jacob prasch moriel ministries: busted! presumptuous teaching about the restrainer: 2 Thessalonians

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. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12)

I take no pleasure in exposing Jacob Prasch's faulty eschatology. However, it is critical that the faithful church understands the 70th week of Daniel correctly rather than submit to JP's forceful personality and skewed eschatological teachings. When teaching about the 70th week of Daniel, JP frequently says authoritatively "PAY ATTENTION", as if he were speaking for God Himself. I strongly recommend that those who read this post study the scriptures for themselves and PAY NO ATTENTION to myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. (Titus 1:14; 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:4), teaching as doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9).

We should consider with some trepidation the ramifications of identifying the Holy Spirit as the Restrainer. This view not only misrepresents God himself, since the Holy Spirit is omnipresent. It also precludes the Gentiles from hearing and receiving the Gospel during the 70th week of Daniel! The identity of the Restrainer is a non-essential question, so why does JP make it a "doctrine" i.e. "The Doctrine Of The Holy Spirit"? It is worth noting that prior to John Nelson Darby, no-one held this view of the Restrainer. What a masterstroke of Satan; he could not have chosen a better way of misleading God's people than by using a much trusted and respected teacher, who has, in recent times, overstepped the mark. 

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! (Psalm 139:7-8)

I will quote JP verbatim in order to avoid any accusation of quoting him out of context:

JP: "The Restrainer is absolutely not an angel. The Restrainer is the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, of judgement and of righteousness. That's not going to happen during the last seven years of history. The things that restrain Satan will no longer operate the way they do now.... the age of grace comes to an end during those last seven years.... the age of grace comes to an end. God reverts to behaving the way He did in the Old Testament. Grace is over. Now he is the God of wrath and of judgement again. He begins doing the things that he did in the Old Testament again, you see a replay of the judgements of Egypt from the book of Exodus in the book of Revelation.....   the dispensation of grace is over, the covenant of grace no longer functions.  Now he goes back to dealing with fallen man the way he did in the Old Testament.....  the Holy Spirit will be taken from the world. He will no longer convict the world of sin the way He does now. Grace will come to an end. God reverts to this Old Testament wrath and begins refocusing towards dealing with Israel and the Jews" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ0LEfWRBaM&feature=youtu.be

I believe I have now identified the source of the confusion with these teachings, which, by the way, JP has revised several times now. JP's maniacal handling of the 70th week of Daniel obscures the issues and attempts blind us all with science. He integrates the various time frames of the 70th week indiscriminately and jumps back and forth from birth pains to tribulation to wrath and judgement. In other words, he very cleverly merges the three periods and applies them to the entirety of the 70th week without making any distinction between them. For instance, the wrath and judgement of God DOES NOT begin until the seventh seal is opened (Revelation 8:1-13). We therefore cannot speak of God reverting to being a God of wrath and judgement during the 70th week, it is only during the Day of the Lord that this happens (Revelation 6:16-17; Revelation 8....).

When precisely is the Restrainer taken out of the way?

JP teaches that the Restrainer is taken out of the way "during" the 70th week. This repeated  use of the word "during" is very misleading! JP assumes a shift in the ministry of the Holy Spirit "during" the birth pains i.e. the first 3.5 years, but this is unsustainable:

The passage in 2 Thessalonians indicates that certain things must happen before the restrainer ceases to restrain i.e. the rebellion (apostasy) must occur first and then the Antichrist will take his seat in the temple of God proclaiming himself to be God. This happens at the mid point of the week. The man who is destined to become the Antichrist will be preparing to fulfil his vile destiny prior to the mid point of the 70th week, but not until the then will he become possessed by Satan, set up the abomination of desolation and be revealed (Daniel 7:25; 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Hence it is the mid point of the 70th week that the Restrainer is taken out of the way..... not during the entire 70th week as JP teaches!

Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, (2 Thessalonians 2:6)  This is a concomitant event... the Restrainer is removed at a specific point in time, and THEN AT THAT TIME, the lawless one will be revealed. At the beginning of the week the Antichrist will make a strong covenant with many for one week and Israel will enter into a covenant with death (Daniel 9:27; Isaiah 28:15,18). This event marks the beginning of birth pains (Revelation 6:1-8 Matthew 24). It is important to notice that the beginning of birth pains/the four horsemen are WORLD WIDE PHENOMENA, they do not apply specifically to the tribulation of the church and they are not connected to the removal of the Restrainer as JP teaches.

It is not until the mid point of the 70th week that God focuses upon Israel. Even after that, the Gentiles are not forgotten: 

This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. (Luke 21: 14-1 cf. Luke 12:11-12)

During the Great tribulation the two witnesses will prophesy internationally for 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3-13)

And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Revelation 11:13)

At least one of the three angels in Revelation 14 preaches the gospel to the inhabitants of the whole earth: Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people (Revelation 14:6 cf. John 16:8).

And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” (Revelation 14:9-11) 

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 (Matthew 24:14).

JP's doctrine that tribulation is associated with the beginning of birth pains has necessitated further acrobatics. He has now invented a "seven year tribulation" of which the first 3.5 years of "birth pains" are "general tribulation" based on thlipsis John 16:21. John 16 refers to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the birth of the church. It is a complete fallacy to say that John 16 refers to the tribulation. I have debunked JP's argument about thlipsis in John 16:21 in my previous post: http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/jacob-prasch-say-again-tribulation-is.html

Interestingly, close associate of JP, David Nathan of Bread of Life Ministries and Moriel South Africa, teaches categorically that the restrainer is not the Holy Spirit, but that he is the Archangel Michael. He explains the phrase: "At that time" Daniel 12:1 refers to Israel and the end times, and that Michael will "stand aside" (Hebrew amad): "That is who is restraining, it is Michael, the angel that God has set over his people Israel." David Nathan not only confirms the pre-wrath position, he also confirms that a seven year tribulation is definitely not found in the scriptures. 

Eschataology Part 7 (The seven seals) The Restrainer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmUbFG064X8

I also recommend:  

Joe Schimmel, Blessed Hope Chapel: 

The Revelation Series: The Amazing Mission of the Archangel Michael
https://player.fm/series/blessed-hope-chapel/the-revelation-series-the-amazing-mission-of-the-archangel-michael

Alan Kurschner, Eschatos Ministries:

http://www.alankurschner.com/2015/05/20/archangel-michael-the-restrainer-removed-

Jacob Prasch's aberrant intra-seal teaching is provably unscriptural. His earlier teachings were good as far as I can tell, but I would advise my readers to be very cautious about his later offerings.

jacob prasch moriel ministries: say what! the seven year tribulation debunked!

