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Jesus Is On The Way



A revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave to Him to show to His servants what things must quickly come to pass; and He signified [it], having sent through His messenger to His servant John, who testified [to] the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as many things as he also saw.  Blessed is he who is reading, and those hearing the words of the prophecy, and keeping the things written in it, for the time is near! (Rev. 1:1–3, LSV)



There are three great lies told about the Book of Revelation.  The first is that the things contained therein are only to be taken figuratively and allegorically.  To the contrary, the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming were fulfilled literally and to the letter.  The second is that the prophecies in the book were already fulfilled since it was recorded that these things “must quickly come to pass.”  When God says quickly He means quickly.  But soon to man is not soon to God (2 Pt. 3:8–9).  And third, that these prophecies are only for some far-off generation in the distant future.  No.  These prophecies point squarely to this very generation in which we now live—the final generation that will witness the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.


Given the nearly 2,000 years that have transpired since the words were first penned on papyri, it is tempting for a Christian to believe any or all of these lies, but they shouldn’t.  God has had a perfect track record in times past, and His word will only prove out just as perfectly in the times shortly to come.






Super-Imminency


A clarification on the doctrine of imminency: this is a doctrine that my fellow pre-tribbers emphasize, and rightly so, but it is often defined in a confusing, even misleading way, as that Jesus could return “at any moment.”  Sometimes this is taken to an extreme to mean that there are no signs to occur or prophecies to be fulfilled before Jesus removes the Church from the earth.  Ironically, there are some who are even watching for and calling out signs while simultaneously defining imminency in this way.  This causes confusion and is misleading some.


There is growing confusion because some are teaching that Jesus can come “at any moment” and that nothing else needs to happen before the rapture, while simultaneously pointing to various prophetic signs that have transpired over the course of this present dispensation, such as the gospel being preached in every nation and the rebirth of Israel in 1948.  That is not a coherent message.


When we search the Scriptures we get a strong sense that the New Testament’s authors had expected Jesus to return very soon.  This constant expectancy is offered as evidence that the disciples did not expect to be hanging around during the extent of the seven-year Tribulation.  That’s right.  That’s good.  Scripture does teach expectancy and imminency.  But it does not teach randomness.  “Any moment” implies that God is flying by the seat of His pants and hasn’t got this thing figured out yet.  Pardon the bluntness, but that’s absurd.  It’s even out-of-sync with more important doctrines like the omniscience and sovereignty of God.  God has predetermined how everything plays out (Acts 17:24–28; cf. Rm. 8:29–30; 9:6–29) and has already determined the dates and times of every prophetic event (e.g., Acts 1:7; Rev. 9:15).  You better believe almighty, all-knowing God has the rapture planned out.  Not only does He know the day, but He knows the very nanosecond it will occur, for He’s told us in His word that it will occur in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:51–52).  More than that, He’s already told us everything and exactly what will transpire after it occurs.


The idea that the rapture is a signless event, prefaced by nothing, is unsupported by Scripture, and as mentioned above, even contradictory to more essential doctrines about the nature of God.  The rapture will occur at the fixed time the Lord has set for it, and many things have prefaced it, including about half of the New Testament, the gospel being spread all around the world, the rebirth of Israel, and the convergence of signs pointing to the onset of the Tribulation.  We don’t worship a God of arbitrariness.


We need to teach imminency, but we need to teach it correctly.  Etymologically, the word imminent means “to overhang”—in other words, to be so close it’s right on top of you.  It means to be close, soon, about to happen.  It doesn’t mean “to occur at a random time” or “any moment” (see Wiktionary, Merriam-Webster, and Collins).  Notice that Jesus says He is coming soon, which is exactly what the word imminent means (Rev. 1:3; 22:6–7, 12, 20).  He doesn’t say He’s coming at any moment, randomly, or with any permutation of arbitrary arrival.


Besides causing confusion by misdefining the word and introducing contradictions with more important doctrines, some interpretations of the doctrine of imminency also discourage urgency rather than encourage it.  The goal of imminency is of course to create a strong impetus for us to evangelize and live sanctified lives, as well as encourage us with the knowledge that we will soon be with the Lord before all hell breaks loose on earth.  But think about it: if Jesus’ coming was just as relevant to the disciples as it is to us today, because He’s coming “at any moment,” then there is no genuine urgency or building crescendo toward His appearance.  His coming could just as easily be 10,000 years from now as it could have been 2,000 years ago.  That’s not right.  Scripture says our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed and the Day is approaching (Rm. 13:11–12; Heb. 10:25).


1. God declares, and therefore knows, the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10).  Jesus knows, too.  He’s God.  God knows when the rapture will occur.  He planned it Himself.


2. The rapture is imminent to us in three ways: first, because in the grand scheme of things a much greater proportion of history occurred prior to the Church Age than will occur during the Church Age.  The time prior was at least double (4,000 vs. 2,000 years; see how God considers this imminent in 2 Pt. 3:8–10).  Second, because Christ’s coming for the Church precedes the Tribulation and His physical return to Israel.  In other words, because we don’t know exactly how long this dispensation lasts, there actually is a certain sense in which the rapture will occur at any moment from our human vantage point.  The rapture is only the next event to occur when every other necessarily preceding event has transpired, but it is the next major event and we don’t know when exactly it will occur.  We must watch and be ready.  Third, the rapture is imminent to us because it actually isn’t random.  We’re 2,000 years closer to it than the first-century disciples were.


3. In fact, since we are so much closer to it than the disciples were, and because the signs preceding it have clearly and unequivocally converged in the specific day and age in which we live—unlike any other generation—I want to introduce you to the doctrine of super-imminence!  Yes, you heard it here first folks: you happen to be part of the one and only generation in the history of the world that can say that the rapture of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is super-imminent!






Two Prophecy Extremes


It's my observation that Christians tend to fall into two extremes when it comes to watching for the Lord’s return.  The first extreme is the repetitious use of the Olivet Discourse-derived phrase “no man knows the day or hour” devoid of all context and other pertinent Scriptures in an effort to silence and stifle any practical application of the command to watch.  The second extreme is the proclivity to set dates with surety rather than with humble speculation.  We can’t have the prophesied scoffers without the first extreme and we can’t have false prophets without the second.

Just as the two Christian extremes of legalism and lawlessness both subvert the gospel at the same point (atonement), so too these prophecy extremes subvert prophecy at the same point: the command to faithfully watch.  You can’t actually and practically watch as scripturally commanded if you’ve convinced yourself of the first extreme, nor can you faithfully watch if you’ve bought into the second extreme, because you’ve blinded yourself from all other speculative possibilities.

At Unsealed we will continue to speculate about when the Lord might return, because we are actively watching and we believe there is clear scriptural warrant to do so (e.g., Dan. 9:24–27; 12:4–13; Am. 3:7; Mt. 24:42–51; 1 Thess. 5:4; Heb. 10:25; Rev. 1:1–3, 19; 3:3; 4:1; 11:1–3; 12:6, 14; 22:10).  This doesn’t mean we know when exactly He will appear, or even that we think we can know with certainty, but it does mean we are watching in the truest sense of the word.  This watchfulness breeds urgency, and this urgency breeds a great desire to share the gospel that many, many believers lack.  And as long as we continue watching with humility we can also avoid the pitfalls of the second extreme.  Don’t ever put all your hope in a date.  But neither give up in watching, looking, and longing.  Are the signs not painfully obvious now?  And have major prophetic events of the past not occurred on days of incredible significance?  Has the God who numerally pinpointed days in times past suddenly gone silent?  By no means.




Between one-quarter and one-third of the Bible could be directly classified as prophetic in genre.  But when we look deeper, we can find prophetic types, shadows, and themes in just about every passage.  There are literally dozens and dozens of signs listed in Scripture that indicate the nearness of Jesus’ return along with a number of commands to “Watch!” (Matt. 24:42-44, 25:10, 13, Mk. 13:35-37, Lk. 12:37-39, 21:36, Rev. 3:3).

