…” Paul makes a clear and marked contrast between the Christians and the unbelievers who are living in the end-times, for “they” refers to the unbelievers, but “you” refers to the believers. “You” are not in darkness. “You” will escape God’s judgment. The day of the Lord won’t overtake “you.” This day of the Lord will not be like a “thief in the night” to “you.” And why won’t Christians be caught off guard and surprised by the sudden coming of Christ? Because they are children of God, “are sons of light and sons of day,” and know all about the “times and seasons” leading up to Christ’s coming. Not only that, but they love Christ and are serving Christ, and are looking forward to His return. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, 11. What Paul communicates in these verses are clear, concise instructions as to how Christians should live at all times and, particularly, in the end-times. It is the 21st century and “salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). I’m convinced God is now raising up an army of godly Christians who have insight, and know what they should do in these last years before Christ’s return.
* We should not be asleep, we should be awake and alert in both mind and heart. We should not be unaware of, nor indifferent to, what God’s word says about the events associated with Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church. We should be watchful and discerning Christians, ones who are rightly assessing what is happening in the world around us. And we should be excitedly living for Christ and looking for His return. 
* We should be sober, and not be drunk. We should not be wrongly influenced by worldly indulgences and sensual pleasures that dull our mind and soul, and our love for God. We should be serious, self-controlled Christians, living all out for God by diligently doing all the work He wants us to do. 1 Peter 4:7-11
* We should put on the breastplate of faith and love, for this is our spiritual protection, our means of standing firm against the schemes of the devil. We should trust God by trusting in His word, in His promises, and in His power. We should love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and love our neighbors. Ephesians 6:10-18, Mark 12:30

* We should put on our spiritual helmet, which is the hope of salvation, for hope motivates us and helps us to endure for the Lord. We should know all about our future, being glorified, with Jesus, with other believers, and reigning with Christ in the millennial kingdom. We need to know that the best is yet to come. Psalm 84
* We should encourage one another, and all the more as the day of Christ draws near. We are tempted, we sin, we get weary, we get discouraged, and we need one another and need to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24-25
* We should build one another up. By both word and example, we are to disciple others, care for others, and help others spiritually grow up and make progress in their lives, character, and work for God. Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 4:11-16

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10. “God has not destined us for wrath…” How incredibly merciful and amazing that God enables us to escape His punishing wrath. Oh, we may go through momentary, light tribulation, but we will experience no “day of the Lord” at the end of this age, and no painful “lake of fire” that lasts forever. We will experience just the opposite, a perfect, wonderful, glorious and eternal future, with God our Father, Jesus Christ, and all the saints. Whether we are awake (alive when Christ returns), or asleep, (have died before His return), we will obtain “salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us.” As Christians, we will soon be glorified, and then forever live together with Jesus. “Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18

P.S. A post that helps you understand what God wants Christians to do in the end-times is “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?” A post that tells you more about what happens to the non-Christians in the end-times is “The Day of the LORD: The Wrath of God on Earth.”

A Sin-Wrecked World and the Coming of Christ

March 29, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

A Saturday Morning Post #111 ~

Our real problem, our #1 problem, is sin, and it severely sickens every single person in this world. Like a spiritual cancer, it is a global plague that is spiritually and physically deadly. The only answer is Jesus Christ, for He has dealt with it, and will deal with it, “one way” or the other, and that’s the good news, the best news there is. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 6:23

When I think about the spiritual condition of our world, I think of Ephesians 4:17-19, which says unbelievers are “being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God… and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” Similarly, Psalm 82:4 says, “They do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are being shaken.” Since the sin of Adam and Eve, the world has continually been hating God and trampling on His truth. At this time, in the beginning years of the 21st century, it’s obvious that the majority of the people living on this planet are sinners who don’t love God, don’t know God and don’t understand His truth. Our spiritual foundations are crumbling around us, resulting in damaged and destroyed lives, morals, families, schools, cultures, businesses, governments, and yes, churches too.