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! (Psalm 139:7-8)

I am writing this post because some people hang onto every word Jacob Prasch speaks as though he were infallible. I am in the process of writing a longer piece concerning JPs dogmatic assertion that the Restrainer of 2 Thessalonians is the Holy Spirit. In my view this assertion is not only wrong, it is presumptuous - the scriptures do not name the restrainer! IF JP's claim about the restrainer is incorrect, then not only does it misrepresent God (Psalm 139:7-8); it also puts a skewed emphasis on the 70th week of Daniel. Similarly, his claim for a seven year tribulation also puts a skewed emphasis on the 70th week. Prior to Darby, no one ever taught that the restrainer was the Holy Spirit. This teaching of JP is going to take some unravelling, but I am in the process of doing just that. JP's hostile reaction to my post I think reveals not only presumption; it also demonstrates ungodly arrogance and belligerence towards those who disagree with him or point out any error in his teaching.{1} This is a very bad sign in anyone who is an elder of a church and/or a teacher. (Titus 1:7-8; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Corinthians 5:11). In my view Jacob Prasch has become quite popish.

The extraordinary claim of Jacob Prasch: He defines the first half three and a half years of the 70^th week as “tribulation” based on thlipsis in John 16:21:  

I am quoting Jacob Prasch verbatim in order to avoid any possible further false allegations of quoting him out of context: 

JOHN 16

Jacob Prasch: "The Great Tribulation (indicates a shift from the tribulation of verse 9 to the intensification of Greater Tribulation that is 'Megalo Thelipsis' in verse 21). This commences with the 5th seal when the antichrist tries to wipe out as many believers as he can and marks the shift from tribulation to Great Tribulation when God stages a cosmic maelstrom and terrestrial seismic explosion and prepares to unleash His wrath with the 6th seal but first raptures the faithful believers during the interlude before the 7th seal."   

As translated by The New Testament Greek, Jesus clearly and directly refers to the ':Beginning of Birth pangs" as "Thelipsis' / TRIBULATION in John 16:21. If she had only read John chapter 16 from where both of these issues of the Holy Spirit's current function and the nature of the birth pangs are addressed and explained by Jesus, she would know that for herself.

.....in verse 9 of Matthew 24 Jesus shifts from an already existing tribulation to the Great Tribulation (Theslipsis Macro) in verse 21 when Satan tries to kill us all via agency of anti christ etc.

In John 16: 33, Jesus refers to 'tribulation' in the general sense used many times in scripture for believers in all ages. We have "tribulation" in the world.

However in this same John chapter 16 in verses 20-22, Jesus speaks of His Second Coming as being proceeded by the Birth Pangs seen in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and as is illustrated in the vision of the woman in travail in Revelation chapter 12
 
.....the Beginning of Birth Pangs (corresponding to the four horseman of the Apocalypse) followed by the shift to Great Tribulation when the believers are horribly persecuted (akin to what happened to the Jews in the holocaust) during the first half of the 7 years can be called 'Tribulation'.

In John 16: 20-22 speaking of these Birth Pangs preceding His return Jesus calls them (as translated in every Greek manuscript and codex we have) "THELIPSIS" (John 16: 22) 

'But When She Gives Birth She No Longer Remembers The TRIBULATION (THELIPSIS).'

The term 'thelipsis' moreover is applied here as an obstetric term for very good reason. Its Greek etymology is not simply 'pressure' but 'Constriction' as in contractions of maternal labour." {1}

BIRTH PAINS

The fallacy that John 16 refers to tribulation:

John 16 DOES NOT refer to the 70th week and the supposed "seven year tribulation". The PRIMARY MEANING of John 16 is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the birth of the church. The disciples would "weep and lament" - they would be "sorrowful", but their sorrow would turn to joy (verse 20). ....you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. (John 16:22) Jesus refers to his post-resurrection appearances and the permanent presence of the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, as a result of his departure (cf. 14:17). The disciples DID NOT experience persecution during the time that they were weeping/lamenting/sorrowful. If THE PRIMARY MEANING does not speak of tribulation, why should any SECONDARY MEANING? Most translators have "anguish" (thlipsis v21) and not tribulation or persecution. JP has twisted thlipsis to fit his own interpretation - this is a dishonest use of the context! (2 Peter 3:16-17).  

Matthew 24/Revelation 6 

There is of course "general tribulation" as we all know (John 16:33). However Matthew 24 speaks specifically about the end of the age.... "when will these things be..." (verse 3).

The first four seals broken in Revelation 6:1-8 correspond with the birth pains in Matthew 24. The great tribulation corresponds with the breaking of the fifth seal Revelation 6. 

For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. (Matthew 24:5-8)  (the beginning of birth pains/the four horsemen)

It is important to notice that the beginning of birth pains/the four horsemen are WORLD WIDE PHENOMENA, they do not specifically apply to the tribulation of the church as JP teaches.

The tribulation follows the birth pains in Matthew 24:5-8.... THEN verse 9..... In other words, JP's suggestion that tribulation is associated with the beginning of birth pains is incorrect. There is no disconnect between “the tribulation” of verse 9 and “the great tribulation” of verse 21. The first word in verse 15 is THEREFORE - oún (a conjunction: therefore, now then, accordingly so - typically translated "therefore" which means, "By extension, here's how the dots connect".

VERSE 9: “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. verse 15: THEREFORE (οὖν) when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel...... verse 21: 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 24:9-21)  Mark 13 confirms the sequence of events in Matthew 24.

JP: "However in this same John chapter 16 in verses 20-22, Jesus speaks of His Second Coming as being proceeded by the Birth Pangs seen in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and as is illustrated in the vision of the woman in travail in Revelation chapter 12." 

Revelation 12: The event that triggers the tribulation is Satan's expulsion from heaven when he is thrown down to earth (Revelation 12:7-12). The woman (Israel) will be divinely protected after the midweek abomination of desolation and during the subsequent reign of the Antichrist. (Revelation 12:16) AFTER THAT HAPPENS the Antichrist turns his attention towards believers: THEN the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. (Revelation 12:17)

Once again, no specific "tribulation" is mentioned prior to the mid point of the 70th week. 

The word thlipsis appears a total of 45 times in the NT.

A few examples of thlipsis:

There will be tribulation (thlipsis) and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, (Romans 2:5-9)

Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation (thlipsin), unless they repent of her works, (Revelation 2:22)

…..since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction (thlipsin) those who afflict (thlibousin) you, (2 Thessalonians 1:6)

(thlíbō is the root of thlipsin)

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish (thlipseōs) for joy that a human being has been born into the world. (John 16:21)

Clearly the context defines the meaning of thlipsis and it does not always apply to the persecution of believers. Beware of those who twist the scriptures to suit their own interpretation - teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9 ). The context of John 16:21 is NOT indicative of persecution.

