Posted by AU on 1/7/2002, 2:34 pm

Posted by Author Unknown on 12/1/2001, 7:26 am , in reply to "Re: Final Chapter" As Jesus breaks open the first wax seal of earth’s mortgage scroll in heaven, a countdown begins. No one knows this day or hour. Nevertheless, we understand from Scripture that the breaking of the first seal signifies earth’s domain is about to be transferred. The opening of the scroll also starts the clock ticking as the final week of years in Bible prophecy commences. In The Middle of the Final Week—the Messiah Was Cut Off It only makes sense that something is standing in the way of Christ’s Kingdom: otherwise, why would God have allowed Satan to continue ruling the Earth for the last 2,000 years? According to Old Testament prophecy, Christ’s ministry was cut off in the middle of the week of years that was needed to fulfil the covenant. With all the pain and suffering in the world, if it was lawful for Jesus to step in and put a stop to the suffering, it would seem likely that he would have. There’s a reason Christ isn’t ruling the earth at this time! He’s waiting for the final 3 & 1/2 years of legal testimony to be delivered through His Spiritual Body: “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32, NIV). Three and One-Half and Three and One-Half Equals Seven Within the Book of Revelation there are two 3&1/2-year periods recorded: The first one is the time of our testimony, the second is the time that Antichrist is allowed to rule. Here are some examples of the second season: 1. “The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months” (Revelation 13:5, NIV). 2. “The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach” (Revelation 12:14, NIV). 3. “But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them” (Revelation 11:11, NIV). Forty-two months, three and a half days, time, times and halves a time and 1,260 days are all terms depicting either of the 3&1/2-year periods. By putting both periods back to back, we get a seven-year time frame. This is good theology because we see this application in Revelation 11 where it is recorded that the two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days and then they are killed and their bodies lie in the street … for three and a half days. The term three and a half days in our text is speaking of the 3&1/2 year period that Antichrist reigns. Let’s use common sense here. Within Revelation’s chapters, events overlap; sometimes an event is mentioned, and then the reader is brought back in time to focus on elements of that event from a different perspective. Everything in Chapter 11 is not as cut and dried as it appears. The time frame represents events that are impossible to put in a finite framework. For example: all of the witnesses are not going to die—nor will the ones who do all die on the same day. Let’s Not Get Hung Up On Small Details We could go through a Scripture-packed treatise and draw up a time line with all sorts of minute details. We could look into such matters as the opening of the temple in Heaven and point out exact time indicators based upon that opening, but we will not because all of those details will not bring one soul to Christ. People will argue about Revelation’s eschatology until the day comes when no man can work; these people have missed the whole message of the book. Revelation is a warning to the wicked. Its pages are filled with exhortations for us to come into the image of Christ. Revelation is a love song for the Bride and a survival guide for the rest of mankind. Christ Is Calling Us to Warn the World Deception is on the horizon! Souls are hanging in the balance. Millions are standing on the brink of eternity. Satan and his angels are pushing hard, focusing all their effort on deceiving the minds of men and then keeping them in deception. Satan desires to condemn as many as possible to the same fate he’s facing by influencing them to believe things that will lead to their spiritual destruction. Without the light of truth, it will be impossible for some to see through the coming darkness. Perhaps Satan’s greatest triumph lies in stealing away the calling that we have found in God’s Word. Satan knows he can’t remove us from the Master’s hand, so instead he focuses on sidetracking us to forsake the Master’s plan. Satan works within and without of the Church, desperately seeking to corrupt the church’s teaching. He’s the source of bitter waters—corrupt teachings that lead men astray. The pure water of the word cleanses the soul. Righteous teaching brings forth good fruit and a bountiful harvest. But when the Church receives false teaching, it’s a detriment to the body. At this very hour Satan is lashing out in an attempt to hinder the growing Kingdom of Christ where it matters the most—by influencing us to abandon the Great Commission. If the devil can stop the mouths of the prophets, he can choke the wellspring of life from the movement. The most consequential theme Revelation holds is that we as a unified body have a ministry to fulfill in these last days. Keeping this vision fresh in our hearts will keep us open to the moving of God’s Spirit. The Spirit will lead us. The Spirit will teach us. The Spirit will give us words to speak as we bring forth our testimony. Jesus said, “ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24: 14, NIV).