For those of us watching for Jesus’ appearing, what confuses us the most about the ad infinitum repeat of “no one knows the day or hour” (Mt. 24:36; Mk. 13:32) as an argument against actually, practically watching, is why so many Christians base their entire theory of eschatology on just two verses when there are literally dozens of other Scriptures that paint a different picture.  And the verse itself is taken out of context, possibly even mistranslated, and interpreted in such a way that denies the full deity of Jesus Christ.

Firstly, “knows” (οἶδεν in the Greek) is in the perfect tense in Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32.  In other words, “no one has known.”  The perfect tense describes something that was true or completed in the past with continuing effects in the present, but not necessarily true or continuing into the future.  In other words, no one knew the day or hour, Jesus included, before He spoke those words and no one presently knew the day or hour at the time Jesus spoke those words.  However, His statement cannot be taken as a dogmatic statement about whether or not we can know the day or hour in the future.  It’s not in the future tense.  It clearly doesn’t say “no one will know” or “no one will ever know.”  Compare to the future tense of this Greek verb in Hebrews 8:11.  These two verses do not give us enough information to determine whether or not believers in the 21st century can know.  For the answer to that question we need to look to other Scriptures.

Secondly, context is king.  What was Jesus referring to when He uttered the words “no one knows”?  The rapture?  The Abomination of Desolation?  His second coming?  The end of the world?  There are a number of significant prophetic events still to come and blindly applying “no one knows” to just one event (the rapture) seems like a stretch.  The context in the Olivet Discourse could point to any of these events:

1. The rapture.  Some pre-tribulation proponents see Matthew 24:36–51 as applying to the rapture or the general beginning of the Day of the Lord.  This view has fallen out of favor, but if true then the context for “no one has known” might be the rapture.

2. The end of the world.  The verses immediately preceding Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 mention the end of heaven and earth.  This is an event that occurs sometime after Satan’s 1,000-year banishment (Revelation 20:1–21:1).

3. The second coming.  This view is the futurist scholarly favorite for several reasons.  First, because the disciples asked Jesus three questions that have little if anything to do with the rapture: “when will this happen [the destruction of the Second Temple], and what will be the sign of your coming [Jesus’ return to establish the Kingdom] and of the end of the age?” (Matt. 24:3).  Second, because the signs described in the Olivet Discourse seem to describe events during the Tribulation, some types and shadows of which occurred leading up to the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.  Third, because the rapture was not clearly revealed until the Apostle Paul delivered the message to the primarily Gentile Church (1 Cor. 15:51–52; 1 Thess. 4:13–18).

Thirdly, if #1 was the correct context, “no one knows the day or hour” may have been an idiom for the Feast of Trumpets.  Of the seven major feasts of the Lord (Lev. 23), the Feast of Trumpets is the only divine appointment that begins on the new moon.  While the case for this being an actual Jewish idiom is not unquestionably established, the logic behind it is pretty sound.  The first sighting of the waxing crescent of the moon by two witnesses began the Feast of Trumpets.  The sighting cannot be perfectly predicted because of atmospheric conditions and so Yom Teruah (the Feast of Trumpets / Day of Shouting) can begin on either of two days, which is why the Jews celebrate what is supposed to be “the first day of the seventh month” (Lev. 23:23-25) over a two-day period because it is “the day no one knows the day or hour.”

If perhaps Jesus was referring to the rapture event, or all future prophetic events, we still have to come full circle to the translation issue—that this was spoken in the perfect and not present or future tenses.  And we know from Scripture that the exact days and hours of certain future events will be known (e.g., Dan. 9:24–27; 12:4–13; Rev. 3:3; 9:15; 11:1–3; 12:6, 14).  And Jesus will certainly know them.  So the interpretation that “no man knows the day or hour” as a blanket and perpetual statement of truth is fundamentally flawed.  We are not in the darkness and that day will not overtake us as a thief.  If we should watch.

Faith in Jesus and what He accomplished on your behalf is the only thing that will save you from what is coming.  Are you still bearing your sins, or have you accepted that He died for your sins and rose again?  Today is the day of salvation.  You're not promised tomorrow.  Get on the Ark, because the flood is coming.


 A dmit that you're a sinner.

 B elieve that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again.

 C all on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you.



Maranatha.

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67 comments:

  1. Hello to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!
    I have been visiting this site since summer 2017 but have never commented until now. I suddenly feel compelled to tell EACH OF YOU that your articles, music, reference links, and comments have greatly influenced me to spend more time in the Word of God and seeking His still small voice.
    How did I end up at UNSEALED.org? In a nutshell, I have been a firm believer in Jesus Christ since I was 10 years old and even at that young age, I recognized I would “meet Jesus in the clouds”. I felt this way not just because I was a believer, but because I sensed it would occur in my lifetime. (I am now 53.) It wasn’t until my Emmaus walk in Spring 2017 that I turned my full attention back to God and began a much deeper journey into God’s word and returned to my love of eschatology. The Holy Bible can be overwhelming for me, and it was my determination and desire to learn more that led me to UNSEALED.org in Summer 2017.
    During the past 4 years, I have learned as much from the comments posted here as I do the actual articles. I often wait for new articles and when there are none, I go back through many of the comments to see what I may have missed… WHY? I appreciate everyone’s opinion here and everyone’s perspective. EVERYONE has something to contribute and I do read all the comments to absorb and learn all that I can. It is through EACH person’s passion in God and the study of His Word that has transformed the way I continue to pray and study. It has also provided me with the hope and faith I need to face each day.
    Remember, if even one soul becomes closer to God through these Holy Spirit led teachings (as all of you have done for me) then you have accomplished more than words could ever express. So, keep your articles and comments flowing… THEY DO MATTER!!
    Pastor Rich, keep those amazing “models” and timelines coming! I, for one, always look forward to your encouraging words and perspective!
    This site, and each of you, continue to be a true blessing in my life. As we continue to study, share His Word with others, and await His return, I wanted to finally come forth, encourage you, and let you all know how much you mean to me. Heck, If I were as eloquent as everyone here, perhaps I would have commented sooner? Hahaha!!
    I cannot wait to meet each of you, my brothers, and sisters in Christ, in the clouds and at the Lord’s Banquet to worship alongside you and share “Kingdom Cake”! Maranatha!
    In Christian Love,
    Donna B. from South Carolina

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    1. Like you Donna I came to know Christ at an early age as well and always felt I was of the generation that would not feel the sting of death. With all this prophecy convergence I can say with surety we fly soon. I would be 66 this July. Maranatha!

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    2. Donna,

      How awesome it is to have you post! Honestly, you sound quite eloquent and your voice matters so keep your comments, questions and inspirations coming!

      Can't wait to serve you your first piece of Kingdom cake!

      Blessings

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    3. Thanks Donna for sharing that testimony - Jesus is Coming Soon -
      Thanks Gary - you have been a real blessing to me - and i love the way God has gifted you to think - Praise Jesus - He is Coming Soon - and I am going to hold on to this - Only God knows for sure about the day - But i am convinced it will be 2021 - just evaluating the signs etc...it is hard to imagine any scenario that could take us to 2022 - many Bible Code tables have indicated 2021 for Messiah and Redemption and Son of David etc...all in 2021...hopefully Brother Barry and Brother Aaron are right in the speculation about June 25th...or maybe it will be TubeAv..July 19th with Brother Steve's 40 day warning (Jonah sign on Solar Eclipse)...but it will be soon...it will be soon...HalleluJah!!! one more time...THAT GLORIOUS DAY WILL BE SOON...itwasaplan.com it was a plan dot com

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  2. Thank you, Gary! I have been anxiously awaiting the next post since your last article. I am sure others are like me and desperate for Godly content and encouragement as we wait. It is getting SOOO hard just to navigate through "normal life" these days. The spiritual darkness is so thick, it is difficult to engage in the world in any way at all. I am so anxious to go be with Jesus, it is all I can think about - and not because my life is sad - quite the opposite. I have a wonderful family, 3 grandbabies, and my life is full. It just feels so obvious to me that, out of God's mercy and grace, he is stripping more and more away so that, whatever minute joy we were able to find in this world as we wait for his return, is being removed. All eyes on Him. All attention on Him, All energy and joy are to be found only in Him. LET'S GO!!!

