Thursday, 27 July 2023

BRITT GILLETTE: THE DANGEROUS SPECULATIONS OF THE PRE-TRIB "PROPHECY EXPERTS"

(46) Will the Tribulation Begin in September? - YouTube

Instead of preparing believers to endure the great tribulation, various pre-trib "prophecy experts" claim that believers will escape it entirely. The anticipation of an imminent rapture is a very dangerous false doctrine that may compromise the very faith of those who hold to it. (Matthew 24:9-13; Revelation 13:10). Pre-trib teacher Britt Gillette (ETBP) speculates that what he erroneously refers to as "the tribulation" could begin this September. Gillette: "If it is the event talked about in Daniel 9:27.. then I would expect the rapture would occur between now and then and we won't be here.." 

Gilette: "An event is scheduled to take place in September. It's generating a lot of speculation in regard to end times bible prophecy, and it's understandable why. It's because this event bears a striking resemblance to an event prophesied in the Bible - an event that marks the beginning of the Tribulation. In today's video, we talk about this upcoming event, how it relates to bible prophecy, and what we should be doing now."

Gillette refers to the United Nations SDG Summit 18-19 September 2023 in New York:

We Need 7 Years of Accelerated, Transformative Action to Achieve SDGs

"The 2023 SDG Summit will take place on 18-19 September 2023 in New York. It will mark the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals with high-level political guidance on transformative and accelerated actions leading up to 2030.

Convened by the President of the General Assembly, the Summit will mark the half-way point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It will be the centerpiece of the High-level Week of the General Assembly. It will respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises facing the world and is expected to reignite a sense of hope, optimism, and enthusiasm for the 2030 Agenda." 1    

Along with a number of other pre-trib "prophecy experts", Gillette speculates that the UN Summit this year may mark the beginning of the 7-year covenant referred to in the book of Daniel:

And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” (Daniel 9:27).

Although I do not rule out the possibility that this Summit may possibly mark the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel, the "strong covenant" will take place primarily between the Antichrist and Israel (although it may involve other nations). As such, I am not convinced that the upcoming UN Summit will be the covenant referred to in Daniel 9:27. In my view, this critical milestone is likely to coincide with the reinstitution of animal sacrifices on the Temple Mount, and (possibly) the rebuilding of the third Jerusalem Temple. There are clear signs that animal sacrifices will be reinstituted in the not-too-distant future. Furthermore, plans to build the third temple are in full swing, as are plans concerning the red heifer sacrifice. These things do seem to indicate that the 70th week looms very large and we should be careful to stay alert (Matthew 24:42). 
  
Gillette is one of many pre-trib "prophecy experts" who falsely refer to the 70th week of Daniel as "the tribulation". The scriptures are very clear that the onset of the tribulation will be preceded by the beginning of birth pains. The great tribulation will begin at the midpoint of the 70th week when the Antichrist.. takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God  (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This is an important distinction to make since the midpoint of the "week" marks the onset of unprecedented persecution against Jews and Christians. (Matthew 24:21). I have explained this more fully in previous posts. (See Further Links) 

Do not let pre-trib "prophecy experts" throw you under the bus!

Whether or not the UN Summit marks the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel, the rapture will certainly not occur this year!  

My concern is that if the UN's 7-year "new phase" is in fact the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel, the rapture no-show will cause many believers to deny that the 70th week has begun. This denial necessarily applies whenever the 70th week begins, whether or not it applies to the UN Summit. Gillette indicates: "If we are here two months from now we will say, 'Oh well, it turns out that event was nothing'." The confirmation bias within the pre-trib camp is very strong, and my concern is that many pretribbers will still be waiting for the fictional pre-trib rapture during the 70th week. This critical error is likely to cause many believers to deny a major milestone in the prophetic timeline leaving them unprepared to face the persecution of the Antichrist. (Matthew 24:9-13).

The events during what Jesus described as "the beginning of birth pains" i.e. the first half of the 70th week of Daniel will precede the tribulation: 

Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.. So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, (let the reader understand).. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. (Matthew 24:4-14,15,21).