For close to 50 years now, I’ve been watching our sinful world get worse and worse. I am spiritually sickened as I see this world flooded with sin. There’s love of self, love of money, and love of pleasure. There’s an increased lack of respect for those in authority, whether it’s parents, teachers, policemen, or government leaders. There’s a growing disregard for the young, the old, and the unborn. There’s a sharp increase in sexual sin, in unmarried people living together, and in divorce. All kinds of people are liars, in big ways and little ways. Personal and public speech is more crude, filthy, obscene and hateful. All over the world, there are lawbreakers, many who have no conscience, and many who receive no consequences. Much of our music, movies and video games is unholy. People say things are good when they are evil, and say things are evil when they are good. People do what is right in their own eyes, but not in the eyes of God. There’s crime, theft, corruption, murder and all kinds of devilish deeds. There are many people whose thinking is depraved, who are out of their minds, don’t make sense, and aren’t rational. The bottom line is that people don’t fear God, don’t love God, and therefore, reject His truth. Mark 7:20-21; John 8:31-47; Romans 1:18-32; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:1-5

And it’s going to get a lot worse. That’s what Matthew 24, the end-times prophecy chapter tells us: “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” God is saying that lawlessness will increase in the years leading up to Christ’s return. Paul substantiates this sad truth when he talks about the Antichrist, this “man of lawlessness… the son of destruction… the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-8). The unrestrained sinful flesh of man, along with Satan and his devilish Antichrist inciting them to sin against God, will result in this world becoming more lawless and corrupt the closer we get to the end of this age. Now that we live in the end-times, it’s clear that our sinful world is on an irreversible collision course with the Day of the Lord, the dreadful wrath of God. Nothing can stop God from carrying out His predetermined plan to judge sinful people and this sinful world. Psalm 98:9

It’s sobering and somewhat depressing talking about all this sin in the world, but always remember that God is sovereign (Daniel 4:35), God is merciful, and God is holy.
* God is merciful, for Jesus Christ, at His 1st coming, died to pay for the sins of people, and then rose again. If you aren’t saved, if you don’t know Christ, then now’s the time to repent of your sins, and ask God for mercy, for forgiveness, for eternal life. Then expect to be perfected, to be glorified at Christ’s 2nd coming, during the rapture. Hebrews 9:28
* God is holy, which is seen in 3 ways. 1) Individual sinners who reject Christ’s offer of mercy, will perish, will be cast into hell and punished forever. 2) Jesus Christ will defeat the Antichrist: “that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearing of His coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8). 3) This sinful world will be judged by Christ after the end of this age, during the Day of the Lord, but not before He raptures the church, rescuing the Christians who live on this earth from the wrath He will pour out upon this wicked world. Revelation 8-9, 16

Let’s go back to Matthew 24, which instructs us how we are to live in the end-times.
* Verse 12 warns us, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” It’s important for you to know that this world will spiritually and morally get worse and worse.
– Verse 13 says, “The one who endures to the end will get saved.” There will be increasing lawlessness, but Christians need to endure. Some will die and go to heaven, and others will persevere to the end of the age and be saved, that is, be raptured and go to heaven.
– Verse 14 tells us to preach the gospel “to all the nations, and then the end will come.” No matter how difficult it gets, remember to tell people about Christ and how they can be forgiven of their sins and escape God’s wrath. What a great privilege to be alive for Christ in these last years before His return to rapture the church. “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). “Go make disciples of all the nations… surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

P.S. The increasing sin of the world is such an important subject to understand. I encourage you to read two other posts related to this one: “It’s Going To Get Worse Before It Gets Better,” and “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”

The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church

January 18, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #103 ~

Jesus Christ is coming to judge the world (Psalm 98:9), and you don’t want to be here when it happens, for it will be a fierce and fiery world-wide devastation. This is the great and holy wrath of God, often called the day of the Lord, and it will be directed at unbelievers who are on earth at the return of Christ. But Christians living on earth at that time will be supernaturally rescued from this wrath to come.

