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Here Comes the Son: Shining a Light on The Temple and Treasured Possession of Malachi 3–4



The sun has the power to heal and sustain life, but it can also burn the skin and cause cancer. Likewise, the coming Day of the LORD will bring healing and renewal for some, but searing pain and torment for others. Moreover, the Bible reveals that our God is a "consuming fire" (Deut. 4:24; Heb. 12:29) and that no one can see Him because He dwells in "unapproachable light" (Jn. 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16). And given that our lives are fragile and as fleeting as dust in the wind, how do we ensure that we are wrapped in God's warm embrace and not reduced to ashes on that great and dreadful Day?

Well, it all depends on our relationship to the all-consuming Fire. Depending on our standing with the LORD, we will either be purified or petrified.

When the Sun of Righteousness comes—what will He be to you? A healing lamp or a fiery furnace? Some who claim His name today recite credal statements about His return; however, these same people who hold to a form of religion while denying God's power don't realize what they are saying (2 Tim. 3:5). Even if nominal Christians (or adherents to Judaism) cry out to God for justice, do they really understand the implications of His answer to them:


Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light. It will be like a man who flees from a lion only to have a bear confront him. He goes home and rests his hand against the wall only to have a snake bite him. Won't the Day of the LORD be darkness rather than light, even gloom without any brightness in it? (Amos 5:18-20, HCSB).


Just as in Amos' day, this same misguided desire for God to "show Himself" was also voiced by the calloused hearts of Malachi's audience. The LORD graciously restored His people to the Land after the Babylonian captivity, but even with the temple rebuilt and the Levitical sacrifices reestablished, the remnant of Israel became cold and bitter toward God once again.

Throughout the book of Malachi, Israel gives a defense for their apathy and indifference by posing questions for the LORD, and then the LORD responds—sometimes with a reminder of His covenant loyalty toward them and other times with a harsh rebuke. At the heart of the book, after the LORD calls out Israel for acting treacherously and unfaithful toward their wives (Mal. 2:10-16), we discover that God's people are giving up the good fight because they see the wicked prospering and getting away with their evil deeds:


You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you ask, 'How have we wearied Him?' When you say, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the LORD's sight, and He is pleased with them,' or 'Where is the God of justice?' (Mal. 2:17, HCSB).


And a little further on, this same point of contention is repeated:


Your words against Me are harsh,' says the LORD. Yet you ask: 'What have we spoken against You?' You have said: 'It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper; they even test God and escape' (Mal. 3:13-15, HCSB).


Alas, the wise and discerning will see a similar pattern of frustration and contempt emerging in our own day. The nations of the world are restless and roaring, and the duplicitous hearts of many cry out for justice. However, do these people really understand what they are asking for when God rises up to answer their objections?

Truth is, they will get justice from God. But they will not be pleased when they find themselves on the receiving end of His just punishment.

In Malachi—the last book of the Prophets—the LORD's response to Israel's faithless objections in both 2:17 and 3:13-15 is the same: Questions such as "Where is the God of justice?" and "How long will the wicked be allowed to prosper and get away with it?" will be answered by means of the final judgment, a.k.a. the Day of the LORD.

And when this Day arrives, God will not come to the world with roses and a get-well-soon card; rather, He will come with the most intense and unrelenting judgment this world has ever seen.

However, before the fire of His judgment rains down on the earth, and much to Israel's chagrin, the LORD will first come to rescue His people, yes, wait for it...His other people—a nation that knew Him not in ages past, but has since received the blessings of the new covenant by believing in His Son and becoming one with Him as His own spiritual Body.

Yes, at that time, Israel will be reminded of the last words of God's servant Moses (Mal. 4:4) and their eyes will be opened to realize that a foolish and ignorant nation has been taken from the earth, redeemed as God's own possession:


They have made Me jealous with what is not God; They have provoked Me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation (Deut. 32:21, NASB).


On June 3, 2020, the same day that Gary published an article ("Morning Star Rises!") that referenced Malachi 4:2-3, my eyes were further opened to appreciate yet another development of this crucial prophecy in the last book of the Torah. Thus, the last book of the Torah and the last book of the Prophets stand in agreement regarding the separate roles for the Church and Israel in the last days.

In this article, we will focus on Malachi's development of Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy 32:21. As stated above, the LORD's response to Israel's faithless cries for justice is revealed in two sections of Malachi, both of which describe the coming Tribulation or Day of YHWH. First, we will examine the well-known messianic text of 3:1-6, and second, we will look at the parallel passage of 3:16–4:1-3. My hope is to shine a light on the subtle hints of Christ and His Body in these eschatological texts.





YHWH's Messenger and the (New) Covenant Temple


Immediately after Israel's last question in Malachi 2:17, "Where is the God of justice?", the LORD answers:


Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple; and the Messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, He is coming, says the LORD of hosts (Mal. 3:1, ESV).


If you study this verse carefully, you'll discover that there are two messengers (or "angels") being described. The first messenger prepares the way for the arrival of YHWH, "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me..." Hence, this is the verse from which the name of the book is derived: Malachi ("My messenger/angel").

According to New Testament revelation, this prophecy of the first messenger is fulfilled in part by John the Baptist (see Matt. 11:10; Mk. 1:2-4; Lk. 1:76; 7:27; cf. Isa. 40:3). Furthermore, the same John who baptized Jesus in the Jordan also partially fulfills Malachi 4:5-6. Jesus confirms that John is "the Elijah to come" (Matt. 11:14; Mk. 9:11-13) and Luke solidifies John as the one depicted in Malachi 4:5-6 (see Lk. 1:16-17). However, when asked if he was Elijah, John himself gave a firm "no" to the interrogators from the temple in Jerusalem (Jn. 1:21).

Therefore, John's response indicates that we are still waiting for the ultimate, future fulfillment of these end-time passages in Malachi that describe the "first messenger" who prepares the way for YHWH (see also Matt. 17:11, where Jesus affirms there is still an "Elijah to come," even after John the Baptist).

The second messenger of Malachi 3:1 is none other than YHWH himself. The phrase "Messenger of the covenant" is unique in all of the Hebrew Bible (Torah, Prophets, and Writings); however, by examining the chiastic structure of the text as literally written in the Hebrew, we are able to see how the author emphasizes His identity as YHWH, the Lord (Heb. Adon), the One who comes after the first messenger:

Suddenly, He will come...
              the Lord whom you seek
                          the Messenger of the covenant
              whom you delight
behold, He is coming

So, how is it that God (YHWH) can send and also be the Lord (Adon) and Messenger who is sent? The answer eludes human reason, and so the Spirit's illumination is required to understand the mystery of the Trinity in Malachi 3:1 and related passages such as Psalm 110:1, a text that Jesus himself references to confound and silence His accusers (cf. Matt. 22:41-46).

There is much that could be said about how Jesus fulfills the description of the second messenger (consider also the pre-Incarnate Christ as "the Angel of the LORD" in passages such as Gen. 22:15-16; Ex. 3:2-4; Jdg. 2:1-5; Zech. 3:1-2). At His first coming, Jesus partially fulfilled this prophecy by coming to the Second Temple in judgment to purge and to cleanse it (cf. Matt. 21:12-13; Mk. 11:15-18; Jn. 2:13-16). However, there still awaits a future fulfillment of Mal. 3:1, because the results of Messiah's final cleansing have yet to be seen (see the remaining context of Mal. 3:2-6).

