JAN MARKELL AND FRIENDS: WHEN THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE FAILS

 (23) Jan Markell 🔥 SHOCKING PROPHECY 2022 🔥 When Your Church Awakens to Wokeness - YouTube

Above: Jan Markell and Brandon Holthaus discuss how to find a sound church in the wake of wokeness and many other heresies currently overtaking the churches. It appears that finding a good church is a significant problem for Christians today whatever their location. Holthaus maintains that travelling many miles to a sound church is an option that should not be rejected. That is a solution for some perhaps, although it does exclude the sick, the elderly, those without transport and the poor. I also think that families with young children would struggle with this option. In other words, the marginalized people that Jesus particularly cares for are excluded. My own view is that believers should try to meet locally, although I know from personal experience that this can be difficult. (Matthew 18:20).

I am particularly concerned that Jan and her friends are more fixed on the pre-trib rapture than ever. They believe that the pre-trib rapture will happen very soon as we see globalism increasing exponentially. I am cautious, but I agree that it appears that we are not very far from the 70th week of Daniel i.e. the period pre-tribbers refer to as "the tribulation". 

The pre-trib view maintains that believers will be raptured before the onset of the 70th week of Daniel. The markers that identify the beginning of the 70th week are the "strong covenant" the Antichrist makes or confirms with many, and the construction of the third temple in conjunction with the reinstitution of the temple sacrifices. (Daniel 9:27). My hope is that when these things happen, pre-trib believers will prepare themselves for the Antichrist's persecution. (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 12:17). I can understand why Jan and others reject the flawed post-trib view i.e. the view that the rapture will occur at the end of the 70th week of Daniel. Teachers like Joe Schimmel (Left Behind or Led Astray) have correctly identified the weaknesses of the pre-trib view, but they have failed to address the flaws in their own post-trib view. {1} It is tragic that Schimmel and others are unwilling to apply the same hermeneutical principles they have employed in opposing pre-trib to themselves. Schimmel's credibility ultimately depends upon his ability to demonstrate the soundness of his own view. (1 John 4:1).

Having studied the prewrath position extensively, I believe that this view comprehensively addresses the problems associated with other views. My prayer is that believers will take the time to give this position serious consideration. I recommend the documentary below produced by Alan Kurschner and produced/directed by Chris White.  

 

The Basics
The Precursor Problem
The Olivet Discourse Problem
The 2nd Thessalonian Problem
The Revelation Problem
The Imminence Problem
The Church and Israel Problem
The Early Church Problem

I have raised my eyebrows at one or two of Jan's guests:

Prophecy teacher Don Stewart (Calvary Chapel) should have been disqualified from the ministry years ago! His adultery was swept under the carpet in 2011 and he has continued in "ministry" ever since!  {2} 

Jack Hibbs shares a platform with Don Stewart and he has endorsed NAR leader Che Ahn. {3} 

These are two teachers that I cannot bring myself to watch. (1 Corinthians 5:6,11).

Jan might be oblivious to the compromise of some of her guests, but we can be sure that God does not overlook these things. (Romans 2:6-10).

1. Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
2. Scattered Sheep: January 20, 2012 Show: My Perspective on Don Stewart (scatteredsheepreport.blogspot.com)
3. (23) Jack Hibbs Endorses NAR Che Ahn l HR1154 "Conspir@cy The0rists" bill l Temple on earth @ FOT timing - YouTube

JUSTIN PETERS: MORE DOUBLE TALK!

 (21) Is There A Calvinist Conspiracy Against Christmas, Charlie Brown? - YouTube

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). 
Footnote: "Some manuscripts peace, good will among men."

Justin Peters gives a comprehensive exposition of the Greek phrase ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία/εὐδοκίας in Luke 2:14. Brian (Faith on Fire) has some very questionable views at times.{1} Even Calvin did not relate this verse to limited atonement. 