Interestingly, close associate of JP, David Nathan of Bread of Life Ministries and Moriel South Africa, teaches categorically that the restrainer is not the Holy Spirit, but that he is the Archangel Michael. He explains the phrase: "At that time" Daniel 12:1 refers to Israel and the end times, and that Michael will "stand aside" (Hebrew amad): "That is who is restraining, it is Michael, the angel that God has set over his people Israel." {2} David Nathan not only confirms the pre-wrath position, he also confirms that a seven year tribulation is definitely not found in the scriptures.{3}

It is very unfortunate that JP has to make his parting shot a personal attack and a rant on his latest false teaching on this subject:

JP: "I wish they (anyone who disagrees with him) would spend more time studying the word of God before attempting to elicidate about it without knowing what they are talking about.... blabbing nonsense when they don't even know what they are saying... patent nonsense...." {4}

This really is unconscionable behaviour from a so-called man of God. These kind of remarks do nothing for JP's argument or witness. Such displays of irreverent behaviour towards other members of the Body of Christ grieve the Holy Spirit (James 3:9-12). I suggest that my readers test JP's teaching for themselves and decide whether he rightly divides the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). 

There are some very interesting observations on m'kayla's korner: https://mkayla.wordpress.com/2016/07/13/an-encounter-with-a-madman-or-two/

{1} http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/the-rapture-holy-spirit-and-restrainer_25.html#comments
{2} Eschataology Part 7 (The seven seals): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmUbFG064X8
{3} Eschataology Part 5 (The False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjrhyvlUbqY
{4} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3_QuhOnG9U

together 2016: the spirit of antichrist!

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) 

Together 2016 aka The Reset Movement is a national campaign in the US being organised by the Spirit of Antichrist. One million attendees is the target set for this ecumenical event at the National Mall in Washington DC on Saturday July the 16th. The event is being organised by "visionary" Nick Hall, the founder of PULSE, an organisation which claims to be a prayer and evangelism movement "to empower the church and awaken the culture to Jesus."  Pope Francis will be delivering a video message addressing the crowd. RESET doesn’t belong to any one denomination or religion; the only affiliation is "Jesus", but which Jesus are they promoting (2 Corinthians 11:14)? TOGETHER 2016 is an opportunity to stand together with people from every corner of America who are praying for catalytic change, i.e. a reset.into a false unity that is foreign to the scriptures - "To lay down what divides us and lift up Jesus who unites us...." {1}

The scriptures support "togetherness" only where there is agreement on doctrine. Do not buy into the current trend to sacrifice core biblical truth on the altar of love and unity.... this is not love, it is the lie of Satan. Jesus' prayer for unity (John 17) is conditional upon TRUTH: 

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:17-19 cf.1 Corinthians 13:6 cf. 2 John 1:4). 

.....for there MUST be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. (1 Corintians 11:19)

All the usual apostates are all crawling out of the woodwork to support/participate in this work of deception. Mark and avoid the organisations and people below - those who promote and preach a message contrary to sound doctrine..... (Romans 16:17) 

Together 2016 supporters include: The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Luis Palau Association, CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Premiere Productions, the National Day of Prayer, YWAM and the American Bible Society. 

This so-called "revival" is bringing together Assemblies of God Supt. George O. Wood and Southern Baptist Convention president Ronnie Floyd to link arms in spiritual unity with the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America, Grace Communion International (formerly the Armstrongism Worldwide Church of God), participants include Hillsong United, Kari Jobe, Francis Chan, Lecrae, Nick Hall, Passion, Crowder, Kirk Franklin, Ravi Zacharias, Jeremy Camp, Bob Lenz, Andy Mineo, Michael W. Smith, Lauren Daigle, Christine Caine, Mark Batterson, Matthew West, Jo Saxton, Mike Kelsey, Casting Crowns, John K. Jenkins Sr., Josh McDowell, Laurel Bunker, Luis Palau, Tedashii, Tasha Cobbs, Lacey Sturm, York Moore, Trip Lee, Samuel Rodriguez, Ronnie Floyd, Reid Saunders, Jose Zayas, Jennie Allen, Nabeel Qureshi, Ann Voskamp, KB, Christine D'Clario, Matt Maher, Sammy Wanyonyi, Lindsey Nobles, Amena Brown, and Josh Brewer. {2}

To alter the teaching (doctrine) of Jesus Christ and his apostles is to reject the Word of God itself:

He (an overseer) must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9)

The obvious reason to separate from Rome and those ecumenical leaders supporting Together 2016 is that the scriptures state unequivocally that Christians are saved by grace through faith, totally apart from works: (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:10-11; Romans 3:19-24). In direct contradiction to the scriptures, the RC Church teaches that salvation is a process, and that salvation is attained through baptism and good works. The list is very long, but in general the RC Church teach papal infallibility, Mary is the Queen of Heaven, a perpetual virgin, and the co-redemptress who ascended into heaven, faith is maintained through the sacraments, a distinction between clergy and laity, confession of sins to a priest, prayers and petitions are said to Mary and to dead "saints", indulgences achieve time off purgatory. None of these things are scriptural. Pope Francis has stated that there is no salvation outside of the RC church  - hardly inclusive! The aim of the RC church is to bring back all the "separated brethren" back under their domination, and to suck all people into heresy and ultimate destruction.

Heretical quotes from Pope Francis:

"He (God) knows that Christians are disciples of Christ: that they are one, that they are brothers! He doesn’t care if they are Evangelicals, or Orthodox, Lutherans, Catholics or Apostolic…he doesn’t care! They are Christians. And that blood (of martyrdom) unites. Today, dear brothers and sisters, we are living an “ecumenism of blood”."

"Non-Christians [such as atheists], by God’s gracious initiative, when they are faithful to their own consciences, can live 'justified by the grace of God', and thus be 'associated to the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ'… to the sacramental dimension of sanctifying grace... to live our own beliefs."

“Mary is more important than all of the apostles.” 

“Christians who obstinately maintain ‘it’s always been done this way,’ this is the path, this is the street—they sin: the sin of divination. It’s as if they went about by guessing: ‘What has been said and what doesn’t change is what’s important; what I hear—from myself and my closed heart—more than the Word of the Lord.’ Obstinacy is also the sin of idolatry: the Christian who is obstinate sins! The sin of idolatry. ‘And what is the way, Father?’ Open the heart to the Holy Spirit, discern what is the will of God.”

