Sometimes, an inability to believe in Satan reflects a larger inability to believe in a spiritual plane at all.
- John Ortberg
With serious Bible study of any kind in decline, and Me-ism on the rise, Scriptural integrity in interpreting Biblical prophecy is rare. Most preachers placate their congregations, writers their readers, and worship musicians their fan base with soothing words. Often in complete contradiction to the clear meaning of Scripture.
Thankfully, one needn't be fluent in ancient Greek and Hebrew to see that many of modern Christianity's recent doctrinal revisions, such as the popular teaching promising a secret Pre-tribulation Rapture, are not in keeping with a simple, commonsense rendering of Scripture. Unfortunately, such trends diminish the felt need for the Church to be vigilant in recognizing the "times and seasons" in which we live. Such apathy and worse sets the stage for billions, including believers, to be deceived. Caught unprepared, humanity and Churchianity are in for a rude awakening when faced with the greatest time of tribulation and testing the world has ever know.
The Apostle John's Revelation is the least studied section of Scripture. Yet it's the only book of the Bible beginning to be fulfilled before our eyes or that begins by promising a blessing to those who read and keeps it words, and ends by pronouncing a curse against those who add or take away from its message.
Reasons modern Christianity avoids the last Book of the Bible vary. Most Catholics are taught its dire prophecies and astounding predictions are largely metaphorical. Protestant interpretations range from allegorical to literal. Even among adherents extolling the content of the Bible's greatest prophetic book, few take it seriously enough to research and render Revelation's message accurately.
Making matters worse are numerous sermons, books and movies with renditions of Revelation's events baring little or no resemblance to the Apostle John's descriptions and timeline. Chief among these is the relatively recent "addition" of a secret Pre-Tribulation Rapture that appears nowhere in Scripture. This doctrinal error accounts for much of the prevailing apathy to the Book of Revelation within modern First World Christianity. Expecting to be "caught away" before the time of Great Tribulation John describes pacifies millions, trivializing the need to understand prophecy, even should it be fulfilled in our lifetimes. While the Bible does teach a Pre-Wrath Rapture, the timeline Jesus, Paul and John give agree Christ returns only after the Antichrist's rise to global power, which he uses to make war against the Church. Sadly, by this time well over half the world's population is dead and the Earth has sustained such catastrophes as to be nearly unrecognizable.
The horrific nature of many of Scripture's end time prophecies is another reason Revelation remains so little read. With innumerable rich diversions and pleasant temptations vying for our attention, not many have the stomach to sort through passage after passage of global calamities. Those who do face difficult questions. If these predictions are literal, how could a loving God allow such death and destruction? Is mankind so depraved as to nearly destroy itself or is there an Evil One at work? What sins has humanity committed to possibly deserve such judgment? What of the power of the Church? What is the role and responsibility of modern Christianity in all of this?
Ironically, the generation most disinterested in Revelation's prophecies is the first to be able to appreciate them. Modern technology has or soon will provide man with the ability to fulfill a majority of John's predictions that for millennia seemed impossible. This at the very moment in human history were the geo-political landscape is set for Revelation's pages to unfold. Add to this the eternal stakes of either a Heavenly paradise or Hellish punishment awaiting all of mankind and one would think every Christian would be ardent student of prophecy. With six billion Bibles in print we have no excuse for our ignorance. All the more so given advance computers, the internet and Bible study aids making researching Scripture a thousand times easier and more accurate than ever before.
Simply scanning the highlights of Revelation's sixty events yields as many reasons to take it's predictions extremely seriously. Particularly since contrary to modern Christianity's recent teachings, Christ will not return to Earth until many of Revelation's cataclysmic events have come to pass and the Antichrist declares war against the Church. Rather, as John warns, God's holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful:
- "Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God... And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority." Revelation 13:1-2
- "Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. And he spoke terrible words of blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling—that is, those who dwell in heaven. And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made—the Book that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful." Revelation 13:5-10
- "Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast... He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die." Revelation 13:11-15
It's important to note that only after these verses, does Christ rapture His Church and thus harvest the entire Earth as described in the following chapter: "Then I saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was someone like the Son of Man. He had a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, “Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is ripe.” So the one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the whole earth was harvested." Revelation 14:14-16
Buying and Selling
One somewhat recent product of technology may be the precursor to the Mark of the Beast, prophesied two millennia ago. Seventeen hundred years before Benjamin Franklin’s discovery of electricity, a Jewish fisherman knowing less about science and our world than the average jr. high school student predicted the creation of something akin to the modern UPC code.