From what we've observed so far, Malachi 3:1 is a highly messianic text that contains many theologically-rich terms. For example:

1. YHWH (the divine name)
2. Messenger/Angel (x2)
3. The Lord
4. Covenant
5. Temple

Let's now turn our attention to the second Messenger's relationship to "the covenant" and "His temple." The Hebrew reads, "...suddenly, He will come to His temple, the Lord whom you seek, the Messenger of the covenant..." The first word "suddenly" confirms the eschatological implications of this prophecy and is parallel to Malachi 3:5, "I will come to you in judgment..." (cf. Isa. 47:11; Jer. 4:20; Rev. 22:12, 20).

In regard to the meaning of "His temple," one option could be the Third Temple of the Tribulation period; however, it is the Anti-Messiah who comes to this temple during the final judgment, not Jesus the true Messiah (see Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4). Is there another place in the New Testament where we might find the referent to "His temple"?


Have you not known that you [plural] are a temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone ruins the temple of God, God will ruin him; for the temple of God is holy, which you are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, LSV).


And see also:


Then, therefore, you [plural] are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens of the holy ones, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being chief corner [stone], in whom all the building fitly framed together increases to a holy temple in the LORD, in whom you also are built together, for a habitation of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22, LSV).


Finally, note the context of this one—the Lord's sudden return to both rescue and judge + Church/Temple connection:


Because you have kept the word of My endurance, I also will keep you from the hour of the trial that is about to come on all the world, to try those dwelling on the earth. Behold, I come quickly [suddenly], be holding fast that which you have, that no one may take your garland. He who is overcoming—I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he may not go outside anymore, and I will write on him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, that comes down out of Heaven from My God—also My new Name (Revelation 3:10-12, LSV).


Thus, based on revelation from the New Testament, we discover that the Church, the Body of Christ, is also referred to as the Temple of God and therefore qualifies as a solid candidate to be the referent of the Malachi 3:1 "temple." Furthermore, this understanding of the Lord coming suddenly to "His temple" coheres well with a Pre-Tribulation framework, because Jesus comes to gather His Body at the Resurrection/Rapture first before He refines Jacob through the fire of His judgment (Mal. 3:2-6; cf. Zech. 13:7-9).

The second theologically-loaded term in parallel to "His temple" is "the covenant." While the historical context of Malachi mentions the covenant that YHWH made with Israel at Mt. Sinai (Mal. 2:4-5), we know from both the Old and New Testament that God desires a "new" covenant to replace the old (see Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:24-27; 37:24-28; Matt. 26:28; Mk. 14:24; 1 Cor. 11:25; Gal. 4:24; Heb. 8:6-7, 13; 9:15).

Therefore, the New Testament solidifies and confirms that Jesus is the Mediator of this new covenant. And so, using Malachi 3:1 terminology, Jesus alone qualifies as the Messenger/Angel of the covenant who comes suddenly to His Temple. To summarize and restate another way: The Mediator will come to those who have already covenanted with Him to be His own dwelling, and He comes to them first before He judges and purifies Israel.

Bottom Line: The only ones who fit the description of "His temple" at the time of Jesus' sudden return are the members of His Bodythe Church!





YHWH's Treasured Possession Spared from the Day of Judgment


Before we examine the parallel passage of 3:16–4:3, please note that the chapter division in our English Bibles from the end of chapter 3 to the start of chapter 4 is arbitrary: There is no chapter division in the Hebrew text of Malachi (therefore, the third chapter concludes the book). This may seem like a minor issue, but the chapter division certainly doesn't help our modern minds make the seamless transition from 3:18 to 4:1.

Nevertheless, Malachi 3:16–4:3 as a textual unit contains one main idea and is lexically integrated by several key words and phrases:

1. The mention of those who "fear the LORD/My Name" – Mal. 3:16; 4:2
2. The phrase "on the day that I make/prepare" – Mal. 3:17; 4:3
3. The separation of "the righteous" and "the wicked" – Mal. 3:18; 4:2-3

And not only do we have these tight-knit connections that link the same God-fearing group from 3:16-18 with those who also rise up and trample the wicked (4:1-3), the surrounding context of 3:16–4:3 also provides us with a stark contrast between a wayward Israel and this unnamed "treasured possession" (3:17) who is spared from the Day of YHWH altogether:

Mystery Group/Treasured Possession                    Israel

Spared from God's fiery judgment (3:17)                Caught in the crossfire of God's judgment (3:3-6)
Speaks to one another in fear of YHWH (3:16)      Speaks to one another against YHWH (3:13)
Already serving YHWH (3:17-18)                              Not ready to serve YHWH (3:3-4, 13)
Tied to the Book of Remembrance (3:17)               Told to "remember" the Law/Torah of Moses (4:4)

Through the use of various textual clues and comparisons, the author intentionally keeps these two groups separate and distinct. Moreover, Israel remains Israel throughout the historic and eschatological passages of Malachi, and this mystery group's identity, therefore, must await further revelation from God to be fully developed and clarified (i.e. the New Testament).

Many evangelical commentaries view this mystery group as a holy subset of Israel—a righteous remnant of ethnic Israelites who survive to the end, so to speak. However, if Malachi 3:16–4:3 refers to a special group of Israelites set apart from the rest of the nation, then the LORD's response to Israel in 3:18 becomes non-sensical. Think about it: At the end of the Day, when God's end-time judgments have run their course, are there two Israel's that inherit the kingdom: one righteous and one not-so-righteous?

Throughout the entire book of Malachi, the LORD dialogues with His covenant people, Israel (cf. Mal. 1:2-3; 3:6), and even though they are hard-hearted and disobedient, they are still loved and will eventually experience complete salvation because of God's covenant with their forefathers (cf. Rom. 11:28). Also, it is abundantly clear from Malachi and other OT passages that Israel will suffer God's wrath during the Tribulation, and yet they will be purged and purified as a result of going through it (cf. Deut. 4:30-31; Isa. 10:21-23; Jer. 30:6-7; Ezek. 20:34-37; Hos. 5:14-15; Zech. 13:8-9).

However, contrary to Israel's path during the time of final judgment, this unnamed group of 3:16–4:3 is exempt entirely from the Day of YHWH and, instead of suffering wrath and punishment along with the wicked, they rise up to glorious freedom, healing, and victory.

But someone may ask: If this so-called "mystery group" is not Israel, then why does Malachi 3:17 describe them with the exact same terms used for Israel in other books of the OT: i.e. "treasured possession" (Ex. 19:4-6; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Ps. 135:4) and YHWH's "son" (Ex. 4:22-23; Hos. 11:1)?

Ah, this brings us to the crux of the issue. To answer this question wisely and faithfully, we need discernment and a firm grasp of the entire narrative of Scripture from beginning to end. We also need apostolic authority and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand why the Gentile-dominant Church is given the same nomenclature as God's original firstborn "son" and "treasured possession."

*Before we go any further, here's a quick reminder: Didn't YHWH say that He was going to make Israel jealous and angry by means of a "foolish nation" and those who were not His people? Think about it...