Calvin: "Which shall be to all the people Though the angel addresses the shepherds alone, yet he plainly states, that the message of salvation which he brings is of wider extent, so that not only they, in their private capacity, may hear it, but that others may also hear. Now let it be understood, that this joy was common to all people, because, it was indiscriminately offered to all. For God had promised Christ, not to one person or to another, but to the whole seed of Abraham. If the Jews were deprived, for the most part, of the joy that was offered to them, it arose from their unbelief; just as, at the present day, God invites all indiscriminately to salvation through the Gospel, but the ingratitude of the world is the reason why this grace, which is equally offered to all, is enjoyed by few. Although this joy is confined to a few persons, yet, with respect to God, it is said to be common. When the angel says that this joy shall be to all the people, he speaks of the chosen people only; but now that, the middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14) has been thrown down, the same message has reference to the whole human race. [149] For Christ proclaims peace, not only, to them that are nigh, "but to them that are, far off," (Ephesians 2:17,) to "strangers" (Ephesians 2:12) equally with citizens. But as the peculiar covenant with the Jews lasted till the resurrection of Christ, so the angel separates them from the rest of the nations." {2} 

Peters continues to quote John 6:37-39 and he asserts that no amount of hermeneutical gymnastics can deny that God has His elect. At the same time he argues for man's responsibility and accountability in responding to the gospel. Peters does not refer to himself as a Calvinist and yet he does not deny it either.

According to Peters, the teaching that man has no responsibility is only true of hyper-Calvinists. Peters: "Hyper Calvinists are about as rare as bigfoot. I have travelled all over the world and I have met very few, maybe a handful, maybe two or three people that are true hyper-Calvinists.." 

I do not know what planet Peters has been on, but the irrefutable teaching of Calvinism is summed up in the acronym TULIP. Many pastors/teachers promote five-point Calvinism in their churches, including Peters' hero John MacArthur. This aberrant teaching is not limited to "two or three people".

• Total depravity. Human beings are dead in their sins, and they stand justly condemned before God, unable to do anything to save themselves.

• Unconditional election. From eternity, God in his sovereignty chose specific human beings to be saved. That salvation was determined entirely by God, not simply God’s foreknowledge of who would respond to his offer of grace.

• Limited atonement. Also known as “particular redemption,” the doctrine teaches the death of Jesus Christ was intended for the remission of the sins of elect human beings only; in other words, the intention of the atonement and its effects are the same.

• Irresistible grace. Many Calvinists prefer the term “effectual calling” to express this idea—God’s call to salvation will not fail to bring about the repentance and faith of the elect.

• Perseverance of the saints. This doctrine teaches all true believers in Christ will be saved because God grants them faith to persist to the end of life, and God will keep them safe.

Why does Peters think that Calvinism is so very controversial and that it is responsible for causing numerous church splits and pain to countless believers? 

Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” At this, the Jews began to grumble about Jesus because He had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven?’”“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus replied. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:37-44).

Soteriology 101: "There are two basic ways to interpret this passage and it hinges on the words “draws” and “them.” Let’s look at the two renderings side by side:
Calvinists: 'No man can come to me unless the Father who sent me *drags* him, and I will raise up *him who was dragged* at the last day.'
Traditionalists: 'No man can come to me unless the Father who sent me *enables* him, and I will raise up *him who comes* at the last day.'
The Greek sentence structure allows for the author to be referencing 'them' who come, not necessarily all those drawn. For instance if the sentence translated in English were structured in this manner the intention might be more obvious:
'Only those drawn by the Father may come, and I will raise up them (those that come) at the last day..'” {3} 

 

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: BRIAN (FAITH ON FIRE) CAN WE SEPARATE FAITH AND REPENTANCE? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Luke 2 Calvin's Commentaries (biblehub.com)
3. JOHN 6:44 – SOTERIOLOGY 101

EMMA STARK'S TOILET EXPERIENCE

 (19) Tour of the Prophetic | Emma Stark & Ivan Roman - YouTube

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

I am reluctant to post anything more about Emma Stark and her deranged stories. Whether she just makes up stuff or whether her alleged encounters with Jesus and angelic beings are demonic I cannot say. In any event, this stupidity is NOT from the Lord. 

In this particular video Emma claims to have been taken up to the throne room of heaven from the toilet. She also claims that Jesus has red shoes. (27:00 mark) I'm sorry but if you really do believe this nonsense then you are seriously deceived. 

The book of Revelation gives a description of Jesus'appearance, and there is no mention of red shoes! 

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:12-16).

