THE PROPHETS OF SEPTEMBER

Biblical prophecy is important for believers in their quest for holiness and it has been given to impact how we live today. It creates a two-world view by giving a focus on future events, which in turn enables a believer to prioritize this life in a godlier way. This is why prophetic matters are woven throughout the N.T. scriptures by Christ and the Apostles. Unfortunately, many people, and even pastors, in the church today wrongly see prophecy as obscure, divisive, and of a minor nature. To abandon Bible prophecy, however, is to get rid of a key ingredient for godly living.

THE PROPHETS OF SEPTEMBER.  One serious problem that the church has had to contend with has to do with those who make predictions, giving specific dates and times for the fulfillment of prophetic events. The past few months has seen an upswing in such predictions. The internet has been filled with those who have declared that the Rapture of the church would take place in September of 2025, specifically on the 23rd or 24th (which is the Jewish feast of Trumpets). There are those who claim that Jesus Himself appeared to them with information about this Rapture date. These went into some detail about their encounter with the Lord and were specific that the Rapture would take place this September. Their claims were clear. Others were not quite so bold, but their message was that the Rapture would take place in connection with this Jewish feast. Some hedged their bets by saying that we could not know the day or hour of prophetic events. But even with their disclaimers, it was obvious that they were in fact stating that the Rapture would take place in September of 2025. Some listening to their presentation came away circling those dates on their calendars. 

THE SERIOUSNESS OF MISREPRESENTING THE LORD GOD.  The Scriptures are sacred. They are “God-breathed”, without error and authoritative. One who handles God’s Word will face a stricter evaluation, according to James 3:1. And it is even more serious when a person claims that God specifically spoke to them and they are now speaking for God. But false claims and predictions put individuals in a dangerous position spiritually. Christians in America may take a casual, tolerant view of such false claims, but the Scriptures themselves are decidedly intolerant.

1. MOSES AND THE MATTER OF PROPHECY. The prophetic office started with Moses (Jer. 7:25) though God obviously spoke to others before Moses. And in his role as God’s first great prophet, Moses warned about those who would falsely claim to speak for God. To do so would bring about their death. 

“THE PROPHET WHO SHALL SPEAK A WORD PRESUMPTUOUSLY IN MY NAME WHICH I HAVE NOT COMMANDED HIM TO SPEAK…THAT PROPHET SHALL DIE.” (Deuteronomy 18:20)

 Capital punishment was the consequence for making these false claims and false prophecies. This reveals the seriousness of misrepresenting God. 

2. JEREMIAH AND THE FALSE PROPHETS OF HIS DAY. Jeremiah ministered at the time when God’s people were taken into Babylonian captivity because of their sins. Among other things, Jeremiah declared that Israel’s captivity would be long and painful. That message was not particularly popular with the man on the street. However, there were several men who had a nicer, man-pleasing message. They said that those Jews taken away into Babylonian captivity would come home in two years; and furthermore, all the Temple treasure taken by the Babylonians would be returned by them. These claimed that the Lord God had given them this message. A prophet by the name of Hananiah boldly declared: 

“THUS SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, I HAVE BROKEN THE YOKE OF THE KING OF BABYLON. WITHIN TWO YEARS I AM GOING TO BRING BACK TO THIS PLACE ALL THE VESSELS OF THE LORD’S HOUSE…I AM ALSO GOING TO BRING BACK…ALL THE EXILES OF JUDAH WHO WENT TO BABYLON, DECLARES THE LORD. (Jer. 28:2-4).

What a wonderful message for the people who now had family in Babylonian captivity, and for the priests who had seen the Temple plundered. These sounded so good, but were lies. Jeremiah told Hananiah of his fate.

“LISTEN NOW, HANANIAH, THE LORD HAS NOT SENT YOU AND YOU HAVE MADE THE PEOPLE TRUST IN A LIE. THEREFORE, THUS SAYS THE LORD, BEHOLD I AM ABOUT TO REMOVE YOU FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH. THIS YEAR YOU ARE GOING TO DIE BECAUSE YOU HAVE COUNSELED REBELLION AGAINST THE LORD. SO HANANIAH THE PROPHET DIED IN THE SAME YEAR IN THE SEVENTH MONTH.” (Jer. 28:15-17)

Hananiah died two months after giving his false prophecy. Two other prophets were singled out for giving false prophecies of a quick restoration from captivity. God said that He would use Nebuchadnezzar to execute these false prophets.

“THUS SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, CONCERNING AHAB…AND CONCERNING ZEDEKIAH…WHO ARE PROPHESYING TO YOU FALSELY IN MY NAME, ‘BEHOLD I WILL DELIVER THEM INTO THE HAND OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR KING OF BABYLON AND HE SHALL SLAY THEM…ROASTED IN THE FIRE.” (Jer. 29:21-22).