Some prewrath scholars believe that the birth pains will continue until the end of the third seal, while others believe that they will include the fourth seal. In any event, believers should not be lulled into a false sense of security regarding pre-trib assertions that the church will escape the major catastrophes that will overtake the world during this 3.5 year period and beyond.

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:1-8).

My advice to anyone seriously concerned about bible prophecy is to do your own due diligence. Do not allow these false prophets to shipwreck your faith. (1 Timothy 1:19).

1. https://www.un.org/

Further Links

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Tuesday, 18 July 2023

PROPHECY WATCHERS: THE IMMINENT RETURN FALLACY

(29) The Imminent Return | Gary Stearman, Mondo Gonzales and Gregg Gray - YouTube

Building with straw - another wasted weekend!

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

The Big Sell

Gary Stearman, Mondo Gonzales and Gregg Gray have announced their upcoming prophecy conference from October 5-8. This conference is primarily based on the false doctrine of the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Speakers will include showman Billy Crone, arch speculator Bill Salus, Nephilim expert LA Marzulli, pseudo-academic Lee Brainard, Bill Koenig, Mark Hitchcock, Tom Hughes, Randell Price etc. in fact, many of the usual suspects. These teachers are promoted as men who are "in the know about bible prophecy" and who "deeply study scripture and deeply believe in the soon appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ."  If these men studied the scriptures as deeply as they claim, they would reject the foolish idea of a pre-trib rapture and the intrinsic theory of imminence. These teachers are little more than false prophets whose message of hope to the body of Christ during the 70th week of Daniel is invalid. Instead of preparing believers to endure the great tribulation, these men teach that believers will escape it entirely. The anticipation of an imminent rapture is a very dangerous doctrine that is likely to compromise the very faith of those who hold to it. (Matthew 24:9-13; Revelation 13:10). Some of these false teachers come dangerously close, but often stop just short of date setting. Pre-trib teacher Britt Gillette speculates that what he wrongly refers to as "the tribulation" could begin this September based on the upcoming UN Summit. Gillette: "If it is the event talked about in Daniel 9:27.. then I would expect the rapture would occur between now and then and we won't be here.." {1} 

The false doctrine of imminence  

Gonzalez: "We see the signs of the coming of the Lord, and there really is nothing that is holding back the rapture of the church which we strongly believe in. That could happen today, and as we see the signs of Jesus' second coming, the rapture is even sooner. and no matter what .. perspective is, whether you are pre-trib, prewrath, we know that the signs of Jesus' second coming are there and that imminent return which pushes His return for His church even earlier."  Gonzalez is incoherent regarding the prewrath position. The prewrath position does not include any notion of imminence until the cosmic disturbances occur after the sixth seal is broken. (Revelation 6:12-17). 

Pre-trib teachers portray the rapture as a "secret" event when believers will suddenly disappear from the earth prior to what they refer to as "the tribulation". The concept of a seven-year tribulation is another pre-trib concoction that I have addressed elsewhere. {2} The idea that no one will see Jesus coming except believers is patently false. In fact, the rapture will be anything but secret! Note that Jesus  Christ places the rapture after the tribulation when there will be fearful cosmic disturbances, and everyone (i.e. all the tribes of the earth) will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds. Unbelievers will not be wondering where their believing friends and relatives have gone ~ it will be painfully obvious.

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. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, 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 a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31). 

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation 1:7).

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4) 

Do not let pre-trib teachers throw you under the bus!

The lack of integrity within the pre-trib camp is beyond scandalous. I often expose false "prophets" and "apostles" within the NAR movement. Frankly, the dishonesty of pre-trib teachers is just as disgusting, and they are on target to do immeasurable damage to the body of Christ. The pre-trib mantra "imminent rapture" replaces the NAR mantra "imminent revival" or "imminent breakthrough". The recent shenanigans of Lee Brainard and Mike Golay (Behold Israel with Amir Tsarfati) regarding the writings of the Church Fathers has left their credibility in tatters. Brainard's false claims that Irenaeus and Ephraem (Pseudo Ephraem) taught a pre-trib rapture despite irrefutable evidence to the contrary is beyond embarrassing. The Church Fathers were all in agreement that Christians would face the Antichrist. 