The comments say it all:

BEWARE OF KEITH MALCOMSON: LATTER DAY REVIVAL DEBUNKED

Revival (weebly.com)

https://keithmalcomson.weebly.com/uploads/7/0/2/9/7029144/cut_will_there_be_another_revival.mp3

Keith Malcomson: "In this message you will hear the Biblical basis for believing that God will send more outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Many are saying that the day of revivals and genuine outpourings is over but in this message we will see that while there is a church in the earth and until Jesus returns that there will continue to be seasons of revival."

In the above message Malcomson attempts to make a case for an eschatological worldwide revival before the day of the Lord. He argues from Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-32).

 

Malcomson: "It is not enough to pray for revival.. it is not enough to read a book about revival.. that is not sufficient.. we must be absolutely convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that God wants to, that he is going to send another revival.. we must be utterly convinced.."

Malcomson's insistence that a great end-time revival is taught in the scriptures is extremely dangerous. He emphasizes this "doctrine" to such an extent that he makes it equal to the core doctrine of repentance and faith. A worldwide revival prior to the day of the Lord is not on the list of essential doctrines. There is only one thing Christians should hold onto unswervingly ~ the gospel of Jesus Christ! 

The Cosmic Disturbances

In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:17-21; Joel 2:28-32).

The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (Joel 2:31).  

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Mathew 24:29).

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

The cosmic disturbances described in the above passages are what Malcomson refers to as a "cosmic blackout".  We know from the scriptures that the great tribulation will occupy the second half of the 70th week of Daniel and that it will be cut short by the cosmic disturbances when the sixth seal is broken. (Matthew 24:22; Revelation 6:12-14). It is at this point that the rapture becomes imminent before the seventh seal is broken. (Matthew 24:29-31). The cosmic disturbances are a precursor to the day of the Lord ..before the Day of the Lord. (Joel 2:31). 

The phrase "the day of the Lord" is repeated three times in Joel 2. (Joel 2:1,11,30). The phrase "In those days" therefore refers to a specific period of time i.e. the days immediately preceding the day of the Lord when the seventh seal is broken and the trumpets and bowl judgements come into play. (Revelation chapters 8,9,15,16).

In those days?

And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,

and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. (Joel 2:26-32).

Joel 2:26-32 indicates finality. The Lord reiterates that Israel will never again be put to shame. Israel shall certainly be put to shame during the time known as "Jacob's trouble" i.e. during the period known as the great tribulation. (Zechariah 12:10). This information debunks the view that Joel 2:26-32 refers to a national revival in Israel prior to the great tribulation. Afterwards i.e. after Israel has repented God will pour out His spirit on all flesh. (Joel 2:28-29).

Keil and Delitzsch: "Judgment upon all nations goes side by side with the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Joel 2:30. "And I give wonders in the heavens and on earth, blood, fire, and pillars of smoke. Joel 2:31. The sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of Jehovah, the great and terrible (day), comes. Joel 2:32. And it comes to pass, every one who shall call upon the name of Jehovah will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem will be fugitives, as Jehovah hath said, and among those that are left will be those whom Jehovah calls." With the word ונתתּי, Joel 2:3 is attached to Joel 2:2 as a simple continuation (Hitzig). The wonders which God will give in the heavens and upon earth are the forerunners of judgment." {1}

Constable: "Peter made a significant change in Joel’s prophecy as he quoted it from the Septuagint, and this change supports the view that he was not claiming complete fulfillment. First, he changed 'after this' (Joel 2:28) to 'in the last days' (Acts 2:17). In the context of Joel’s prophecy the time in view is the day of the Lord: the Tribulation (Joel 2:30-31) and the Millennium (Joel 2:28-29). Peter interpreted this time as the last days. Many modern interpreters believe that when Peter said "the last days" he meant the days in which he lived. However, he was not in the Tribulation or the Millennium. Thus he looked forward to the last days as being future. The "last days" is a phrase that some New Testament writers used to describe the age in which we live (2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Judges 1:18), but in view of what Joel wrote that must not be its meaning here. In the Old Testament 'the last days' refers to the days before the age to come, namely, the age of Messiah’s earthly reign. That is what it means here." {2} 

Barnes: In the last days.... This expression was understood by the writers of the New Testament as referring undoubtedly to the times of the gospel. And hence they often used it as denoting that the time of the expected Messiah had come, but not to imply that the world was drawing near to an end: Hebrews 1:2, "God hath spoken in these last days by his Son"; 1 Peter 1:20, "Was manifested in these last times for you"; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 2:18, "Little children, it is the last time," etc.; Jde 1:18. The expression the last day is applied by our Saviour to the resurrection and the day of judgment, John 6:39-40, John 6:44-45; John 11:24; John 12:48. Here the expression means simply "in those future times, when the Messiah shall have come." {3}  

Times of refreshing

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. (Acts 3:19-21).