In previous studies at Unsealed, we have presented ample biblical evidence to solidify the identification of Christ and His Body as the male-child of Revelation 12:5, a "son" born (i.e. glorified) and snatched up to God's throne before the woman (Israel) goes into capital "L" labor (i.e. the Tribulation, or Daniel's 70th week). The association of the Church as the male (Grk. arsen) in Rev. 12:5 is further cemented by the Greek text of Isaiah 66:7-8, where the key term, arsen, is used by a different author (same Spirit) to describe the birth of the corporate male/son—a nation delivered before Israel's time of trouble.

John, the author of last book of the Bible and the apostle who has the final word, stands in agreement with the apostle Paul regarding the mystery of Christ's body (cf. Eph. 5:32). Just as Paul is given insight into this mystery hidden in the OT and later revealed in the NT (e.g. Rom. 9:23-33; 10:19-20), so also John affirms that the mystery of the Church is woven deep into the fabric of the OT prophetic narrative. Moreover, John doesn't simply "borrow" the Greek term arsen, ignore its original context, and then creatively adapt it to explain the corporate reality of Christ and the Church. On the contrary, Revelation 12:5 is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah 66:7-8, and this stunning apostolic confirmation indicates that the Church is indeed mentioned in the OT, albeit cryptically, and not introduced as a brand new subject for the first time in NT writings.

At this point you may be wondering, how does this discussion about a Greek term from Isaiah 66:7 and Revelation 12:5 contribute to the topic at hand (i.e. the identification of the unnamed "treasured possession" of Malachi 3:17)?

Three takeaways are relevant to our current undertaking in Malachi:

1. We simply cannot ignore the Greek translation of the OT (commonly referred to as the Septuagint/LXX). The unmistakable word link in Rev. 12:5 back to Isa. 66:7 is a textbook example.
2. New Testament authors do not "borrow" or creatively usurp language from the OT in order to redefine them later in a different context (i.e. the Church becomes the "New Israel").
3. The Church is referenced in the OT as distinct from Israel, albeit in a hidden and cryptic manner.

Now then, in regard to the Exodus-themed words and phrases that are utilized in Malachi 3:17, there is no question that Israel is the first to be called God's "treasured possession" (Heb. segullah, found 8x in the OT) and a "son who is redeemed by YHWH in order to serve Him." However, since Israel is the first nation identified by these terms in Scripture, that also makes them a type (Grk. tupos, "pattern, example" - cf. Rom. 5:14). Therefore, the Church, who is the "foolish nation" and "not-a-people" of Deut. 32:21, can also be identified as God's people by the very same terms as Israel. In fact, it's entirely fitting and ironic for the nation that God uses to make Israel jealous and angry to be called a "son" and a "treasured possession."

Lastly, to further substantiate the Church as the mystery group of Malachi 3:16–4:3, consider this: In a similar manner to the apostle John's Greek-link between Isaiah 66 and Revelation 12, there is a unique Greek term in Malachi 3:17 that is picked up by two NT apostles to identify the Church as God's treasured possession.

First, here is the Greek translation with our key word highlighted:


Thus spoke they that feared the Lord, every one to his neighbor: and the Lord gave heed, and hearkened, and he wrote a book of remembrance before him for them that feared the Lord and reverenced his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord Almighty, in the day which I appoint for a peculiar possession [Grk. peripoiesin]; and I will make choice of them, as a man makes choice of his son that serves him" (Mal. 3:16-17, Brenton Septuagint Translation).


The Greek noun, peripoiesis, is found in only 2 other places in the Greek OT (2 Chron. 14:12 and Hag. 2:9) and both of these contexts do not use this word in reference to God's people as a possession. Regarding the New Testament usage, the term is found a total of 5 times and most lexicons provide three distinct ranges of meaning for peripoiesis (I am referencing both Thayer's Greek Lexicon and A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament/BDAG):

1. An experience of preserving/preservation, safe-keeping: (Heb. 10:39)
2. An experience of an event of obtaining, acquiring: (1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Thess. 2:14)

And, last but not least, here is the definition that matches the context of Malachi 3:17:

3. That which is acquired, a possession, property

Now, take a look at the two places in the New Testament where we find this particular usage of peripoiesis:



[the Holy Spirit] is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:14, NET)


And for the grand finale, we have the apostle Peter standing in agreement with the apostle Paul about the prophetic beginnings of the Church:


But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, ESV).


Oh, and one more thing about this verse in 1 Peter: The preceding context is describing the construction of Christ's spiritual temple (1 Pet. 2:5-8; think Malachi 3:1, "Suddenly, He will come to His temple..."), and 1 Peter 2:10 caps it all off and drives the Deuteronomy 32:21 prophecy home: For you were once "not a people," but now you are "the people of God"...

Bottom Line: Both Paul and Peter agree—God speaks about the redemption of the Church in the Old Testament, and Malachi echoes Moses in Deuteronomy 32:21 that a nation distinct from Israel is redeemed first as YHWH's son and treasured possession!





Here Comes the Son


Where is the God of justice? Why do the wicked continue to prosper without being punished? What's the use of serving God if one is not guaranteed tangible rewards in this life?

The LORD has already spoken and given an answer to these enduring, age-old questions: The Day is coming, and it is fast approaching (Zeph. 1:14):


For behold, the Day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch" (Mal. 4:1, ESV).


Yes, the Day of the LORD is on the near horizon, and it won't be long before the Day commences like a trap, catching the unsuspecting world by surprise (cf. Lk. 21:34-35). This Day is great and dreadful, and to those who cry out for justice, God has a couple of questions of His own:


But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? (Mal. 3:2, NASB).


According to Malachi 3:1 and 3:17, there is one group in particular who will rise above it all when the Lord and Messenger of the Covenant returns. And so, the coming great and dreadful Day will actually be a good day for these people:


But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,' says the LORD of Heaven's Armies (Mal. 4:2-3, NLT).


However, it will be a bad day for Israel and the rest of the Christ-rejecting world who must endure God's judgments on the earth. As we have seen from this current study, the Body of Christ, a mystery written and encoded in the OT, is referred to as the LORD's temple in Malachi 3:1 as well as His "treasured possession" in Malachi 3:17. This group of God-fearing Gentiles (Mal. 1:11, 14; 3:16; 4:2) will be fully resurrected and redeemed before the LORD cranks up the furnace of His wrath. But Israel, on the other hand, will have to go through the fiery crucible in order to be purged and purified.

To this day, when the Body of Christ cries out for justice, unlike a partially-hardened Israel (Mal. 2:17; 3:13-15), what we're really crying out for is Jesus, our Righteousness and Justification (Rom. 10:3-4; 1 Cor. 1:30; Php. 3:9). He is the Sun of Righteousness who will come suddenly to His temple and redeem His treasured possession. And aside from the messianic reference in Mal. 4:2 (i.e. Jesus as "the Sun of Righteousness"), Mal. 4:3 also contains a subtle allusion to the triumphant Seed of the Woman in Genesis 3:15 who crushes the head of the serpent (compare also Rom. 16:20; Eph. 1:22-23; Heb. 2:5-9). Thus, this text is like icing on the cake when we consider the rest of the evidence which confirms the tight-knit Christ/Church relationship in Malachi 3–4.