Now that we are in end-times, we can see this day of the Lord drawing near (Hebrews 10:25). It won’t be long before “there will be signs on the earth below, blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord” (Acts 2:19-20). These dramatic signs will get everyone’s attention! With a huge exclamation point, they mark the end of this age, letting us know that God’s wrath will soon be poured out upon this sin-infected planet.

But the good news of salvation means Jesus will rescue all Christians from this coming world-wide wrath. “To wait for His Son from heaven, …, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The means of this miraculous rescue is the rapture, for Jesus will return in the clouds, and Christians will suddenly and safely be taken from this earth to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This rapture is also the means of relief, of being delivered from great tribulation. Some of you may not believe what I am saying, or want to hear what I am saying, but it’s true. Christians alive in the end-times, specifically during the rule of the Antichrist, will go through great tribulation for awhile, and then it will be cut short by the signs on earth and in the heavens. Matthew 24:21-22, 29-30

This teaching that Christians won’t be here when the Antichrist is dictator of the world, and are therefore exempt from great tribulation, is wrong, is error, and actually very harmful. You see, many Christians have heard that great tribulation is God’s wrath, but that’s not true. You see, tribulation can’t be God’s wrath, for tribulation is defined as pressure, distress, suffering or persecution, and is what the Bible says all Christians go through. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33), and Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Now great tribulation just means great pressure, great distress, great suffering, great persecution, and will affect Christians still on earth in that last couple of years or so before Christ’s coming.

This great tribulation is great because of its severity, for Christians will be killed for their faith, and because of its scope, for it will occur all over the world. “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9). But who of us should not be willing to suffer and die for Jesus in view of the fact that He suffered and died for us? This great tribulation is nothing compared to the eternal life and love that God has given us, and which we will forever experience and enjoy with Jesus and other believers. “Momentary, light tribulation is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

What does Revelation 6-9 say about all this? Revelation 6 talks about great tribulation (verse 9), and signs on earth and in the heavens telling us that it’s the end of the age (verses 12-14). Unbelievers are scared to death, for they know God’s wrath is coming, that they are damned and doomed, and that there’s no escape (verses 15-17). Revelation 7 then tells us about a great multitude suddenly appearing in heaven, and worshiping God and Christ (verses 9-10). The angel says these believers “are the ones who come out of great tribulation” (verse 14), that is, were just raptured from the earth. Finally, Revelation 8-9 describes God’s punishing wrath on earth. This is the sequence of coming events: great tribulation, end of the age, rapture, and wrath. It’s can’t be any clearer.

This means the rapture of the church is after the great tribulation, persecution brought on by the Antichrist, but before the wrath, punishment brought on by Jesus Christ. Again we see that believers will be rescued from this cataclysmic, torturing and deadly wrath. But woe to those who reject Christ and the gospel, who don’t get saved, who are left behind on earth, and who are justly tormented by this, the righteous wrath of God.

Judgment is coming for unbelievers, except for those Jews and some others who are protected by God. But the rapture, the greatest rescue operation this world has ever seen, is coming for believers. God only knows, but you might be alive on earth when Christ returns to rapture the church. Be thankful that you will be rescued, not only from this earthly wrath, but also from the eternal wrath, that very painful, everlasting lake of fire. “God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). As a Christian, be glad that Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, saved your soul and, at the rapture, will give you a new body. Now is your time to live for Him, share His gospel with the lost, and use your gifts for the good of the church and the glory of God.

P.S. Here are three other posts that go along with this post, giving you more understanding about the tribulation Christians experience, and the wrath of God that unbelievers will go through. The Day of the Lord: The Wrath of God on Earth, Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation, The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teaching is False.