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    1. I'm so happy to read your comment...it's exactly how I've been feeling! I've actually felt bad about feeling this way but this makes perfect sense. I'm going out to love on random strangers today and bring light to some people :)

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    2. Thank you for sharing ILH and Monica, it helps for sure. Thought it was just me that felt it was getting harder and harder to navigate through the fog of daily life nowadays, lot of anxiety, seems like it will never end. Hanging onto Jesus Christ knowing He is the only way is the only comfort. God Bless.

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    3. Oh wow!!!

      As I stated above, I have been visiting this site for 4 years, but have only recently made myself known. I am so glad that I did!

      This really hit home for me. Thank you for saying exactly what I struggle with EVERY DAY! So often I look to the skies and clouds and pray for His arrival. I have FAITH that it will be very soon, but often feel anxiousness when I wake up and realize that we are still here yet another day.

      By God’s mercy and grace, I am thankful that my own family knows and believes as well, but I know they get tired of hearing me “rant” about how backwards our world is today (what is good is evil and what is evil is good), the jab, world reset, economy, etc.

      Here, I feel so at home and have been so very blessed by each of you at Unsealed.org and it is nice to know that I truly am not alone anymore as we await our Blessed Hope!

      Maranatha!

      Donna B from South Carolina

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    4. Michael, Ditto! The level of anxiety I'm feeling is tremendous!

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  3. Thank you for your good word. I can’t help but think of Mark 4:24 and Jesus telling us “take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.” I appreciate the good ears and good eyes at Unsealed. The Spirit has used this even-tempered, fruit-filled ministry to encourage many of us as we await The Lord’s calling for us. May the Lord fill you all with Peace Love and Wisdom as we await the Day

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  4. Just a note, Dr. Ken Johnson did a really interesting study on the 12 stringed Nabal, and a potential prophecy.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef72bxbijJs

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    1. His research and writing on the Essene calendar is fascinating and highly recommended!

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. My reply is that I’m not a prophet…I am an interpreter. The Song shows the Bride spends all her time looking for the king!

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    3. I just want to say thank you my brother for this beautiful message! You explained everything so well in your article that I deleted my post because I felt like I was repeating or summarizing your article. I can't wait to see you all in the skies! Maranatha!!!

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  6. I wanted to share another thought that has come to me with regard to watching for dates. First, God put me on a journey to REALLY studying my Bible staring in Nov of 2019. I felt compelled to read whole books, big chunks at a time, in context. Instead of jumping around a chapter here and a chapter there. One of the very first things I noticed is that GOD IS NOT RANDOM and there is pattern after pattern that can be seen over and over throughout the Bible. Based on that, it makes sense to consider certain times as a possibility based on God's patterns that run throughout scripture. I also think watchmen can be made to feel like we shouldnt be so focused on the rapture. I believe that God DELIGHTS in our constant looking for and longing for him!! What parent or spouse wouldnt want to see their loved one waiting at the window and knowing that someone was desperately dreaming and thinking about the day they would be together again! Every little girl dreams and plans about her future husband and her wedding day her whole life! I believe Jesus LOVES that we CAN'T WAIT to be with him! Crown of Righteousness is proof!!

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    1. Yes! We are even promised a crown. For those of us that love His appearing there is promised a crown of righteousness. This signifies that this is something that He WANTS us to do.

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  7. Garry, I've followed unsealed I think from around 2017 when I was focused on the Revelation 12 sign. As the years and events passed and through more personal study I've gone away from the pretrib thought and guess I'm pre wrath now. I've focused on the Olivet Discourse and what Jesus laid out in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17 and 21. And do see the events lining up with the seals of Revelation ch 6 and 7. With the abomination of desolation a key element for me.Even Paul states in 2nd Thessalonians ch 2 that the falling away and the revealing of the man of sin comes first before the day of the Lord. And I feel that Michael is the restrainer cause of Revelation ch 12. What plagued me was how does the Church make herself ready? All I could find is tribulation and persecution. Then Matthew 24:35 and Revelation 14:6 an Angel does our job for us. The rapture comes with the harvest, the 144000 first (1st fruits) starting at Revelation 14:5 This by no means discredits anyone's faith in the hope we have for Christ to return. Our tribulation rapture out look should not divide us as the body of Christ, but strengthen us to constantly watch for our Lord's return. Until Titus 2:13 we need to focus on Titus 2:11-12 and continue to do the work of the Lord John 6:29. Thank you Garry and all at unsealed for the grace you've shown me. Blessings.

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  8. Hi, if “no one knows the day or hour” is used as an argument against watching then clearly that is wrong because, in context, it is used as the actual reason why we do watch.

    Mar 13:32 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
    Mar 13:33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
    Mar 13:34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.
    Mar 13:35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning--
    Mar 13:36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.
    Mar 13:37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!"

    I know I have said something similar before, but to me it is pretty simple. Jesus told us to 'watch' four times in this passage.

    What are we watching for? The masters coming 'from a far country'. For Christian's today that would be the rapture.

    Why do we (his servants) watch? Because we do not know when our master is coming - Jesus emphasized this point three times, in three separate verses (vs 32, 33, 35) in the passage above. And it's in the context of the master returning to his servants (not the eternal state or Heaven and Earth passing).

    We watch because we do not know the day of the rapture (only the general signs and season which we can all see increasing) and want to be found alert and active in His business when He comes. So all date speculation on the rapture should just be held as such - sometimes interesting, sometimes wacky, but simply speculation which so far has a 100% fail rate.

    But could the Master's return from a far country be today? Yes it could. Could it be tomorrow? Yes it could. Our Lord knows the date and it will not be random, but perfect in its timing and precision according to His wisdom and understanding. But He hasn't told us the date of His return so we continue to do what He said... "Watch", "stay alert", and be about His work. :)

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    1. @Elgordo - some good points you have made...

      https://prayat316.com/rapture-songs - 75 rapture songs -

      pray for those who will soon be left behind -

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  9. Thank you Gary and all the team. I too look for updates all the time. One day we'll be "updated" right into the heavenly kingdom and will wonder why we ever complained about these trials and tribulations which will never again come to mind. I love being part of the watching family and feel like it will be such a grand reunion one day soon. I thank you for your balanced and thoughtful and hope inspiring posts that are keeping us going until we hear the trumpet call.
    Love in Christ,
    Megan

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  10. Pastor Rich, you mentioned that you might not be onboard with the separation of Shavuot and Pentecost. But they commemorate two different things. One, the giving of the Law; and two, the giving of the Spirit. Have we wrongly collated the two? Does that affect the timeline? Very possibly. (I don't claim to know the answer.)

    I've also wondered at some of the Kingdom Theologies that hold the belief that Jesus actually did come to the Earth as a man to CONCLUDE the End Times, during His first visit. Of course, being rejected by the Hebrews, God saw fit to PAUSE the clock, and the Hebrews were forced to stay in the wilderness for a time multiplied by a time . . . a repeat of what happened when the clock was paused before they entered the Promised Land the first time.

    That holds a lot of validity to me, and answers a few questions. If it were true, it should be no surprise that God KNEW this would happen, and had a "rolling" plan in place. We could assume without much doubt, that both timelines would have worked His will and prophecies to perfection. And we could assume that some of these layered events in the OT/NT will have complex intricacy.

    What a puzzle! What an adventure!

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    1. ...and thus the reason why we dig. The events of (Acts 2:1-4) occurred on Shavuot. Our Bibles call this day Pentecost which is detailed by God through (Leviticus 23:15-23).

      I have no doubt as to *layering* of events but also keep in mind the grafting that is taking place. Jew and Gentile. One in Christ. Christ is the full expression of the Law and Jesus is the complete fulfilment of the Law. A separate day for Shavuot and a day for Pentecost are not required when we examine the day as one but seen from different perspectives.