Another false prophet by the name of Shemaiah proclaimed lies in the name of the Lord. He too would experience God’s judgment (Jer. 29:29-32).

Earlier in his book, Jeremiah had given a revealing discussion about false prophets (Jer. 23:16-39). He observed that the source of their authority was their own dreams (23:16, 25, 28); that they claimed to speak for the Lord (23:32); that they tell people what they want to hear (23:17, 22); that their prophecies result in people being led away from the Lord (23:16, 32); that they themselves are deceived (23:26); that they are soft on sin (23:17, 22); that they are arrogant (23:32); and that they will face the judgment of God (23:20, 34). Later Ezekiel would add a point that must not be overlooked and that is the involvement of demonic beings in that which is false (Ezekiel 13:6, 7, 9, 16). The N.T. reminds believers that falsehoods are the “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). The points made by Jeremiah and Ezekiel are applicable to the church today.

3. FALSE CLAIMS AND TEACHINGS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Church does not have the authority of capital punishment, but the false representations of the Lord must be taken seriously. False teaching casts doubt on the Word of God. This was of great concern to the Apostles. They saw the compromising of God’s Word as Satan’s major strategy in resisting God’s work in the world. Much could be quoted at this point, but just one verse will have to do. Paul instructed Titus about elders.

“ …THAT HE MAY BE ABLE TO BOTH EXHORT IN SOUND DOCTRINE AND TO REFUTE THOSE WHO CONTRADICT. FOR THERE ARE MANY REBELLIOUS MEN, EMPTY TALKERS AND DECEIVERS…WHO MUST BE SILENCED BECAUSE THEY ARE UPSETTING WHOLE FAMILIES, TEACHING THEM THINGS THEY SHOULD NOT TEACH…REPROVE THEM SEVERELY…” 

Those who failed to turn away from their claims and teachings, and did not repent, were to face church discipline (1 Cor. 5; 2 Thes. 3; Matt. 18; Titus 3). And these “Prophets of September” need to repent and apologize to the church. If they do not, then any local church that they are part of should discipline them as spelled out in the N.T. scriptures. While a death sentence is not on the table, God has not changed His mind about those who falsely represent Him.

THE RESULTS OF THE FALSE CLAIMS AND FALSE PROPHECIES. Damage has been done by these “prophets of September.”  First, they have harmed believers. How many younger believers have been demoralized by Jesus not coming at this Feast of Trumpets? The faith of many immature believers has probably been shaken.  As Titus was told by Paul, these “upset whole families”. Ezekiel rebuked the false prophets of his day, saying “you disheartened the righteous with falsehood” (13:22). Second, these prophets of September have given more ammunition to those who diminish the value and purpose of biblical prophecy. As mentioned, there are many even in the church who see prophecy as meaningless and the domain of semi-crazy saints. However, biblical prophecy is very important as it helps us today in living a godly life. People do not have the authority to make specific time-related predictions. For example, how often can dates be given for the time of Rapture, and Jesus doesn’t come on those dates, without there being a deepening of cynicism and unbelief?

SOME SIGNIFICANT BIBLICAL PROPHETIC TRUTHS

Many wonderful prophetic truths give us comfort, perspective and hope as we live in this world which “lies in the power of the Evil One” (1 John 5:19)…such as:

1. THE RAPTURE. The “blessed hope” of believers is the coming of Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom, for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is a sign less, sudden and very supernatural event. We are given resurrection bodies at that moment. We meet Him in the air, and He takes us back to the Father’s house and it is there in heaven that the marriage of the Lamb takes place.

2. THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST. Immediately after the Rapture, the time for the evaluation and rewarding of church age saints takes place. Salvation is a completely free gift that God gives to those who place their trust in Jesus Christ, but the Judgment Seat is where the works of believers are examined, and rewards are given. These rewards will influence life in the future kingdom.

3.    THE FUTURE, FOREVER KINGDOM OF GOD. For the believer, our best days are ahead of us. We truly have an incredible forever to look forward to. God, who declared the original creation to be “very good”, is going to give His people an amazing new version of that. So, we live now with one eye towards heaven where our Savior is coming from. And we live well for Him on this earth.  

 

READY FOR THE RAPTURE

    Annually, in the month of September, there are predictions that the Rapture could and would come at the time of the Jewish feast of Trumpets. (a trumpet is connected with the Rapture event in 1 Thessalonians 4). There is, however, no solid exegetical tie between the Feast and the Rapture. It is a view that is basically speculative, comparing events in the church with Jewish feast days. If the Rapture were tied to the Feast of Trumpets, then it would be assumed that the N.T. writers will tell us so. Also, that would require that the Rapture could not occur at any other time on the calendar; thus, eliminating the doctrine of imminency (that Jesus could come at “any moment”). Of course, Jesus could come for His bride, the Church, in September. But we believe that October through August is also possible.

