This is an outline of the book of Revelation, not original to me, but it represents a Historicist perspective of allowing the prophecy to speak chronologically and in its own context as to the unfolding history of the church. Online Commentaries: David Guzik • John Walvoord • Chuck Smith • Ray Stedman Online Bible: Blue Letter Bible Revelation Study Helps: Symbols in the Bible • Numbers in the Bible I. Introduction A. The chain … Continue reading →
Here is a 22-point sequence of events for an understanding of the post-tribulation rapture or the second coming of Christ… Jesus returns for His church as promised in John 14:1-3 and detailed in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. The saints who have died in Christ will be resurrected. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. This is the first resurrection mentioned by Jesus in John 5:28-29. Then the saints who are alive will be translated from mortality to … Continue reading →
It is often stated that since the church is not mentioned between Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 22:16, it is proof of a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. When ministers and prophecy teachers make mention of there being no church between Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 22:16, they mean that the Greek word “ekklēsia” is not used. In an earlier post titled “Dispensationalism and Historicism in Eschatology” I had reference my study of examining common arguments in … Continue reading →
How can Isaiah 7:14 be considered a prophecy about Christ’s virgin birth when the word translated there also means a young female? This is a popular objection for those looking for a reason to deny prophesy and the virgin birth of the Messiah but it is also an opportunity to consider proper interpretation of Scripture. So I am going to hit on a few points of consideration that will answer this concern… On the surface … Continue reading →
From time to time someone on social media gets all hyped up about wanting to educate people about Bible translations that appear to have eliminated verses, and this video below addresses that question.
Continue reading →I realize that many Bible prophecy teachers are quick to say that the United States of America isn’t in Revelation. Many of these preachers pinpoint other countries in prophecy but emphatically conclude that the United States is not even mentioned. While I hold a great deal of respect for the ministry of those who are doing all within their power to keep the great themes of prophecy before God’s people, I am not so quick … Continue reading →
The first verse of Revelation sets the approach for the prophecy we sometimes call the Apocalypse. It begins, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1). Revelation 1:1 points our attention to the Lord Jesus Christ as the focal point of the book and all that John was about to receive in vision to put down in writing. This … Continue reading →
Many Bible teachers today point to the Antichrist of Bible prophecy as a very devilish character with obvious ill motives, but the understanding in Christian history is different. The word “anti” doesn’t just mean “against,” it means “in place of” so the more accurate view of an Antichrist would be one who puts himself in place of Christ. Martin Luther I German Protestant Reformer “The Pope is the very Antichrist who has exalted himself … Continue reading →
In Luke 16:19-31 we have story that Jesus told about a rich man who went to hell and Lazarus, a poor man who went to heaven. At question is, using this account as a literal story or example of what happens after we die? I frequently hear ministers point to this story as evidence of what happens after we die or preachers who point toward this story as if it is literal and not figurative … Continue reading →
In Revelation 1:10 John makes mention to “the Lord’s Day” and the question is, Is John referring to the seventh-day Sabbath or the resurrection day? My answer is, I don’t know because the text doesn’t give us enough detail to know. However, there is a relevant societal issue that may be at the heart of John’s mention of “the Lord’s Day.” During John’s time the Roman Empire had a day of honor and worship dedicated … Continue reading →
In Jesus’ discourse on the sign of the end times, He makes a statement that often raises a question about who is He talking about, that statement is Matthew 24:34. The verse says, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Over the years of my ministry I have heard people ask, Did Jesus mean that the apostles were to see the second coming? or Were the … Continue reading →
Revelation 3:10 is often cited as evidence for a pre-tribulation rapture the text says, “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” The text does speak to Lord’s protection for the believer in face of tribulation, but beyond that one has to read into it to conclude it means the pre-tribulation rapture. Here is what we do know … Continue reading →
If you pick up any book on Bible prophecy you will likely find an introduction to the four main schools of interpretation in approaching the book of Revelation. Those four approaches are 1) Preterists, 2) Futurists, 3) Idealists, and 4) Historicists. The Preterists view is an approach that assumes the book of Revelation is speaking to past circumstances, visions, and descriptions that they say were fulfilled in the era of Nero’s Rome when Christians were … Continue reading →
It’s not an uncommon question to ask, Why Sin? So I want to point out that we have some resources available to you at www.crosshopechapel.org if this question arises in your conversations or within your own heart. It’s a good question, and I personally think it shows that some one is thinking on spiritual things so if you hear it, please don’t assume some one is doubting God or being in open rebellion of Him. … Continue reading →