      It's like looking at light shining through a diamond. Turn the stone and we see how a change of perspective brings out new features not seen through our previous viewpoint. One stone, one light, different features shining through but all shown through the lens of the gem stone.

      This is the way that I approach the Word but I encourage you to prayerfully explore your concept of two different days and see where it leads you.

      I completely agree with you on your final point. What a puzzle! What an adventure!

      Keep asking the BIG questions and be bold to chase down the answers.

      Blessings, always!

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  11. JUST HOW CLOSE ARE WE???

    How many days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur? Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) is the first day of the seventh month per the Spiritual calendar. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the tenth day of the seventh month. Ten days called the Yomim Noraim or Days of Awe separate them.

    When did the Great Sign of Revelation 12 occur? Toward the end of the 49-hours of Yom Teruah in 2017. Add ten (10) days of years to 9/23/2017 and you land right back in the fall feasts of what year?

    2027.

    Okay, now let's take a look at the years of man. Genesis 6 records,

    3 Then the LORD said,

    "My Spirit shall not abide
    in man forever, for he is
    flesh: his days shall be
    120 years."

    (Genesis 6:3 ESV)


    We all know that Moses lived 120 years but does modern man live this many years? Obviously not. So what does G-d mean by the days of man being 120 years?

    Enter the Jubilee.

    120-Jubilee years X 50-years = 6,000-years

    According to the Bible and Torah mankind was created by G-d on the sixth day. According to Jewish thought mankind is living in the sixth day right now. We are waiting on the seventh day rest or what we know as the Millennial Kingdom...but sticking to the days of man consider this,

    AD 2017 + 10-years (1/5-Jubilee) = AD 2027
    AD 2027 - 2,000-years (40-Jubilees) = AD 27
    AD 27 - 4,000-years (80-Jubilees) = 3973 BC

    80-Jubilees (Years) + 40-Jubilees (Years) = 120-Jubilees (Years)


    Could this suggest AD 27 as a Jubilee year? If it does then what do we see happening in the year 27 AD?

    My Thomas Nelson New King James Version (NKJV) Bible includes a Harmony of the Gospels in which the Galilean ministry of Jesus is pegged at AD 27 to AD 29. This is the time frame in which Jesus read from (Isaiah 61) as he declared the year of the Lord's favour,

    18 "The Spirit of the LORD is
    upon Me, because He has anointed
    Me to preach the gospel to the
    poor; He has sent Me to heal
    the brokenhearted, to proclaim
    liberty to the captives and
    recovery of sight to the blind,
    to set at liberty those who
    are oppressed;

    19 to proclaim the acceptable
    year of the LORD."

    RED LETTERS (Luke 4:18-19 ESV)


    Jesus declares in verse 21, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

    Jesus declared, "the acceptable year of the LORD."

    A Jubilee?!!

    Christ's earthly ministry began the Church Age which by all accounts looks like it would span 40-Jubilees or 2,000-years. Forty! That's a rather significant number isn't it? Anyone else here feel like you're wandering in the wilderness? (I sure do!)

    These are just rough figures but they do help point to how close we are! One of my models suggest that Daniel's 70th week may have started last year! Could we already be in the window of the last seven years before the Second Coming? Considering EVERYTHING of 2020 I wouldn't be surprised.

    Are we living as in days of awe? The last ten days (of years) of repentance before the Day of Atonement that follow the Feast of Trumpets? That followed the Revelation 12 Sign?

    If AD 27-29 is the window in which Jesus declared the year of the Lord's favour then, yes, we certainly could be in that time frame.

    This is my personal conviction and belief and why I witness here as I do. I am in agreement with Gary, Jeff and the rest of the UNSEALED.ORG team and will continue to look for His coming on the clouds knowing that the time is so very, very short.

    Blessings,


    PR

    ReplyDelete
  12. I posted this before, but have refined it slightly, for more clarity. (I hope.)

    THIS IS FOR THE RAPTURED CHURCH (those who were originally using the Greek language, and today are largely found to use the Gregorian calendar):

    Strong’s Concordance (Greek usage) for each Gregorian year:

    2018 “I bring forward (against), impose, inflict”
    2019 “I call out, shout, clamor at”
    2020 “I dawn, am near commencing”
    2021 “I take in hand, attempt” [marriage? Rapture?]
    2022 “I pour upon” [earthly troubles? Heavenly rewards?]
    2023 “I supply, provide (perhaps lavishly), furnish” [a mansion/Upper room?]
    2024 “Supply, provision, equipment, support” [prepare for our return as an army?]
    2025 “I spread on, anoint” [the witnesses and the Sealed?]
    2026 “I build upon (above) a foundation”
    2027 “I force forward, run (a ship) aground” [shorten the days?]
    2028 “I name, impose a name on; pass: am named” [the entire population WILL recognize me?]
    2029 “I am an eyewitness of, behold, look upon” [a new Jerusalem?]
    2030 “An eyewitness, spectator, looker-on”

    Notice how different the 2021-2029 timeframe is for the nation of Israel . . . who ought to be using the Hebrew language and the Hebrew calendar:

    Strong’s Concordance (Hebrew usage) for each Hebrew year:

    5779 (starts Fall 2018) “to counsel, plan”
    5780 (starts Fall 2019) “a son of Aram, also a son of Nahor, also an Edomite . . . “
    5781 (starts Fall 2020) “perhaps to totter, cause tottering” [their failed gov/election?]
    5782 (starts Fall 2021) “to rouse oneself, awake” [after they see the Rapture or the AC coming?]
    5783 (starts Fall 2022) “to be exposed or bare” [no walls? A false peace?]
    5784 (starts Fall 2023) “chaff” [separation?]
    5785 (starts Fall 2024) “a skin” [the Abomination?]
    5786 (starts Fall 2025) “to make blind, blind” [the Jews are hidden/begin Wrath without Jesus?]
    5787 (starts Fall 2026) “blind” [still blind during the Wrath?]
    5788 (starts Fall 2027) “blindness” [still more Wrath?]
    5789 (starts Fall 2028) “to lend aid, come to help” [the Wrath ends?]
    5790 (starts Fall 2029) “perhaps to help” [if you made Atonement through Jesus?]
    5791 (starts Fall 2030) “to be bent or crooked” [the remainder bent to God’s will?]

    And for the vast MAJORITY of the world . . . the un-saved Gentiles, who continue to use Gregorian years, but might hopefully endure the Tribulation to become a believing Remnant (using the Hebrew usage of Strong’s, because it will be the only version used in the New Jerusalem?) . . .

    2018 “An overthrow”
    2019 “Crooked”
    2020 “Deliverance”
    2021 “Perhaps a weapon (of war)” [the virus/vaccine?]
    2022 “Mountain, hill, hill country”
    2023 “Two mountains in Palestine [two-state peace?]
    2024 “A region of North Mesopotamia”
    2025 “Altar” [the Desolation; the replacement of Holy Blood on the first day of Passover?]
    2026 “To kill, slay”
    2027 “A slaughter”
    2028 “A slaughter” [the End of the Tribulation?]
    2029 “To conceive, become pregnant” [a new future in a New Jerusalem?]
    2030 “Pregnant”

    Does anyone have any insight into this, for better or for worse? 2021 is certainly on the radar!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Where's the deliverance in 2020? I didn't see any.
      It's interesting but I don't put my belief in Strong numbers that were not even holy spirit inspired.

      Delete
    2. Deliverance is not always positive. A world can be delivered unto Satan, for a time, as well.

      And it takes great discernment to look for the Holy Spirit in the works of man. We may or may not see it, but Strong's has become a reference worth adding to the library.

      I would say that ALL models help us along the path to understanding, even those that might be ruled out at a later time. We won't get perfect understanding until we have "2021 hindsight." See what I did there? LOL

      Delete
  13. Paul taught Christians to be watching at the end time in order to see the elements of the prophecies occurring, so we can alert the others to what we see. But, this is the Jews show that s being played out on the stage, so we must be watching them if we are to see this warning sign that the close of the Church Age is only 40 days away.