This message followed the healing of the lame beggar and it was directed to the Jews who had rejected Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:1-10). The "times of refreshing" was contingent upon Israel's repentance and the context is Messianic. These "times of refreshing" will be enjoyed by Israel after the return of Jesus Christ.

Thayers Greek Lexicon: "ἀνάψυξις, ἀναψύξεως, ἡ (ἀναψύχω, which see), a cooling, refreshing: Acts 3:20 (19), of the Messianic blessedness to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven;" {4}

 

Meyer: "καιροὶ ἀναψύξ.] seasons of refreshing: namely, the Messianic, as is self-evident and is clear from what follows. It is substantially the same as is meant in Luke 2:25 by παράκλησις τοῦ Ἰσραήλ,—namely, seasons in which, through the appearance of the Messiah in His kingdom, there shall occur blessed rest and refreshment for the people of God, after the expiration of the troublous seasons of the αἰὼν οὗτος (2 Timothy 3:1; Galatians 1:4; Acts 14:22).[145] The αἰῶνες οἱ ἐπερχόμενοι in chap. Acts 2:7 are not different from these future καιροί. This explanation is shown to be clearly right by the fact that Peter himself immediately adds, as explanatory of καιροὶ ἀναψύξ.: καὶ ἀποστείλῃ τὸν προκεχειρ. ὑμῖν Ἰησ. Χ., which points to the Parousia. {5}

The Former Rain and the Latter Rain

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. (James 5:7).

James refers to the coming of the Lord and follows it with the analogy of the early and late rains. 

Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. (Joel 2:23).

KJV: ..the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

Malcomson teaches that this verse indicates that the former and the latter rain will be combined together in one month, and he states that this points to "one great last revival just before Jesus comes".  Where it is written "in the first month" the word "month" was added. The Hebrew is better translated "as before". {6} 

Brown Driver Briggs: בָּרִאשֹֽׁון׃ (ba·ri·sho·vn.)

רִאשׁוֹן adjective former, first, chief {7} 

 

Ellicott: "The former rain moderately. — St. Paul adduces the gift of the rain as a witness to the people of Lystra of the existence and beneficence of God, who “gave us rain from heaven, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” The possibility of the interpretation of “the former rain moderately” out of the Hebrew words by a “teacher of righteousness,” as in the Vulg. and in our margin, has led to the connection of this passage with a prophetic intimation of the advent of the Messiah.
In the first month. — Better, as at first, as before."

Some commentaries teach that the former rain refers to the advent of the Messiah as Ellicott above. Others teach that it refers to literal rain i.e. H20. {8} There is no evidence to support Malcomson's isolated interpretation that there will be a third additional outpouring "in one month" preceding the 70th week of Daniel. (1 John 4:1).

It is appropriate for believers to preach the gospel and to hope and pray for genuine converts everywhere. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 4:2). We all want to see our friends and loved ones repent and come into the kingdom. However, there is no scriptural evidence to support the theory that God will send a worldwide revival beginning at Jerusalem before the 70th week. Joel 2:23 has been abused by various false teachers within the Latter Rain Movement as a pretext for various false revivals. The Latter Rain Movement appears to have morphed into the New Apostolic Reformation which is an extremely dangerous movement. (Romans 16:17). 

Malcomson's manic obsession regarding an eschatological worldwide revival is a false teaching. The false hope of a coming revival is foolhardy and reckless. The scriptures teach the very opposite of Malcomson 's distorted view: Matthew 24:10; Luke 13:23-24; 2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1, 4:3; Jude 1:18.  It is critical to take care how we interpret the scriptures, and this applies particularly to teachers. (James 3:1). Bible teachers should make very sure that they rightly divide the word of truth and are not teaching from their own presuppositions and giving false hope to the church. (2 Timothy 2:15; Jeremiah 23:16). It is easy to teach what people want to hear; it is not so easy to teach the hard things. (2 Timothy 4:3). I am reminded of the false prophet Hananiah who was in severe denial of reality and the coming judgement upon the southern kingdom. Jeremiah was stigmatized as a naysayer, and yet it was his word (or rather the Lord's word) that prevailed. Malcomson rants like a deranged cult leader: "..Don't you dare forget this message.. If they (members of his congregation) don't pray about the former and latter rain.. kick them, I tell you, do it for me.." (52:00 mark). Elsewhere he refers to those who disagree with his teaching as being influenced by "a demon of discouragement". {9} Malcomson has put himself in the position of a false prophet! (Matthew 7:15). I am very concerned indeed, both for him and for his hearers. 

