Eschatology Two continued #12 (Page 2 of 2)

Welcome to my site. Let me introduce myself Welcome to Bible Teaching Online Why I Use the King James Version #1 God's Blueprint for His Eternal Purpose, The Church #2 God's Redemptive Week #3 The Tabernacle of Moses #4 Daniel's Visions and Prophecies #5 (Page 1 of 2) Daniel's Visions and Prophecies continued #5 (Page 2 of 2) Interpreting the Prophets #6 The Tabernacle of David #7 The Feast of Passover / Unleaved Bread / Firstfruits #8 The Feast of Pentecost (Weeks or Harvest) #9 Eschatology One (The order of events in Revelation) #10 The Feast of Tabernacles #11 (Page 1 of 2) The Feast of Tabernacles continued #11 (Page 2 of 2) Eschatology Two #12 (Page 1 of 2) Eschatology Two continued #12 (Page 2 of 2) The Conclusion of the "Blueprint" 12 Phase Series Blog

Phase 12 of 12 Continued

   The Second Coming of Jesus   

The purpose of the apostle Peter's second epistle (letter) was to remind the Church "that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lust, And saying Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as the were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the WORD OF GOD the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  But the heavens and the earth, WHICH ARE NOW, BY THE SAME WORD are kept in store reserved unto fire against the day of judgment But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years...The Lord is not slack (tardy, late) concerning His promise, as some men count slackness..."(2Peter.3:1-9) It has only been approximately two days (2,000 years) since Jesus was crucified as our Passover Lamb.(Review Phase 3) Don't allow the "scoffers" bother you. In Noah's day the world "knew not until the flood came." (Matt.24:39) The construction of the Ark happened before their very eyes, yet they "knew not." (Note; 1Cor.2:1-14) How did Noah find grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Gen.6:8) and man in his wickedness did not. They both had (a) The witness of the coats of skins, that took the death and shedding of blood of innocent animal. Gen.3:21 (b) The Garden of Eden, the Cherubims and a flaming sword was still there as a witness to keep the way of the tree life. (Gen.3:24) God had also left a witness of the offering of a slain lamb. Gen.4:1-8 (c) There was also the witness of Enoch who walked with God, and was taken up to heaven. (Gen.5:24) The answer is, Noah was "clothed with humility" and the rest of the world was proud. (2Peter.1:5-6) Noah was not a favorite, for "God is no respecter of persons" The "same Word" is true today! (Gen.6, 2Peter.3:1-9) "He that hath an ear let him hear!"

Note: This scoffing was coming from false prophets and teachers in the Church! These were not the heathen! (Note: 2 Peter.1-2) Some say that every generation has thought that their generation was the last generation. They even say the first century Church thought the Second Coming would happen in their life time. (Acts.2:17, Rom.9:28, Heb.1:2, 1Peter.1:20, 1John.2:18) What they fail to understand is God's time table. (2Peter.3:1-9) The apostles were writing under the inspiration of God, who says a thousand of your years, is only a day to me! History has confirmed this. Jesus has not come back yet, and the apostles were not mistaken. Therefore for each generation to speaking of the last days, is not a strange thing, because we are in the last two days of God's redemptive week. (Review Phase 3)
      The apostle Paul places the Second Coming after the tribulation                                                                 
The Church at Thessalonica was teaching the the "day of Christ was at hand," (2Thes.2:1-2) because of Paul's first letter (epistle). (1Thes.4:13-18) This caused Paul to write the second epistle (letter) with the correct order of events that must take place before Jesus returns. (2Thes.2:1-5) Note: Jesus taught the apostle Paul, directly, (Gal.1:11-12) as well as the other apostles. (Luke.24:1-53. Note:vs.44,45)
Therefore, the order that is to follow, is the end-time eschatology of Jesus.    