In a Wicked World, You Have to Have Hope

September 28, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #87 ~

No matter what country you live in, there’s sin and evil, liars and thieves, hate and racism, and corrupt politicians. That’s the way it has been for this entire evil age, and the way it’s going to be, right up until the return of Jesus Christ. That’s why you need hope, why you need to be “looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10), and for that time when “the Lord will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9

But for now, we look around the world and we see sin and Satan in every place – in Russia, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Nigeria, Poland, Ukraine, North Korea, Haiti, China, and in every country and, yes, in the United States. What’s this world coming to? Is not your soul grieved by the sin that affects every square inch of this planet, and yes, still remains in your own life? I have to admit, I get tired of it, for this evil flesh and wicked world weigh heavy on my soul. I think of Lot, who was “oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men,” and who “felt his righteous soul tormented day after day” (2 Peter 2:7-9). What are we to think? What are we to do about it? What does God’s Word say?

1. God is sovereign. Yes, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), but God is ultimately in charge, in control. Don’t forget, the devil is like a dog on a leash, and he can only do what God allows him to do. Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:17
2. God leaves you in this sinful world to teach you to be holy, to “let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). He is also teaching you to be a soldier, a warrior, to stand firm against the devil’s schemes, to fight “against the world forces of darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness.” Judges 3:2, Nehemiah 4, Ephesians 6:10-18
3. Don’t focus on the evil things going on around you, whether it’s in your family, your city, or the world. You are going to get very discouraged if you keep thinking about the corruption that’s out there. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
4. Focus on the work you are to do. When you play sports, you don’t stare at your opponent, you play your position and do your part. God has given you a job to do, so do it. And when your work is done, Christ will take you home to heaven. Luke 19:13, Acts 13:36
5. Don’t put your hope in this world, or in people, and that means leaders, too. A prime minister, a president, or a king, isn’t God. I hope you know by now that you can’t trust human leaders to make this world a truly better place. Trust in God, not in man. Psalm 146:3-5
6. As a Christian, your goal should never be a political objective, but a spiritual objective. It’s not to win elections, to get your person in power, but to win souls, to preach the gospel to all the nations. Our gospel is the only real answer, and it has no borders and no bounds, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
7. Pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Pray for Christ to return, to begin His righteous reign over the world, and to establish His glorious kingdom on earth. Habakkuk 2:14, Revelation 11:15

Don’t you get tired of your sin-prone flesh and this sinful, saint-hating world? Don’t you wish you could leave it? I know I do, but I have to remind myself that this is my time, my one opportunity on this earth, to be a worker and a warrior for the Lord. Just think, God has planned out your entire life, placing you on this planet at this time in history. It’s by the grace He gives you now, and the hope of future grace that you can live for the Lord. Think about this hope you have, that Christ is coming, that you will be raptured and glorified, that Satan will be defeated, and that the kingdom age will begin. “God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us – that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Psalm 67:1-2

One of the main ways I am motivated to live for God during this present evil age is thinking about the future kingdom of Christ. It will be a good age, a great age, a glorious age, when God will brighten up and beautify this old earth, when there will be true justice, love, mercy, peace on earth, and good will toward men. I encourage you to think about being in your glorified body, living on this newly renovated planet, fellow-shipping with dear friends, and serving Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and King. This is the truth, this is your hope, and it is this hope that will help you to live strong for the Lord during your short time on earth. Soon you will be gone from here, and after a short stay in heaven, you will head back to earth, where you will serve and reign with Christ your King for 1000 glorious years (Revelation 20:6). “Let the peoples praise You, O God… Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth.” Psalm 67:3-4

P.S. We must know the Bible says will be taking place on this earth. I encourage you to read my posts on the present Ukraine situation – “Russia at War Against Ukraine”, “God, You, and the War in Ukraine“, “Death and Life in the End-Times”. And read this article on hope – “You Have to Have Hope.”

What About the Unrepentant Unbeliever in the End Times?

August 24, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #82 ~

You have seen the movies and read the books where the bad guys appear to be winning. They have locked up the good guys, taken control of the city, or hijacked the airplane, and things aren’t looking good. But these are just stories. When the Antichrist appears and takes over the world, it won’t be just a story, it will really happen. Truly, this will be a dark time in history, for the devil and his people will seem to be winning. Let me tell you what you need to know about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times. They will be:

Unloving. Matthew 24:12 – “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” In the end times, unbelievers will be increasingly lawless. They will be unloving, unholy, arrogant, lovers of self, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). We live in an evil age, and it’s going to get a lot, lot worse in the last few years before the return of Christ. But as Christians, we will be the light of the world.