    There have been many in these past few weeks who claim to have Rapture visions and dreams in which they were told when the Rapture will occur. A number say it will be September 23 or 24 (the Feast of Trumpets). However, several other days in September 2025 are given as the day of the Rapture. Despite these claims, it becomes obvious that someone is wrong, and therefore, fit into the false teacher category. With all the various dates suggested, it does seem that September is fairly “booked up”. Of course, the Lord Jesus could come on any day in September of 2025. What is troubling is that these “prophets” did not go to the Scriptures and allow them to be their guide. Instead, their authoritative declarations were their dreams or visions. Some of these people asked Jesus to clue them in to the timing of the Rapture and believe He did just that. We will see in a few weeks whether their prophecies come true. If not, we could continue this discussion in heaven (but probably will be occupied with other things). But, to help us recall Rapture truth and to help evaluate many claims, let’s review some basic Rapture facts. The key scriptures: John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; and 1Thessalonians 4:13-17. 

The Rapture Event and the Second Coming of Christ Are Different Events.  At the Rapture believers from the church age (those who are “in Christ”) are taken from the earth and meet Jesus Christ in the air. Jesus does not return to the earth itself but rather takes these believers back to the “Father’s house” (John 14). At the Second Coming, Jesus returns to planet earth and there is no mid-air stop.

 Life is the emphasis at the Rapture, while judgment is the emphasis of the Second Coming. The Rapture is when resurrection bodies are given, whether the church age believer has previously died or was still alive at the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:51-53). The Rapture is a life-giving event. However, at the Second Coming the emphasis is not on life but on judgment. When Jesus returns at His Second Coming, He will come with power and destroy His enemies and then He will sit on His glorious throne and rule all the nations of the earth (Psalm 2; Zechariah 14; Matt. 25:31). 

At the Rapture, Jesus will take His bride (the Church) back to heaven where two very important events occur (Rev. 19:7-9). These events are (1) the Judgment Seat of Christ (where the bride receives her beautiful garments which are given because of her righteous deeds), and (2) the marriage of the Lamb where Jesus and His bride are forever united. When these two events occur, in Revelation 19, the church is already in heaven, and this is prior to the Second Coming. For these two events to have meaning to the church, they should not be sandwiched into an instantaneous moment in time when the church meets Christ in the air and immediately returns to the earth (the untenable position of Post-tribulationalism). After those two events, the Church is then seen returning to the earth with the Lord Jesus at His Second Coming and, in some way, participating in the final battle on earth (Rev. 19:14).

The Purpose of the Rapture is to Bring Jesus and His Bride Together.  At the Rapture, for the very first time, the entire Church will be together in one place. Not since a brief moment on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) has the entire Church been together. With all the Church there in heaven, the marriage can then take place. It has got to be an event that is very important to Jesus and one that He looks forward to. The Rapture is about us seeing and being with the Lord Jesus. It is not primarily about escaping the trials and troubles of this life. All too often when believers speak about the Rapture, they seem to emphasize escaping their problems and difficulties. “Oh, that Jesus would come and I could get rid of this disease, or the terrible pain of my broken relationships, or the pressures of debt and finances, etc.” To some extent, that is understandable. After all, who likes pain and stress? But shouldn’t the real focus be on seeing Jesus Himself. Paul spoke of believers “loving His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8) and that ought to be the main reason for us anticipating the Rapture. Shouldn’t it? No bridegroom would like his bride to come to the marriage simply because she could avoid her problems elsewhere. 

There Are No “Signs” for the Rapture.  Despite many teachings that have appeared in recent days about the “final signs before the Rapture”, there are no signs that indicate when the Rapture will occur. Granted, the “great sign” prophetically is the fact that national Israel has returned back to the Land promised to Abraham. This return was necessary for many prophecies to eventually be fulfilled. The nation of Israel was to return to their land in unbelief, and then God would bring Israel back to Himself spiritually in the Tribulation. That first physical return has taken place. However, their spiritual return back to the Lord has yet to happen.

What is given today as “signs” for the Rapture, are often events that will take place during the Tribulation period, which takes place after the Rapture. For example, many earthquakes, famines and wars that are taking place in our world today are used as “signs.” They are not signs of the Rapture. The earth has always experienced those things. But it must be kept in mind that when they do take place in the Tribulation period, they are extraordinary in their magnitude and even their location. They will be uniquely intense. For example, the earthquakes will be so great that “every island and every mountain will be moved out of their place” (Rev. 6:14; 16:18). In other words, these are not earthquakes that take place on the usual fault lines but move the crust of the entire earth. None of that has taken place today. And this unique magnitude of events would apply to famines, diseases and warfare. There will be an unprecedented display in all these areas, so much so that earth dwellers will acknowledge that these are the judgments of God. There are 7 years full of “signs” for the Second Coming but there are no Rapture signs. 