Warnings From The Scriptures:  

As he (Jesus) sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.... And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. (Matthew 24:3-11)

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) 

Out of one of them came a little horn (the Antichrist), which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host. And the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper. (Daniel 8:9-12)

Antichrist definition: antíxristos - Strongs 500 - the preposition anti means substitute, opposite to, in place of etc. it is not only one who is the enemy of Christ, it is also one who puts himself in place of Christ.{3}

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (Matthew 7:13)

{1} http://penews.org/News/NAE-Urges-Churches-to-Pray-Together-Sunday-July-10
{2} http://www.piratechristian.com/berean-examiner/2016/6/the-pope-and-hillsong-will-unite-together-2016-in-washington-dc
{3} http://biblehub.com/greek/500.htm

THE CURSE OF DEREK PRINCE FALSE TEACHER!!!

Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. (Luke 11:35)

How deceiver Derek Prince had the audacity to stand in front of born again, blood bought believers in Jesus Christ and tell them that "many" were, in all likelihood, under an ancestral curse is totally beyond me! I am writing this second post about Derek Prince because there are those who are associated with Derek Prince Ministries (DPM) who protest a little too loudly that I do not understand Prince's teaching about curses and blessings. Very sadly, I can say that I do understand all too well. I have re-visited this subject in order to reiterate my warnings about the deviant teachings of this man.

Derek Prince claimed to show three things in his ten part teaching about curses and blessings: 1, what the symptoms are of being under a curse; 2, where curses can come from, and 3, how to be free: How To Pass From Curse to Blessing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsOhODrm67k

Prince claimed that many Christians come under generational curses, going back hundreds or even thousands of years.{1} According to the scriptures however, a familial curse is not effective for longer than 128 years at the most (Numbers 14:18). A generation in human terms typically ranges from 22 to 32 years.{2}

The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation. (Numbers 14:18 cf. Exodus 34:7)

Derek Prince: "In my opinion it’s scarcely worth ministering in Southeast Asia if you can’t deal with the subject of the curse because basically ninety-five percent of all the people there are under a curse." {3}
 
Derek Prince: "Many here tonight are fighting something that you don't fully understand in your own life. Some kind of frustration, something that every time you are about to succeed intervenes and keeps you from success. Something that holds you back from being a complete person, from being completely free, from being able to serve the Lord the way you would wish to, from leading a life of real victory. I believe in many cases, the problem that you are fighting with, that you have never diagnosed, you have never come fully to grips with, is that there is a curse over your life."

Derek Prince's answer to generational curses: "The prayer of release from a curse". {4}

Prince's statements above are some of the most wicked deceitful words I have ever heard! Sadly he found no difficulty in finding naive believers who identified with his message. There are no shortage of Christians who find themselves struggling in their walk with the Lord and who have become the victim of Prince's false diagnosis of non-existent curses. What Prince failed to mention is the fact that it would be strange if difficulties were not the case. The scriptures are very clear that various problems will beset believers (1 Peter 4:12). Jesus warned his potential followers to count the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:27-29). The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life (Matthew 7:14; cf. Matthew 5:2-12; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 4:14). The Apostle Paul confessed his struggles with the flesh: For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate (Romans 7:15-23 cf. Galatians 5:17). Paul's story is hardly one of "success" or "victory" in worldly terms; he was shipwrecked, stoned and beaten with rods three times (2 Corinthians 11:25). At one stage, Paul and his companions were so burdened beyond their strength that they despaired of life itself. (2 Corinthians 1:8). Ultimately all the disciples were martyred except John. Were they under a curse? Nowhere in the New Testament does it state that genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can be under a generational curse, and furthermore the apostles taught no such thing! I have personally known Christians who have received "prayers of release/deliverance ministry" several times, but inevitably their struggles continue, and tragically they remain convinced that they are still under some unidentified curse, or that they have a demon. Hence many Christians go back again and again for this kind of "ministry" and are bound to a vicious circle of doubt and oppression, never believing that they are quite free, convinced that something more from the past needs to be exposed in order to release them. The suggestion that ancestral curses have to be dealt with in an extrabiblical manner by some curse-buster or guru is to suggest that the cross alone is in some way deficient in the area of ancestral curses. This powerful lie from the pit of hell is so serious that it actually mounts a bid to strip the cross of Christ of its power and belies the scriptures. It is a very subtle way of making us doubt the word of God which is exactly what Satan wants!

In order to promote his deviant teaching about ancestral curses, Derek Prince used examples of his own spiritual experiences and various "words from the Lord" which he then tied into Old Testament curses. In this specific teaching on YouTube, he spends some time on the twelve curses listed in Deuteronomy 27. These curses were pronounced by the Levitical priests and were to be set up on Mount Ebal once the Israelites had entered the promised land. The curses would be the inevitable result turning away from God and breaking the law of Moses. Prince suggests that these particular curses may be affecting people in his audience, but this is ridiculous. Firstly, we are going back thousands of years, not three or four generations; secondly, we are speaking specifically about curses upon the Israelites, and thirdly, the new birth is required (John 3:18), all who rely on works of the law are under a curse (Galatians 3:10). At Sinai, Moses sprinkled the blood of animals on the altar and upon the people who entered into covenant with God (Exodus 24: 3-8). Once the Israelites entered into the covenant at Sinai, what God required was obedience. God gave no special "prayer of release from an ancestral curse" to Moses and the Israelites in relation to their 400 years spent in Egypt and similarly none is required for Christians. Since we are to make parallels with the Israelites as believers, then we must see that once the Israelites came out of Egypt, generational curses were not an issue. The New Testament identifies the problem: their hearts turned back to Egypt (Acts 7:9; cf. Deuteronomy 30:17). Similarly if we disobey the commandments in the New Testament (John 13:34), then inevitably, there will be consequences (1 Corinthians 10:11). Notice that the key is obedience, forgetting those things that lie behind and straining forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13). When we do fail for any reason, then we need to repent. If any ancestral sins did exist before we were converted, the moment we were born again we became a new creation in Christ, the old has passed away; behold, the new has come (1 Corinthians 5:17). We passed from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18). The teachings of Derek Prince would destroy our peace in Christ and cause us go backwards, denying what the Lord has achieved on the cross into bondage, curses, death and darkness! Ironically, in preaching a gospel contrary to the scriptures, Prince would have been under a self inflicted curse himself (Galatians 1:8-9).

An important example is Jesus' letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 which identify various critical problems within certain congregations. The remedy was/is repentance (Revelation 2:5, 16, 21, 22). The consequences of remaining unrepentant are dire indeed, but note that nothing more than repentance is needed to restore a right relationship to God. To pray a "prayer of release from a curse" is extrabiblical. Do we really want to be guilty of going beyond what is written and adding to the scriptures (1 Corinthians 1:19; Revelation 22:18; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6)?

