Chapter 3 - Primary Subjects of Prophecy (Continued)
There is a significant amount of prophecy in the Bible about nations and people groups other than Israel or Judah, although in most of those prophecies they pertain to the judgment of their enemies. However, that was not always the situation, prophecies can include famines, blessings, warnings, etc. Listed below in alphabetical order are a few of the nations, cities and people groups found in Biblical prophecy:
Ai - Joshua 7:1-8:29
Amalekites - Exodus 17:8-16; 1 Samuel 15:1-32; 27:8; 30:1-20; 1 Chronicles 4:43
Ammon/Ammonites - Jeremiah 9:17-26; 49:1-6; Ezekiel 21:28-32; 25:1-7; Amos 1:1-2:5
Amorites - Joshua 10:7-15; 11:1-15
Arabia - Isaiah 21:13-17
Assyrians - Isaiah 14:24-27
Babylon - Isaiah 13:1-22; 14:1-8; 21:1-10; 47:1-15; Jeremiah 25:12-14; 50:1-51:64; Daniel 5:25-28; Habakkuk 2:9-20
Canaan/Canaanites - Judges 1:1-20
Cush - Isaiah 18:1-7
Damascus - Isaiah 17:1-14; Jeremiah 49:23-27; Amos 1:1-2:5
Edom/Edomites - Isaiah 21:11-12; Jeremiah 9:17-26; 49:7-22; Ezekiel 25:12-14; 35:1-15; Amos 1:1-2:5; Obadiah 1:21
Egypt/Egyptians - Genesis 41:1-32, 45-47; Exodus 4:22-23; 7:1-12:36; Isaiah 19:1-25; 20:1-6; Jeremiah 9:17-26; 46:1-26; Ezekiel 29:1-21; 31:1-18
Gaza - Amos 1:1-2:5
Gog - Ezekiel 38:1-39:24
Greece - Daniel 8:1-8, 20-22
Hittites - Joshua 11:1-15
Hivites - Joshua 11:1-15
Jebusites - Joshua 11:1-15
Jericho - Joshua 6:1-27
Magog - Ezekiel 38:1-39:24
Midianites - Judges 6:11-7:25
Moab/Moabites - 2 Kings 3:15-27; Isaiah 15:1-16:13; Jeremiah 9:17-26; 48:1-47; Ezekiel 25:8-11; Amos 1:1-2:5
Nineveh - Jonah 1:1; 3:1-9; Nahum 1:1-14; 2:1-3:19
Perizzites - Joshua 11:1-15
Persia - Daniel 8:1-8, 20-22
Philistia/Philistines - 1 Samuel 23:1-5; Isaiah 14:28-32; Jeremiah 47:1-7; Ezekiel 24:15-17
Sidon - Ezekiel 28:20-24; Joel 3:4-8
Syria/Syrians - 1 Kings 20:13-21; 2 Kings 13:14-25
Tyre - Isaiah 23:1-18; Ezekiel 26:1-21; 28:1-19; Joel 3:4-8; Amos 1:1-2:5
The Body of Christ - The Church
The ‘church’ is often characterized as being a concept that was concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, as there is no direct reference or related model of the church in the Old Testament. Jesus referred to it twice (see Matthew 16:18; 18:15-20) and it was officially revealed in the New Testament by the apostle Paul (see Ephesians 3:1-13; Colossians 1:24-29). While not mentioned or prophesied in the Old Testament, it was prophesied about in the New Testament. Here are some of those prophecies (this is not an exhaustive list), most are in progress of being fulfilled (ongoing) with some yet-to-be fulfilled:
The church will be built on rock and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it (see Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20).
The promise of the Holy Spirit in dwelling (see Acts 1:1-5).
Jesus to present Himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle so that the church will be holy and without blemish (see Ephesians 5:22-33).
The ‘snatching’ up of the church (rapture) into heaven (see 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 2 Corinthians 5;6-8; 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Recorded in the book of Revelation are seven letters dictated by Jesus to specific churches, however each letter advises, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” A statement implying that the content of each letter applies to every church and to every Christian.[1] The church in Ephesus was warned to repent (as they lost their first love, which was Jesus) otherwise they would be without their lamp stand (meaning they would no longer be His church, see Revelation 1:29-2:7). The church in Smyrna was promised, if they remained faithful, even to the point of death, they would receive the crown of life and will not be hurt by the second death (see Revelation 2:8-11). The church in Pergamon was to repent, otherwise Jesus will fight against them with the sword of His mouth. For the one that conquers, they will be given a white stone and a new name (see Revelation 2:12-17). The church in Thyatira will suffer due to their deeds and their children struck down unless they overcome and do the will of God. He will then give them authority over nations (see Revelation 2:18-28). The church in Sardis is warned if they do not wake up and repent, judgment will follow. Those that did not soil their garments will walk with Jesus and their name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life (see Revelation 3:1-6). The church in Philadelphia will be kept from “the hour of trial” because of their faithfulness. The seventh and final letter is addressed to the church in Laodicea who is warned that if anyone is lukewarm in their faith they will be vomited out of the mouth of Jesus. Those that Christ loves will be rebuked and disciplined. If they overcome they will be able to sit on Jesus’ throne. In this letter Jesus spoke about knocking on the door wanting to come in. Note that Jesus is on the outside of His own church (see Revelation 3:14-22). We can ask how can a Christian church become so deplorable as these early churches in Ephesus, Pergamon, Thyratira, Sardis, and Laodicea? Five out of these seven churches were already corrupt! We can find the answer in the book that precedes the book of Revelation. Jude wrote, “I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 3b-4) Between Satan’s efforts to thwart the gospel message and man’s perversion of God’s Word, these churches have been neutralized and are no longer effective. Now that nearly 2,000 years have passed, the corruption continues to grow and many churches have embraced a compromised understanding of the Bible. These prophecies remain relevant and applicable to churches today.
The study of “End Times” (also referred to as ‘eschatology’) has become very popular lately. Undoubtedly there are a number of factors that contribute to this recent upsurgence, but one huge factor is that the end times as described in the Bible seemingly come close or match with today’s condition. Does that mean we are in the end times? No, not necessarily, but in any case all Christians need to be prepared and understand their role. To some the subject of ‘prophecy’ is all about the end times, that is an incorrect premise and results in discounting the Word of God.
Second Warning: As mentioned above the study of end-time prophecy has, and continues to be, a source of contention within the church, often defended emotionally rather than with reason. Stop and pray right now and ask for the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and discernment for you as you read the following. Many ask why the book of Revelation (or to some degree, any other prophetic passage), is often not taught or ignored in churches. The answer is that it is easily misunderstood and highly controversial.
Key Future Events (in alphabetical order)
Great White Throne Judgment - Is a time at the end of the thousand-years (Millennium) when all non-believers are judged. John records this event in Revelation 20:11-15. Those that did not accept Jesus’ free offer of salvation will be sent into the Lake of Fire along with Satan and his minions. The Lake of Fire is another name for hell.
Millennium - A name given by scholars to the one-thousand year period referenced in Revelation 20:1-7. It is a period on earth that will be ruled by Jesus and is also a period of time where the yet-to-be-fulfilled promises to Israel will be completed (see below, “The Restoration of Israel”). When people pray the prayer Jesus taught known by most as the “Lord’s Prayer,” when they come to the words, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, see also Luke 11:2), they are longing for Jesus’ kingdom to begin on earth. After His return (see below), His kingdom will commence at the start of this one-thousand year period, also known as Jesus’ Millennial reign.
Rapture - Perhaps one of the more controversial subjects within eschatology is the idea of the rapture. The term ‘rapture’ comes from the Latin translation of the Greek word ‘harpazō’,[2] meaning “to take by force” (see Matthew 11:12; John 6:15, Acts 23:10), “snatched away” (see Matthew 13:9; John 10:12, 28, 29; Jude 23), or “caught up” and “carried away” (see Acts 8:39; 2 Corinthians 12:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 12:5). The term applies here to the rapid removal of believers that are living on earth and instantly be in the presence of Jesus without having to die (similar to Enoch and Elijah, see Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11, see also 1 Corinthians 15:52). Regarding this end-time event, Paul wrote, “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) The premise is that God will remove believers before the wrath of God is unleashed during the Tribulation. Much like Lot and his family were removed before Sodom and Gomorra were destroyed (as a model of judgment, see Genesis 18:1-19:29). Many Christians do not believe that the rapture will occur as they interpret Scripture to indicate that Christians will suffer alongside everyone else on earth. The debate often centers around the difference between the words that are translated ‘persecution’, ‘tribulation’, and ‘judgment’.
Unlike other end-time events, there is no sign or precursor needed to occur in order to happen. Although an end-time event, the timing of a pre-tribulation[3] Rapture does not affect the timing of the remaining events. It could take place shortly before the Tribulation begins or several years prior. However, it is likely it will be the next end-time event, as the models of Noah and his family and Lot’s family being removed prior to God’s wrath informs us that His people will be removed prior (see Genesis chapters 6-10 and 19). Many believe that this is what Isaiah wrote about, “Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.” (Isaiah 26:20-21)
Rebuilding of the Temple - The Temple that was erect during Jesus’ day (often referred to as Herod’s Temple as he embellished the facility with significant upgrades) was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. There are several references found in end-time prophecies that require the existence of the Temple, so it is believed that it will be reconstructed. Over the last thirty-plus years, significant preparation for this Temple has been made, including: selecting a cornerstone, fashioning various furnishings and accoutrements, and the training of selected positions including the priests, etc.
Return of Jesus (also known as the Second Coming) - Just as the name implies, the return of Jesus on earth. There is some debate as to the sequence of end-time events and how they relate to when Jesus will come back. For example, the passages that refer to “meeting in the sky” can be interpreted as preceding the second coming (being part of the rapture) or as an element of Jesus’ return.
Tribulation - A name given to a period of time outlined in the book of Revelation. It is generally considered a seven-year period with specific events the are to occur during the first half, middle, and last half (some reserve the name ‘Tribulation’ as the name for the last three-and-a-half years). It is tied into the Old Testament with a variety of names (see Deuteronomy 4:30; Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:24-27; 12:1, 11-12; Zephaniah 1:1, 15).
Events of the first half of the Tribulation include: a ten-king alliance, 144,000 from the tribes of Israel given white robes, two witnesses from God appear, a seven-year covenant made allowing the Temple to be rebuilt, and a scroll is opened by Jesus. The seven seals of the scroll are opened: 1) a false leader on a white horse appears and begins to conquer; 2) a rider of a red horse appears to take peace away and a world war begins; 3) a rider of a black horse appears and the cost of living goes up as a famine begins; 4) a rider of a pale horse appears and a quarter of the planet is destroyed; 5) those that were slain or persecuted due to their witnessing for God were given white robes; 6) the sky falls and the leaders on earth try to hide from God; and 7) the seventh seal revealed seven trumpets that were sounded with judgments: 1) a third of the land is burned; 2) a third of the oceans turned into blood and a third of the ships on the seas destroyed; 3) a third of all fresh water became undrinkable; 4) a third of the objects in the sky destroyed; 5) the bottomless pit was opened and an invasion of demons began to torment people; 6) four angels were released and an invasion of demons kills a third of mankind; and 7) heralded the transition from the “kingdom of the world” to the “kingdom of our Lord and his Christ,” who reign forever.
In the middle of the Tribulation there are a few events that occur in between the first and last halves of the Tribulation, including: Satan being thrown out of heaven; the rise of the Antichrist and the False Prophet; the ‘mortal’ injury of the Antichrist healed; two witnesses raised up by God to preach the Word and perform miracles; the worldwide religious system based in Babylon destroyed by the Antichrist; the Antichrist gains popularity and political power; and he breaks the covenant and desecrates the Temple.