The Rapture is a Unique Event Involving Just the Church.  The Church and national Israel are separate in God’s dealings. One of the major interpretive points in understanding biblical prophecy is this point that the Church of Jesus Christ and the nation of Israel are separate in God’s dealings. The Church is not the “new Israel”. God made an eternal, unconditional covenant with the nation of Israel, and with no other nation. The United States is not a covenant nation mirroring Israel’s covenant with the Lord. The Rapture ends God’s dealings with the Church on the earth, and the Second Coming will wrap up His dealings with Israel. Believers from both will then enter the coming kingdom of Messiah.

Our Response to September.  All this Rapture talk could be an important reminder for us to search our own hearts and minds concerning where we are in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. If He chooses not to come for His Bride in September, then He is giving us additional time to serve Him actively and energetically. Jesus does not waste lives but has eternal things for us to do: praying, encouraging, evangelizing, and using our resources to honor Him. 

All this Rapture talk should also cause us to ask the all-important question: “do I love His appearing”? Do we want to see Jesus, or do we simply want to escape this life with all its problems and difficulties? Great days are ahead of us, whether they are many or few. But “even so, come Lord Jesus.”

THE UNITED STATES IN BIBLICAL PROPHECY

With all the events, alliances and conflicts in the world today, the question about the United States in end times prophecies increasingly is being discussed. It is frequently pointed out that the USA is not specifically mentioned anywhere in the Bible. This is, of course, true. However, neither is India, China or France mentioned by name, yet it does not mean that they have no part in end time events.  The USA has been quickly written out of the prophetic picture by some good Bible teachers, but perhaps we should pause before hurriedly dismissing the United States. The USA is the most powerful nation on earth with a profound economic, military and cultural influence on the entire world. Russia, China and even groups like the European Union simply do not match the USA in influence. As this subject is discussed and debated certain ideas have emerged about America in the end times.

It needs to always be remembered that in the prophetic word, the only nation that is of great significance is the nation of Israel, the covenant nation. And Jerusalem is the epicenter of end times activity, not Washington DC, Moscow or any other city. But nevertheless, it is legitimate for Americans to ask about the United States. Certain views have been presented related to the USA in prophecy.

1. THE USA SIMPLY NO LONGER EXISTS. This view sees the United States as no longer a powerful, dominant nation. This can be because it has been overwhelmed by a nuclear exchange or perhaps a series of catastrophic events, such as multiple volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, pandemics, or terrible climate events, or perhaps an electromagnetic pulse destroying the nation’s infrastructure. The nation is reduced to third-class status and so, is simply not a factor any more. 

2. THE USA HAS GONE THE WAY OF ALL THE ANCIENT EMPIRES.  As Daniel declared to the wicked king Belshazzar, God weighs nations in regards to their righteousness and wickedness (Dan. 5:27). And it is suggested that this He will do with the USA. While the nation was founded on principles found in God’s Word, it has departed into apostasy, materialism, hedonism and wickedness of all sorts. Because of this reality, God has judged the USA and it is irrelevant to the prophetic picture. When the moral center of the empire collapses, then so does the empire, and, in this view, this applies to the United States.

3.  A NATIONAL REPENTANCE HAS COME AND THE RAPTURE REMOVES MUCH OF THE POPULATION OF THE USA.  This view states that there will be a massive revival which will turn this nation around. Millions come to faith and then the Rapture takes place. However, Romans 1:18-32 strongly suggests that the USA is already under the judgment of God and that revival is unlikely. And while the Rapture event will take believers out of this world, including the United States, this would certainly remove the “salt” preservative from this nation. While all would want to see the masses coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is probably not going to happen in light of the Bible’s declaration of the apostasy in the end times.

4.  THE USA IS PART OF THE WORLD EMPIRE OF THE ANTICHRIST.  At the moment, this seems to be a real possibility and perhaps is the best view. The Book of Revelation clearly declares that in the second half of the Tribulation all the nations of the earth come under the authority of the Antichrist (13:7), which would include the United States. That being said, the possibility exists that the USA might play a major role in this coming evil empire.