THE TRUTH is that anyone coming to faith in Jesus Christ is transformed into a new creation upon conversion: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4 cf. Isaiah 43:18; Ezekiel 36:26). Believers have no remit to go digging around in the past looking for curses, to do such a thing is sinful! Jesus Christ has blessed true believers with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3 cf. Philippians 3:13). Can someone be blessed and cursed at the same time?  We can blame the oppression of Satan, the flesh or the world for our difficulties, but never an ancestral curse (Luke 4:18; John 8:32-36; Romans 8:2). The Apostle Paul taught that our way of thinking needs to be renewed in order to come into agreement with the Word of God (Romans 12:12; Ephesians 4:23 cf. Romans 6:4; Colossians 3:10 cf. 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 9:14). 

Derek Prince: "Men representing God are authorised to curse things."

Prince: "... Cursing is part of the ministry of a man of God... men of God not only bless, they also curse....." {5} 

Whom did Derek Prince expect Christians to curse? Their enemies? (Matthew 5:44; Mark 11:26; Luke 6:28), or another believer whom we hold something against? (Matthew 18:21). Jesus Christ was quite specific about the consequences of unforgiveness! Paul also instructed: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (Romans 12:14, 2; 1 Corinthians 4:11-12; cf. 1 Peter 3:9; James 3:9). It is clear that followers of Jesus Christ are never permitted to appeal to the precedent of David, Elijah or anyone else in the Old Testament to justify treating enemies in ways that contradict His example and teachings.

Prince gives various examples from the Old Testament in order to justify cursing:

Joshua's curse on the man to rebuild the city of Jericho (Joshua 6:26). Joshua's curse was fulfilled approximately 500 years later during the reign of Ahab, when Hiel, a Bethelite, rebuilt Jericho at the cost of his firstborn and youngest sons (1 Kings 16:34). Prince wanders off into his own eisegetical interpretation, surmising that Hiel's sons wasted away, the cause being undiagnosed by doctors! In fact, Hiel and all Israel would undoubtedly have been aware of Joshua's curse. Actually the manner of the fulfilment of the curse is disputed since there is some question about whether Hiel rebuilt Jericho in defiance of the curse, or whether his sons were intentionally sacrificed. {6} 

The curse of an Old Testament prophet was an inspired prediction of punitive disaster, it did not come from the flesh. Elisha pronounced inspired judgement upon the sin of Gehazi who had lied in vain to the Holy Spirit. The apostles were also so gifted (Acts 5:1-10). We should not confuse this with modern day false "prophets" like Benny Hinn who pronounced a curse upon his detractors. {7}

The Fig Tree

When the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:20-22)

Derek Prince: "Jesus said to them (his disciples) 'you will not only do what was done to the fig tree'... he said 'you can also speak to a mountain'..... notice He authorised them to curse things. I tell you, the power that we have, if we could but realise it, is frightening. We are really rather like Moses - You see a lot of us are like that, we are holding a staff in our hands, we don't realise that if we hold a staff in our hand it can turn into a snake."

Prince's teaching of Jesus' curse on the fig tree is immensely deceptive. There are two accounts of this event in the New Testament: Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14. Critically, Prince completely fails to explain that the fig tree symbolically represents Israel (Hosea 9:10; Matthew 24:32-35). Jesus' curse upon the fig tree symbolises the judgement and rejection of God and His judgement on Israel for failing to bear the fruit he required from the temple. It foreshadows the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-19) and ultimately the prophecy of its destruction. Jesus frequently used the allegory of trees and fruit (Matthew 3:10; 7:19; Luke 3:9; 13:6-9; John 15:2-6). No argument can be made that the example of the fig tree gives Christians authority to pronounce curses on individuals or things at will, especially in view of Jesus' unequivocal teaching about how we should treat our enemies. Such actions belong to the realm of witchcraft and Satanism! God alone is the One who will decide what kind of corrective action will need to be taken with the enemies in our lives, we have no such remit!

Self Imposed Curses

Four godly men in the Old Testament are known to have had a death wish: Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Job (Job 3:1-2), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14) and Jonah (Jonah 4:8). In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul and his companions were so utterly burdened beyond their strength that they despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8). None of these men were under a curse, they undoubtedly fell temporarily into fear, exhaustion and depression at particular times. In other words, they had weaknesses like every one of us. For the Christian, the answer to depression is always to turn directly to God for the answers and for strength. Once again, we do not need to turn to some self appointed guru to obtain release from "the spirit of death" as taught by Derek Prince. Jesus Christ himself was in intense anguish in the garden of Gethsemane and was very sorrowful, even to death (Matthew 26:38). Was Jesus Christ under a curse? Genuine Christians are blessed even in times of depression and weakness. We were darkness, but now we are sons of light and are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8; Luke 16:8; John 12:36). Paul's mission to the Gentiles was to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus. (Acts 26:17-18). We see then that Christians are not under the power of curses in any respect once they have truly repented and are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Demonization 

The definition the Greek word daimonizomai (δαιμονίζομαι) Strong's 1139 = possessed, or to be under the power of an evil spirit or demon - to be oppressed and possessed by a demon.{8}

Derek Prince made a very poor argument that "demon possessed" is a mistranslation of the word daimonizomai.{9} In fact, in context, those whom Jesus delivered from demons in the gospels were manifesting actual possession e.g. Legion: Jesus commanded the unclean spirit/s to come out of the man and the demons pleaded: “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.”(Mark 5:1-13). Similarly, the boy with an evil spirit that made him mute was possessed. Jesus commanded: “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again. (Mark 9:14-29). My own view is that if a demon has entered a person, if it actually dwells inside a person (Matthew 12:45) and is controlling them, then "possession" is an appropriate word. In Prince's language, there is no distinction between a Christian who is "demonised" and Legion or the boy with an evil spirit whom Jesus delivered. In Prince's thinking their condition is identical. In fact ancient Jewish writers confirm the scriptural view of demon possession as expressed by Flavius Josephus and many others.{10} Derek Prince's ideas on the subject were neither scriptural nor historical (Romans 12:3).  

There is a vast difference between being oppressed from without by Satan, and being possessed or "demonized" as Prince put it. Christians have been bought with a price (I Corinthians 7:23), they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they cannot be indwelt by demons. Those who follow Jesus have passed from death to life (Romans 12:3; John 8:12).

I have written this post in order to repeat my dire warnings about the teachings of Derek Prince, which in my view are pure poison to true followers of Jesus Christ. My previous post covered Prince's ecumenical activities, his association with the Vatican and his leadership role within the infamous Shepherding Movement.{11} Just how many "mistakes" are we supposed to overlook in the case of this wolf in sheep's clothing? It takes rather more than intelligence and pedigree to be a true teacher and servant of the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:19; James 3:1). Below Prince admits his mistakes whilst leading the Shepherding Movement, including the sins of personal ambition and legalism. Incredibly he stated that his ministry "took off" after his disassociation from the Shepherding Movement which shattered so many lives. It may have "taken off" numerically, but ultimately it is doubtful how much fruit this man's "ministry" actually produced!