Finally, in response to the oft-misunderstood Church/Israel relationship and for the sake of clarity, I will offer some advice on avoiding two extremes:

The Scriptures do not teach Replacement Theology (i.e. the Church replaces Israel as God's people), however, they do teach Temporary Displacement Theology (for further explanation on what I've termed "Temporary Displacement Theology," see my previous post Hidden in Hosea). Conversely, the truth is not found on the opposite end of the spectrum either: In other words, the Church is not subsumed under Israel as some Hebrew-roots adherents teach when they misinterpret Paul's figure of the olive tree in Romans 11:11-24 and say that the Church has been "grafted into Israel."

Both of these extremes are incorrect. The Church does not replace Israel, but neither does Israel replace the Church. In short, the truth is found in the middle. There is both continuity and discontinuity between the Church and Israel, and we must accept both the commonalities and the differences all-the-while watching out for the two "Replacement" extremes.


Arise, For the Light Cometh
(Frederick A. Krummacker 1768-1845)

"Watchman, is the day afar?
    See the morning light is gleaming;
    Light from the bright morning star
    Through the darkest clouds is streaming.
    Strangers blinded sigh for light;
    He shall make His promise right...

...See the graves asunder rent
    With their dead to life appearing!
    Angel of the covenant
    Now proclaims His day is nearing!
    Jesus calls: “Let there be light!”
    Jesus makes His promise right.

O, behold that glorious day!
    Jesus Christ, our Sun and treasure,
    Giving light and wisdom still,
    Peace and joy in fullest measure!
    See the light! Awake from sleep!
Jesus will His promise keep!"

*Thank you Stacie C. for posting this hymn in the comments below (source)
Post A Comment

75 comments:

  1. Jeff - you are a blessing to me my friend. The knowledge of His soon return has changed what I pray for and how I ask. Most will be shocked and undone at the reality of His presence. We do not seek some undefined presence, but we seek Him and soon there He will be face-to-face. 1 John 3:1-3 - when we see Him, we will be like Him.

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    1. Hi Alla! Amazing to hear from you. I hope you are doing well.

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    2. hey Miguel ! hey Alla ! much love, tony

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    3. Hi brother Tony. Awesome to see you here too!

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    4. Thanks Jeff, I learned from that lesson, and it was comforting and encouraging.

      Titus 2:13
      Hebrews 10:37

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    5. Great thanks for your prayer, my very beloved Brother Tony! Much Blessings! I miss you really!

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  2. Thanks Jeff. You are such a blessing to us all.

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  3. Now this is amazing brother. The implications are HUGE.

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  4. For good measure, God encoded the word "rapture" in a most unique way in the Old Testament book of Malachi. In this verse of scripture we read these interesting words (the same portion that Jeff mentioned in the article) …

    “Then they that feared (reverenced) the LORD spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared (reverenced) the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him (Malachi 3:16-17).

    Clearly, God intends to spare us from going through the tribulation period as clearly pointed out in this scripture. It's quite telling indeed to see it encoded on this particular passage of scripture. A Jewish fella named Yacov Rambsel had discovered this years ago in his work with the Bible codes.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKZM50yUX8

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    1. SO BEAUTIFUL ,.... over the rainbow, TY brother

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    2. #End Time - Great Youtube: "Bible Codes with Yacov Rambsel" - Thanks for Recommending it - I learned from it....

      Here is another one that goes along with Yacov's point -

      Youtube: Beth Resh Aleph - The Very First Bible Code

      https://youtu.be/7IzQYwa3CQI

      Supporting The Trinity and Creation in the first three words of the Bible

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  5. Malachi 3:7-11 is one of my favorite God promises that keeps my faith connection.
    It has a blessing and a curse connected to it.
    Jesus told all the contributors in the Temple as they were putting into the Treasury out of there surplus but this poor woman put in more than all of you, she put in all She had.

    And even in the Temple in the wilderness God put the table of Shew bread in very high standing.

    Twelve loaves of bread. And, they had to be replenished every week. One loaf from each tribe, with frankincense. Is not Christ, the living bread. He was the living bread from God out of heaven. That was the manna, that came down from heaven.

    But, out of what He gave them, He expected they bring Him a loaf from each tribe every week. It was an offering from the people out of their store to Him. And, it had to be brought with frankincense. The symbol of joy, cheerfulness and sweetness. They gladly would bring it every week. He wanted that frankincense demonstration that they recognized that He was the provider. By the way, it was inside the curtain, and nobody but the priest could see it, this was a secret place.

    I'm just saying if you want to get Gods attention, start giving Gods way!

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  6. Great article! Thanks for this teaching! I always love seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.

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    1. Hi Jenny

      Just wanted to know what is AOB?

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    2. Abomination of Desolation - occurs midway into the Tribulation and is the beginning of the Great Tribulation when the Jews are told to flee into the mountains (Petra).

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    3. Abomination of Desolation is when Anti-Christ sets himself up as god to be worshipped in the newly rebuilt temple.

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    4. Thank you Jenny

      And you are absolutely right, The Anti-Christ gets possessed by the demon from the pit for the last 3½ yrs.

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    5. I did post a comment in the "vexed by the text woman topic" about the woman and the hiding place in the wilderness. Its quite the touching scene. And there is more to say about that but another time.

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  8. Wonderful article, thank you. Just a small point that I am thinking about...This "peculiar possession" or "son" that is a reference to the Church makes an interesting link to the Woman clothed with the Sun who gives birth to a "male child" which we commonly know is the Church. What is a male child if not a "son" and certainly a cherished possession to the parent. Plus we also know that the Church is and will primarily be Gentiles again we have that cross reference of a "foolish nation" or indeed a "peculiar possession" or as Peter so aptly said "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession."

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  9. I've always loved reading Isaiah 60. I think it flows with this article.

    Isaiah 60
    1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
    2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
    3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of THY RISING.
    ....
    8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

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    1. Superb connection there. That's an eye-opener.

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    2. Yeah USCG_Vet, wow! That's impossible to unsee. Thanks!

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    3. And those verses make me want to sing Handel's "Messiah!"

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  11. Therefore, the Church, who is the "foolish nation" and "not-a-people" of Deut. 32:21, can also be identified as God's people by the very same terms as Israel. In fact, it's entirely fitting and ironic for the nation that God uses to make Israel jealous and angry to be called a "son" and a "treasured possession."
    _____

    You can see this in the Parable of the Prodigal son.

    Most people reflect on the son (foolish and younger - Gentiles/Church) returning home, but skip the lesson about the attitude, character, jealousy and anger of the elder son (who is Israel).

    How he hates his brother, is jealous of the Father's compassion and mercy shown to the younger brother, how he leaves the celebration from inside, how he rejects the Father's plea for him to return to the celebration.

    He even despises his Father, and is prideful in thinking that things should go his way by his will, and rejects the Father's wisdom and will.

    Jesus had (has) other sheep not of this fold (Israel). :)

    Jesus also hinted about the resurrection and Rapture when replying to Martha at Lazarus's resurrection...

    He who believes in Me, though he dies, yet shall he live - (Resurrection)
    And He who lives and believes in me shall never die - (Rapture)

    The Church (Body) and the rapture are hinted at all through OT scripture, and hindsight is only 20/20 (2020? Hmmm...)

    And that Isaiah 60 reference USCG_Vet... Oh my! Nice! :) <3

    🚫 🍇

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    Foxman on the Wall

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    1. 3. That which is acquired, a possession, property

      Akin to "Redemption" in the merchant context...

      Something or someone is purchased for a price. later the new owner comes to "redeem" that purchase by taking it or them home.

      - The someone was us who believe and have faith in Him.
      - The Price of course was His legal and sufficient shedding of His blood on the cross.
      - His receipt is the marks on His body, His resurrection, and dowry of the Holy Spirit to seal us.
      - His return for what is His at final redemption is our completion and our going home.

      🚫 🍇

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      Foxman on the Wall

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  12. What a blessing, brother Jeff. Your thoughtful and detailed study has really lifted my spirit. What a gift we have in the written word and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit! Thank you for this.

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  13. Jeff that was above n beyond! excellent* \o/ Shalom ~

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  14. In the book of Revelation, the woman of chapter 12, is the Nation Israel, and we have come to the point where Satan is about ready to be cast down to the earth, which signals the start of the second three and a half years, the rule of Satan's power directly upon the earth. The Little Horn has come to full power; He is now Antichrist! - The false deliverer - who brought security and a temple to the Jews - now turns on them.
    And a place was prepared for her in the wilderness where she would be visited by God, and pleaded with, face to face, as it was in the time of the Pharaoh; Edom, Moab and Ammon.
    Antichrist sends an army after them, but, as in the time of the Pharaoh (this time it's the earth that opens up) the earth opens up, swallows up the horde and delivers them out of his hands. And they stay there, in their place, for three and a half years.
    Daniel 12 takes us to the time this final period begins, and tells us what Michael is doing: And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince of thy people (the Jews), during a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people (the Jews) shall be delivered, - what time? when Michael stands up.
    That means that "thy people" are on the scene. Michael is looking out for the Jews. They're on the scene, and at that time (when Michael stands up), "thy people" will be delivered - who? - everyone that is written in the book. A specific bunch. Not all the Jews, a very specific bunch of Jews. Those that are written in that book.
    This event, when Michael stands up, turns loose a time of trouble such as was never seen before on this earth. For how long? Three and a half years, when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
    Turn to Revelation 12. The context of Daniel gives this chapter understanding.
    There appeared a great wonder - again, this is a symbol/sign - in heaven. A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
    And there appeared another wonder - sign/symbol - in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven head and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. - it's Satan being symbolized here, who really was the ruler over all the seven kingdoms that had oppressed Israel. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them down to earth; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

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  15. And she brought froth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and his throne.
    Probably there has never been a passage written in God's book with as much confusion generated as this one. I've read, in no less than the prestigious Pulpit Commentary, where the commentator says: "It's clear that this man child is Christ." No it isn't clear at all, that the man child is Christ!
    The also say, "it's clear that the woman is the church." No it isn't clear, that the woman is the Church! The Church is already in heaven at this point, and this isn't the way the Church comes back. The Church comes back with Jesus, riding on that white horse, coming back to execute judgement.
    What is clear is that the woman is not the Church, the woman is Israel! Likewise, the man child is not Christ. The hang up is that the man child rules with a rod of Iron.
    There are several categories of redeemed saints. There are the Raptured Church, the Saints, the twenty four elders, including those that are raised in Christ along with the children of faith from throughout scripture, that are taken in by the righteousness of faith, that will rule and reign throughout eternity. They're up there.
    There's the 144,000 - you check at 14:1, you find that they're up there, with the name written in their foreheads. And we know that the 144,000 are those sealed in their foreheads, so those demon locusts from the pit can recognize them, so they won't hurt them through the blowing of the trumpets.
    We know the tribulation saints and martyrs are up there. They're going to rule throughout all eternity. The Old Testament Saints and the New Testament Saints, that rule as the children of faith, comprising the Church, and the 144,000 are there and come back to reign.
    Rod of Iron simply means authority to rule, and it doesn't limit it to Christ.

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  16. This man child is not Jesus, and is not the Church. Jesus wasn't born during the tribulation. This is a tribulation event. This is the period that occurs after the seventh trumpet.
    That's the scene, the woman fled into the wilderness, 12:6 - where she had a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there - how long? - a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
    This woman, which is National Israel, the nation restored, the people of Israel that have been brought back out of every nation, that have been suddenly descended upon by Antichrist, by Satan, will have the place prepared in the wilderness that is theirs.
    Antichrist breeches the covenant in the middle of the week and reveals his true colors in the last three and a half years. He's out to destroy Israel. The beast is released out of the pit to empower him, and he's out to destroy Israel. Satan is going to be cast down to the earth, and he's out to destroy Israel. That's the kind of trouble for Israel's people. Everything descends on them.
    Suddenly the Antichrist, who they thought was the peacemaker, who confirmed a covenant with them for seven years, in the middle of the week, he turns on them. Suddenly the beast out of the Abyss is there, and suddenly Satan is there and concentrates every energy on destroying them.

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  17. There is a great day coming folks, we're coming back with Jesus, and let nobody trouble you, as Paul said to the Thessalonians, with rumors that Antichrist had come, for he cannot come to power till there be a catching away first, and he that restrains him, which is the church, will restrain him, until he be taken out of the way, then shall that man of sin be revealed.
    Some say that's the Holy Spirit. Well, they have a right to be wrong. The Holy Spirit is still here. The Holy Spirit empowers the two witnesses; the Holy Spirit gives the strength to the 144,000. God is not ever going to leave - the only place He leaves a vacuum with none of His Spirit is in that bottomless pit, and He holds the key to it.
    Don't have the Holy Spirit disappear - it's the Church! The raptured Saints, and the dead in Christ of all ages that go up with them. But it's the church that restrains Antichrist, the first seal can't open until the Lord says "Come up hither", as He said to John in the 4th Chapter.
    Then come the seven seals, and the seven trumpets, and when the seventh trumpet comes, up goes the man child, the 144,000. Then comes the three and a half years, and that great northern army, will descend, as we have seen, the woman will flee to the wilderness, a remnant will be persecuted and as they gather in Megiddo, the Lord will come with thousands of His Saints to execute judgment, then comes millennium and Satan and all of his bunch are back into that bottomless pit for a 1000 years, but we are still not done with that northern army.

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    1. Gregg,
      I read your comments several times over for clarity but would appreciate a bit more clarification. You stated that when the seventh trumpet comes, then comes the three and a half years with the great northern army. Are you saying the three and a half years after the seventh trumpet are the great tribulation? The seventh trumpet sounding in Rev. 11:15-17 announces the beginning of the kingdom of Christ. The great tribulation is the three and a half years of the reign of the antichrist. Those two kingdoms reigning concurrently doesn't seem plausible. Am I misreading your comments?
      Thanks

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    2. Hi Robert

      And thanks for the question, at first glance it does seam to be contradictory. obviously the two cannot coexist and it forces us to look for solutions.

      They are voices and announcements of what is to come, and the 3rd woe is in Rev 12:12 the devil is cumming with great wrath!

      Rev11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

      When Jesus does come at the end of the last 3½ years He sets up His Kingdom.

      I hope that helps!

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  19. Can I talk about the WOMEN now?

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  20. Gregg....I am waving my hand and want to read your thoughts on the WOMEN!

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    1. Hi StanFoster

      Ok here we go!

      Why Edom, Moab and Ammon?
      Revelation 12:14.
      This woman, that is Israel, fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there, three and a half years; a thousand two hundred and three score days.
      Vs.14: 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 a half a time, from the face of the serpent.
      And the Dragon will breathe out a force of men to pursue them, and the earth will swallow them up as the Jews flee into Edom, Moab and Ammon, because the Antichrist didn't conquer that area by reason of them being delivered out of his hands. Just as they were delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh at the Red Sea crossing.
      If you ever travel to the holy land, go down to Bozrah and Petra. That's the area. Isaiah sees the end in Isaiah 63: Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? The answer comes back: I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me.
      Those Israelites were not there to fight for their deliverance. God comes in the person of His son, and He wipes out Antichrist. Bozrah in Edom is that hidden place.
      Go to Isaiah 16:1-6. Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. For it shall be , that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon. Take counsel, execute judgement; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.
      Let mine outcast dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.
      God gives a warning way back there in the 16th chapter of Isaiah. To the people of Moab - stay on the alert, because if my people ever show up on your borders, running from the spoiler, hide them! That's your hope Moab! He goes on to say: We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, everyone shall howl:
      And it's as though He's saying: if you ever see my people running into your territory, receive them, because the end is at hand - your salvation!
      Edom, Moab and Ammon are her place - the woman, as God looks out for is own.

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    2. Go to Isaiah 26:20,21 - Come my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord commeth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain.
      This is all part of the hiding away. You ought to have it written in the margin of your Bible. Read Isaiah 63:1-6 again. I have it written in the margin of my Bible, right along side of the 14th verse of the 12th chapter.
      Isaiah 63:1-5, I quoted it earlier: Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?(same as Petra - it's Edom) this that is glorious in his apparel, travailing in the greatness of his strength. I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and
      thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
      I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed has come.
      What am I saying? God provided a place for them in the wilderness.
      His vengeance on these people is in Psalms 60:8-12 - Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? And thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?
      Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
      Who will lead me into Edom? That's a Messianic Psalm, Read Ezekiel 20:33-38 - write that down in the margin also.
      As I live, saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you: and I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.
      And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the lord God.
      And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.

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    3. Go on, read it clear through to the 44th verse. This passage, like the others is taking them into Edom.
      Go to Hosea 2:14-20 - Therefore, behold, I will allure here, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her vineyards, from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.
      (They sing because the army that comes out of the mouth of the Dragon is swallowed up by the earth.)
      And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.
      For I will take a way the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beast of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.
      I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgement, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.
      Satan, and the beast out of the pit empowering Antichrist will never conquer, Edom, Moab and the children of Ammon because God just threw a ring around that bunch, and way back in the Old Testament he said: when you see our people show up on your borders, you had better receive them.
      And with wings like an eagle, before that seventh trumpet blows, and the vials of God's wrath pour out, that woman is going to flee into the wilderness prepared for her, and she will stay there through the storm, and Jesus will visit them there and will come with dyed garments from Bozrah, in that vision seen by Isaiah.
      As He comes with His saints to deliver that woman that's been hid for a time, times and a half a time - 3 and a half years she hides in the wilderness - Ammon, Moab and Edom.
      God not only writes the broad history of the world, empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia, Roman, and a reconstituted kingdom of Antichrist, he writes the history of His little nest in the wilderness.
      That even though this olive branch had to be lopped off, and even though they have been faithless, and crucified the son of glory, in the time of His wrath, He has a hiding place for them to escape to.
      We are all beneficiaries of God's grace, that's why you don't have to worry about finding a place to hide in the wilderness - the Church will be gone when this happens.

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    4. Here's a link to "The End Times According to Isaiah" from Grace Through Faith:
      https://gracethrufaith.com/end-times-prophecy/the-end-times-according-to-isaiah-part-1/
      * * * * *
      It was one of Jack's longest articles - 13 parts - and takes a bit of time to get through.
      He parses it out pretty much verse by verse, and includes additional history and Biblical commentary - a very interesting and timely read.
      He discusses the meanings behind the "branches" relative to the tribes of Israel and on the throne, delves into Christ's kingship via his genealogy through both Mary and Joseph, and much more - as said, it's a loooong series.
      Anyway, I thought I'd post the link for those who want to get into it further.

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  21. Gary, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of comment from P. Rich or anyone else. I wonder why. LOL.

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  22. All I did was defend myself. What about the "invalidating comments" toward me. I called some of you knuckleheads is that why? Wow, how thin skinned is that. I was banned because your core beliefs are threatened by me. Fig tree generation, End time prophecy, life after death, the trinity. You guys are scared to death of me and thats too bad because thats not what I want but sometimes the truth isnt sunshine and lollipops. For example, endless rapture possibilities based on irrelevant stupidity. Getting peoples hopes up with one rapture date to the next. Its sick and you should stop it immediately.

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  23. Jeff,

    An inspired study!

    You shared, "So, how is it that God (YHWH) can send and also be the Lord (Adon) and Messenger who is sent?"

    If I may expand on that?

    May I direct our attention to (Isaiah 57),

    14 And it shall be said,

    "Build up, build up, remove
    every obstruction from my
    people's way."

    15 For thus says the One
    who is high and lifted up,
    who inhabits eternity,
    whose name is Holy:

    "I dwell in the high and
    holy place, and also with
    him who is of a contrite
    and lowly spirit, to revive
    the spirit of the lowly,
    and to revive the heart of
    the contrite."

    (Isaiah 57:14-15 ESV)


    Here we see one answer to the question, "So, how is it that God (YHWH) can send and also be the Lord (Adon) and Messenger who is sent?" Who is this messenger that is sent by God who is God?

    His messenger is Jesus and Jesus is the LORD, "יהוה" or as you say YHWH.

    John was the messenger sent in advance of Jesus. Jesus is the messenger sent in advance of the LORD. Who is the LORD? We are given a glimpse into that through Moses,

    2 God spoke to Moses and
    said to him,

    "I am the LORD."

    3 "I appeared to
    Abraham, to Isaac, and to
    Jacob, as God Almighty,
    but my name the LORD I
    did not make myself known
    to them."

    (Exodus 6:2-3 ESV)


    This is the One who is to come,

    12 "Behold, I am coming soon,
    bringing my recompense with me,
    to repay each one for what he
    has done."

    13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega,
    the first and the last, the
    beginning and the end."

    RED LETTERS (Revelation 22:12-13 ESV)


    ...His testimony continues,

    16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel
    to testify to you about these
    things for the churches. I am
    the root and the descendant of
    David, the bright morning star."

    RED LETTERS (Revelation 22:16 ESV)


    The messenger (angel) and the One to come are One for the LORD is One,

    4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD
    our God, the LORD is one."

    5 "You shall love the LORD
    your God with all your heart
    and with all your soul and
    with all your might."

    (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 ESV)


    Indeed, "[t]he LORD our God, the LORD is one." Thus the messenger and the message are one. Father, Son, Holy Spirit -- three-in-one.