    The feast of First Fruits is God’s set time of the promise of the full harvest yet to come.

    These set times of the Jews were cast as shadows of things to come for the Church, and that the substance casting the shadow is Jesus.

    The set time of First Fruits lasted fifty days and ended on Pentecost. The events concerning Jesus the Messiah that occur during that set time of fifty days are the shadows that are cast into the future of the Church.

    The offering in the Temple on First Fruits began with an omer of barley flour, taken from an uncultivated field, and offered as a promise of the full harvest yet to come, and ended on Pentecost with an offering of the completed product of their labor, a loaf of bread.

    Jesus rose on that day, fulfilling the set time for His resurrection, and became the promise of the full harvest yet to come. Also, on that same day, graves were opened and many saints came out of them and were seen by many in Jerusalem.

    This scene of risen saints is part of the set time of First Fruits, so it’s shadow is cast into the Churches future along with everything else in the Jonah landscape.

    Jesus fulfills the set time for His resurrection, becoming the first fruit of resurrection and after Him, comes the many saints, resurrected to their glory by His sacrifice. Captives of the original sin, set free from their bondage by the blood shed of an innocent, who was God, and taken as captives to Himself when He returned to His throne on that Ascension day.

    That event had a set time. The time was set at 40 days in the Landscape of Jonah, and fulfilled by the Messiah, so is part of His landscape. The Messiah landscape includes everything depicted in Jonah.

    Jonah warned to repent or suffer impending destruction by God in 40 days. So, this 40-day period was a period of warning.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Scripture tells us what Jesus was doing during His last 40 days on earth, but it doesn’t mention what the freed saints, who were seen by many in Jerusalem, were doing.

    Jesus was visiting His friend and showing them that He was alive, and telling them about His leaving, and that He would come again. These resurrected saints knew that. They heard it straight from Jesus. The many who saw them in Jerusalem were surely being told their story, which ends with following Jesus, which is a warning to repent, as repent means to turn away from and turn toward. Following Jesus, out of the grave, into the Kingdom saved from destruction!

    No wonder that just 10 days later, on Pentecost, when Peter offers Jesus as the Messiah, 3,000 people rushed to his call on the very first day of his Ministry. Obviously they heeded the warning to accept Jesus as Messiah and be saved from destruction and the reward of a heavenly Kingdom on earth.

    The symbolism holds up because this is not the Church being saved. The Church was still a mystery, hidden in the mind of God, not yet revealed at the time of Acts 2.

    This is an offer to the Jews to be saved from destruction, (which comes later to all Jews who do not accept Him, except for those for whom God has already provided for in their scripture), and to receive the Kingdom on earth, as promised in their covenant.

    Not until the Church is revealed through Paul, does the reward change from salvation and Kingdom on earth, to salvation and Heaven with rulership in the Kingdom on earth.

    The significance of the dead that rose after Christ is that they were the token that fulfilled the promise of the full harvest yet to come by the harvester and the part they play in the shadow that is reflected in the future for the Church is taught by Paul to the Thessalonians. The dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive shall be caught up together with them in the air to be with the Lord forever.

    Many of the dead in Christ of the end time are going to rise first.
    Before hand, just like they did when they cast this shadow. And when they do, they will be doing the same thing as their counterparts did after they rose. For 40 days they will be seen in Jerusalem, warning the Jews to repent and follow Jesus, the true Messiah before it s too late and God s wrath falls on them.

    Now, in the future, the shadow cast from the Pentecost of Acts 2 requires that witnesses be anointed and begin offering Jesus as the Messiah to the Jews. Scripture tells us that God will anoint His last two witnesses to be the preachers of righteousness to the Jews.

    When they begin to preach on Pentecost, it will be to the Jews, because the Church is gone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Body of Christ started on Pentecost. Therefore those who were saved on Pentecost were part of the Body even if it was revealed later to Paul.
      What does mean they were saved : they received the holy spirit IN them. It didn't change since then.

      Delete
  15. I find that the sites I primarily visit, Revelation 12 Daily, A Little Strength and Unsealed (of course) all provide detailed and fascinating studies, from various sources, on why a particular date or holy day could conceivably be the day of the rapture. However, none of them state beyond a shadow of a doubt that the rapture will absolutely occur on a certain day or hour. These postulations are made with faith, a good heart and honest interpretation of scripture and they provide me with insight and strengthen my understanding of scriptures. Often the interpretations are over my head and require me to research scripture to determine whether or not they are true, false or somewhere in between. If I am unable to convince myself of the validity of the message I don’t necessarily discard the message and disparage the messenger but, accepting that at this point in my journey I may not be able to see or hear the message clearly, I store it away until a time when perhaps I will see and hear it clearly.
    Hebrews 5:12-14 KJV - For when for the time ye ought to be - Bible Gateway.
    However, if a messenger states unequivocally that they have received inside information from God or have discerned for themselves that the rapture will occur on a specific date or that Christ will return on a specific date then I know that the messenger is untrustworthy.
    I guess that was a lot of words to say simply that there is a big difference between postulating a date for the rapture and stating a date for the rapture. Even infants in Christ should be capable of understanding the difference and not be misled.
    <a href="Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV - Let us hold fast the profession of our - Bible Gateway”>Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV - Let us hold fast the profession of our - Bible Gateway</a>.
    Maranatha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What am I doing wrong with the links? I entered them the same way or at least thought I did. One shows the HTML code but presents the text when hovering over it and the other doesn't show the HTML code and is just a regular link. SMH

      Delete
    2. Hi Gary,

      The syntax of your hyperlink is correct save the link itself encapsulated inside of the double quotes. The URL you are pointing to goes inside of the quotes in this case. (Quotes are optional according to the old school but I recommend using them!) Your link has no URL or address in the form of ie/ex,

      "http://www.unsealed.org/page.htm"

      The Scriptural references are being picked-up by the local website scripting and created on the fly as external links to Bible verses.

      I hope this helps!

      Delete
  16. Thanks brother Gary, no man knows the day or hour, I'm keepin' my eyes on the prize (Rapture) and my trust in our Father to work out His plan as only He can do!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just reading through the commentary and recalling the old adage,
    GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT!
    * * * * * *
    My 15 year old nephew, Noah, is visiting for the summer and he's fascinated by all of this.
    He's enjoying learning more about the 144,000, the Abomination of Desolation, and the Jews fleeing to Petra.
    We're praying for the salvation of his JEWISH relations.
    We know there will be sacrifices and temple services during the Millennial reign of Christ.
    Noah is a Levite and is hoping for the opportunity to serve!
    I hadn't thought about that before - pretty cool, huh!



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny

      This is a very informative and easy to follow link about the 144,000, the Abomination of Desolation, and the Jews fleeing to Petra.

      Hope this helps!

      http://greggpierce.net/Introduction/thegospels/book_of_revelation.pdf

      Delete
    2. Thank you - we'll check it out.
      I've mostly been having him read articles on Grace Through Faith.

      Delete
  18. This article is such an encouragement to me, thank you!

    Earlier this week, I read a 13-part article (yes, it has 13 parts!) written by Dr. Michael Heiser - some of you may know who he is. If not, you may want to look up his work because it's fantastic, imho (well, most of it is anyway) - titled "Why an Obsession with Eschatology is a Waste of Time". It was discouraging to a Pre-Mill, Pre-Trib Rapture believer. He's a genuine scholar and an expert in biblical languages, among other things. I don't know his beliefs about the Rapture, in particular, or Eschatology, in general (because he's said that he won't say, LOL), but I can probably make an educated guess.