Continuing, John describes a "Mark" based on the numbers 6...6...6 that would be used for buying and selling:
- “He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.” Revelation 13:16-18 New Living Translation
- “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.’ And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ’Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!’” Revelation 14:9-13 New Living Translation
The first product ever scanned by a universal product code (UPC) at a retail checkout was in a supermarket in Troy, Ohio on June 26, 1974. Since then, its use has become ubiquitous and the barcode has taken on various forms.
Certain similarities, some apparent and some less so, exist between past and present UPC codes and John’s End Time prophecy. Foremost is the fact that the UPC code is clearly a “mark” used for “buying and selling.”
On its own this might be cause for little concern. More alarming is what seems to be the clear yet obscure presence of a hidden 6...6...6 embedded in its design.
While it’s highly unlikely the UPC in its current form is the Mark of the Beast of which the Bible warns, there are certain characteristics that deserve careful consideration.
All the more seeing the terrible penalty for taking the Mark and worshiping the Beast is experiencing the full force of God’s undiluted wrath through eternal torment in the Lake of Fire.
The top left image above is of a the familiar, somewhat complex design of a UPC mark.
The middle image is of the frame of an original simplified UPC symbol stripped of its numeric values. It’s easy to see a pair of equally thick and wide lines appearing at the beginning, middle and end of the barcode. Each similarly extending to the lowest part of the mark.
The image to the far right is of a UPC symbol with a 6 (colored blue) appearing as the second number to the symbol’s left of center. Here one can see that 6 is the numeric value assigned to two equally thin and wide lines (colored blue). From this, the missing or hidden numeric value of the same exact same lines (colored red) that appear at the beginning, middle and end of the UPC symbol are revealed as none other than 6…6...6! Click here to see a similar example previously used for decades by the U.S. Postal Service.
While UPC identification codes vary, for decades the majority of frames remained constant, clearly seeming to conceal the pattern of 6…6...6!
Granting the need for some set of numbers to be so positioned, mathematically speaking there were nearly a thousand other options. Decades ago this pattern was noticed by a handful in the Christian community. Perhaps for this and other reasons, sometime later certain UPC symbols changed the width of the lines for the number 6 to the left of center. Even so, any 6 appearing to the right of center have long remained the same as the embedded 6...6...6 as shown.
UPC codes as predecessors or not, the actual Mark of the Beast may be far more than a means to track and process humanity.
It’s been projected by credible futurists that given the accelerated pace of technology, the 21st century is in store for astounding breakthroughs. Among these are incredibly powerful and tiny computer processors that could lend themselves nicely for human implantation. Such chips might serve a variety of functions, up to and including augmenting human experience and intelligence. A coming technological revolution sometimes referred to as Human 2.0 and beyond.
Certain experts project that in the not too distant future, an implanted chip or “mark” might provide a host of “benefits.” Up to and including continual neural interface able to augment or bypass some or all of our five senses, while providing constant connection between the human brain and algorithms or artificial intelligence provided by a cloud of unbelievably powerful super computers.
It’s been estimated that even now human knowledge doubles every year. Soon to do so much more quickly. With exponential growth in computing power and AI, such an implant could grant access to an ever growing quantity of human knowledge. Providing a kind of virtual omniscience.
Along with a host of attractive offerings, some of the brightest minds in this field anticipate individual and shared virtual reality experiences that rival or exceed those provided by our limited senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell may become commonplace.
Direct interface with the brain could provide stimulation equaling or exceeding our natural senses, creating a kind of virtual omnipotence with sweeping new virtual environs and sensations. In time, such augmentations may well be limited only by imagination.