Worshiping Satan. Revelation 13:4 – “They worshiped the dragon (Satan), and they worshiped the beast (Antichrist).” Unbelievers will hear about this man rising from the dead; they will see this 2nd beast perform great signs; and they will be amazed, in awe, and worship this man, this 1st beast, and also worship the devil himself. But believers will be loving God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Mark 12:30

Taking the mark. Revelation 13:16 – “He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.” Most unbelievers will take this mark of the beast, with the result that they will be able to openly buy or sell, do business, go shopping, or go out to eat.

Deceived and deluded. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 – “God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” Sinners will hate the truth, but will love their evil and wicked ways. Therefore, God will cause them to be deceived all the more, resulting in a rapid and dramatic increase in the depravity of the world.

Mocking Christians. 2 Peter 3:3-6 – “In the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’… But by His word, the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” During the Antichrist’s rule, unbelievers will be mocking, taunting, ridiculing, and making fun of the Christians.

Hating and killing. Matthew 24:9 – “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” After the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, most unbelievers will see the Christians as a terrible menace, a harmful blight to the world. Non-Christians will be emboldened and impassioned in their hate for Christians, so much so that they will want to kill them, to rid the earth of them. “An hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think he is offering service to God.” John 16:2

Betraying family members. Luke 21:16 – “You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.” Many unbelievers will turn against their own family members, those who are Christians, and turn them in to the authorities, and some of these will be killed. Without a doubt, this will be one of the saddest and hardest things for Christians to go through in the end-times. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Eating and drinking. Luke 17:28 – “It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: They were eating and drinking, they were buying and selling, they were planting and building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” There will be a pseudo-peace on earth during the Antichrist’s rule, and unbelievers will be happy, living like everything is just fine. But they will be so deceived, and will be shocked and scared when they see the sudden return of Christ.

Doomed. Revelation 6:12-17 – “There was a great earthquake… the stars of the sky fell to the earth… the sky was split apart like a scroll… and the kings… and the great men… and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves… for the great day of God’s wrath has come.” Great signs in the heavens and on the earth will signal the end of this age and the return of Christ. Just after the rapture, the day of the Lord will come, and unbelievers will be doomed, eternally damned by God.

Punished in hell. Revelation 14:9-10 – “He will be tormented with fire and brimstone… and the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.” Those who receive the mark of the beast will go to hell, and later be cast into the lake of fire, where they will be punished forever (Revelation 20:15). This will be the sad, but righteous, reality for the unrepentant, Christ-hating, Christian-hating unbeliever.

You need to know the truth about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times, especially if you are alive during the rule of the Antichrist. These last few years before the coming of Christ will prove to be a great opportunity to serve the Lord, love your enemies, and share the gospel with them, with the result that some unbelievers will repent of their sins, and be saved. Don’t forget, God will give you all the grace and peace you need. And remember, God is completely in charge, for He is the sovereign Ruler. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 2:20

P.S. Clearly, Christians will go through some very difficult trials in the end-times, and therefore, it is essential that we understand what God’s word tells us about them. A very comprehensive summary of God’s purposes for our trials is given in the article, A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.  I’ll mention one more article that is very encouraging: Keep Yourself in the Love of God.

Reasons for the Rise and Rule of the Antichrist

August 3, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post  #79 ~

John was the only biblical author to use the term antichrist (the spirit of) he also referred to the Antichrist as the Beast. Description from regbos.wordpress.com. I searched for this on bing.com/images

As Christians, we need to study the subject of prophecy so we can learn what God is telling us about the future He has for us. Understanding what God’s word says about the end-times will enable us to more clearly see where things are going in the world, how everything is leading to the coming of the Antichrist, and to the coming of Christ. Know also that God’s work with the Jews in these days is in conjunction with His work with the church (Matthew 24:9-27). Let me explain.