Against Heresies 5.26.1 And they [the ten kings who shall arise] shall lay Babylon waste, and burn her with fire, and shall give their kingdom to the beast, and put the Church to flight. {3} 

Against Heresies 5.30.3-4 It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfillment of the prophecy [2 Thessalonians 4:1-12], than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved..   But he (Pau1) indicates the number of the name now, that when this man [the Antichrist] comes we may avoid him, being aware who he is: the name, however, is suppressed, because it is not worthy of being proclaimed by the Holy Spirit. {4}

Against Heresies 5.35.1 For all these and other words were unquestionably spoken in reference to the resurrection of the just, which takes place after the coming of Antichrist, and the destruction of all nations under his rule; in [the times of] which [resurrection] the righteous shall reign in the earth, waxing stronger by the sight of the Lord: and through Him they shall become accustomed to partake in the glory of God the Father, and shall enjoy in the kingdom intercourse and communion with the holy angels, and union with spiritual beings; and [with respect to] those whom the Lord shall find in the flesh, awaiting Him from heaven, and who have suffered tribulation, as well as escaped the hands of the Wicked one. {5}  

Peddling their wares! (2 Corinthians 2:17).

Every single episode of Prophecy Watchers involves relentless merchandising of books and DVDs. 


My advice to anyone seriously interested in bible prophecy as against the hyped-up speculations peddled by the pre-trib camp is to do your own due diligence. Do not allow these charlatans to shipwreck your faith. (1 Timothy 1:19).

For further information about the imminence problem I recommend THE IMMINENCE PROBLEM | 7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (alankurschner.com)

1. (43) Will the Tribulation Begin in September? - YouTube
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.26 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
4. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.30 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
5. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, V.35 (St. Irenaeus) (newadvent.org)
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Saturday, 15 July 2023

CHRIS ROSEBROUGH'S CURIOUS UNDERSTANDING OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS (MATTHEW 25:1-13)


Chris Rosebrough (Fighting for the Faith) is usually a pretty good expositor of the scriptures and is worth listening to, with the proviso that he is a Lutheran and apparently endorses the false Lutheran doctrine of baptismal regeneration. Furthermore, the Lutheran Confessions are amillenial which is a huge concern.

In the above video, Chris Rosebrough critiques a recent episode of the Jim Bakker Show (yuk) featuring Colonel James Durham: (34) Do You Have Enough Oil? | Colonel James Durham - YouTube  It is all well and good critiquing false teachers like Jim Bakker and his associates, but we need to offer a credible alternative. In this instance, I do have issues with Rosebrough's interpretation of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.     


I was pleased to hear Rosebrough state unapologetically that he is at odds with Calvinism (specifically Limited Atonement) based on 1 John 2:2, despite the fact that he has friends in the Calvinist camp. (12:00 mark)  

Without going into detail, the parables of Jesus are generally considered to be metaphorical stories or allegories. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 is a continuation of the Olivet discourse in the previous chapter when Jesus answers the disciples' question: ..when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3). 

At that time (τότε) the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1). At that time (τότε = then, at that time). The parable of the virgins therefore continues the discussion in Matthew 24 i.e. the Parousia (τότε is repeated four times in Matthew 24: Matthew 24:10,21,23,30). 

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy (ἐνύσταξαν) and slept (ἐκάθευδον). (Matthew 25:5).

According to Rosebrough, "they all became drowsy and slept" refers to the "sleep" of physical death. Although "sleep" does refer to physical death a number of times in the New Testament, in this parable the two Greek verbs for "sleep" surely refer to apathy or indifference. Benson's definition is: "unwatchful, remiss and careless, lukewarm and indolent." {1}  

ἐνύσταξαν (enustaxan) 3573: to nod in sleep, to fall asleep: From a presumed derivative of neuo; to nod, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep; figuratively, to delay -- slumber. {2}

ἐκάθευδον (ekatheudon) 2518: to sleep: From kata and heudo (to sleep); to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively) -- (be a-)sleep. {3} 

Another word for "sleep" in the New Testament is κοιμάομαι: sleep, fall asleep, die {4} κοιμάομαι is commonly used in the New Testament when referring to physical death (e.g. 1 Corinthians 15:18; John 11:11; Acts 13:36; Matthew 27:52).