A kind of internal omnipresence may be approximated via the ability to be virtually present anywhere, anytime, by thought alone. Some have gone so far as to imagine that it may even be possible to experience multiple realities simultaneously, achieving a kind of virtual multi-presence.
The January 2004 edition of Christianity Today published a cover story entitled, “The Techno Sapiens Are Coming.” For its time, as far as it went, the article did a good job introducing a few of the looming scenarios of merging humanity and computer technology.
Yet few Christians have seriously considered the ramifications to Biblical prophecy.
Predictions made all the more likely given the odds that the geopolitical world’s stage should be arranging itself to fulfill Revelation’s prophecies are astronomical, in and of themselves.
And yet, here we are.
Add to this the approach of technology necessary to create and embed computer chips capable of escalating intelligence and perhaps modifying human behavior and we have strong evidence for the Book of Revelation’s Divine inspiration.
We may also have a glimpse into the true nature of the Mark of the Beast.
Of course, it goes without saying that whoever wields power over such technology could influence, and even rule, the minds and hearts of men. Hollywood’s already portraying aspects of a secular version of such a dystopian future in variety of ways.
Should the Antichrist be “given authority” to make some or all such projections reality, it’s easy to see how few could resist the temptation of virtual Divinity. Thus making mankind’s final deception synonymous with Satan’s first, “you will become like God.”
All the more if offered little or no choice.
Education and business, travel and recreation would be redefined by such technology. The entire landscape of internalizing temptation and sin would expand limitlessly.
Mixed in with seemingly wholesome experiences would be such lust and perversion of the mind as few today would dare dream. Current addictions to sex and drugs, violence and power would pale before virtual reality that could rival or even exceed natural senses.
Lines between reality and fantasy would blur to the point of captivating billions.
Ray Kurzweil is a recognized leading futurist holding 16 honorary doctorates who has served on the Army Science Advisory Board and has testified before Congress. He predicts the Law of Accelerated Returns, a projection plotting exponential advances, will soon produce a technological singularity forever changing life as we know it. In nearly unimaginable ways. Kurzweil, as billions would, welcomes such advancements as the new and inevitable outgrowths of human evolution.
As would the author, if doing so were not strictly and repeatedly forbidden by Scripture. On pain of everlasting torment.
Disturbingly, it would only make sense that detractors to such phenomenal human evolution would be ostracized and perhaps even purged from modern culture.
Many would applaud as “everyone small and great, rich and poor, slave and free” were enticed, manipulated and/or forced to take such a Mark.
The impact on every level of society, particularly religion, would be enormous. Consider morality’s inversion in a single generation, by what in comparison are modest advances in lifestyle, pleasure and distraction.
For the first time in human history, individual and collective immorality would be free of all restraint.
Both Old and New Testaments warn of such a time ushered in by a final global leader and Antichrist, also called the Man of Sin or Lawlessness:
- “The fourth animal is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from the first three kingdoms, a monster kingdom that will chew up everyone in sight and spit them out. The ten horns are ten kings, one after another, that will come from this kingdom. But then another king will arrive. He will be different from the earlier kings. He will begin by toppling three kings. Then he will blaspheme the High God, persecute the followers of the High God, and try to get rid of sacred worship and moral practice. God’s holy people will be persecuted by him for a time, two times, half a time.” Daniel 7:23-25 The Message
- “But when the court comes to order, the horn will be stripped of its power and totally destroyed. Then the royal rule and the authority and the glory of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the people of the High God. Their royal rule will last forever. All other rulers will serve and obey them.’” And there it ended. I, Daniel, was in shock. I was like a man who had seen a ghost. But I kept it all to myself.” Daniel 7:26-28 The Message
- “Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10 New Living Translation
The Book of Revelation is comprised of sixty coming events of great tribulation. While other Biblical predictions also serve to clarify certain aspects of prophecy, Scripture is somewhat silent on the details. Even so, the Bible speaks repeatedly on the importance of understanding the coming times and seasons that we might prepare ourselves and those we love.