Matthew 24:4-8 and Revelation 6:3-8 tell us that we will be hearing about these global “birth pains,” wars, earthquakes, famines and financial troubles, occurring in various parts of the world. As these “pains” get harder, people will be greatly distressed, wanting some relief, some peace, and yes, for some kind of a savior to help solve these problems.

What else will be happening? People will increasingly be rebelling against God and earthly authorities (parents, policemen, politicians and pastors). Sinners will be more depraved in their thinking, and therefore more evil, lawless and unloving. Their outright hate for truth, for righteousness and for Christians, will be obvious. The time will come when God will send a deluding influence upon these truth-rejecting sinners, and they will go from being bad to being wicked. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-13). There will be a marked polarization between Christians and non-Christians, and there will be persecution.

What about the Jews? For the past 140 years, God has been gathering them back to their land. Their present population is 6.5 million, and growing. But Antisemitism, this vehement hate for the Jews, is growing as well, and it won’t be long before they will be desperate for peace. Then at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, this coming Antichrist will help broker a peace treaty with Israel and other nations (Daniel 9:27). But these Jews will be deceived, for they will be making a deal with the devil.

During the first half of Daniel’s 70 week, these birth pains will be growing in intensity and frequency. Unbelievers will be united in their hate for both Jews and Christians. A Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem. People will be wanting a one-world order, and with that, a one-world leader to bring peace. Conditions will be ripe for someone sharp, smart, proven and strong, to rise up and become ruler of the world. This is all part of God’s predetermined plan, and He will make sure this coming leader, groomed by Satan himself, will be increasing in power and popularity. When he is seemingly raised from the dead, he will become more famous than ever. “The whole world was amazed and followed after the beast.” Revelation 13:3

At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the 3½ year mark, this coming world ruler will be clearly revealed, for he will desecrate the temple in Jerusalem, and set himself up as being God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9). Unbelievers will acclaim him as their new leader, and greatly love him. Believers, sobered, but not surprised by what has taken place, will know he is the Antichrist, and pray for the coming of Christ. The Jews will see this God-hating man as their worst enemy, and run for the hills. Matthew 24:15-20

This Antichrist is so proud, for his devilish dream has come true, and he can finally rule the world. What else happens? This beast of a man, being possessed by Satan, has great power and authority. Satan then raises up another beast, the false prophet, who as the Antichrist’s partner and promoter, performs great signs, further deceiving the people on earth. This second beast also causes unbelievers to worship the Antichrist by having them worship his image. He makes them take the mark of the beast, which is the means by which they can do business and live (Revelation 13:11-18). The fact that the Antichrist also has super-advanced, communication and surveillance systems in place, helps to make it all possible. The result is that the Antichrist will control the world – he will be in charge of the military, religion and the economy (Revelation 13:7, 15, 18). This Antichrist, this most evil beast, this wicked and lawless dictator, loves having power, loves being worshiped by the world, but hates the Christians and the Jews.

The Antichrist will chase after a remnant of Jews, but they will escape (Revelation 12:13-16), and later be saved (Romans 11:26-27). Then he will pursue Christians, persecuting and killing them. “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9, 21). Some Christians will die or be martyred, but the rest will endure to the end of this age. Then Jesus Christ, our victorious Savior and King, will return in the clouds, and triumphantly rescue and rapture His bride. “Behold, a great multitude which no one could count… standing before the throne and before the Lamb… and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10

Jesus Christ will then punish this wicked world, and cast that devilish Antichrist and his evil partner into the lake of fire. “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.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

P.S. This post relates directly to last week’s post on the Antichrist. If you haven’t read that one, then you need to, for it will help give you a much better picture of the Antichrist to come. One other thing that is important for you to know and understand are the Key Terms, a glossary of 50 prophecy terms and their meanings.

That Evil Antichrist, and His Short Rule on Earth

July 27, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #78 ~

Related image

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).

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