    The article in question is kind of a bummer to read. If anyone wants to read it and argue against it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. You can find Part One at

    https://drmsh.com/why-an-obsession-with-eschatology-is-a-waste-of-time-part-1/

    Each part is spread throughout his blog. So, you'll need to follow the "Next" prompts at the bottom of each post to get to the next, and the next, etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ava, I have read some of the author you suggest and enjoyed one of his books. The title of the article turns me off before even reading what he has to say. As far as I am concerned, he is saying that an obsession with studying the Word of God is a waste of time. Eschatology is a huge part of the Word, 1/2 to 1/3 depending on who you believe. So, for me, I disagree with his premise at the outset, so won't be reading his opinion. YMMV

      About 20 years ago, I studied the feasts, the gospel in the stars, the Names of God, and other uncommon topics. I had no idea at the time that God was preparing a foundation of knowledge that would be useful in studying end times. All of the Word is worth studying and no one is going to talk me out of that! :)

      Delete
    2. I’ve read five of Heiser’s books over the past three years, and enjoyed them immensely. But during the past few months I’ve become disappointed, and in fact very disillusioned with his theology, to the point where I’ve stopped reading his work, or watching his videos.

      The real game changer for me, was listening to two of his lectures on eschatology. He was dismissive and at times outright smirking. The great irony is, that he’s using the same arrogant, uninvolved approach as a pastor that he himself dismissed after visiting a church a few years ago, though for reasons of very different subject matter. Now Heiser comes across as just another over-educated, clinical minded book-head. He strikes me as being too much enamored with his own analysis. He’s done good work in the past, but in matters unrelated to eschatology. But as a result of his smirking approach to eschatology, I can’t in good faith recommend his work to others. Matters of prophecy are far too important, and occupy too large a percentage of Scripture to ignore.

      DW

      Delete
  19. Hello Everyone, this is my first time commenting here although I've been following Unsealed.org for a little over a year now. Your team puts out great articles and content!

    No knowing exactly when the rapture is, but having a sense of knowing that we are very close, it has ignited urgency in me to share the Gospel, and in particular, with those who don't have much or any context on the Gospel, Jesus or the Bible. I see a lot of end-times youtube folks talk about the Gospel regularly, mostly referencing 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, without added context. Those verses do present the Gospel clearly, but for someone who has never heard it before, those verses are a component to helping them get well informed of who God is, why humanity needs redemption and why Jesus is the only one who can forgive us for our sins and get us to Heaven.

    I created a channel with a 10-video series on youtube called thegospel2021, that doesn't have much entertainment value, but does layout a fairly complete biblical context on the Gospel so that those who haven't heard it before, have heard a false-gospel or are mostly uniformed on what it means to be a born-again Christian, can quickly get well-informed and make an educated profession of faith in Jesus. Here's the link if anyone wants to check it out / use as a resource to help get more people saved in these final moments - in total, all the 10 videos combined are just over 2.5 hours. Maranatha! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnlTOwH2JVtHxyY8BGdlFNw

    ReplyDelete
  20. OF JOHN & JESUS

    I thought I would share a model that *hopefully* will translate to text here. This is a model that illustrates potential conception and gestational periods of John and Jesus. This model offers the "best fit" of those I explored so far. We begin with a couple of pin-points that frame this simple model,

    1. Zechariah completed his Temple duty in June (4-BC)
    2. Gabriel visited Mary in Elizabeth's sixth month carrying John (Luke 1:26)
    3. Jesus was born on Yom Teruah (3-BC)

    ***NOTE: The potential conception time of Jesus. (Hanukkah)


    CHART MODELLING OVERLAPPING CONCEPTION-TO-BIRTHS OF
    JOHN THE BAPTIST & JESUS OF NAZARETH

    Year...John...Jesus...Month...Feast Day
    =========================================
    4-BC........0...............Jun
    4-BC........1...............Jul
    4-BC........2...............Aug
    4-BC........3...............Sep
    4-BC........4...............Oct
    4-BC........5...............Nov
    4-BC........6........0.....DEC.....Hanukkah
    3-BC........7........1.....JAN
    3-BC........8........2.....FEB
    3-BC........9........3.....MAR.....Equinox
    3-BC..................4.....APR
    3-BC..................5.....MAY
    3-BC..................6.....JUN
    3-BC..................7.....JUL
    3-BC..................8.....AUG
    3-BC..................9.....SEP.....Yom Teruah

    This model illustrates how Jesus could have been born on Yom Teruah (Rosh Hashanna) in the year we would today know as the *twice blessed* Tuesday, September 11, 3-BC.

    A quick check of the skies on that night show the following,

    1. Jupiter (king planet) completing triple conjunction with Regulus (king star)
    2. Sun clothing the woman (Virgo)
    3. Moon at her feet (Virgo)
    4. Mercury & Venus in the woman (Virgo)
    5. Uranus (Greek meaning, Heaven) in Pisces
    6. Saturn between horns of Taurus
    7. Mars in the heart of Capricornus


    Align this simple model with the one offered above suggesting AD 27 as a Jubilee year. Age 30 was a milestone year in those coming into maturity to ministry. Jesus would likely have began His Galilean ministry at age 30. Knowing that Jesus proclaimed the year of the Lord's favour as early as AD 27 we have a potential match showing the Word entering the world at the Feast of Trumpets.

    This is the same time frame that the Apostle John saw the Great Sign of Revelation 12.

    Looking at potential birthdays for John the Baptist I really wonder about the Spring Equinox. Eight days after the Spring Equinox of 3 BC is Pesach!

    I could be right and I could be wrong. What I know for sure is that there is everything to gain by digging into the Word and nothing to loose but the sting of death by holding fast to faith in Christ Jesus!

    Happy hunting!


    PR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adding one more *potential* detail via Torahcalendar for the conception of John,

      Monday, June 25, 4-BC (M4D1) Rosh Chodesh (New moon) Summer Solstice


      This day fits the pattern of allowing Zechariah to return home to Elizabeth after his Temple duty and their coming together. Not saying this *is* the day; rather that it is an interesting possibility!

      What is interesting about it?

      Apart from the fact that the Summer Solstice is the day of greatest light, the longest day, this is well into the fig season in Israel. The season begins in late-April and continues through August with peak in June/July.

      Hmmmm, figs. The fig tree and Israel.

      Delete
    2. FURTHER THOUGHT

      A Summer Solstice conception day for John the Baptist and Spring Equinox birthday hold interesting parallels to a Hanukkah conception day for Jesus and a birthday on Yom Teruah.

      Summer Solstice == Day of greatest light
      Spring Equinox == Marker for the New Spiritual Year

      Hanukkah == Festival of Lights/Temple Dedication (Temple Menorah a calendar itself)
      Yom Teruah == Head of the New Year (Rosh Hashana by modern calendar)

      Perspectives!

      Delete
  21. Gary, thanks for addressing the ever annoying "no man knows the day or hour" phrase yet tempering it with the caution towards humility as we watch for The Day.

    After having too much expectation in the date of 9/23/17 I have avoided doing it ever again. Recently, however, the Lord seems to be offering much hope for our gathering unto Him in 2021 and I believe He would be that gracious to confirm a year to us.

    In my most recent article I asked those who are watching to consider Matthew 26:29--

    Groom to drink ‘new’ wine with Bride?

    Others before me have written of the possible connection of the Bride of Christ’s marriage to the Heavenly Bridegroom and the Story of Ruth and Tu B’Av; however, I could not find where anyone connected it with Matthew 26:29--


    But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new [kainos] with you in my Father's kingdom. - Matthew 26:29 KJV

    When Jesus told the disciples He would not drink of the vine until He was with them in His Father’s kingdom, He said He would drink it NEW which is translated from kainos meaning “recently made, fresh”.

    So in this verse was Jesus directly referring to the New Wine Festival as the timing of our gathering together unto Him?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That makes me smile. His first public miracle was the newest of the new wine!