I.   Let no man deceive you. (2Thes.2:3)     
     A. Many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ (Messiah / Anointed one) This was in response to
         the disciples question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming?" (Matt.24:3)
         1. It is possible to preach another Jesus, while using the name of Jesus. (2Cor.11:4)
         2. Did we not prophecy, and cast out devils in thy name? (Matt.7:22)
         How do we know the difference? By having a love for the truth of the Word of God! 
         (2Thes.2:10, John.17:17) The Bereans "were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they
         received the word...and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things (that Paul) said were 
         so." (Acts.17:11, 1Peter.3:15) This is our responsibility as "priests" before the Lord. (1Peter.2:5-9
         Rev.1:6; 5:10, Deut.31:9-13; 17:18; 24:8; 2Chron.15:3: 34:15; Neh.8:2, 2Tim.2:15; 4:2) Don't
         give up this responsibility, honor and privilege (Prov.25:1-2) to some radio or T.V. personality.
         This also applies to those "which labor among you." (1Thes.5:12) "Prove all things (including this
         website by the Word of God) and hold fast that which is good." (1Thes.5:21) It should be noted
         that the context of 1Thes.5:12,23, is end times.
     B. Therefore let us not sleep as do others (1Thes.5:6) This is a spiritual slothfulness that comes through
        being "void of understanding." (Prov.24:30-34) It is possible to be busy like Martha in Church related
        things, "cumbered about much serving...careful and troubled about many things"(Luke.10:42) and be  
        spiritually asleep (slothful). The Church today needs to be like Mary and chose "the good part" and be
        spiritually awake. We should serve one another, however the amount of serving does not develop a
        seeing eye and a hearing ear. We must spend time with Jesus, as Mary did.
        1. God's Word speaks of "the eyes of our understanding." (Eph.1:18) Busyness can rob us of time
            that should be given to the study of God's Word. Noah could have been "cumbered about, and 
            troubled with the issues of his day, and would not have finished the Ark. His priority was the Ark.
            (Note: The modern translations use the word "heart" instead of "understanding." However, the 
            meaning is still the same.- Matt.13:16, Luke.24:16,25-36, 2Cor.3:13-15, 2Peter.1:9)
        2. God's Word speaks a hearing ear and a seeing eye. (Matt.13:13-17)
                    
II.  For that day (the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ) shall not come except there come a falling 
     (apostasy) first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2Thes.2:3-4)
       This is why we need to stay awake, be sober (Well balanced)  
      A. Except there come a falling (a defection from the truth / apostasy) away first
          This is not a mistake or a slip, this is a defection (i.e. the abandonment of a position or an association,
         to join another group. To disown allegiance to one's country and take up residence in another -
         Webster) This is denying the Lord that bought them. (2Peter.2:1) This is counting the blood of the  
         Covenant an unholy thing. (Heb.10:29) This is the point of no return. "There remaineth no more 
         sacrifice for sins," for these (Heb.10:26) because there is not any other after Christ. This will be
         caused by the man of sin like Judas, a ministry from inside the Church. (!John.2:18-19) This
         should not be a strange thought. Note these examples.
         1. The dragon cast down stars to the ground from heavenly places with his tail (deception) Rev.12:
         2. Lucifer (dragon, Satan, serpent, devil) fell from the inside out. He was the anointed Cherub that 
            covereth. (Eze.28:11-18)
         3. John said they (the antichrists) went out from us. (1John.2:18-19) Note: John said "ye have heard
             that antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists." Many have identify certain
             World leaders to be the antichrist, and they were "an" antichrist, however they were not "the
             antichrist." To identify who the antichrist is make two columns on a page. On one side list 
             everything that The Lord Jesus Christ is, and on the other side list the opposite, because the man
             is "anti" to everything that Christ is. This will give an accurate description of the man of sin,
             the antichrist.
         4. God said He has allowed the false prophet to be among us to prove us. (Deut.13:1-3) The serpent
             was in the Garden of Eden. God allowed the wheat and the tares to grow together, afterwards the  
             judgement (Matt:13:24-30, 36-43)
         5. From your own selves wolves will arise. (Acts.20:28-30) Wolves in sheep's clothing

A time out or a "selah" (to pause of think about what has been said)
It would seem as though there is a depressing end for the Church, with a falling away. On the contrary, it is quite the opposite. All that Paul is dealing with in this chapter is the revealing of the antichrist, before The Lord Jesus Christ returns,(2Thes.2:5) because the Thessalonians were expecting Christ at any moment.(2Thes.2:1-2) The Ephesians were told that the Church would be Glorious, without spot or blemish. (Eph.5:21-33) That the Church would come to a perfect man, to the full measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph.4:11-16) This is not a defeated Church, but rather a Victorious Church! This letter (2Thes.) to the Church is a warning, because while God has preparing a Bride for His Son, Satan has also been counterfeiting this preparation for his false bride. (i.e. Rev.17 Woman) The Thessalonians were looking passed the possibility of deception to the Second Coming, at any moment. This is what Paul was correcting.     More notes to come  