From Old Testament prophetic advice to New Testament directives, all agree the time to study prophecy, seek God and cry out for mercy and grace is today. Following Christ’s own example:
- “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7 New International Version
Tomorrow may be too little too late:
- “Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word “Today” in the scripture applies to us. For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. This is what the scripture says, “If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God.” Who were the people who heard God’s voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest”—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.” Hebrews 3:13-19 Good News Translation
- “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4 English Standard Version
Biblical Advice
The Book of Revelation is comprised of sixty coming events of great tribulation. While other Biblical predictions serve to clarify certain aspects of prophecy, Scripture is somewhat silent on the details. Even so, the Bible speaks repeatedly on the importance of understanding the coming times and season that we might prepare ourselves and those we love. From Old Testament prophetic advice to New Testament directives, all agree the time to study prophecy, seek God and cry out for mercy and grace is now.
Zephaniah’s Last Day’s Prophecy:
“The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah: “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea—and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth,” declares the Lord.” Zephaniah 1:1-3 New International Version
“Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zephaniah 2:1-3 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s
1. Zephaniah warned the Lord will utterly consume everything from the face of the land.
2. He included the backslider and the apathetic.
3. He recommended being silent before the Lord.
4. He called for God's people to gather together (call the Sacred Assembly) to develop a survival strategy.
5. He warned timing is everything. It must be done before, before, before it's too late.
6. He demanded the church of his day "seek the Lord" in authentic "righteousness" and "humility."
7. He encouraged them to do so that they might be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger.
Amos and The Day of the Lord
“Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light. It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light— pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness? “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! “Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel? You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god—which you made for yourselves. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is God Almighty.” Amos 5:18-27 New International Version
1. Amos decried those who desire the "day of the Lord".
2. He warned it will be a day of gloom for God’s people who make a pretense of doing so. Of all generations who fits this description better than Churchianity today?
3. He described the deadliness of that time for God's wayward people.
4. He reiterated Isaiah's cry against their feast days, sacred assemblies, offerings and worship music.
5. He admonished them to reverse course and do acts of “justice” and “righteousness."
6. He revealed that Israel had carried idols, perhaps even the child sacrificing tabernacle of Moloch, while wondering in the wilderness with Moses! Might God be equally or more displeased with His peoples apathy and/or participation in aborting the pre-born to the tune of 60 million or more in America, and over a billion worldwide, through clinical abortion and/or contraceptive abortifacients?
Joel’s Clarion Call for Repentance
“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand—a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come. Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste—nothing escapes them. They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry. With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows. Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Joel 2:1-17 New International Version
1. Joel demanded God's people “blow the trumpet” to sound the invasion alarm.
2. He explained the Invader is God’s judgment wrapped in clouds and thick darkness.
3. He warned of a time of a great tribulation (likely the Great Tribulation). Including a “large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come.” “They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry.” A statement appearing to identify Revelation’s 200 million many calvary, prophesied to kill one third of mankind.
4. He explained God requires true repentance, the kind that will change God’s mind.
5. He called for fasting in keeping with holding the Sacred Assembly. All hands were to be on deck. Lead by clergy weeping and begging in hope of mercy.
6. He promised afterward the Lord will "pour out His Spirit on all flesh…” Though by this point in the Great Tribulation Period billions will have already perished.
7. Joel described an End Time scenario, with great destruction and an apparent nuclear winter. Even so, all those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Passages as these serve a variety of purposes, beyond offering lofty advice regarding how to prepare for revival. They go a long way in explaining the apparent disconnect between Churchianity and Scripture. And thus God. They highlight the difference between faith and presumption. They provide reasons for unanswered prayer. They address the growing scarcity of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. Finally, they encourage radical discipleship and sanctification. All crucial aspects of the challenging work of God, vital to living faith. Necessary work, if our individual and corporate lives are to be found pleasing to God and valuable to others:
“In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21 The Message
Sample New Testament Passages
- "But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it's going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don't go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that's coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36 The Message
- "Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world? Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come... The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!)... For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. 22 In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones... Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world[i]—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven." Matthew 24:3-31
- "This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 2 Timothy 2:11-12
- "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it." Philippians 3:8-11 The Message
- "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
- "Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" Hebrews 12:1-3 The Message
Times and Seasons
Today's Churchianity is ill prepared to discern, much less confront and overcome, past and present challenges. With hundreds of sects and denominations, clearly we've failed to invested the honest effort to Biblically judge between the many Christs the One true. Tragically, this calls into question to what extent we actually believe, teach and/or obey the genuine gospel.