Do not listen to the words of your prophets who are prophesying to you, saying, ‘Behold, the vessels of the LORD’s house will now shortly be brought back from Babylon,’ for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you. (Jeremiah 27:16; cf. Jeremiah 23:21).

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” (Jeremiah 28:5-9).

* See my previous post regarding Malcomson's take on Gog Magog (Ezekiel 38 and 39) and Zechariah 12-14:  WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: KEITH MALCOMSON: SOON REVIVAL IN JERUSALEM? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

1. Joel 2 Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary (biblehub.com)
2. Acts 2 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
3. Acts 2:17 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org
4. Strong's Greek: 403. ἀνάψυξις (anapsuxis) -- a recovery of breath, a refreshing (biblehub.com)
5. Acts 3 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)
6. Joel 2:23 Lexicon: So rejoice, O sons of Zion, And be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, The early and latter rain as before. (biblehub.com)
7. Strong's Hebrew: 7223. רִאשׁוֹן (rishon) -- former, first, chief (biblehub.com)
8. What is the meaning of the latter and former rains? (neverthirsty.org)
9. www.limerickcitychurch.com/uploads/7/0/2/9/7029144/demon_of_discouragement_2017.mp3

KEITH MALCOMSON: SOON REVIVAL IN JERUSALEM?

(17) Future Revival in Jerusalem - Part 2 by Keith Malcomson - YouTube

Keith Malcomson (Limerick City Church) is a passionate speaker and he often talks about an end-time revival. In the above video, Malcomson teaches that a future revival in Jerusalem will take place prior to the 70th week of Daniel, and he connects Zechariah 12 and Ezekiel 38 and 39. I believe that Malcomson is badly mistaken and that this view is not only incorrect but that it is extremely dangerous. According to their Statement of Faith, Limerick City Church appear to believe in a post-tribulation rapture. {1}

Ezekiel 38 and 39

Many teachers have speculated and tried to shoehorn the GogMagog attack to occur either before or during the 70th week of Daniel. However, there are considerable difficulties with every one of these speculations. The insurmountable problem concerning the theory that the Gog/Magog attack will occur at some time in the foreseeable future, prior to the 70th week, is the repeated emphasis that Israel will be "dwelling securely". (Ezekiel 38:10,14). Considering the precarious situation of Israel since its inception in 1948, the prospect of authentic "peace and safety" is not a realistic expectation until the Lord returns.

Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,’ (Ezekiel 38:8,10-11,14).

No revival is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Ezekiel 39:25-29 is a summary of the entire six night visions contained within the book of Ezekiel i.e. these final verses of Ezekiel 39 should not be taken as part of the chronology of this chapter. The logical inference of Ezekiel 38 and 39 is that Israel will have returned to their true Messiah Jesus Christ, and they will be dwelling under His protection in complete peace and safety. (Zechariah 14:11). I can find no satisfactory explanation that adequately demonstrates that the Gog/Magog attack will occur before, during, or at the end of the 70th week (Armageddon). I therefore consider the only reasonable view to take is that Ezekiel 38 and 39 will occur at the end of the millennium just as the scriptures indicate in Revelation 20:9. 

And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them. (Revelation 20:9).

There are a number of unhelpful speculations concerning various alleged wars that will supposedly precede the 70th week of Daniel. The alleged Gog/Magog attack seems to be the most prominent of these foolish speculations. Bill Salus and others make a great deal of money merchandising hype on this subject. Salus speculates that certain Old Testament passages, specifically: Gog/Magog (Ezekiel 38 and 39); Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39; Ezekiel 32:24-25); Damascus (Isaiah 17:1-2; Jeremiah 49:23-27) and Psalm 83 are "Now Prophecies". {2} Christians are instructed to "keep watch" for the Lord's return; we are not instructed to speculate about specific wars leading up to it. (Matthew 24:42-43). *Daniel 11:36-45 does appear to describe the activities of the Antichrist "at the time of the end". (Daniel 11:40). Matthew 24 gives details about world conditions prior to the Lord's return during the first half of the 70th week, including unspecified "wars and rumours of wars". (Matthew 24:6). The remit given to the Church is to maintain the Christian witness and to remain faithful; it is not to become distracted by pointless speculations or to engage in newspaper eisegesis. Do not go beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6). 

