Get wisdom - seek for her as for silver
RichardHyland.net
1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Lesson 1 The Unknown Players of Revelations
Antichrist's empire is rising, do you see it? Do you even know what to look for?
If, I am correct, what does that say about the lateness of the hour? The world has its "Midnight Doomsday Clock" to warn us about nuclear destruction. Jesus said something very important would happen at "Midnight". This is what Jesus said in a parable about His second coming:
Mat 25:6 And at midnight, a cry went out: Behold, the bridegroom comes! Go out to meet him.
That "Midnight Hour" warns us of something much more important than nuclear destruction, it warns us that Jesus is about to return, and decision time will then be over!
I encourage you not to rush through these lessons I will be sending. Take your time as they will be at least a week or more apart.
If you have loved ones and family members who are sleeping through everything that is happening nationally, worldwide, and spiritually, you might forward these in hopes that the information will cause them to ponder the road that lies ahead of them.
We finished the Revelation's Timeline last February, 2012. I have spent the last year studying, researching, reading and learning about the ambiguities and unknowns of our Revelation's study. I needed to identify the players. By no means have I learned it all, but I have learned some pretty important things and it is time to share them with you. Things seem to be unfolding so fast, I almost fear there isn't enough time to put it on paper before it becomes history and or before the "First Harvest" takes place.
New term: "harvest", the true Bible word for what Christians refer to as "rapture", which is also correctly called the resurrection. Just as a little teaser, if you remember our rapture lessons, Christians are divided on whether the event takes place either before the tribulation, at mid tribulation or if Christians will have to suffer the whole 7 years. I can with confidence tell you yes, to all of the above. Each view has a piece of the puzzle. We Christians have missed it because it is a Jewish puzzle, and we haven't been wearing our Israeli glasses. In America, we are what the Christian community used to refer to as "navel gazers". It's all about me. We American Christians think we are the center of the planet, but the Bible says Jerusalem is the center of the planet.
Before we get back into the raptures, when they occur on the timeline, or the timing of Revelation's events, I want to deal with the players of Revelations. Almost every player is called a "beast" from somewhere, or just plain beast. We have the beast from the sea, the beast from the earth, the antichrist is referred to as a beast, the harlot rides a beast, and there are wild beasts that kill men, could it be anymore confusing?
The reason we are starting here is because some of these beasts are rising NOW, and so many people are completely blind to it. They are the ones on whom these sign posts, and the first harvest will come as a thief in the night! My mission is to try to keep you from being surprised by the theft of someone you love. I would very much like to have you be one of the stolen ones!
The first thing I told you in Lesson 1 of End-time Timeline was: All prophecy including the End Time timeline, centers around Israel. Well, that goes even more-so for Revelation's beasts. The beasts, all of them are focused on Israel first, and then, the other parts of the world. The Beasts are all centered in the Middle East. That's why none of the beasts will be Obama, the Pope or some other western leader. The infamous Babylon will not be New York, DC or Vatican city.
Well, if the Antichrist isn't Obama, the next and last Pope, or some rising European; and if Babylon isn't New York City, DC or Vatican city then where do we look? First, look to the Middle East, to those peoples and nations that hate and are threatening Israel. Israel, Jerusalem in particular, and Temple Mount specifically is the center of everything, especially end-times and the events of the book of Revelations.
Eze 5:5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. Jerusalem is the center.
So, who are Israel's enemies or potential beasts? They are Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, her own Judea and Samaria (west-bank), Egypt, and Turkey just for starters. What do they all have in common? ISLAM!
To begin, let's really explore this idea that Islam plays a very significant maybe even unexpected role in end times and the book of Revelations. Could it be, that Islam will produce the antichrist, and his spreading tyranny as well as the infamous Babylon? I am going to make that case.
What is the Bible's definition of "the spirit of", or "theology of" antichrist, or an antichrist system? After all, this is the only definition of "antichrist that really matters!!
1Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. You can't claim relationship or salvation with the Father if you deny the Son.
2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2Th 2:3,4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, (that day of God's tribulation judgment) except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Let's break this down into simple quotes.
Antichrist theology denies:
1. that Jesus is Messiah, God's anointed "Messiah means the anointed Prophet, Priest, King, and Deliverer whose coming the Jews were eagerly expecting..
2. that God is a father or that He has a son.
3. the deity and humanity of Jesus, deity born to earth in flesh, (incarnation).
4. man of sin, son of perdition, these are titles of someone with the theology of antichrist and of the end-time Antichrist. Judas who betrayed Jesus was called by Jesus the son of perdition. Paul later refers to the coming Antichrist in the same way.
5. this antichrist deity is exalted above all worshipped deities, he will have his throne on the Holy Temple Mount as if he were god of the universe.
6. Understand: Temple Mount is God's (Yahweh's) Temple on earth, whether there is a building for Him or not. The "Foundation Stone" on which the "Ark of the Covenant" sat is still on Temple Mount. That is "God's Seat" or "Throne on earth". Having no temple on the Mount does not change that! Thousands of years ago, He chose to make this slab on this plot of dirt to be where He would live among His people Israel, forever. This place He says is the "center" of the nations.
There you have 6 very important points of belief to look for in selecting a group or individual that displays the true spirit of antichrist.
Catholicism does not fit the Bible's definition of antichrist, neither do the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, or any of the various "part Christian part something else" religions we have, no matter what they have wrong, they do not fit the definition.
Equally important to note, the antichrist group or individual we are looking for is an enemy to Christ and His people, not just someone who "poses" as Christ. Some Christians are looking for a Gandhi type of person or group. This is totally wrong, our antichrist group or individual will not be Christ-like, or peace loving.
In fact, according Expositor's Dictionary of Bible Words, antichrist denotes an archetypal enemy of Christ and His people, the embodiment of satanic opposition to Jesus Christ. The usage denotes not just one person, but rather the spirit of such a one indwelling all those who deny that Jesus is the incarnation of God in human form. Deity come in the flesh!!
All of "The Antichrist's" followers are little antichrists in their attitudes, actions and beliefs.
Let's compare Christianity to Islam!
Some claim Islam is a religion of peace and others of war. Some say it’s not much different than Christianity and others say they’re diametrically opposed. There are different degrees of Islam just as there are different degrees of Christianity as follows: Fundamentalist, Moderate & Liberal.
FUNDAMENTALIST & EVANGELICAL Christians are those who believe that Jesus is the only way to Salvation and that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of God containing His will, goals, and truths. They interpret the Bible literally whenever possible and symbolically when necessary.
FUNDAMENTALIST Muslims are those who believe that Islam is the only way to salvation and they exalt Mohammed as Allah’s last and best prophet. They believe the Quran is the inspired, inerrant word of Allah containing his will, goals, and truths. They interpret the Quran literally whenever possible and symbolically when necessary.
LIBERAL Christians are those who believe that Jesus is ONE way to Salvation but that there are many ways. Some even believe that everyone is going to Heaven no matter what. They see the Bible as being a decent book that has some wisdom but NOT as the inerrant, inspired word of God. They feel Scripture is mostly symbolic, open to individual interpretation, and that one person’s interpretation is no better than another.
LIBERAL Muslims hold much the same view of Allah, the Quran and their theology as liberal Christians do about their respective God, Bible and theology. Like the liberal Christians, the liberal Muslims pick and choose what they believe.
MODERATE Christians and Muslims can be said to fall anywhere in-between the two definitions above.
That being said, we are going to compare the two fundamentalists views, the other two groups aren't really committed in what they believe. Eventually they will be sucked up into whichever group is in power. We will use those points that define "antichrist beliefs" to make our comparison.
***It is very important to determine if Islam fits the antichrist theology as I propose. I think you will be as surprised as I was at the outcome. So, if you are tired, come back to this point another day, but be sure to read it, You need the information and understanding. By the way, this is just the beginning of making my case for Islam as the group that best and most fits the Bible's antichrist definition.***
CHRISTIANITY = God is the Trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit:
Isaiah 48:16: “And now the Lord GOD (Father) and His Spirit (Holy Spirit) Have sent Me (Jesus).”
1 John 5:7: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”
ISLAM = “Tawhid”: Allah is ALONE—no others:
Surah 5:73: “Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is a third of a trinity. There is no god except the one god. Unless they refrain from saying this, those who disbelieve among them will incur a painful retribution.” “Shirk” is the cardinal sin which is to claim more than 1 part to the Godhead. Committing Shirk to a Muslim is like a Christian blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
CHRISTIANITY = God is our Father:
Matthew 6:9: “in this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven…’” In 4 gospels Jesus referred to God as OUR Father 21 times.
ISLAM = Allah is NOT a father (Tawhid)
Surah 112: "In the name of Allah God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Say He is God the One God, the Everlasting Refuge, who has not begotten, nor has been begotten, and equal to Him is not anyone."
CHRISTIANITY = Jesus is the Divine Son of God
John 20:31: “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” 1 John 4:15: “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
ISLAM = Jesus was only a human Prophet and not divine—Allah never had a son
Surah 5:17: “Pagans indeed are those who say that GOD is the Messiah, the son of Mary.”
Surah 23:91: "God has not taken to Himself any son, nor is there any god with Him:
This verse from the Quran makes sure everyone knows who it is addressing and what beliefs.