What of more subtle issues? Up to and including accurately discerning the times and seasons in which we live? Intentionally or unintentionally, modern Christianity has a history of all but upending the obvious meaning of Scripture's most important meta messages. Both in regards to the Bible's context as well as content.
Having repeatedly failed the test on so many levels, what's to be our future? With obvious errors in regards to such major concerns, it's little wonder complex matters requiring greater discernment and perception are continually misconstrued. As Jesus warned God's people in His day:
- "Then he said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once that it is going to rain, and so it does. And when you feel the south wind blowing, you say that it is going to be hot, and so it is. You frauds! You know how to interpret the look of the earth and the sky. Why can’t you interpret the meaning of the times in which you live?” Luke 12:54-46 Phillips
Such signs of the times bode poorly for modern Christianity, and society as a whole. As do every other indicator imaginable. The threat of present and future global pandemics abound. Economic tribulation reverberates worldwide. Forty three million sought unemployment benefits in the U.S. alone. Coast to coast rioting and looting, violence and murder, over the justifiable death of career criminal George Floyd went unchecked for months. Not to mention a series of other false martyrs used by Antifa, Black Lives Mater and Democrats to promote and propagate the greatest unchecked anarchy in recent U.S. history. All this while calling to defund the police after already making the crucial job of societies protectors all but impossible.
Scripture is clear such manipulations of facts and logic are forbidden and will prove disastrous for all parties involved:
- "Doom to you who call evil good and good evil, Who put darkness in place of light and light in place of darkness, Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20 MSG
Michelle and former President Barack Obama's 2020 DNC speeches supporting BLM's "peaceful protesters" provide blatant examples of calling evil good and good evil. Here's a partial transcript of each:
Former First Lady Michele Obama:
- "Empathy: that's something I've been thinking a lot about lately. The ability to walk in someone else's shoes; the recognition that someone else's experience has value, too. Most of us practice this without a second thought. If we see someone suffering or struggling, we don't stand in judgment. We reach out because, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." It is not a hard concept to grasp. It's what we teach our children. And like so many of you, Barack and I have tried our best to instill in our girls a strong moral foundation to carry forward the values that our parents and grandparents poured into us. But right now, kids in this country are seeing what happens when we stop requiring empathy of one another. They're looking around wondering if we've been lying to them this whole time about who we are and what we truly value. They see people shouting in grocery stores, unwilling to wear a mask to keep us all safe. They see people calling the police on folks minding their own business just because of the color of their skin. They see an entitlement that says only certain people belong here, that greed is good, and winning is everything because as long as you come out on top, it doesn't matter what happens to everyone else. And they see what happens when that lack of empathy is ginned up into outright disdain. They see our leaders labeling fellow citizens enemies of the state while emboldening torch-bearing white supremacists. They watch in horror as children are torn from their families and thrown into cages, and pepper spray and rubber bullets are used on peaceful protestors for a photo-op."
- Since when is "empathy" defined as supporting months of BLM's unchecked violent and deadly rampage across the entire country. How is looting and torching the life's work of innocent business owners "the ability to walk in someone else's shoes; the recognition that someone else's experience has value, too."
- It's certainly true that inflating erroneous police crime statistics, while ignoring years of Black on Black violence and murders within inner cities, occasions "looking around wondering if we've been lying to them this whole time about who we are and what we truly value." Particularly in the Obama's own city of Chicago where within weeks of their speeches there were 18 murders in 24 hours.
- No one is supporting and BLM is not targeting "torch-bearing white supremacists." Rather just about everyone else.
- "Peaceful protestors" hardly describe the hundreds, if not thousands, of violent criminals that have largely been free to rampage at will.