According to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31, after they die, unbelievers go to a place of torment and Christians are with Christ. (Philippians 1:22-23). In other words, once people physically die, they will know their ultimate fate. As such, neither group will be waiting for the bridegroom to return or asking questions about purchasing oil - it will be too late! It seems pretty clear that Jesus is speaking about those who are alive on the earth at the time of His Parousia.  

Cambridge Bible: "They that were foolish took their lamps] All watch for their Lord, but some only—'the wise'—with true intensity and with due provision for the watch. The foolish virgins have sufficient oil if the Lord come quickly; not sufficient for long and patient expectation. It is a rebuke to shallow religion that dies away when the excitement passes." {5}
   
The difficulty with Rosebrough's definition of foolish virgins as "everyone in the world". 

Can unbelievers (i.e. the wicked) be referred to as "virgins"? Is everyone in the world a "virgin", or are the foolish virgins backsliders?  I do question whether the parable of the ten virgins should be taken in isolation since all three parables in Matthew 25 are associated with the Olivet Discourse and appear to give us a fuller picture. 

For instance, the parable of the talents refers to "servants".

Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’
‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received it back with interest.
Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:24:30).

The parable of the sheep and the goats.
Vincent's Word Studies: "Goats (ἐρίφια)Diminutive. Lit., kidlings. The sheep and goats are represented as having previously pastured together. Compare the parables of the Tares and the Net." {6}

Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’And they too will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:41-46).

According to Rosebrough, the oil in the parable of the ten virgins is an allegory for faith based on Romans 3:24-30 and Romans 4:4-12. Some commentators say that oil represents faith, and others say that it represents the Holy Spirit. I do not take issue with Rosebrough on this point since no true believer can function without either faith or the Holy Spirit. Undoubtedly, faithful believers who trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation will be saved. (Ephesians 2:8). Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Faith is not static. (2 Corinthians 10:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3). According to Paul our faith can be shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:19). There are definite warnings about falling away in the New Testament. (Matthew 24:10-11; 2 Peter 3:17). It appears that once saved always saved is refuted by this parable.
 
Bengel's Gnomen: "Matthew 25:3. Ἔλαιον, oil) i.e. except that with which the lamps were then burning: see latter part of Matthew 25:8. The lamp burning is faith; the lamp with oil beside is abundant faith.[1080]
[1080] Elsewhere he suggests another interpretation, viz.: “In a Burning Lamp there is Fire and Oil. By the Fire is here signified the supernatural, heavenly, fiery Spirit-power (Geisteskraft) which is bestowed upon the soul without its co-operation (ohne ihr Zuthun): see 2 Peter 1:3-4; and by the Oil, holy Assiduity (Fleiss) on the part of man: see 2 Peter 1:5. And of this, man should have not only enough for the exigencies of the present time, but also an abundant supply, see 2 Peter 1:8 [sc. “if these things be in you and abound”], for all future circumstances: so does the entrance to the Wedding-House become sure to him, and abundant besides, see 2 Peter 1:11 [sc. “an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly”]. The foolish virgins did not even remain resting only on their own unassisted nature: they too had something of grace and of the Spirit. Nowhere is it more clearly (deutlicher) written than here how far a soul can advance in good, and yet fall through (durchfallen): see Matthew 25:8—B. G. V. in loc." {7}

Ellicott: "..and the 'oil' is the divine grace, or more definitely, the gift of the Holy Spirit, without which the torch first burns dimly and then expires." {8}  

Cambridge Bible: "The oil seems to mean generally the perfection of the Christian life or preparedness for the Lord’s coming." {9}

1. Matthew 25 Benson Commentary (biblehub.com)
2. Strong's Greek: 3573. νυστάζω (nustazó) -- to nod in sleep, to fall asleep (biblehub.com)
3. Strong's Greek: 2518. καθεύδω (katheudó) -- to sleep (biblehub.com)
4. Strong's Greek: 2837. κοιμάω (koimaó from NG2749) -- sleep, fall asleep, die (biblehub.com)
5. Matthew 25 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
6. Matthew 25 Vincent's Word Studies (biblehub.com)
7. Matthew 25 Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament (biblehub.com)
8. Matthew 25 Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (biblehub.com)
9. Matthew 25 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
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Saturday, 1 July 2023

CHRISTOPHER CHAPMAN KINGDOM THEOLOGY: IS ESCHATOLOGY CONFUSING?