Zechariah 12-14

The consensus amongst bible scholars is that Zechariah 12-14 is one complete narrative depicting different views or snapshots of the same eschatological event not in chronological order. These chapters concern apocalyptic events associated with Jerusalem and Judah culminating at Armageddon. (Zechariah 12:2). Disturbingly, Malcomson teaches that the attack described in Zechariah 12 is a completely separate event that occurs prior to the attack in Zechariah 14, and that Zechariah 12 is likely to occur in the near future. This view adds to the prevailing eschatological confusion and is extremely problematic.

Zechariah 12 predicts the deliverance of Jerusalem when all the nations of the earth gather against her. (Zechariah 12:3; Luke 21:20). If the alleged destruction of all the nations that come against Israel is limited to Zechariah 12, a later attack is precluded at Megiddo, at least for a significant period of time. (Zechariah 12:9). 

The national repentance described in Zechariah 10-14 indicates that the entire nation of Israel will repent (all Israel will be saved Romans 11:26). Zechariah 12:11-14 describes an event far more extensive than a localized revival in Jerusalem. These verses describe all-inclusive universal mourning.

On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land shall mourn, each family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself, and their wives by themselves; and all the families that are left, each by itself, and their wives by themselves. (Zechariah 12:11-14).

The unmistakable application of the above verses is that they describe the second coming of Jesus Christ rather than a localized revival. Problematically, if there is a localized revival in Jerusalem prior to the 70th week and the armies of the nations are significantly depleted or destroyed, then Malcomson's claim of a revival "shortly before the return of Jesus" is implausible. The armies of the Antichrist have to be in existence in order to fulfill Revelation 16:14.

Pulpit Commentary: "Verse 11. - As if the above comparisons were not strong enough, the prophet presents a new one, referring to an historical event, which occasioned a universal mourning in Jerusalem. As the mourning of (at) Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. (cf. 2 Kings 23:29; 2 Chronicles 35:20-25)." {3} 

Keil & Delitzsh: "This section forms the first half of the second prophecy of Zechariah concerning the future of Israel and of the nations of the world, viz., the prophecy contained in ch. 12-14, which, as a side-piece to ch. 9-11, treats of the judgment by which Israel, the nation of God, will be refined, sifted, and led on to perfection through conflict with the nations of the world. This first section announces how the conflict against Jerusalem and Judah will issue in destruction to the nations of the world (Zechariah 12:1-4). Jehovah will endow the princes of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem with marvellous strength to overcome all their foes (Zechariah 12:5-9), and will pour out His Spirit of grace upon them, so that they will bitterly repent the death of the Messiah (Zechariah 12:10-14), and purify themselves from all ungodliness (Zechariah 13:1-6)." {4}

Constable's Expository Notes on Zechariah 12:10: "The Jews will do this either just before the Messiah returns to the earth or when He returns to the earth (cf. Isaiah 27:9; Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 31:31-37; Amos 9:11-15; Romans 11:25-27; Revelation 1:7). The spirit in view will be a result of the ministry of the Holy Spirit who conveys grace (compassion; cf. Hebrews 10:29) and calls forth supplication (prayer; cf. Isaiah 32:15; Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 59:20-21; Jeremiah 31:31; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Ezekiel 39:29; Joel 2:28-29). The coming of the messianic kingdom is contingent on Israel’s repentance, God’s sovereign control, and the Spirit’s enabling grace. [Note: See Stanley D. Toussaint and Jay A. Quine, "No, Not Yet: The Contingency of God’s Promised Kingdom," Bibliotheca Sacra 164:654 (April-June 2007):131-47.]" {5} 

The Day of the Lord

The prevailing consensus is that the repeated phrase "On that day" in Zechariah 12-14 refers to the day of the Lord. 

