Introduction to Revelation Why I Abandoned the Premillenial Position 1. The Kingdom Has Already Come - Colossians 1:13 Daniel prophesied that the eternal Kingdom would be established by the fourth kingdom (Daniel 2:36-44. Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome. During the Roman Empire: Matthew 3:2 ...Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Matthew 16:28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." Paul knew the Colossians were in the Kingdom by 64 AD: Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. John and the seven churches were in the Kingdom in the first century. Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 2. Jesus Already Sits on the Throne of David - Acts 2:29-31 Peter plainly says that the promise given to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 was fulfilled by the resurrection of Jesus, not some physical reign in Jerusalem in the future. 3. Christ Cannot Rule on Earth a. Jesus cannot be a priest on earth Hebrews 8:4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; Why could Jesus not be a priest on earth? The answer is given in Hebrews 7:14 "For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood." b. Jesus will be a priest on His throne. Zechariah 6:12-13 Then speak to him, saying, `Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: "Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord; (13) yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne; so He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both."' c. Jesus cannot rule and prosper in Judah Jeremiah 22:24-30 "As I live," says the Lord, "though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet on My right hand, yet I would pluck you off; 25 and I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of those whose face you fear - the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the hand of the Chaldeans. 26 So I will cast you out, and your mother who bore you, into another country where you were not born; and there you shall die. 27 But to the land to which they desire to return, there they shall not return. 28 "Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol? Is he a vessel in which is no pleasure? Why are they cast out, he and his descendants, and cast into a land which they do not know? 29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord! 30 Thus says the Lord: `Write this man down as childless, a man who shall not prosper in his days; for none of his des The Genealogy of Christ Matthew 1:11-12 Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. The names Jehoiachin, Jeconiah, and Coniah are used interchangeably for the same man. a. Jehoiachin - 2 Kings 24:6, 12, 1 Chron. 3:16 b. Jeconiah - Esther 2:6, Jer. 24:1 c. Coniah - Jer. 22:24, 37:1 Jesus cannot be a priest on earth and He cannot rule in Judah and prosper. This is a serious problem for premillenialism. There is no problem when we accept the teaching of the Bible of a spiritual reign of Christ over a spiritual kingdom rather than search for a physical kingdom yet to come. 4. The Rebuilding of the Temple - Amos 9 Many are still looking for a fulfillment of Amos 9:11. They claim that it will be fulfilled when the Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem. Scofield called this one of the greatest prophe cies in the O.T. that is yet to be fulfilled. According to premillienialists, the Moslem mosque called Dome of the Rock must come down and the Temple built in its place. Amos 9:11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: James claimed this has already been fulfilled. Acts 15:13-17 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me: Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: `After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.' The purpose of the fulfillment was so that "the rest of mankind (Gentiles) may seek the Lord." According to James, the tabernacle of David has been rebuilt already or Gentiles cannot seek the Lord. The rebuilding of the tabernacle of David refers to the restoration of the rule to the house of David. This was accomplished by the seed of David, Jesus, being exalted to reign on the throne of David, (Acts 2:30-31) by the right hand of God (Heb. 8:1). Many Claim There Will be a Reinstitution of Animal Sacrifice in the Rebuilt Temple The prophecy of the Temple in Ezekiel 40-47 is taken to be literal. Ezekiel 40:38-43 is one of several passages that mentions sacrifices in the Temple. Why have sacrifices? What about the sacrifice of Christ? Dare we go back to the Old Law and revive animal sacrifices which are worthless to bring about true forgiveness? Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. The sacrifices in Ezekiel are specifically called "sin offerings" in 14 verses. Prophecies that nearly everyone agrees applies to Jesus: Ezekiel 34:24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken. Ezekiel 37:24-25 David My servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd; they shall also walk in My judgments and observe My statutes, and do them. 25 "Then they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, where your fathers dwelt; and they shall dwell there, they, their children, and their children's children, forever; and My servant David shall be their prince forever. Even the "Prince" will offer sin offerings for himself! Ezekiel 45:17 Then it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, at the feasts, the New Moons, the Sabbaths, and at all the appointed seasons of the house of Israel. He shall prepare the sin offering, the grain offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel." Ezekiel 45:22-25 And on that day the prince shall prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering... Do we really want to accept that there will be a revival of Levitical priesthood, animal sacrifices and Jesus offering sin-offerings for Himself? Need to call this doctrine what it is, blasphemy. It destroys the meaning of the cross. It goes back to the old law which causes one to fall from grace. Hebrews 7:11-12 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. There is some room for disagreement on the meaning of Revelation, but any system that teaches a return of animal sacrifices in a rebuilt Temple is blatantly false. 