Former President Barack Obama:
- "Joe and Kamala will restore our standing in the world – and as we've learned from this pandemic, that matters. Joe knows the world, and the world knows him. He knows that our true strength comes from setting an example the world wants to follow. A nation that stands with democracy, not dictators. A nation that can inspire and mobilize others to overcome threats like climate change, terrorism, poverty, and disease. But more than anything, what I know about Joe, what I know about Kamala is that they actually care about every American. And that they care deeply about this democracy. They believe that in a democracy, the right to vote is sacred, and we should be making it easier for people to cast their ballots, not harder. They believe that no one – including the president – is above the law, and that no public official – including the president – should use their office to enrich themselves or their supporters.They understand that in this democracy, the Commander-in-Chief does not use the men and women of our military, who are willing to risk everything to protect our nation, as political props to deploy against peaceful protesters on our own soil. They understand that political opponents aren't "un-American" just because they disagree with you; the free press isn't the "enemy" but the way we hold officials accountable; that our ability to work together to solve big problems like a pandemic depend on a fidelity to facts and science and logic and not just making stuff up…. Because that's what at stake right now. Our democracy."
- "Joe and Kamala know… our true strength comes from setting an example the world wants to follow." Rioting and looting, violence and murder, burning police buildings and defacing public property based on a narrative of lies is hardly an example the world wants or needs.
- No one has even suggested impinging the rights of "peaceful protesters." A description clearly opposite the agenda of destruction and mayhem demonstrated by Antifa, BLM and many Democrats leaders.
- The "way we hold we hold officials accountable" is for the liberal media to provide endless forums promoting politicians and community leaders calling evil good and good evil. All the while denouncing voices of sanity and reason.
- Supporting and promoting months of nationwide anarchy, based on inverting truth and statistics opposes "fidelity to facts and science and logic" and is the very definition of "just making stuff up."
Even a majority of Republicans have done little to nothing to stoutly stand against such obvious evil. Up to and including President Trumps refusal to date to enact the Insurrection Act to put down domestic terrorism.
Never before has the spiritual and societal battle line been drawn so clearly. Even the genocide of abortion is largely unseen. More a religious and moral issue than continual in your face BLM rioting and looting, violence and murder. A campaign of terror supplemented with the tearing down of monuments, while bestowing martyrdom and sainthood on felons. Again, with the approval of a majority of the most powerful individuals, corporations and organizations in the U.S. if not world.
All this as the specters of apocalyptic events appear looming on the horizon. Some, like Matt Walsh, a cultural and political commentator, pinpoint glaring lapses in judgment and common sense. Others forward more nefarious social and spiritual scenarios. Regarding a COVID-19 vaccine, there are a great many reasons for caution, up to and including genuine concerns in regards to efficacy and safety, not to mention medical professionals questioning plans to roll out genetic manipulation and even nano technology. GB highly recommends watching Dr. Carrie Madej video, Human 2.0" A Wake -up Call To The World. If video link fails to play click here to download an important 20 min video).
Dr. Carrie Madej's short video introduces some troubling aspects of Transhumanism, particular in the areas of RNA augmentation and internalizing nanotechnology. Many purposed COVID-19 vaccines, as in the case of Pfizer's reported 90% effective version, are completely different types of vaccine. Dr. Madej warns, they contain new technologies "that can change the way we live, who we are and what we are. Very quickly." And possibly irrevocably. She, and many others, maintain that while the Human 2.0 agenda is to offer amazing upgrades to the human condition, it comes with dangerous and serious strings attached. Fastracting genetically modified RNA presents a series of problems. Circumventing the 5-6 year span of traditional phase 1-3 trials reducing the time frame to months is unprecedented. Without clinical data, the potential for systemic long term side effects in humans is unknown. Dr. Madej explains that similar technology used in animals has produced "increased cancer rates, increased mutant genes (mutagenesis), and also increased auto immune reaction." In the later case, the opposite of the desired outcome.