DPM always refer to "Derek's teachings", and this is precisely what they are! They are not Jesus' and the apostles teachings, and they do not pass the test of scripture (1 John 4:1; cf. Matthew 7:15, 24:11). The most deadly form of teaching is the mixture, when truth and error are combined (Deuteronomy 22:11; Hebrews 10:22). Prince's "teachings" are aired by Derek Prince Legacy Radio and iTunes. They are also aired on apostate TV channels like God TV,  TBN and Revelation TV, and they are also widely available on YouTube. It seems to me that DPM have more than your freedom in view (Ezekiel 22:27)! DPM is no small operation! They operate in over 140 countries with 45 offices around the world, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. They boast of promoting over 50 books, 600 audio and 110 video teachings.{12} Large amounts of money are involved through donations, the sale of videotapes, literature, books, paraphernalia etc. Turnover in the UK alone stands at £811,035 {13} with donations alone totalling £876,40 in 2015.{14} To a large degree I believe that the commercial activities of DPM, rather than any love for the truth, explains the hostility that is being directed against me by various DPM associates. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27) 

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

.....if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

If you are associated with DPM or if you earn your living from this ministry, then you need to prayerfully consider the teachings that you promote and their crippling effect upon the Body of Christ. Please do not write to me again with your "experiences" or your opinions. I am always ready to argue from the Word of God, but if you are not prepared to test the spirits then I have nothing to say to you (1 John 4:1; cf. John 10:13).

{1}  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpuEn85G9mc.
{2}  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_time  
{3}  http://www.derekprince.org/Articles/1000085373/DPM_USA/Archive_of_UK/Keys/Blessings_and_Curses/Causes_of_Curses.aspx
{4}   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsOhODrm67k
{5}   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RupeqW1NC2A&list=PL16919B450DF02A6A&index=4
{6}   https://www.jstor.org/stable/3140746?seq=2#page_scan_tab_contents
{7}   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wAQ5ftiEqE
{8}   http://biblehub.com/greek/1139.htm
{9} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RupeqW1NC2A
{10} http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5942-exorcism  
{11} http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/derek-prince-false-teacher-wolf-in.html
{12} http://www.dpmuk.org/about/
{13} http://directory.uk-b2b-info.com/org/charity/1123283/derek-prince-ministries-uk/ 
{14} http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Accounts/Ends83/0001123283_AC_20150630_E_C.pdf.

revelation tv - dr richard kent: how to get out of debt the "christian" way! not!!!

How Dr Richard Kent got "provision from the Lord" the "Christian" way by setting up a charity.
http://www.revelationtv.com/programmes/episode/to-the-point496496 
About 22:30 minutes in.

How very sad that the apostate church has come to this (Philippians 3:19). To his shame, Dr Richard Kent has repeated his "testimony" about how he found himself in debt to the tune of £260,000 after his illness at 50 years old in 1997. He claims that in today's money this sum is about £50M which is roughly correct using a historical inflation calculator. He was forced to retire as a GP due to ill heath and was facing the repossession of his house because his small pension had reduced his income by 80%. "The Lord" told Kent to set up a charity and to travel all over the world and voilà -- nine months later the debt was completely cleared and the Kents' income started going up again due to some large cheques: "All because we set up a charity and started putting God first. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

One might reasonably ask Dr Kent how he managed to get himself into so much debt in the first place! It appears that his home had been in his family for two generations, so one would have thought it would be mortgage free. It seems he was quite well enough to travel the world, but he tells RTV viewers that he was not well enough to continue working! I understand that an NHS pension would be very good for a GP retiring at fifty years old due to ill health. As usual the RTV "stories" simply do not add up!  I wonder if the contributors to Kent's charity would have given if they had realised that it was actually set up to get him out of debt! The scandal of charity CEO's greed is well reported, but apparently the questionable ethics of the world are easily transferable to the apostate church who twist the scriptures to suit their own agendas!

The fallacy that material wealth equals the blessing of God is widespread amongst the apostates who should perhaps read about the self delusion of Laodicea. The words wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked come to mind (Revelation 3:17-18)! What a shame that the persecuted church across the world does not receive such "provision" from the Lord!!!

Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? (2 Corinthians 11:25-29)

Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice (without right).
(Proverbs 16:8)

The name of the Kents' charity is The Final Frontier Charitable Trust, UK Charity No 1106663.{1}

 {1} http://www.freechristianteaching.tv/about-dr-richard-kent-co-author-of-this-book

PRETRIB RAPTURE DISHONESTY BY DAVE MACPHERSON

When I began my research in 1970 into the exact beginnings of the pretribulation rapture belief still held by many evangelicals, I assumed that the rapture debate involved only "godly scholars with honest differences." The paper you are now reading reveals why I gave up that assumption many years ago. With this introduction-of-sorts in mind, let's take a long look at the pervasive dishonesty throughout the history of the 179-year-old pretrib rapture theory:

German scholar Max Weremchuk's work "John Nelson Darby" (1992) included what Benjamin Newton revealed about John Darby in the mid-1820's during his pre-Brethren days as an Anglican clergyman:

    "J. N. Darby was a very subtle man. He had been a lawyer, or at least educated for the law. Once he wanted his Archbishop to pursue a certain course, when he (J.N.D.) was a curate in his diocese. He wrote a letter, therefore, saying he had been educated for the law, knew what the legal course would properly be; and then having written that clearly, he mystified the remainder of the letter both in word and in handwriting, and ended up by saying: You see, my Lord, such being the legal aspect of the case it would unquestionably be the best course for you to pursue, etc. And the Archbishop couldn't make out the legal part, but rested on Darby's word and did as he advised. Darby afterwards laughed over it, and indeed he showed a copy of the letter to Tregelles. This is not mentioned in the Archbishop's biography, but in it is the fact that he spoke of Darby as 'the most subtle man in my diocese.'"

    This reminds me of an 1834 letter by Darby which spoke of the "Lord's coming." Darby added, concerning this coming, that "the thoughts are new" and that during any teaching of it "it would not be well to have it so clear." Darby's deviousness here was his usage of a centuries-old term - "Lord's coming" - to cover up his desire to sneak the new pretrib idea into existing posttrib groups in very low-profile ways!

In the spring of 1830 a young Scottish lassie, Margaret Macdonald, came up with the novel notion of a catching up [rapture] of Spirit-filled "church" members before Antichrist's "trial" [tribulation] of non-Spirit-filled "church" members - the first instance I've found of clear "pretrib" teaching (which was part of a partial rapture scheme). In Sep. 1830 "The Morning Watch" (a journal produced by London preacher Edward Irving and his "Irvingite" followers, some of whom had visited Margaret a few weeks earlier) began repeating her original thoughts and even her wording but gave her no credit - the first plagiarism I've found in pretrib history. Darby was still defending posttrib in Dec. 1830.