The events of the last half of Tribulation include: The seven ‘bowl’ judgments which include: 1) painful sores to appear on everyone who took the Antichrist’s “Mark of the Beast” and worshiped his image; 2) water of the ocean turning into blood, killing all of the living things in the sea; 3) earth’s fresh water turns into blood; 4) sun to flare burning and scorching people, but they still will not seek forgiveness; 5) bowl is poured out on the throne of the Antichrist, which will throw his kingdom into darkness. People will gnaw their tongues in anguish, but will still not repent; 6) bowl is poured out on the Euphrates River which will cause the water dry up allowing the kings of the east to proceed westward for the coming battle; and 7) poured out into the air which will bring lightning, thunder, and a great earthquake where the great city, Jerusalem will split into three parts and cities around the world will be destroyed. The city of Babylon will be destroyed and will never be inhabited again.
At the end, Jesus returns to earth, riding a white horse, He will be followed by the armies of heaven who will also be riding white horses. The battle of Armageddon proceeds between God and the opposing forces of the Antichrist and the kings of the earth that gathered to battle there, but victory will be swift as the opposition had no chance of survival. The Antichrist and the False Prophet will then be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Satan will be locked in the bottomless pit for one thousand years.
God gave the people of Israel a number of promises, but there is one promise that is perhaps the most important, and that is the Abrahamic Covenant. The covenant contains several separate promises, including the Promised Land. It can be identified and the size estimated by examining several passages (see Genesis 13:14-15; 15:18-21; 17:8; Exodus 23:30-31; Numbers 34:1-15; Joshua 1:3-6). Due to potential variations in geopolitical references (unknown borders) and other land changes, the area of the Promised Land has been estimated to be either at the largest 300,000 or minimally 60,000 square miles, but only occupied 30,000 square miles or 6,000 square miles respectively. In either method used to estimate the size of the Promised Land, only approximately ten percent of the land would have been occupied by the Israelites at the height of the kingdom (Israel during Solomon’s reign).
Much of Biblical prophecy includes the return of the nation of Israel and is believed that since God promised all of the land, that the nation will be restored to its intended full size. The question that is often raised is, if it has not yet occurred, which it hasn’t, when will that promise be fulfilled? Most scholars believe it will occur after the Tribulation period, during the thousand-year period (the Millennium).
The subject of Israel’s yet-future restoration is very important to God as indicated by the vast number of references in Biblical prophecy (note the often recurring theme in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, and Malachi). Many believe that since the Jews did not recognize Jesus as their Messiah that they forfeited any blessing promised to them, this is not true, as Israel and the people of Israel are still very important to Him.
After the End Times - Eternity
Before reviewing what happens after the end times, we should first examine the question, “When does eternity begin?” From a human perspective, as one who only knows and can relate to reality through the passage of time, Christians enter eternity the moment they accept Jesus as their Savior. The merging of the finite life-span of a human into the eternal timeline. But does eternity actually have a ‘timeline’? Since we cannot relate to being ‘outside’ time, we do not have the ability to comprehend or even imagine what life would be like. Essentially eternity is ‘joined’ (can’t say begins since it always existed, although it does start for us) when time is no longer measured. It appears that the concept of time was a necessary construct created by God for this fallen world. Eternity offers believers a whole new way to perceive life. Sadly, it also provides for the bleakest of existence of those who did not accept Jesus’ free gift.
After the one-thousand years, judgment, and the restoration of Israel is complete, the period of what is often referred to as ‘heaven’ begins. The Bible offers only glimpses as to what to expect in heaven. There are two major elements regarding heaven that often reoccur, one, that it represents creation as it was originally intended, and two, difficult to describe as language is inadequate to describe. Paul wrote about how he knew of someone that saw heaven and returned to earth and how he couldn’t find the appropriate words (see 2 Corinthians 12:4). Even John in his descriptions recorded in the book of Revelation had difficulty. Simply stated, heaven will be incredible as we will be in the presence of Jesus!
This is not an exhaustive list of all the subjects of prophecy found in the Bible, but through this review, we can summarize what is important to God. We can easily see that the message of salvation is indeed the highest priority of God. If it is that important to God, shouldn’t be important to us too?
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[1] These churches will be discussed in detail later in the book, see Revelation 2:1-3:22.
[2] Strong’s Greek 726.
[3] See “Eschatological Terms” in “An Examination of the End Times.”