Surah 4:171: "People of the Book (the Bible, Christians), go not beyond the bounds in your religion, and say not as to God but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only the Messenger of God, and His Word that He committed to Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in God and His Messengers, and say not,'Three.' (Trinity) Refrain; better is it for you. God is only one God. Glory be to Him - (He is) above having a son."
CHRISTIANITY = Jesus was Crucified & Died on the Cross
John 19:16-18: “And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
ISLAM = Jesus Never Went to the Cross (it was a hoax)
Surah 4:157-159: “And for claiming that they killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of GOD. In fact, they never killed him, they never crucified him - they were made to think that they did. All factions who are disputing in this matter are full of doubt concerning this issue. They possess no knowledge; they only conjecture. For certain, they never killed him. Instead, GOD raised him to Him; GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. Everyone among the people of the scripture was required to believe in him before his death. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be a witness against them.” The Muslims believe that Isa, Jesus will return and work with the Mahdi. Isa, Jesus will say he is only human and was never crucified. He will claim that all Christians are liars and wrong.
CHRISTIANITY = Jesus was Resurrected on the 3rd Day
Luke 24:46: Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day.”
ISLAM = Jesus didn’t die but was caught up to Heaven by Allah where He remains to this day.
Surah 3:55: Thus, GOD said, "O Jesus, I am terminating your stay on earth, raising you to Me, and ridding you of the disbelievers. I will exalt those who follow you above those who disbelieve, till the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is the ultimate destiny of all of you, then I will judge among you regarding your disputes.”
CHRISTIANITY = The Bible is the only inerrant, inspired word of God and is the final authority on Truth.
2 Peter 1:20-21:......for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
ISLAM = The Quran is the only inerrant, inspired word of Allah and is the final authority on Truth . . . the Bible is corrupt.
This verse also seems to be a personal attack in its claims.
Surah 10:37: "And this Qur'an is not such as could be forged by those besides Allah, but it is a verification (of revelations) that went before it and a fuller explanation of the Book (the Bible)- there is no doubt - from the Lord of the Worlds."
CHRISTIANITY = Salvation only through faith in the sacrifice and Grace of Christ, not works.
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” It cannot be earned by good deeds.
Acts 4:12: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
ISLAM = Salvation judged by faith in Allah and by works: sins weigh down good deeds lift up. “Shahid”— Martyrdom is the only guarantee.
Surah 41:30: In the case of those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them: "Fear ye not!, Nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss), that which ye were promised!"
Surah 9:111: “Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His Cause, and slay and are slain.”
There are a couple of major differences between the 2 that are worthy of note.
In Christianity Jesus sacrificed His life for our sins and Salvation is guaranteed when we repent and call upon His perfect sacrifice.
In Islam the only way to guarantee your Salvation is to sacrifice YOUR life in martyrdom to the faith . . . otherwise you have to hope that you’ve done enough good deeds in your life to save yourself from Hell.
According to Islam
Allah will resurrect everyone from the dead on judgment day and cause them to walk over a bridge. Under the bridge are the flames of Hell. If you’re sins outweigh your good works you will fall off the bridge into Hell. If your good works outweigh your sins you will make it to the other side where Paradise awaits.
While it’s true there are many martyrs in Christianity
their Salvation did not depend upon giving up their lives in service to Christ nor was their martyrdom earned by forcing Christianity on others with the sword or through acts of terrorism.
Another theological difference is the Covenant with God.
In the Bible the Lord makes His everlasting covenant with Isaac, promising that His chosen people Israel will spring forth from Isaac and that God will give to Israel the Promised Land (Genesis 17:19).
The Muslims claim that the followers of Moses (who wrote the Torah) corrupted this record and that God made the everlasting covenant with Ishmael (Abraham’s oldest son with his maid Hagar) instead. Thus the Muslims claim they are God’s chosen people and not the Jews and that all the land in the Middle East as outlined in Genesis 15:18-21 belongs to them.
Islamic theology is directly opposed to that which holds
Christianity together: God as Father, Jesus as His Son, His crucifixion and death on the Cross for our sins and His Resurrection.
Although Islam claims He, Jesus, was caught up to Heaven they maintain He’s only human and not sitting at His Father’s right hand as God the Son who will judge the quick and the dead. Islam denies the Holy Ghost and the validity of the Christian Church and they claim that Allah will resurrect the dead and not Jesus.
There is no question that Christianity and Islam are diametrically opposed to each other. All the claims made by one are completely denied and contradicted by the other.
***It appears that Islam is Purposely setting out to rebut every Christian belief! Don't you find that to be more than just a coincidence!***
Wait until you see some of the things they pray during their 5 prayer times a day. And if it is coincidence you believe in, you simply must see how their End-Time theology is a mirror image opposite of fundamental Christians. It almost seems as if they are purposely, going out of their way to fulfill parts of the book of Revelations.
We will pick up here, looking at Islam when we return.
Rhonda