THE MATTER OF IMMINENCY.  Imminency is the doctrine that at “any moment” the Rapture could occur and end time events would quickly unfold. If we believe that the Lord Jesus could return at any moment, then it would seem that the United States would have to be factored into end times events. As noted above, the USA is economically, militarily, and culturally the most powerful and influential nation on earth. It is hard to imagine that if the Rapture were to take place next Tuesday, that the United States would be irrelevant on Wednesday. Granted, if the biblical end time events don’t take place for another 25 years, then this status of the United States may well have changed. But if these events do come soon, then the USA would need to be factored in.

THE ANTICHRIST AND HIS EMPIRE COME OUT OF THE WEST, THE ROMAN EMPIRE.  Daniel 2 teaches that the fourth and final empire of human kingdoms has two distinct parts to it. This fourth empire is Rome, and the first part was dominant in the days of the New Testament. It is the second part that is present in the very last days. It is from this empire that the Antichrist and his empire come to dominate the world. Daniel 7 pictures the four empires as four animals, with the fourth one (part 2) having 10 horns on it. These represent 10 nations. In this important vision, Daniel saw another horn, a little one, growing on the head of this fourth animal, but later after the 10 are in existence. The “little horn” is the Antichrist and he comes from a western nation but is not one of the 10. The Antichrist will defeat 3 of the 10 nations (Dan. 7:23-24) and the other 7 apparently simply submit to him (cf. Rev. 17:12-13). This confederacy of 11 nations will dominate during the first half of the Tribulation. With imminency in mind, it is likely that the USA would be part of this 11-nation confederacy, as a western nation with western culture.

THE EVENT THAT TRIGGERS THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD.  It is not the Rapture event that brings the beginning of the Tribulation. It is the signing of a treaty or covenant between the Antichrist and the leadership of Israel (leaders who are secular and not godly). Daniel 9:27 declares that “he (Antichrist) will make a firm covenant with the many (in Israel) for one week (seven years).” When Antichrist enters into this covenantal agreement with Israel, a nation still in unbelief, he has yet to form the 11-nation confederacy of western nations. This requires that he is the leader (king, president, prime minister, etc.) of a single, powerful nation that is able to legitimately support and give military support to Israel. So, certain nations simply would not fit such a covenant requirement. For example, it is hard to believe that he would come from Luxemburg or Portugal. Very few western countries fit the requirements of the covenantal agreement with Israel. Of course, it is not clear what the situation might be like in 20 or 30 years, should the Lord not trigger the events of the end times.

THE GLOBAL SYSTEM OF REVELATION 18: “BABYLON”. The Bible clearly teaches that globalism will dominate the last days of man’s kingdoms. Satan, the False Prophet and the Antichrist will put together a “unified” world system. This is not for the benefit of mankind, but so that Satan (along with the Antichrist) might be the sole object of mankind’s worship. At the mid-point of the Tribulation, all of this will come together (Rev. 13), so that for forty-two months all nations will come together under the authoritarian rule of Antichrist. There will be a global economy that will operate under the heavy-hand of the False Prophet and Antichrist. (This is where the infamous “666” will exist). The United States even today has a powerful economic influence over the entire world, much to the distress of China. Russia and other nations. But by the mid-point of the Tribulation individual nations have been molded into one. Revelation 18 speaks of the economic power of “Babylon”. 

There are significant differences of opinion among good Bible teachers as to the identification of “Babylon” in Revelation 18, especially where it might be centered geographically.  Is it a revived ancient Babylon on the Euphrates River? Is it in Rome or some other city? This will not be settled in this short article. But looking at the totality of OT and NT revelation, it seems that the geographic center of things in the second half of the Tribulation is Jerusalem and the Temple there. It makes good sense that the Unholy Trinity (Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet) would focus on Jerusalem, the only city where God has put His name. This is where the Antichrist will establish himself and “takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Thes. 2:4). All the nations, including the United States, will be part of this Satanically controlled empire. Fortunately, it will not last very long.

The Bible is a book about God and His work of reconciling and restoring all that was lost back in the Garden of Eden. He has chosen the nation of Israel as His means of accomplishing His divine purposes. And this He will do. Other nations will be used by Him in bringing about His goals, and this could well include the United States, if the end times are imminent. Nations are God’s idea. According to Revelation 21:24-26, there will be nations even in the eternal kingdom of God. Since nations were God’s idea, and in His wisdom, in eternity, He will divide the redeemed human race into nations once again, to be part of His accomplishing His eternal purposes.

CURRENT EVENTS AND BIBLICAL EVENTS

    That loud sound you heard recently was the internet exploding with blogs and videos on the current events in the Middle-East. Many of these presentations are dealing with the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39; the “Gog-Magog” war, wondering if the current conflict between Israel and Iran is what the Bible predicted. In looking at current events, it becomes pretty clear, pretty quickly that this present war is not what Ezekiel was prophesying. A brief review of the prophecy might prove helpful.

#1 – A review: the setting in Ezekiel’s prophecy for this end of times war. The war discussed in Ezekiel is located by the prophet in the end of times (38:8, 16; 34:28-29’ 36:15; 37:25). The purpose of this war is to begin the process of bringing Israel back into a right relationship with the Lord their God. Ezekiel 39:22 reveals that after God Himself annihilates the invading army of Israel’s enemies that “the house of Israel will know I am the Lord their God from that day onward.” This clearly will be a major event in the coming salvation of Israel. It appears to be the starting point when the nation of Israel throws off their ritualism, agnosticism, and atheism and comes to recognize that Jesus of Nazareth was/is their long-awaited Messiah. This salvation process will continue in the Tribulation period according to Matthew 24:8-9, Zechariah 12:8-14 and Daniel 9:24, 27.

This war will begin when over six nations, specifically mentioned in 38:1-6, come with overwhelming force against Israel. “Gog” is the title of the leader of the invading force, and he comes from the farthest point north of Israel (which happens to be Russia). Israel is helpless before this invading army. Ezekiel is quite clear that it is God Himself who will eliminate these enemy nations, as Israel appears to play no part in the total victory prophesied by Ezekiel. The description of how the enemy is destroyed leaves little doubt that the Almighty Lord does it (38:18-23). These divine activities remind us of how the Lord delivered Israel numerous times in the Old Testament, such as the great victory of Gideon over the Midianites (Judges 6 and 7).  Glory goes completely to the Lord Jehovah.  Also, it seems that no nation will side with Israel in Ezekiel’s war (38:10-13). The motivation for the Gog/Magog battle is the unusual prosperity of Israel in the end times (38:12).

#2 – The current events involving Iran and Israel are not the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39, the Gog/Magog battle. While Iran (Persia) is a prominent nation in the battle prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and 39, the other nations given by Ezekiel are not directly involved in the current war, which would be required if this was indeed the Gog/Magog war. In Ezekiel, the Israeli armed forces appear to have no direct role in the defeat of the invading forces. But the current situation has seen the Israeli air force dominating the scene. They and the Mossad, and not the Lord Jehovah, have received the praise for the victories. In the present war, other nations (especially the United States) have played a vital role in subduing Iran. The invasion of Ezekiel was motivated in large part by the desire to seize the wealth of Israel, but in the current war it is primarily religious hatred and the desire to remove Israel off the map. This was the fuel of the current conflict. The passion for annihilating the Jews dominates the activities of Iran. Of course, behind that is the deep hatred that Satan has for the Covenant people of Israel, through whom Messiah came and will come again. These are not the same wars, as there are too many differences between current events and biblical events.

#3 – The current events are most likely preparatory for Gog/Magog. God’s timing of the Ezekiel battle is not known though most all agree that it is in the end of the end times. There are some 8 or 9 views as to the exact time of Gog/Magog. It would not be surprising if it was getting very close. At this point, this writer leans towards the idea that the Gog/Magog battle occurs right after the Rapture and just prior to the start of the Tribulation period. 

     

Daniel 2:21 informs us that “it is He (the God of heaven) who changes the times and the epochs.” This is teaching that God is in charge of the major events (“epochs”) of this world, as well as the sequence of events (“times”). An event, like the current Israel/Iran war is somehow factored into the grand scheme of things. Iran has been weakened by the blows coming from Israel, and from the United States. They cannot go it alone against Israel. Another player in the Gog/Magog war is Russia. And it appears that they too are being badly weakened by the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. And the other nations that Ezekiel speaks about would not be thought of as mighty militarily. The “northern alliance” that attacks Israel in Ezekiel 38-39 is formidable because it is an alliance of these six nations (plus others). It would appear that these nations need one another to form the massive army that will come against Israel. Alone no nation would be victorious.

#4 – The presence of Israel in the land of Israel is key to interpreting biblical prophetic events.  When events such as the current Iran/Israel conflict take place, it is natural and right to ask if such an event has prophetic significance. Jesus Himself indicated that being alert to present situations is what a discerning person does (Matt. 16:3). But, of greatest importance, is that we must always pay close attention to the text of the Bible so that we are not carried away by current events.