    Pretrib promoters have long known the significance of her main point: a rapture of "church" members BEFORE the revealing of Antichrist. Which is why John Walvoord quoted nothing in her revelation, why Thomas Ice habitually skips over her main point but quotes lines BEFORE and AFTER it, and why Hal Lindsey muddies up her main point so he can (falsely) assert that she was NOT a pretribber! (Google "X-Raying Margaret" for info about her.)

    NOTE: The development of the 1800's is thoroughly documented in my book "The Rapture Plot." You'll learn that Darby wasn't original on any chief aspect of dispensationalism (but plagiarized the Irvingites); that pretrib was initially based on only OT and NT symbols and not clear Scripture; that the symbols included the Jewish feasts, the two witnesses, and the man child - symbols adopted by Darby during most of his career; that Darby's later reminiscences exaggerated his earliest pretrib development, and that today's defenders such as Thomas Ice have further overstated what Darby overstated; that Irvingism didn't need later reminiscences to "clarify" its own early pretrib development; that ancient hymns and even the writings of the Reformers were subtly revised to make it appear they had taught pretrib; and that after Darby's death a clever revisionist quietly made many changes in early Irvingite and Brethren documents in order to steal credit for pretrib away from the Irvingites (and their female inspiration!) and give it dishonestly to Darby! (Before continuing, Google the "Powered by Christ Ministries" site and read "America's Pretrib Rapture Traffickers" - a sample of the current exciting internetism!)

Charles Trumbull's book "The Life Story of C. I. Scofield" told only the dispensationally-correct side of his life. Two recent books, Joseph Canfield's "The Incredible Scofield and His Book" (1988) and David Lutzweiler's "DispenSinsationalism: C. I. Scofield's Life and Errors" (2006), reveal the other side including his being jailed as a forger, dishonestly giving himself a non-conferred "D.D." etc. etc.!

Brethren scholar Harold Rowdon's "The Origins of the Brethren" quoted Darby associate Lord Congleton who was "disgusted with...the falseness" of Darby's accounts of things. Rowdon also quoted historian William Neatby who said that others felt that "the time-honoured method of single combat" was as good as anything "to elicit the truth" from Darby. (In other words, knock it out of him!)

    

Tim LaHaye's "The Beginning of the End" (1972) plagiarized Hal Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth" (1970).

    

Charles Ryrie"s "The Living End" (1976) plagiarized Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth" (1970) and "There's A New World Coming" (1973).

After John Walvoord's "The Blessed Hope and the Tribulation" (1976) brutally twisted Robert Gundry's "The Church and the Tribulation" (1973), Gundry composed and circulated a 35-page open letter to Walvoord which repeatedly charged the Dallas Seminary president with "misrepresentation," "misrepresentations" (and variations)!

"The Fundamentalist Phenomenon" (1981) by Jerry Falwell, Ed Dobson, and Ed Hindson heavily plagiarized George Dollar's 1973 book "A History of Fundamentalism in America."

After a prof at Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God in Florida told me that the No. 2 man at the AG world headquarters in Missouri - Joseph Flower - had the label of posttrib, my wife and I had two hour-long chats with him. He verified what I had been told. But we were dumbstruck when he told us that although AG ministers are required to promote pretrib, privately they can believe any other rapture view! Flower said that his father, an AG co-founder, was also posttrib. We also learned while in Springfield that when the AG's were organized in 1914, the initial group was divided between posttribs and pretribs - but that the pretribs shouted louder which resulted in that denomination officially adopting pretrib! (For details on this and other pretrib double-mindedness, Google "Pretrib Hypocrisy.")

   

Since 1989 Thomas Ice has referred to the "Mac-theory" (his reference to my research), giving the impression there's no solid evidence that Macdonald was the real pretrib originator. But Ice carefully conceals the fact that no eminent church historian of the 1800's - whether Plymouth Brethren or Irvingite - credited Darby with pretrib. Instead, they uniformly credited leading Irvingite sources, all of which upheld the Scottish lassie's contribution! Moreover, I'm hardly the only modern scholar seeing significance in Irvingism's territory. Others in recent years who have noted it, but who haven't mined it as deeply as I have, include Fuller, Ladd, Bass, Rowdon, Sandeen, and Gundry.

    

Greg Bahnsen and Kenneth Gentry produced evidence in 1989 that Lindsey's book "The Road to Holocaust" (1989) plagiarized "Dominion Theology" (1988) by H. Wayne House and Thomas Ice.

    

David Jeremiah's and C. C. Carlson's "Escape the Coming Night" (1990) massively plagiarized Lindsey's 1973 book "There's A New World Coming." (For more info, type in "Thieves' Marketing" on MSN or Google.)

   

Paul Lee Tan's "A Pictorial Guide to Bible Prophecy" (1991) plagiarized large amounts of Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth" (1970).

    

Militant Darby defender R. A. Huebner claimed in 1991 to have found new evidence that Darby was pretrib as early as 1827 - three years before Macdonald. Halfway through his book Huebner suddenly admitted that his evidence could refer to something completely un-rapturesque. Even though Thomas Ice admitted to me that he knew that Huebner had "blown" his so-called evidence, prevaricator Ice continues to tell the world that Huebner has "positive evidence" that Darby was pretrib in 1827! Ice also conceals the fact that Darby, in his own 1827 paper, was looking for only "the restitution of all things" and "the times of refreshing" (Acts 3:19,21) - which Scofield doesn't see fulfilled until AFTER a future tribulation!

   

Tim LaHaye's "No Fear of the Storm" (1992) plagiarized Walvoord's "The Blessed Hope and the Tribulation" (1976).

    

This was when the Los Angeles Times revealed that "The Magog Factor" (1992) by Hal Lindsey and Chuck Missler was a monstrous plagiarism of Prof. Edwin Yamauchi's scholarly 1982 work "Foes from the Northern Frontier." Four months after this exposure, Lindsey and Missler stated they had stopped publishing and promoting their book. But in 1996 Dr. Yamauchi learned that the dishonest duo had issued a 1995 book called "The Magog Invasion" which still had a substantial amount of the same plagiarism! (If Lindsey and Missler ever need hernia operations, I predict that the doctors will tell them not to lift anything for a long time!)

    

In 1996 it was revealed that Lindsey's "Planet Earth - 2000 A.D." (1994) had an embarrassing amount of plagiarism of a Texe Marrs book titled "Mystery Mark of the New Age" (1988).