Another concern is the proposed use of Hydrogel introducing a Luciferase enzyme along with the vaccine. Modified DNA or RNA would use synthetic manipulation to code for the virus which would be transcribed by cellular nuclei. Our bodies would then create antibodies and improved T-cell response. This process, known as transfection, is widely used in genetically modifying food products. Often resulting in less healthy varieties.
Vaccine manufacturers maintain RNA modification will not alter the human genome. This seems unlikely since transfection can be permanent, as in the case of many GMO's. If synthetic DNA or/or RNA is assimilated into human genomes, it may then be legally patented, which could imply ownership.
Luciferase has bioluminescence properties allowing scanning to reveal a digital code or pattern, providing a vaccination record and identification (number, barcode, branding).
Dr. Madej explains Hydrogel is considered an invention of DARPA. One application is the continual and real time monitoring of body functions. Possibly through nanotechnology. Such constant observation would immediate impact issues of privacy and freedom. Medical and otherwise. This kind of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence is a two way street, allowing for not only transmission but reception. Information could be downloaded into us. With without consent. Might such engineering "effect our mood and behavior, how we think or our memories?"
Rushing genetic modification into production is problematic on many fronts. Including legal mandates like (PREPA) providing "vaccine manufactures with zero liability for any harm done to any human." Some maintain treatment can be forced under certain conditions. Yet, "They cannot force a vaccine if there is a viable treatment for COVID-19. Doctors around the world are being censored about treatment options or prevention. Because if there's a true treatment or prevention they can't force this treatment on us."
Many speculate such rapid and radical changes are structured to promote sociopolitical control. Escalations designed to forward the infiltration of global society, leading to the introduction of a New World Order. Possibly even the ushering in of the long foretold Antichrist, as well as the Mark of the Beast. The appearance of both, as Scripture plainly warns, predating Christ's prophesied Rapture of the Church. It's not hard to imagine a scenario where the primary, secondary and tertiary effects of global catastrophes such as COVID-19 play a significant role in the beginning of sorrows warned of in the gospels, epistles and Book of Revelation.
While bad news to be sure, there is hope in the knowing. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. At least for those with the eye's, ears and hearts willing to see, hear and understand. While discussing end time events, during His Olivet Discourse Jesus explains, "See, I have warned you about this ahead of time."
In regards to the last days, Christ's warnings are clear:
- "This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it. But on account of God’s chosen people, the trouble will be cut short." Matthew 24:21-22 The Message
- "But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36 MSG
- "'I’m going to make a clean sweep of the earth, a thorough housecleaning.'" God’s Decree. 'Men and women and animals, including birds and fish—Anything and everything that causes sin—will go, but especially people.'" Zephaniah 1:2-3 MSG
- "So get yourselves together. Shape up! You’re a nation without a clue about what it wants. Do it before you’re blown away like leaves in a windstorm, Before God’s Judgment-anger sweeps down on you, Before God’s Judgment Day wrath descends with full force. Seek God, all you quietly disciplined people who live by God’s justice. Seek God’s right ways. Seek a quiet and disciplined life. Perhaps you’ll be hidden on the Day of God’s anger." Zephaniah 2:1-3 MSG
- "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith." Hebrews 11:7 NIV
The Bible repeatedly references the sad fact that God's own people often lack discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Without spiritual eyes and ears, hearts and minds to accurately comprehend and appropriately respond, we are easily deceived in both doctrine and lifestyle. Hundreds of Christian sects and denominations, each promoting various Christs and versions of the gospel, testify to our Enemy's cunning. If Satan could influence perhaps a third of Heaven's ancient, holy and glorious angles to rebel, mankind presents little challenge.
And if Churchianity's all over the board in regard to the Bible's major themes, what of more subtle issues? Up to and including accurately discerning the times and seasons in which we live? Intentionally or unintentionally, modern Christianity has a history of all but upending the obvious meaning of Scripture's most important meta messages.