    The inexpressible Name by which we know יהוה, the LORD, is Jesus. It is He who came bearing a new word of the lips to those of a contrite heart and humble spirit. That word is "Peace",

    18 I have seen his ways,
    but I will heal him;
    I will lead him and restore
    comfort to him and his
    mourners,

    19 creating the fruit of the
    lips. Peace, peace, to the
    far and to the near," says
    the LORD, "and I will heal him."

    (Isaiah 57:18-19 ESV)


    Rest in His perfect peace. The peace only Jesus brings to the broken hearted. The peace only Jesus brings to the humble and lowly in spirit.

    Only in Christ do we have peace. Peace with God is abiding faith in Christ Jesus. In Christ alone will we find peace.

    Rest in that peace this day and everyday. Take heart that His peace endures forever and is made to be shared with those who are yet far off, lost and alone. Share that peace with those you meet. Share that peace to the glory of the LORD for He gave you this word that it be taught to those who are yet to understand its power.

    Why?

    Because we are the messenger, messengers sent by the LORD and before the LORD. Wholly indwelt messengers, temples of flesh to the Living God, sent before Him to proclaim liberty! The wild olive branch grafted into the cultivated olive. We too bear the message,

    Jesus is the peace of the LORD.

    "The LORD our God, the LORD is one."

    Blessings, always!


    PR

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  24. Well Gary, it looks like my comments are getting to you after all. Pastor Rich the Pious one finally got off his ass and said something after almost a week. As usual its all sanctimonious gobbeldegook which is not written to us but that doesnt matter does it? It makes you all feel warm and fuzzy dont it?

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  25. PAVING THE WAY FOR ANNEXATION?

    Why was there a massive explosion near Tehran in Iran?

    Quoting, JPost,

    "A massive explosion near Tehran lit up the sky on Thursday night, so brightly that it looked like the sun for a split second. Iran’s official story is that a gas storage facility had a minor accident and no one was harmed. It was “fortunate,” Iran’s official account says. Nothing to be concerned about. Video shows a small pipe had burst open and exploded.

    Iran’s own Press TV showed the glowing explosion. There is a lot of speculation that the facility that exploded is more than just a gas leak. It has links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and missiles. Others suggested it has links to a nuclear facility and the military. Villages near the facility were likely affected and residents may know more. All of this points to a questionable incident."


    AN OBSERVATION

    It's hard to say from the videos floating around on the web if any of them are authoritative to the event? It's a known fact that military and research facilities are in the region in question -- so it stands to reason that in the current political climate we may be witness to cyber attacks on such facilities. In light of the pending annexation of Judea and Samaria might we expect such attacks to pre-empt or even suppress kinetic attacks by the ruling Iranian government?

    One has to wonder.

    We do know that Israel has/does/will conduct pre-emptive attacks when direct threats to the State and people of Israel are found. Reconnaissance satellites likely already have answers. Is it within the power of the US or Israel to conduct operations of this type?

    Absolutely.

    Stay tuned and keep looking UP!

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    1. A POTENTIALLY RELATED STORY

      Iran: Amazing qualities of our new long-range ballistic missiles

      Quoting, JPost,

      "How did Iran's Missile Corps succeed in creating a three-stage rocket called Qased or 'messenger' that shot a military satellite into orbit in April? That is the question that both US policymakers, governments in the Middle East and Iran’s own media want to know. A special report at Iran’s Tasnim news included a 3,000 word discussion about how the country’s missile and rocketry experts put the satellite into orbit – and what it means for the Islamic Republic’s long-range missile program.

      The Iranian decision to launch the Noor satellite into orbit on April 22 has led to major concerns in Washington and has been slammed by Israel and the US. That the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force was behind the launch leads to questions about the real reason for it: Was it to illustrate increasing ballistic missile capabilities?"

      Circumstantial evidence pointing toward a cyber attack on Iranian technology and/or military infrastructure?

      Again, one may wonder.

      Regardless, we are watching for the Day! These types of tremors are but precursors to the LORD taking the safety OFF before He actually pulls the trigger.



      Delete
  26. Hey... A further verse on this 'Who is this One sent by God, who is God?' theme...

    A personal favorite is:

    Zec 2:10-11 Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you, declares the LORD. Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty (or LORD of Hosts) has sent me to you.

    So it says that the LORD/Yahweh will come and dwell among us, and the LORD/Yahweh of Hosts sent Him! Yahweh sending Yahweh to live among us? It's a good verse for JW's! Only makes sense within the trinity and the Lord Jesus being God, the great I AM who came to dwell with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BINGO! Indeed that is a good verse for JW's. I'm gonna add that one to my ready toolkit. Thank you for that Elgordo!

      Delete
    2. Might be a squeeze... I would say your toolkit is already pretty full PR! : )

      The good thing about this verse with JW's is that they haven't changed it in their New World (won't say version or translation) so it still has Jehovah coming and dwelling with us and Jehovah sending Him.

      I have run it past some JW's in the past and only really get 'um... hmmm... argh... we'll get back to you!'

      Delete
    3. ...you just answered my next question. Had the JW changed this verse in their version? The JW stopped coming by my door since I shared with them I am a STRONG Trinitarian. I think they marked our home as a *hopeless* cause.

      Delete
    4. Pastor Rich....We get hit with JW once in awhile. I state right upfront to them "I have had 15 units of blood transfusion one time, and 11 units another time...so according to your teachings I am doomed to eternity in hell, so please dont waste your time on me. They always immediately leave just as if I were satan himself.

      Delete
  27. Just some thoughts -

    I had posted the following comment on this site back in fall of 2017:
    "To follow up on my previous comment. Daniel Matson appears to have solved Newton’s riddle in his recent article. Remember, the number of weeks of years was 62 + 7 + 1 = 70. If the “7” weeks is 49 years leading up to the Jubilee, then the final “+1” IS the Jubilee. So why is the Jubilee 7 years in duration instead of 1?

    Leviticus 26: 21-24 states “21 “‘If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve. 22 I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children, destroy your cattle and make you so few in number that your roads will be deserted.
    23 “‘If in spite of these things you do not accept my correction but continue to be hostile toward me, 24 I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins seven times over.”

    The Jubilee is multiplied 7 times because Israel failed to observe the Jubilee historically. This is analogous to the Babylonian captivity, where failure to observe the Shemitah cycle resulted in 70 years of punishment.

    I contend again, that in the time leading up to a Jubilee observance, Trumpets was extended to be a full 10 days, and ended on the 10th day of the 7th month. There is no sounding of the trumpet during a normal Atonement observance. The Feasts occur in a fixed cycle. If Atonement is not observed, then Tabernacles cannot follow. The cycle is suspended until Atonement is observed at the end of the Jubilee. This is completely consistent with the sequential and precise fulfillment of the first four Feasts. It is also consistent with the description of the terrible day of the Lord, where he crushes the rebellious nations like grapes in the Valley of Decision. Tabernacles then follows, and is celebrated annually during the millennial reign."

    Looking at this year, the most likely New Moon for the Trumpets observance is 9/17/2020. Jewish holidays begin at sunset, so that takes us to sunset 9/16/2020. Adding 10 days takes us to 9/26/2020. Adding 1290 days to 9/26/2020 (from Daniel 12), takes us to 4/8/2024. This just happens to be the date of the next total solar eclipse across North America, completing the "X" of judgment on Babylon. I believe the USA is the Babylon of Revelation 18. Going back to 9/17/2020, if you add 2550 days you land on 9/11/2027, which is the projected date for Atonement that year. This means the Jubilee would begin on 9/26/2020, and the final Atonement would occur on 9/11/2027 at the Second Coming. The Abomination of Desolation would coincide with the eclipse of 4/8/2024.

    Just some thoughts, and by no means is this a "prediction" or an attempt at date-setting. I think it does bear some thoughtful reflection and consideration.

    With love,

    Maranatha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your model has many familiar features. You have placed the 1,290 at the beginning of the seven years while my model places it after the mid-point. My mid-point AoD is Easter, 2024, seven days after Passover and seven days before GASE 2.0.

      Very similar models.

      Do you have suggested dates for the two-witnesses? My model suggests their ministry begins with Simchat Torah on M7D23, 23 Tishri, Saturday/Sunday, October 10/11, 2020 and concludes with M1D13 (Erev Pesach), 14 Adar II, 5784 (Purim), Saturday/Sunday, March 23/24, 2024 (Penumbral lunar eclipse -- seven days prior to Easter Sunday, 2024). Dates are Spiritual (Torah calendar), Civil (Chabad calendar) and Gregorian calendar respectively.

      The two-witnesses would be raise 3-1/2 days later during Wednesday/Thursday, March 27/28, 2024 or Pesach III by the Spiritual calendar.

      Please forgive any typos above. I'm working very late tonight!

      Blessings

      PR

      Delete
    2. Pastor

      I'm not sure about specific dates for the two witnesses. Their ministry would likely fit within the 10/26/2020 - 4/8/2024 timeframe, which is 1260 days.

      One thing about the Jubilee idea though, is that it may explain the "shortening" of the time of Jacob's trouble. If the sequence is actually (in days) 10 + 30 + 1260 + 1250, then the final "three and one half times" is shortened by 10 days due to the "ten days of awe" leading up to the Jubilee observance. It's kind of like the clock stops for 10 days as Trumpets is extended during the days of awe. The last trumpet is then blown on the 10th day to kick off the Jubilee observance. Since this is the final Jubilee, it is extended 7 times, as it is no longer a blessing for Israel but a punishment.

      If this is correct, the rapture could occur anytime between now and 9/26/2020. The remaining feasts would be fulfilled as markers indicating the start and completion of Daniel's 70th week. Trumpets kicks it off, and Atonement completes it. The next Tabernacles observance would not be until AFTER the tribulation, and then annually for the next thousand years during the millennial reign.

      This is just a model, and could be completely wrong. It is interesting though, as it permits sequential fulfillment of the three remaining feasts independent of the rapture, and satisfies the requirements of the final Jubilee observance. It also explains the significance of the 4/8/2024 eclipse, while linking back to the 8/21/17 eclipse and the Revelation 12 sign.

      Currently no one knows when the Jubilee is, because it was not observed historically and the timing was lost.

      Maybe someone will run with this line of thinking. My current situation does not permit me to launch my own ministry.

      With love,

      ES

      Delete
    3. Interesting. The Jubilee is another critical aspect especially in light of (Genesis 6:3) if one considers 120-years of man as 120-Jubilee of years or 6,000-years. That fits well inside of the Essene calendar.

      If looking back from 2026/2027 6,000 years you arrive in the era when a, if not the, closest match to the Great Sign is found in 3974 BC. The model I have for this is rather general tied to years not days so is due for an upgrade. It does make an interesting suggestion in light of (Genesis 6:3) and the days of man.

      Thank you for sharing!

      Delete
    4. https://design-of-time.com/chronoj.htm#:~:text=The%20cited%20years%20of%20457,in%20the%20year%20422%20BCE.

      Link to the Design of Time and an article on the Chronology of the Jubilee Years.
      Skip down to the part about the Second Temple for possible Jubilee dates.

      I have not read all the site, but the parts I have are interesting and tie in with your comments regarding the Jubilees years.

      Delete
    5. From the same site:
      "The last time a jubilee year was officially celebrated in Judea may then have been as late as about the year 122 BCE--and no later. If not as late as the year 122 BCE then a jubilee year would more certainly have been celebrated prior to the time of the Jewish revolt. From this premise, a jubilee year may have been celebrated in Judea about the year 172 BCE (give or take the span of a year)."

      "If a jubilee year was celebrated in this modern era--as a projection of jubilees celebrated in the Temple Era--it is probable that the next jubilee year would correspond to about the year 2029 CE (+ or - 1 year). Due to some uncertainty inherent in the assumptions currently made and due to the antiquity of the cited source material, the current analysis should be considered to be very speculative."

      Gotta read through the entire article (backed up with sources).

      Delete
    6. I should also note that according to JEWISH law, "...the Jubilee is only observed when all twelve tribes of the Jewish nation are living in Israel..." (Chabad.org)

      Delete
    7. You are correct, Jenny. The Jubilee is kept when all the tribes of Israel live in the land. The whole puzzle is rather like a Rubix Cube. Lots of moving pieces and they only line-up one way. That's why it is such a rewarding study -- it presses you and challenges you and along the way you get to learn a few things!

      Thanks for the link -- will be checking it out shortly!

      PR

      Delete
    8. Interestingly, if 2020 A.D. is a jubilee year, then every A.D. year ending in either 20 or 70 would also be a jubilee year. 1970 would have been the most recent. This would include 20 A.D. and 70 A.D. If born in 3 B.C., Jesus would have been 23 years old in 20 A.D. His entire ministry would have fit within the 20 A.D. - 70 A.D. jubilee cycle. The Temple was destroyed and the diaspora began in 70 A.D.

      Also, if you subtract 3 years from these years, you land on some interesting times. This would include 2017, 1967, 1917, 1867, etc.

      Delete
  28. Thanks for the great article, I love Malachi.Made me recall noticing again earlier this week while reading gospel of John, how our Lord 1st called his deciples, told them to follow him and went within days went to a wedding, and made perfect flavored wine from water. Also your article reminded me to sing a favorite hymn to help ready my anxious heart. Called "Arise, For the Light Cometh" written abt 1830 AD. It asks...Watchman is the day afar?...see the morning light is beaming..(not in this order) through the dark clouds light is streaming. Jesus makes his promise right, Jesus makes his promise right. etc (Zions Harp) There is even a verse for those rising first. Love it. Love being able to come to this site and read such wonderful articles. Thank you so very very much everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for this very good bible study. A good wonderful reminder for everyone who is longing for the appearing of our great God & Savior Jesus Christ and a warning for those who are still not awake. May the Lord finds us all faithful though.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Below is a link to an audio presentation by Carl Gallups, regarding his study about the long held belief that a Third Temple in Jerusalem is prophetically necessary. He presents a compelling case that it simply isn’t biblical, after extensive study of the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. He’s not dogmatic, and concedes that it could well happen, but it’s NOT a prophetic necessity.

    I find it very liberating, and that it opens a new vista of possibilities for these End Times. The presentation lasts 53 minutes, and I think it’s time well spent.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFWHwML9Leo

    DW

    ReplyDelete


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