     B. And that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (Note: Judas)   
         Paul wrote, "That he (i.e. the man of sin / antichrist) might be revealed in his time. (2Thes.2:6)
        "For the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) doth already work:(1John.2:18-19) only he who now
         letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (2Thes.2:7)
        1. The time of the antichrist is "forty and two months." (i.e. Three and a half years. Dan.7:25,
            Rev.11:2-3; 12:6,14) A copy of the three and a half ministry of The Lord Jesus Christ.
        2. This "forty and two months" begins at the sounding of the 5th. trumpet. (Review Phase 10)
            Until this time, there is a restraining hand of God preventing the antichrist from functioning.
     C. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped
        The key words in this verse is, "all that is called God." Why center on this? The reason is because
        God said,"in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." (Exod.20:24,
        1Chron.13:6 / Exod.25:10-22, 1Chron.16:1, 2Chron.5:1-14, Deut.12:5,11; 14:23; 16:2,6,11) After the 
        Cross, God still requires His name to be recorded in our Water Baptism.(Matt.28:19, Acts.2:38; 8:16;
        10:48; 19:5) The Church is the place now. The Altar, animal sacrifices and Temple "was a figure for
        the time then present" (Heb.9:9-11) to bring us to Christ,(Gal.3:24) which is THE PLACE where God
        records His name.(Matt.18:6, Col.3:17) Satan hates the family name of Lord Jesus Christ, (Eph.3:14) 
        and wants the number of his name to be recorded on us. (Rev.13:17-18)
        __________________________________________________________________

        Note this: Why then, do some teach that the antichrist will come against and take away the daily sacrifice
        that God does not receive or have His name recorded on after THE sacrifice of The Lord Jesus Christ.
        (Heb.10:1-10, Matt.5:17-19, Heb.13:10)

  
     D. So that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
         This has been Satan's (Lucifer, the Devil, Serpent, Dragon) purpose from the time that "iniquity was
        found" in him. (Eze.28:15, Isa.14:11-15)
        1. So that he AS God. Lucifer is ONLY "as." Lucifer is only "as" a roaring Lion,(1Peter.5:8) NOT a Lion.
            Jesus is the ONLY Lion of the tribe of Judah.    (Rev.5:5)
        2. Sitteth in the Temple of God. (2Thes.2:4) The ONLY Temple that God recognizes, and records His   
            name upon it, IS THE CHURCH. (John.2:18-20, 1Cor.6:19-20, Eph.2:20-22) Some think there will
            be a rebuilt (earthly) Temple in Jerusalem, which will be called the Temple of God. However, "the 
            most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands,"(Acts.7:47-48) after the Cross. This means that the antichrist is going to sit in the Church, shewing himself to be God. (Isa.14:13, Psa.48:2, 1Peter.2:6, Eph.2:20-22, Rom.9:33) This is why the Church needs to on alert, be sober, be awake, don't sleep. (Note: This interprets the "Temple" being measured in Rev.11:1-2, to be the CHURCH! Read Eph.4:11-16, 2Cor.10:12) Remember, "the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) doth already work:" in the Church, because Lucifer said he would sit upon "the mount (Zion. Psa.48:2, 1Peter.2:6) of the congregation, in the sides of the north."(Isa.14:13, 2Thes.2:4) The wheat and the tares are growing together. (Matt.13:24-30,36-43) TODAY this is evident in some doctrines that turn the grace of God "into lasciviousness (lawlessness, wantonness, immorality)" (Jude.1:4) Remember, God has not changed His mind concerning His Laws of the Old Covenant.(Mal.3:6, James.1:17) He sent Jesus to fulfill (complete) the Law, not to destroy it! (Matt.5:17-19, Gal.3:24) As we are in Christ, we fulfill all the requirements of the Law. (Rom.8:1-2)
         3. Shewing himself that he is God. (2Thes.2:4) This antichrist (i.e. beast, son of perdition, man of sin) is Satan incarnate, a copy of The Lord Jesus Christ who was "God...manifest in the flesh."(1Tim.3:16, John.1:1,14; 5:17-18; 17:4-5 / Isa.42:8, Phil.2:6) In the meanwhile, Satan is trying to destroy the truth of Christ's Deity (i.e. that He is God manifest in the the flesh) with his "ministers of righteousness." (2Cor.11:15) who are preaching "another Jesus, another gospel, and another spirit." (2Cor.11:4) These false ministries, these "certain men" (Jude.1:4) that have "crept in unawares," are saying "Yea hath God (really) said" (Gen.3:1, 2Cor.11:3) that Christ is Deity? Does the original scriptures really say that? They are creating doubt in God's Word, just as the serpent did to Eve. (Gen.3:1) Review Phase 1. 