When it comes to being off page, Christ leveled a terrible indictment against the rebellion and hypocrisy of the people of God in His day:
- "You’re hopeless! You build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed. The tombs you build are monuments to your murdering ancestors more than to the murdered prophets. That accounts for God’s Wisdom saying, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, but they’ll kill them and run them off.’ What it means is that every drop of righteous blood ever spilled from the time earth began until now, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was struck down between altar and sanctuary, is on your heads. Yes, it’s on the bill of this generation and this generation will pay." Luke 11:47-51
- " Next Jesus let fly on the cities where he had worked the hardest but whose people had responded the least, shrugging their shoulders and going their own way. “Doom to you, Chorazin! Doom, Bethsaida! If Tyre and Sidon had seen half of the powerful miracles you have seen, they would have been on their knees in a minute. At Judgment Day they’ll get off easy compared to you. And Capernaum! With all your peacock strutting, you are going to end up in the abyss. If the people of Sodom had had your chances, the city would still be around. At Judgment Day they’ll get off easy compared to you.” Matthew 11:20-24 MSG
- "These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else…" 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 MSG
- "Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God’s Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God’s creation, says: "I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see." Revelation 3:14-18 MSG
Laodiceans of all times and seasons clearly fail to understand spiritual warfare. Only a civilian would dare brag, "I'm rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone…" during the battles and shortages of cosmic spiritual war. Particularly when in actuality they were a, "pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless…" A war, by the way, about to increase exponentially. Overrunning the entire earth. Ruining the whole planet.
The Alive After The Fall video is a short but well produced overview of last day prophecies in light of recent events. It also offers a reasonable though fearful handling of America's currently apparent place in Biblical prophecy, along with resources to help equip individuals and families to survive what may well be coming. GB highly recommends watching the video, but if necessary you can click here to view the transcript.
When it comes to a nearly wholesale misunderstanding and/or under appreciating of Scripture, from its basic tenants to eschatology, only the context of conflict theology can make sense pf both modern Christianity's state of woeful deception and flagrant disregard for the Bible's clear and concise commands. Including Scripture's emphasis on sanctification and the virtue of fear, the harsh sayings of Jesus and Revelation's account of Christ's judging His Church
Many are, and far more will take issue with God, asking is He fair? How can God be good, yet remain silent and distance in the face of such global loneliness and depression, bitterness and loss, illness and disease, pain and death.
The Bible provides answers to all such questions and more.
Quantumly, Earth is many wonderful things. Sadly, it's also a physical and spiritual kill zone. A battlefield about to get exponentially worse. With too few the wiser.
Understanding the Bible's most emphasizes meta messages is a necessary prerequisite for rightly interpreting Scripture. Developing spiritual sensitivity through diligent practice is also indispensable in learning to discern the reality often obscured by secular and religious culture. As Jesus warned:
- "Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously." John 7:24 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
- "But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s spiritual nature]. For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]." 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 Amplified Bible
Given the quantum nature of living out our faith, it’s preferable to major on the positive rather than dwell on negatives. After all, even when fractured into scores of denominations and plagued by worldliness, a lot can be said for modern Christianity. We enjoy our beautiful churches and programs. We’re comforted by encouraging worship and messages. We value relationships with leaders and fellow believers. All well intentioned attitudes the New Testament seems to support:
- “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 New International Version
Notice this appealing list begins with whatever is “true.” Then, as if to lay a secure foundation, it continues with “noble” and “right” and “pure.” Far from promoting positivism and unity at the cost of honesty and discernment, such passages underscore the need for first the former and then the latter.
C.S. Lewis, yesterday, while less than correct on a few key issues, is rightfully recognized as one of, if not the most insightful Christian authors of the 20th century. He also lived through two world wars, wounded by friendly fire on the battlefield of WW1. He saw the reality of Conflict Theology first hand, particularly as England was besieged during WW2.
About God allowing this carnage and man's inhumanity to man, three of his more famous quotes may prove helpful:
1. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
2. God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.
3. The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.
For additional information on this topic, please peruse the many hyperlinks provided throughout this article. Other articles along this line include Times and Seasons, Prayer of Anguish, COVID-19, Pre-Revival Repentance, A New Pentecost, Prophetic Advice, Sacred Assembly, Renewal, Revival or Reformation, Prophetic Witnessing, Context Then Content, Conflict Theology, Litmus Test, and Eternity…The Wager.
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