      Delete
  22. Thank you for the article Gary! I had a question about the Greek verb οἶδεν. I am a beginning student of Biblical Greek, and in my Greek grammar it states that, although οἶδεν is a perfect form, since its present form is not used in the GNT, οἶδεν functions as the present tense in its place. Is this incorrect? Or perhaps have I misunderstood the manner in which οἶδεν stands in for the present? Perhaps it stands in for the present without laying aside its perfect aspect? (Again, I am a beginning student, so I have not yet read through enough Greek to have even the beginnings of intuitions about these things.)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have rarely commented on here, but have enjoyed following along. Now I have something to say that needs some other minds to help me. (I noticed Pastor Rich’s comment including one model for the 70th Week having started last year. So I throw this in here now, as it relates.)
    My 70th Week of Daniel Timing Conundrum

    Daniel 9:24 explains what the purpose of Daniels 70th week is:
    “24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.”
    Daniel 9:26 tells about some of this happening and WHEN it happened.
    “26 And AFTER threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”
    Most people seem to believe that all the feasts Jesus fulfilled in His first coming were fulfilled in the 69th week. Also they believe that the 70th week is the also well accepted “7 year tribulation period”.
    I believed this too, maybe it is right.
    Yet I cannot reconcile that info with what Daniel 9:24,26 tells us. And I’ve NEVER seen/heard anyone address this issue:
    First, after a bit of addition 62 & 7 is 69.... AFTER the 69th week Messiah is cut off...I’m stressing AFTER. Now we COULD just say this was after the cut off time for week 69, and Jesus’ death (which fulfilled Passover) was in the very start of the hold over time WAITING FOR the 70th week to begin.
    However, Daniel 9:24 specifically speaks of at least one thing that points to Jesus’ death- “to make reconciliation for iniquity”- being part of the 70th week (remember: verse 24 tells the purpose of the 70th Week).
    (some of the other things mentioned could point to His first coming fulfillment too, but one might argue that they refer to final ultimate fulfillment later on.) Jesus definitely made reconciliation for iniquity at his FIRST coming. That puts His Death, burial and resurrection inside the 70th Week of Daniel according to 9:24!
    Now if the 70th week started back at/before Jesus’ death... where was the cut off? His ascension? Pentecost giving of the Holy Spirit?
    I’m not sure. At least those 2 are close in time together.
    More importantly, when does the 70th week pick back up? And how much actual time is left of the 70th week for things like “to seal up the vision and prophecy”? Obviously it wasn’t even a full year, just the spring feasts fulfilled before the cut off/split in the week. So does that mean we take away a half year leaving post-spring feasts time and on of year 1 and then 6 more years? Or is this a thing where God’s reckoning of time is different than ours? I don’t know. And does this mess with our understanding of other timeline topics? I’m not sure. But I would sure like to see what others think about all this!
    I hope what I said was clearly explained, so you all see what I’m saying.
    Thank you in advance!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Verse 24 is talking about the purpose of the 70 weeks --weeks total-- not the 70th week specifically.

      Delete
    2. Hey Little Sister :)

      Hillary is right and I'll just add a few other thoughts. All 70 weeks are for Daniel's people Israel (Dan 9:24), not the Church. Personally I don't believe that the Church will be here for any part of the final 7 years. There are various interpretations on when the 69 weeks ended but the traditional dispensational view has the 69 weeks ending on Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, fulfilling Zech 9:9 and the only time when the people worshiped him on mass & declared Him to be the Messiah, the Son of David.

      The gap in Daniel 9 is between the 69th and the 70th where various events are said to happen:

      Messiah will be cut off (for Jesus was crucified a few days after riding into Jerusalem), the people of the ruler to come (Antichrist) will destroy the city (Jerusalem, 70AD) and there will be wars unto the end (Jerusalem is the most fought over city in history and we still see wars there!) - Dan 9:26

      Then Daniel was given what comes next at 'the end' ie the end of this age. In verse 27 we have the final remaining 70th week for Daniel's people Israel. This has not begun yet. It begins with the Antichrist confirming or strengthening a 7 year covenant. Israel will be involved right in the middle but it possibly may involve 'many' nations.

      You are correct that 'reconciliation for iniquity' was made at the cross. As mentioned the cross was 'after' the end of the 69th week. And the ultimate fulfilment of this atonement, for the nation of Israel to whom this prophecy is given, awaits the end of the 70th week where they shall, as a nation, finally look upon the One they pierced and come into the reconciliation and atonement (see Zech 12:10-13:1)

      We do not know when the final 7 years begins. People speculate and have their charts, but we don't know. But we can see the signs and the season and all point to that day of judgement being very close. But always remember the church has a different hope... a heavenly one, for we...

      'wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead -- Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.' (1 Thes 1:10)

      Delete
    3. That makes sense! :-) An important item.

      Delete
    4. Forgive me for interjecting something here. Actually, I've interjected it previously, but now I see that the initial reason for objection is bearing fruit. As much as I love posts here by Pastor Rich, I sincerely wonder if tossing in that possibility of the 70th Week having started last year, was the right thing to do.

      For as long as I've been following prophecy...I had considered the start of the 70th Week to have been a cornerstone item, carved deeply and not really up for debate, regardless of the variations people believe in regarding the timing of the Rapture. In what version of thinking does the 70th Week begin ANY OTHER TIME than the Antichrist signing the 7-year Accord with Israel? With all great and due respect to Pastor Rich, I kind of wish he'd left out that bit of wondering. There's no telling how far the ripples have moved out into the world. Vastly more people visit here and read, than will ever leave comments.

      I hope Pastor Rich will do all of us a favor, and state IN DEPTH what his conjecture is based upon. I know...I read what he posted the first time, but it seems woefully insufficient for upsetting a very large and significant apple cart. Math tables are one thing, the actual beginning of the 70th Week is another thing altogether.

      All that being said, I'm fairly wide open to some new but well-reasoned and Scriptural interpretations. A few surprises might yet greet us as the clock ticks.

      DW

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    5. The first 69 weeks have already been fulfilled. We are waiting on the 70th week, which is the Great Tribulation. Revelation picks up where Daniel left off, and provides additional details. The 70th week should begin and end in the fall, in order to fulfill Trumpets and Atonement. Tabernacles will be celebrated throughout the millennial reign (see Zechariah 14:16). The Rapture should occur between now and the beginning of the 70th week. The timing of the Rapture is the mystery, and we are still trying to figure it out.

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    6. @Hillary, I am still thinking that does not negate the fact that Jesus fulfilling Passover in His death is still AFTER the 69th week. It’s part of the prophecies being fulfilled by Jesus, but not during weeks 1-69, but after. So wouldn’t that mean it is automatically in week 70?
      I know this goes opposite all these things we already think... but that AFTER in verse 26... and that we KNOW scripture says His death fulfilled prophecy/Passover... how can it NOT be part of Daniel’s weeks?
      I’m not trying to be difficult. I just want truth, even if it means all my basic understanding I have on the topic is wrong. Not that I exactly LIKE the thought...




      Delete
  24. A revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave to Him to show to His servants what things must quickly come to pass; and He signified [it], having sent through His messenger to His servant John, who testified [to] the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, as many things as he also saw. Blessed is he who is reading, and those hearing the words of the prophecy, and keeping the things written in it, for the time is near! (Rev. 1:1–3, LSV)

    When did God give Jesus revelation? Before or after his ascension?
    That contradicts that Jesus is God though.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Excuse the repost from an earlier date. I'll be first to admit the following is conjecture and would like others to point out issues with this hypothesis or make recommendations.

    Can date of Daniel 9 "70th week" be calculated based on Daniel 9 in conjunction with penalty concept experienced by Moses/spies/bad report? Moses 40 days --->40 year penalty (i.e., a year penalty for each day, applied from the beginning)? The offense in this case could be the Jews not recognizing / crucifying Jesus.

    See the CJ Lovik video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&reload=9&reload=9&v=Yi7DD6NCGrI) about Moses, 12 spies and 40 day scouting trip turning into 40 year penalty and how that might apply to a calculation of 70th week---see explanation at.24 - 50 minute mark in video link..