       Paul wrote,
"Remember ye not, that when I was with you, I told  you these things? 
      The Thessalonians knew this order before Paul wrote the first epistle concerning Christ's return.
      (2Thes.2:5)

       
IV.  THEN shall that Wicked (the antichrist) be revealed. (2Thes.2:8-10) "For the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) doth ALREADY work..."(2Thes.2:7) In fact, this iniquity has continued since the fall of Lucifer (Satan, the Devil, that Old Serpent. Ezk.28:15, Isa.14:11-14). John said,"even NOW are there many antichrists," but there is A SET TIME for THE antichrist to come.(1John.2:18) "Only he who now letteth will let, UNTIL HE be taken out of the way."(2Thes.2:7) Today, the restraining hand of the Spirit of God is holding back the revealing of THE antichrist. (Gen.6:2; 6:3, Judges.13:24-25; 14:6; 16:20, 1Sam.16:14, Psa.51:11) Paul is instructing once again that the man of sin must be revealed BEFORE Jesus returns.
V.    Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness 
        of his coming. (2Thes.2:8) This is AFTER the tribulation because the man of sin is given power to continue forty two months. Some attempt to divide up the Second Coming of Christ into two stages. The first Second Coming is only to the clouds. This is where the Church is to be raptured up from this earth to meet the Lord in the air, after which the antichrist will be revealed. (This is what the Thessalonians were teaching) Paul had to correct this. The "second" Second Coming (i.e. the third coming), would be after the tribulation. This conclusion is taken from 2Thes.2:1-8. Those that teach this believe there is a distinction between the "day of Christ" and the "day of the Lord." The thought is the Old Testament prophets spoke of "the day of the Lord," and the New Testament writers spoke of a different day, called "the day of Christ," which is before the tribulation. (Pre-Tribulation Rapture) There is no difference between the "day of the Lord," and "the day of Christ." It is THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Peter said, "that God hath made...Jesus...both Lord and Christ."(Acts.2:36) There is only ONE Second Coming. Some say that Paul used the Greek word, "parousia" when speaking of the "day of Christ," and a different Greek word, "apokalupsis" for the return of Christ after the tribulation. However, the apostle used "parousia" for the "day of Christ" (2Thes.2:1-2) and when Jesus destroys the antichrist with the brightness of His "coming." (2Thes.2:8,Rev.19:11-21)

The apostle Paul continues. He wrote that the antichrist will come "after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."(2Thes.2:9, Rev.13:14; 16:13-14; 19:20) This is like Pharaoh's wise men, sorcerers and magicians that copied the miracle that God did through Moses. (Exod.7:10-13) There HAD TO BE THE REAL FIRST! What the antichrist and his prophet are doing is counterfeiting the signs and wonders and mighty deeds of God's holy apostles and prophets of the last day glorious Church. (2Cor.12:12, Eph.4:11-16) There are some today that teach that signs, wonders, miracles, mighty deeds having ceased after the death of the apostle John. (90-100 A.D.) Yet they teach that the devil can have the miracles, signs and wonders, but the Church cannot?      How can there a "lying sign and wonder" and not a real first? There is a warning in the second epistle (letter) to the Thessalonians, LET NO MAN DECIEVE YOU! The same warning that Jesus gave concerning the end time. (Matt.24:4) Have a love for THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD! The apostle John wrote, "These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him ABIDETH in you, and ye need not that any MAN teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of ALL THINGS, AND IS TRUTH, and IS NO LIE, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.(i.e. the Holy Spirit) 1John.2:18-27. Continue to have a love for the truth of God's Word. Those that don't will be open to deception!