Smith's Bible Commentary: "Over and over in these last three chapters you are going to be reading the phrase, "In that day," and that is the preface to the declaration of many of the fascinating aspects of the Kingdom Age, and that great judgment that will immediately precede the Kingdom Age." {6}

The Fulness of the Gentiles

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (Romans 11:25).

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:20-25).

 

Luke 21:24 indicates that Jerusalem will be trampled (suppressed/dominated) until the end of the 70th week when the fullness of the Gentiles are fulfilled. This picture of suppression reiterates the fact that the inhabitants of Jerusalem are not living in security prior to the return of Jesus Christ. These verses provide further evidence that the alleged Gog/Magog attack is precluded prior to the end of the 70th week. The eschatological significance of this prophecy is confirmed in verses 25-27 i.e. the occurrence of cosmic disturbances and the coming of the Son of Man in a cloud. (Matthew 24:15-25; Mark 13:14-23). These events signify the imminence of the rapture following the breaking of the sixth seal from the prewrath perspective. (Revelation 6:12-17).

It is not disputed that some of the Jewish people will be saved during the times of the Gentiles (obviously a number of Jews were saved at Pentecost and beyond). Nevertheless, all the evidence strongly suggests that their united repentance will occur at the end of the 70th week. According to Israel Today, the number of adult Jewish Yeshua-Believers in the state of Israel is 8,125. {7} However, it is difficult to estimate the precise number of authentic converts, since unfortunately, false gospels abound in the state of Israel as they do everywhere else. (2 Corinthians 11:4).

Meyer: "We must observe the correlation of ἀπὸ μέρους … πλήρωμα … πᾶς: a part of Israel is hardened, until the Gentiles collectively shall have come in, and, when that shall have taken place, then all Israel will be saved. The conversion of the Gentiles ensues by successive stages; but when their totality shall be converted, then the conversion of the Jews in their totality will also ensue; so that Paul sees the latter—which up to that epoch certainly also advances gradually in individual cases—ensuing, after the full conversion of the Gentiles, as the event completing the assemblage of the church and accomplishing itself." {8} 

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem..

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Luke 13:37-39).

Pulpit Commentary: "'Their senses are still blinded. The veil of the Talmud that hangs over their eyes is twice as heavy as the veil of Moses.'The promise which concludes this saying of the Master can only refer to the far future, to the day of the penitence of Israel. It harmonizes with the voice of the older prophets, and tells us that the day will surely come when the people shall look on him whom they pierced, and shall mourn. But that mourning will be turned speedily into joy." {9} 

Malcomson indicates that if we do not agree with him about worldwide revival beginning at Jerusalem prior to the 70th week of Daniel, then our view of the scriptures is deficient. It is a common tactic of many teachers with questionable ideas to characterize those who do not agree with them as "deficient in understanding". Malcomson presents his own preferred isolated interpretation of Zechariah 12-14, but he fails to demonstrate from the scriptures that this is the case. (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). The obvious danger of Malcomson's view is that Christians will fail to recognize prophetic events in their true context. This is particularly troubling in light of the fact that false peace will likely occur when the Antichrist arrives on the scene and makes or confirms a strong covenant with many. (Daniel 9:27). No doubt we all desire to see genuine revival in our time, but it is presumptuous to insist that this will be the case when so many scriptures contradict that view. (Matthew 24:10; Luke 13:23-24; 2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1, 4:3; Jude 1:18). Many false teachers in the charismatic camp continually insist that we are on the cusp of something dramatic, and "imminent revival" often plays a major part in their alleged prophesies. I have observed a number of false revivals, but I have yet to witness significant genuine revival in our time. 

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

I recommend David Pawson's YouTube videos on Zechariah 12-14:

Jerusalem in the End Times Part 1 - YouTube
Jerusalem in the End Times Part 2 - YouTube

1. What We Believe - Limerick City Church
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: BILL SALUS: GOG MAGOG DANGEROUS SPECULATIONS (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. Zechariah 12 Pulpit Commentary (biblehub.com)
4. Zechariah 12 - Keil & Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
5. Zechariah 12:10 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org
6. Zechariah 12 - Smith's Bible Commentary - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
7. How Many Messianic Jews Actually Live in Israel? - Israel Today
8. Romans 11 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)
9. Luke 13:35 Commentaries: "Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'" (biblehub.com)