    Daniel 9:24-27 prophecy: 69 * 7 = 483 years from 457 BC decree = 27 AD (based on John's statement in John 1:29-30). Note:. Other decree years have been suggested as well (444 BC, 445 BC and 458 BC)

    Note: Rapture would be 7+ years before the end of the 7 year tribulation.

    2520 days = 7 years left to be completed x 360 days/prophetic year
    907,200 days = 2520 days x 360 days penalty
    2027.83 end of tribulation = (907,200 days / 365.24238 days in a year) - 457 BC + 1 (no "0" yr)

    Therefore, possible beginning of Daniels 70th week = 9/28/2020 = 2020.83 = 2027.83 - 7 (final 7 years)

    Explanation is at 31 min - 34 min in video.

    The above date assumes the decree went forth on January 1. That probably didn't happen. If the decree went out March 1 (but it could have been in April too) or before end of the fall feasts (October) then a date range of 11/28/2020 - 10/31/2021 may be closer (and add +/- 1 year for math miscalculation and not knowing month of decree which gives a range of 11/28/2019 to - 10/31/2022).

    Also note that the Jewish year for 2020 ends Sept 6-8 2021. Therefore one might need to add about 8.2 months to any calculated date if using Jewish year end dates. Not sure if this was a proper statement--please add critique.
    .
    This would yield a date range of 8/6/2020 - 7/6/2023 for the rapture to happen if this hypothesis is correct. This is very speculative.

    The premise of using the 40 days --> goes to 40 years (1 year penalty for each day) may not apply to calculating the rapture timeframe. This is speculation.


    Biblical Signs in the sky?
    * 12/21/2457 BC Noah / rainbow
    * 9/11/3 BC Jesus conception (Regulus triple crowning)
    * 6/17/2 BC Jesus birth (Jupiter / Venus conjunction)
    * 12/25/2 BC Wise men visit baby Jesus (Jupiter goes into retrograde motion to appear to stop)

    * 4/15/2014-9/28/2015 Blood moon tetrad Joel, Acts 2:20, and Rev 6:12.
    * 9/23/2017 Revelation 12:1-2 sign
    * 11/2017 Conception comet https://signsoftherapture.com/rapture-signs/signs-in-the-sky/the-message-of-the-conception-comet-of-november-2016/ and
    http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/july2017/luisv730.htm

    The above premises / calculation may be flawed and I honestly would like others to weigh in on this..

    ReplyDelete
  26. THE SEVENTY WEEKS

    Thank you DW for your thoughtful response and perspectives. Yes, the thought of the commencement of the last week is a chilling thought for many and steeped in many traditions that we should not be afraid to examine.

    What do we know about the 70 weeks?

    1. They are decreed for Daniel's people, Israel (Daniel 9:24)
    2. They are decreed for Daniel's holy city, Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24)


    ...thus we are not talking about the Church.

    Beginning to end we are given a picture of the seventy weeks through (Daniel 9:24).

    Who finishes transgression, puts an end to sin and atones for iniquity? Who brought everlasting righteousness, seals both vision and prophet and will anoint a most holy place?

    Jesus.

    Looking to verse 27,

    27 "And he shall make a strong
    covenant with many for one week..."


    WHO IS HE? What is this covenant and who makes covenants?

    So far it seems traditional to regard "he" as the prince who is to come. But who makes covenants? Strong covenants?

    We already know there will be a remnant of Israel who comes out of the Great Tribulation. Those souls are already known by God and will be set apart during the last week. A strong covenant. They will be delivered from the onslaught of the dragon to be nourished in the wilderness for 3-1/2 years. (Revelation 12:13-14)

    Who is it that makes covenants? That is the question.

    Who allowed the affliction of Job by Satan? Who set the limits to what could be done to him and who is it that ministered to and lifted Job in the end? It was tough love but who nourished Job?

    The definition of the word "anti" in Biblical terms is not "against". It simply means, "instead of".

    The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Jesus contrasts himself to the thief who comes,

    "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)


    This is all who will accept Jesus and all who have accepted Jesus. This is a mystery which is beyond the scope of this discussion. Suffice it to say that Jesus and the thief to come are contrasted against one another.

    Could (Daniel 9:27) be a reflection of this contrast?

    Who has ultimate power here? Who makes strong covenants? Who has put an end to sacrifice and offering? Who decreed the end and will pour it out upon the desolator?

    I think there is no question at all who comes, "on the wing of abominations", the "one who makes desolate" -- that is obvious. But, are we *seeing* and giving the prince to come credit that it is not due? Seeing *it* instead?

    Digging on key terms here I started to question that in the greater context.

    The Great Tribulation is the last half of the last week. It is NOT the whole week. The last week is all about Israel. (Not the Church) And what have we seen afflict Israel lately? WOW!!!

    When examining the Jubilees, Scripture, date ranges and timings one might consider, *MIGHT CONSIDER* the possibility that the final week could have begun last year.

    AM I SAYING THE FINAL WEEK OF DANIEL BEGAN LAST YEAR? [emphasis only]

    No.

    I am questioning the possibility that it did. I am also exploring 2028 and 2029 as years of the Second Coming of the Lord.

    I suspect our being taken may not coincide with the beginning of the last week. We are taken BEFORE the dragon tries to sweep away the woman. (Revelation 12:5), (Revelation 12:15) All of my previous models assumed that we were gone at the beginning of 2,520-days.

    I still hold to our being in heaven for the opening of the seven seals.

    I, like you, are asking questions and have my eyes fixed on eternity. The reign of man is passing away in lieu of the Kingdom where we will rule the nations with the authority of Christ.

    Who is "he" that Gabriel speaks of? I see that question being similar to Jesus asking, "Who do you say I am?" Satan tries to steal the credit.

    All Glory goes to GOD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The character limit to posting in this space is a challenge so please take that into account when reading. This limiting factor is a positive as it invites greater interaction which I invite as well.

      PR

      Delete
  27. Wouldn't the "he" who confirms the covenant have to be the AC because bringing an end to the sacrificial offerings correlates with the AC's description in Daniel 8:11 and the AOD in Matthew 24? "9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’[h] In the middle of the ‘seven’[i] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple[j] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." from NIV. The "he" is the same in all 3 sentences. Would Jesus set up an AOD in a rebuilt third temple? no.

    Forgive me if I'm not understanding; Daniel 9 has always been the toughest prophetic nut for me to crack.

    ReplyDelete
  28. keep pressing on, forgetting the things of the past, each day new appointments God sets for us. He is in control of everything, we just keep pressing on and keep humbling ourselves. I use proverbs 22:4, I share this scripture everywhere, By Humility and the fear of the LORD, are riches and honour and life. pr0v 22v4 I use as it equals my birth date... and things really happen this way I have come to realise, as I learn to walk humbly through life, wow many blessings, many apointments, fear broken, God's Peace, not anxious or worried, God has it all perfectly worked out, even if it cost's me everything, no big deal, Jesus you are my Lord and my King, you are the one who gives me a new song..... here is a little one that one day I just sprang into singing......GLORIOUS DAY GLORIOUS NIGHT, GLORIOUS APPEARING IS DRAWING NIGH, GLORIOUS DAY GLORIOUS NIGHT, GLORIOUS KINGDOM IS IN SIGHT.......just keep repeating that, I praise you Jesus my Lord forever....Halleluyah,

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Mike! I appreciate your encouraging word of trusting in Jesus as well as your song. That was much welcome.

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  29. As for the interpretation of the " no man knows..." Of all the choices listed I subscribe to the one that Jesus was referring to the ultimate destruction of everything after the millenial kingdom and satans brief release and last ditch effort to assault the Kingdom. Right before that Jesus said " heaven and earth shall pass away but my words willnot." This is described in Peters epistles where he talks about the earth and everything "melting with fervent heat". Then comes the new heaven and earth. Also, its my position that there are no specific signs pointing to the rapture itself, the re-forming of Israel puts it in the "ball park" as far as the time line goes but there no specific signs for the event. Many thought that the Rev 12 sign was it but were going on 4 yrs. now.

    ReplyDelete


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