What we all must remember is that there is one unmistakable indicator pointing to the arrival of end time events and that is the fact that the people of Israel are back in their God-given land. In Ezekiel 34-37, some 70 times, the prophet informs his readers that “God will” restore Israel. And there is a clearly defined order of events related to the restoring of Israel. It is a two-fold restoration. First, they will be restored physically back to their ancient land. It will be a process over time that is noticeable to all people. God Himself will bring them out of the nations of the world and they will return to their ancient land (36:28). However, they will return back to their land in unbelief (which is their present condition). Then second, in God’s timing, they will return back to the Lord, which will be their spiritual restoration. Ezekiel is clear that there is a specific order to Israel’s restoration and that is a physical restoration back to the land followed by a spiritual restoration back to the Lord. The physical restoration has been going on for decades and may well be near its end. The next step will be to restore Israel spiritually. Both Old and New Testaments teach that the primary purpose of the coming Tribulation is to restore Israel spiritually (Matt. 24:8-9; Ezek. 37:14; Dan. 9:24, 27). Israel’s spiritual restoration begins with the Gog/Magog war and will accelerate after the Church is removed at the Rapture event. Then comes the Tribulation period during which Israelites in great numbers come to faith in Jesus Messiah. Jesus made it clear that He would not return again until Israel recognized and accepted Him as Messiah (Matt. 23:39). And this they will do as the Tribulation period progresses and as Jesus comes again at His Second Coming.

The Apostle Paul declares that the day is indeed coming when the people of Israel will be saved. In Romans 11:25-27, he writes:

“FOR I DO NOT WANT YOU, BRETHREN, TO BE UNINFORMED OF THIS MYSTERY, LEST YOU BE WISE IN YOUR OWN ESTIMATION, THAT A PARTIAL HARDENING HAS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL UNTIL THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES HAS COME IN;

AND THUS ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED; JUST AS IT IS WRITTEN, ‘THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.’ AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.”

So, we wait, with one eye on the fast-moving events around us, and another eye on the heavens from which our Savior comes (Phil 3:20). The timing of Gog/Magog, the Rapture, and all other prophetic events of the Bible are completely out of our hands. There is but One who controls the nations and the events on the earth. However, for us, following the Apostle’s example (Phil 3:12-21) is a good way to live. We are to put forth great effort in our labors for Him until He triggers these end time events which includes our being taken to be with Him.

10 POINTS IN PONDERING PAYDAY

Today the teaching about the Judgment Seat of Christ is absent from too many evangelical pulpits. Why is it that most evangelical pastors, who are assigned by the Lord to proclaim the whole counsel of God, fail to have serious sermons about this coming payday for the believers in Jesus Christ? This was part of the discussion I had this past week with a good friend. We can’t answer the question with certainty, but we believe that such a subject focuses on our accountability, and accountability is something that many believers don’t particularly like. (This is one of those subjects that usually doesn’t fill the pews of the church). And furthermore, some pastors simply stay away from prophetic subjects, seeing them as too complex or controversial. But our appearing before the Lord Jesus Christ will be an awesome event and it is an event that will profoundly impact our position and privilege in the future, forever kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul succinctly covered the matter for us when he said,

Things which eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Cor. 2:9)

There are certain key points about this coming “payday” that would be valuable to remember and to have fixed in our thinking. 

#1 – God’s original purposes related to fellowship and rulership will be restored in the future kingdom of God and the judgment seat of Christ plays a significant part in that.

The future kingdom of God (Rev. 20-22) is best understood by looking at God’s original intentions in the creation account (Gen. 1-3).  The restoration of fellowship through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross is well understood by most believers, but the restoration of rulership through the Son of Man is often overlooked.  Rulership in the coming kingdom is a matter of focus at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Believers who are faithful in this life will rule in the next one. (2 Tim. 2:11-13). This emphasis on ruling and reigning with Christ is a theme found in the N.T. and is an issue that will be featured at the Judgment Seat. 

#2 – Salvation is a free gift of God that once received cannot be lost, but rewards can be lost.

The New Testament makes a distinction between rewards that are earned by good works and salvation, which is a gift from God with no human works involved.  Salvation is always viewed as a gift freely given by God based on the cross. Believers do not earn salvation, nor can they lose it.  Believers may, however, lose reward depending on whether their works are “good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:15). The Apostle is clear that believers at the Judgment Seat will be “recompensed” (given a paycheck). It could be good or not so good. 

#3 – Sin does not affect our POSITION as children of God but it does affect our present FELLOWSHIP as well as our future REWARDING.

All sin was fully paid for on the cross by the Lord Jesus. His work of redemption was complete.  This includes sins we may commit today or in the future.  While our sins as believers will not remove us from our position as God’s children, we are aware that they do have consequences. These sins, if not confessed, will not only hurt present fellowship and the quality of life now, but they will also impact our rewards at the Judgment Seat.  So, it is unwise and unbiblical to say that since Christ paid for all our sins, sin will not affect what transpires at the Judgment Seat.

#4 – In the Bible, rewards are presented as an important motivation for living the Christian life, but not the only motivation.