    

My book "The Rapture Plot" reveals the dishonesty in Darby's reprinted works. It's often hard to tell who wrote the footnotes and when. It's easy to believe that the notes, and also unsigned phrases inside brackets within the text, were a devious attempt by someone (Darby? his editor?) to portray a Darby far more developed in pretrib thinking than he actually had been at the time. I found that some of the "additives" had been taken from Darby's much later works, when he was more developed, and placed next to or inside his earliest works! One footnote by Darby's editor, attached to Darby's 1830 paper, actually stated that "it was not worth while either suppressing or changing" anything in this work! If his editor wasn't open to such dishonesty, how can we explain such a statement?

    

Post-1995 - Thomas Ice's article "Inventor of False Pre-Trib Rapture History" states that my book  "The Rapture Plot" is "only one of the latest in a series of revisions of his original discourse...." And David Reagan in his article "The Origin of the Concept of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture" repeats Ice's falsehood by claiming that I have republished my first book "over the years under several different titles."

    Although my book repeats a bit of the Macdonald origin of pretrib (for new readers), all of my books are packed with new material not found in my other works. For some clarification, "The Incredible Cover-Up" has photos of pertinent places in Ireland, Scotland, and England not found in my later books plus several chapters dealing with theological arguments; "The Great Rapture Hoax" quotes scholars throughout the Church Age, covers Scofield's hidden side, a section on Powerscourt, the 1980 election, the Jupiter Effect, Gundry's change, and more theological arguments; "The Rapture Plot" reveals for the first time the Great Evangelical Revisionism/Robbery and includes appendices on miscopying, plagiarism, etc.; and "The Three R's" shows hypocritical evangelicals employing occultic beliefs they say they have long opposed!

    So Thomas Ice etc. are twisting truth when they claim I am only a revisionist. Do they really think that my publishers DON'T know what I've previously written?

    Re arguments, Google "Pretrib Rapture - Hidden Facts" and also obtain "The End Times Passover" and "Why Christians Will Suffer 'Great Tribulation' " (AuthorHouse, 2006) by media personality Joe Ortiz.

    

For years Harvest House Publishers has owned and been republishing Lindsey's book "There's A New World Coming." During the same time Lindsey has  been  peddling his  reportedly "new" book    "Apocalyse Code" (1997), much of which is word-for-word the same as the Harvest House book - and there's no notice of "simultaneous publishing" in either book! Talk about pretrib greed!

    

This is the year I discovered that more than 50 pages of Dallas Seminary professor Merrill Unger's book "Beyond the Crystal Ball" (Moody Press, 1973) constituted a colossal plagiarism of Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth" (1970). After Lindsey's book came out, Unger had complained that Lindsey's book had plagiarized his classroom lecture notes. It was evident that Unger felt that he too should cash in on his own lectures! (The detailed account of this Dallas Seminary dishonesty is revealed in my 1998 book "The Three R's.")

    

Tim LaHaye's "Understanding the Last Days" (1998) plagiarized Lindsey's "There's A New World Coming" (1973).

    

More than 200 pages (out of 396 pages) in Lindsey's 1999 book "Vanished Into Thin Air" are virtually carbon copies of pages in his 1983 book "The Rapture" - with no "updated" or "revised" notice included! Lindsey has done the same nervy thing with several of his books, something that has allowed him to live in million-dollar-plus homes and drive cars  like  Ferraris! (See  my Google articles  "Deceiving and Being Deceived" and "Thieves' Marketing" for further evidence of this notably pretrib vice.)   

    

A Jack Van Impe article "The Moment After" (2000) plagiarized Grant Jeffrey's book "Final Warning" (1995).

    

Since 2001 my web article "Walvoord's Posttrib 'Varieties' - Plus" has been exposing his devious muddying up of posttrib waters. In some of his books he invented four "distinct" and "contradictory" posttrib divisions, claiming that they are either "classic" or "semiclassic" or "futurist" or "dispensational" - distinctions that disappear when analyzed! His "futurist" group holds to a literal future tribulation and a literal millennium but doesn't embrace "any day" imminency. But his "dispensational" group has the same non-imminency! Moreover, tribulational futurism is found in every group except the first one, and he somehow admitted that a literal millennium is in all four groups! On the other hand, it's the pretribs who consistently disagree with each other over their chief points and subpoints - but somehow end up agreeing that there will be a pretrib rapture! (See my chapter "A House Divided" in my book "The Incredible Cover-Up.")

    

Since my "Deceiving and Being Deceived" web item which exposed the claims for Pseudo-Ephraem" and "Morgan Edwards" as teachers of pretrib, there has been a piranha-like frenzy on the part of pretrib bodyguards and their duped groupies to "discover" almost anything before 1830 walking upright on two legs that seemed to have at least a remote hint of pretrib! (An exemplary poster boy for such pretrib practice is Grant Jeffrey. To get your money's worth, Google "Wily  Jeffrey.")

   

FINALLY: Don't take my word for any of the above. Read my 300-page book "The Rapture  Plot" which has a jillion more documented details on the long-hidden but now-revealed history of the dishonest, 179-year-old, fringe-British-invented, American-merchandised-until-the-real-bad-stuff-happens pretribulation rapture fad. If this book of mine doesn't "move" you, I will personally refund what you paid for it.

 

Dave MacPherson. What People are saying

What They Are Saying About ... THE RAPTURE PLOT!                                                                           

Gary DeMar (President American Vision): "A majority of prophecy writers and speakers teach that the church will be raptured before a future tribulational period. But did you know that prior to about 1830 no such doctrine existed. No one in all of church history ever taught pretribulational rapture. Dave MacPherson does the work of a journalistic private investigator to uncover the truth....The Rapture Plot is the never-before-told true story of the plot - how plagiarism and subtle document changes created the 'mother of all revisionisms.' A fascinating piece of detective work." Robert H. Gundry (Professor Westmont College): "As usual MacPherson out hustles his opponents in research on primary sources. C. S. Lovett (President Personal Christianity): You don't read very much of Dave MacPherson's work before you realize he is a dedicated researcher. Because his work has been so honest and open his latest work The Rapture Plot has produced many red faces among some of the most recognized rapture writers of our time. When their work is compared to his it is embarrassing for them to see how shallow their research is." R. J. Rushdoony (President Chalcedon): "Dave MacPherson has been responsible for major change in the eschatology of evangelical churches by his devastating studies of some of the central aspects thereof. In The Rapture Plot MacPherson tells us of the strange tale of 'rapture' writings, revisions, cover-ups, alterations and confusions. No one has equaled MacPherson in his research on the 'pretrib rapture.' Attempts to discredit his work have failed...."

About the Author: Born 1932 of Scotch/English descent Dave MacPherson is a natural for British historical research. His calling was journalism. Receiving a BA in English in 1955 he spent 26 years as a newsman reporting and filming many notable events persons presidents and dignitaries.