 (15) Why Studying End Times Is So Confusing - YouTube

Christopher Chapman: "To some people, eschatology is so simple. It fits on a nice clean chart. But for me, studying end times is so confusing. In this video, I will explain why I and some others find it so confusing."  

Although I believe that Christopher Chapman is well-meaning, his views on eschatology are both inaccurate and irresponsible. I fear that his remarks will discourage believers from studying eschatology. While this subject is challenging, I believe that it is possible to come to a correct understanding of end-time events.    

Jesus Christ commanded us to understand the Abomination of Desolation event. 

So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand ἀναγινώσκω), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. (Matthew 24:15-21). 
ἀναγινώσκω = to know certainly, recognize, discern etc. {1}

I did send a comment to Christopher and he responded: "..I think a call for unity is still appropriate, even if some will take it wrong. Gbu" I think he means to say that some Christians will misunderstand eschatology, but that unity takes priority. In superficial terms, this seems to be a good idea, and yet there are many reasons why we should strive to understand bible prophecy and reject false end-time scenarios. The line repeated by many false teachers is: Let's have unity at any cost never mind about doctrine? I hate this argument when it is used to gloss over serious issues. I agree entirely that we should seek unity wherever possible. However, when the call for unity clashes with sound doctrine then we must always stand on the side of the scriptures, and if this does cause division, then so be it. (1 Corinthians 11:19). 

I view eschatology as a vital subject. One-third of the Bible is devoted to prophesy, much of which is yet to be fulfilled. Are we really meant to be in ignorance regarding such large swathes of the scriptures? Tragically, the subject of eschatology is disregarded by many short-sighted bible teachers, and many believers are left in ignorance, despite the fact that global events appear to be lining up with biblical prophecy at an alarming rate.  The issue of complexity can be offputting because there are a number of details to work through and harmonize. Nevertheless, I am convinced that anyone who is prepared to study the scriptures will be able to rightly understand eschatology. 

Christopher's confusion summarized: The passages in Daniel 8 and 11 refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Although Daniel 9 uses similar language to Daniel 8 and Daniel 11, it is obviously referring to a different event. Daniel 9 takes place in the Roman Empire as against the Grecian Empire. Daniel 9 refers to the destruction of the temple and the people of Israel rather than the corruption or defilement of the temple. Christopher's muddled point about 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 is perplexing. "Paul seems to refer back to Antiochus.. Daniel 8 and 11. Paul talks about it like its something that the believers at the time already knew was going to take place.. they had some future inkling of some future thing that was going to place and people will try to connect that with Matthew 24, when the context of Matthew 24 is talking about Daniel chapter 9, not Daniel 11 and 8..  When we connect 2 Thessalonians 2 with Matthew 24, maybe that is a possible thing to do. That is not the context of what is being said, but since it is similar language, maybe we can get some sort of inkling of understanding from the picture and the type and the object lesson of what happened in AD70 to what is going to happen in the future.." (15:30 mark).

There is no indication that Paul is referring back to Antiochus in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-6. In fact, Paul begins by defining the context: Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him.. (2 Thessalonians 2:1). Furthermore, "the man of lawlessness" is referred to by Paul as a future figure i.e. And then the lawless one will be revealed (ἀποκαλυφθήσεται), whom the Lord Jesus will kill (ἀνελεῖ) with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8). The object is to sift through various passages to determine which sections refer to Antiochus, who is a type and shadow of the Antichrist, and which sections refer to the future Antichrist. I have added some links at the end of this post that shed some light on various questions regarding the rapture of the church. 

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:36-44).
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