Many Christians view rewards negatively, suggesting that they are a poor motivation for serving Christ.  It is vital to remember that rewards are presented by Jesus and the Apostles as an important motivation for Christian living.  The Apostle Paul informs us that he was motivated by four realities: (1) by rewards, (2) by the fear of God, (3) by a love for Christ and (4) by the real needs of people (2 Cor. 5:10-16).  If rewards are an inferior motivation, then Jesus and the Apostles got it wrong.

#5 – The criteria used at the Judgment Seat consists of three factors.

We are not left in the dark as to how the Lord will evaluate believers. First, Jesus will use the Word of God, because it is the revealed will of God that a believer is to follow.  Obedience to the commands and principles of the Word is at the core of our evaluation.  Secondly, faithfulness is a key criterion, as each believer will be evaluated by what was given to him by the Master (1 Cor. 4:1-5).  The issue is being faithful, not being famous. High profile Christians are often thought to be ones who will receive great reward, but that might not be the case. All believers, however, can be faithful to Christ. Third, our motivations will also be part of our evaluation.  The question will be why we did what we did as we lived for and served the Lord Jesus.

#6 – Believers who live selfishly have something to be concerned about.

The Judgment Seat is an event where faithful servants are rewarded by the King.  But it is also a place where the unfaithful, disobedient child of God will be confronted by the Master.  Not everyone will hear “well done, good servant.”  Unfortunately, some will hear “you worthless slave” (Luke 19:11-27).  Believers who live self-indulgent lives and who have not taken seriously living for Jesus Christ will face loss of reward and their time at the Judgment Seat will likely be one of much shame.  These believers may presently wish to ignore living obediently now, but they will not be able to do so in the future.

#7 – Failure and sin in life, when repented of, do not eliminate the possibility of significant reward at the Judgment Seat.

What believer is there who is not chagrined by some past sin and failure in his or her life.  But the believer is to take heart by looking at men who sinned (like David and Peter) and yet will be rewarded greatly.  Since all believers have experienced failure in their lives, we are not to become despondent and give up. Repentance of the sin, followed by living diligently for the Lord Jesus, will bring about reward.  As long as we are alive, the promise in Hebrews 4:1 of entering His rest (reward) remains.

#8 – The Lord is generous and desires to greatly reward His children.

We know that the Lord delights in giving good gifts to His children (Luke 11). He is not stingy nor is He reluctant to give generously to believers.  He does not have a limited supply of rewards that need to be rationed out. That which limits His generosity is the unfaithfulness of believers.  Even our trials are designed to make it possible for Him to reward His children in a greater way. He is the creator of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17) and His desire to lavish these upon His own children.

#9 – Believers need to carefully evaluate their lives “today” to see if they are truly trusting and obeying.

This emphasis upon “today” being the appropriate time for laboring and evaluating is an emphasis of the book of Hebrews.  Believers really cannot afford to  put off to a future day serious reflection about their own walk with Christ. It is vital to decide to live fully and completely for the Lord Jesus now, and then to daily build on that decision in the power and guidance of the Spirit.

#10 – All toil, suffering and sacrifice will be more than worth it when we see our Lord Jesus.

Being a faithful follower of Jesus in this present evil world is not at all easy.  It requires all diligence (2 Pet. 1:5-12), alertness and sobriety.  Being “in” the world but not “of” the world is the requirement (note John 17:11-16).  Christians are seen as aliens, strangers and those whose citizenship is in heaven (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11).  All of this makes the task of being a faithful child of God a difficult one since Satan who is seen as the god of this world is actively opposed to such living.  

But the believer has impressive resources in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit and fellow believers. There is no doubt that when we see the Lord Jesus, all suffering and sacrifice will be immediately seen as worth it.  In the words of that faithful, diligent man, the Apostle Paul....

“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

“Momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”  (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Or to put it in less inspired terms but ones that are still accurate: “only one life, it 

will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

As we conclude, we again should reinforce a central truth of the New Testament that our future rewards are determined by our present living.  Whether it is something we deem minor like “the cup of cold water” given to someone in need or that which is seen as highly important like sharing the gospel, the Lord Jesus is aware of what we do or don’t do.  It should be our focus to live well for Him today, avoid the darkness of this world system and be diligent to “abide” (remain in fellowship) with Him. 

It has been said that the Christian life is more like a marathon than a 100-meter sprint. However, it seems that it is more like a marathon with an obstacle course added!  But as hard and as difficult as the Christian life can often be in this unrighteous world, when we remember the finish line we are encouraged to keep on keeping on.  When we are finally with the Savior, it will be worth it.  Seeing Him in His majestic glory will be an unbelievable moment for all of us.  And making our appearance before Him at His Judgment Seat and receiving His approval will be an amazing and enlightening moment for sure. Payday is coming.