5. Premillenialism claims Christ will rule in the future, yet, see the promise to Thyatira Revelation 2:26-27 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations -- He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' -- as I also have received from My Father Compare Romans 1:3-4 to Psalms 2:7-9 Romans 1:3-4 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Psalms 2:7-9 I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. (8) Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. (9) You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." When did the Son receive the nations? "Today" The Resurrection. Jesus has already received the fulfillment of Psalms 2 according to Revelation 2:26-27! After Christ was raised from the Dead, He sat down at the Right Hand of God (Rom. 8:34, Heb. 1:1-3, 12:2) Ephesians 1:15-22 ...I... do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: (17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, (18) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what... (19 what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (20) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church. 1 Peter 3:21-22 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Any system of interpreting Revelation that claims the rule of Jesus is to still come in the future tries to dethrone our Lord! Again, this is not a minor detail that is simply opinion. 6. The Antichrist Much speculation and claims on this subject. Why not accept what the Bible says about it? 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 2 John 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. The Fulfillment Of Revelation According to Revelation 1. Shortly Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John. "Shortly" is translated from "En" (en). "En" is the most common preposition used in the New Testament and has a variety of meanings. 1. When related to place, it is translated: in, within, on, at, by, among. 2. When related to cause, or causal use it is translated: with, in, by. "En" is translated "Shortly" four times in the King James Version Acts 25:4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was going there shortly. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, Revelation 22:6 Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Compare Rev. 1:1 and 22:6 to Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream concerning the coming seven years of prosperity followed by the seven years of famine. Was God showing Pharaoh what was going to happen 2,000 years later? Genesis 41:32 And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. 2. The Time Is At Hand Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. The phrase "is at hand" is translated from the Greek word "eggus" (eggus). Eggus was the chief word used in the LXX (Septuagint) for "near". a. Use of "Eggus" to describe events in time in the NT. Matthew 26:18 And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, `The Teacher says, "My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."' John 2:13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (6:4, 7:2) b. Eggus used to describe Distance: John 6:19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. John 11:18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. John 19:20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. John 19:42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby. c. Eggus in Revelation Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 22:10 And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 3. Quickly Quickly is translated from "Taku" (taku). a. Taku in the New Testament Matthew 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you are thrown into prison. Matthew 28:7-8 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you. So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. John 11:29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. b. Taku in Revelation Revelation 2:5 (Ephesus), Revelation 2:16 (Pergamos), Revelation 3:11 (Philadelphia) Revelation 22:7 Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. Revelation 22:12 And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Origin of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teaching That is So Common Today Jesuit Catholic Priest Emmanuel Lacunza wrote "The Coming of Messiah in Glory and Majesty" in 1812. He taught that Christ would come and rapture the worthy Christians (not all Christians). Then, for a period of 45 days, the judgments in Revelation would come to the earth. Then Christ will return with the saints and establish His millennial reign. Ever since the 1500's, one of the more common interpretations of Revelation was that the Harlot was the Roman Catholic Church and the Antichrist was the Pope. In order to divert attention from the pope, the Catholics began teaching that Revelation was speaking of something in the future. John Bray, Southern Baptist preacher in Lakeland FL, has $500 reward for anyone who can find any article, sermon or any statement by anyone before 1812 teaching a two phase coming of Christ separated by a stated period of time as the pre-tribulation rapturists teach. His point is: "When you have something that is not taught from the time the Bible was written and the New Testament was completed and up until 1812, this was not taught by any scholar, any theologian, any preacher, anybody - then suddenly a Catholic Jesuit priest comes out and teaches it, and then everybody starts following this and teaching it, it is highly suspect (to me)." Bible Prophecy, by John Bray, pg. 47 Any system that teaches a return to animal sacrifice and denies that Jesus now rules over all must be rejected by all who accept the Bible as the Word of God. Jesus paid the price for all for all times. We come to God through the benefits of His sacrifice or we do not come to God at all. Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc