1. What About Daniel 9? Is the 70 th ‘week of sevens’ still unfulfilled?

2. Things to Come Q: What about Daniel’s 70 th week? (Daniel 9) 1.The entire prophecy has to do with Daniel’s ‘people’ and Daniel’s ‘city’ which are the Nation of Israel, and Jerusalem (v. 24) 2.Two different princes are mentioned, who should not be confused: the first is named “Messiah the Prince” (25); and the second is described as the “Prince that shall come” (26) 3.The entire time-period involved is exactly specified as Seventy Weeks (in verse 24); and these Seventy Weeks are further divided into three lesser periods (7, 62, and 1 ‘seven’) (25, 27)

3. Things to Come 4.The beginning of the whole period of the Seventy Weeks is definitely fixed at ‘the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem” (25). Ezra 1:1 “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying...”

4. Things to Come Q: Was the decree by Cyrus in 538 BC the one Daniel 9:25 is referring to? It was a decree to rebuild the TEMPLE, not the city walls of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 35:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 5:13. Ezra 1:1 “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying...”

5. Things to Come A: No, a fourth decree was issued by Artaxerxes Longimanus, on March 5, 444 BC. This gave permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s city walls. “This decree is the one referred to in Daniel 9:25” (Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1362). This gave permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s city walls. “This decree is the one referred to in Daniel 9:25” (Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Vol. 1, p. 1362).

6. Things to Come 5.The end of the seven weeks and sixty two weeks (= 69 weeks---or ‘sevens’) will be marked by the appearance of Messiah as the “Prince” of Israel (25) 6.At a later time, ‘after the 69 weeks, Messiah the Prince will be ‘cut off,’ and Jerusalem will again be destroyed by the people of another ‘prince’ who is yet to come (26).

7. Things to Come 7.After these two important events, we come to the last, or Seventieth Week, the beginning of which will be marked by the establishment of a firm covenant or treaty between the Coming Prince and the Jewish nation for a period of ‘one week’ or ‘seven’ (27) [7 years]. 8.In the middle of the Seventieth Week, evidently breaking his treaty, the coming prince will suddenly cause the Jewish sacrifice to cease and precipitate upon this people a time of wrath and desolation lasting to the ‘full end’ of the Week (27).

8. Things to Come 9.After the whole period of the Seventy Weeks, there will be ushered in a time of great and unparallelled blessings for the Nation of Israel (24). 10.These blessings are related to the two works of Messiah, his death and reign: a.Finish up the transgression b.Make an end of sins c.Make reconciliation for iniquity d.Bring in everlasting righteousness e.Seal up the vision and prophecy f.And anoint the most holy Pentecost, p. 241

9. Things to Come

10. Q: How can anyone make 7 ‘weeks’ into 7 ‘years’? “The Hebrew word shabua, which means literally a ‘seven’...thus Daniel 9:27 simply asserts that ‘seventy sevens are determined’...and what these ‘sevens’ are must be determined from the context and from other Scriptures. The evidence is quite clear and sufficient as follows:

11. Things to Come “...The Jews had a ‘seven’ of years as well as a ‘seven’ of days. And this Biblical ‘week’ of years was just as familiar to the Jew as the ‘week’ of days. It was, in certain respects, even more important. Six years the Jew was free to till and sow his land, but the seventh year was to be a solemn ‘Sabbath of rest unto the land’ (Lev. 25:3-4).” Upon a multiple of this important week of years--- ’seven Sabbaths of years”---there was based the Jubilee year---the 50 th year (after 7 sevens of years, or 49 years)

12. Things to Come Seventy ‘sevens’ is a span of 490 years Seventy ‘sevens’ is a span of 490 years 490 could not designate days (1 ½ years) for that isn’t enough time for Dan. 9:24-27 to occur 490 could not designate days (1 ½ years) for that isn’t enough time for Dan. 9:24-27 to occur The same is true of 490 weeks (3,430 days or 9 ½ years) The same is true of 490 weeks (3,430 days or 9 ½ years) If ‘days’ were intended, he would have added ‘of days’ as he does in 10:2-3, speaking of the length of days he was fasting. If ‘days’ were intended, he would have added ‘of days’ as he does in 10:2-3, speaking of the length of days he was fasting. This 490 years is not concerned with secular history, or church history, but with Israel’s history This 490 years is not concerned with secular history, or church history, but with Israel’s history

13. Things to Come By the time 490 years are completed, God will have completed six things concerning Israel. The first three have to do with sin The first three have to do with sin The second three with the kingdom The second three with the kingdom The first three are provided for in the work of Christ (the Messiah) on the cross The first three are provided for in the work of Christ (the Messiah) on the cross The second three---and all six---are realized by Israel at the Second Advent of Christ The second three---and all six---are realized by Israel at the Second Advent of Christ

14. Things to Come Q: Did Daniel only use the word shabua (sevens) to describe years? A: No, he used it in Daniel 10:2-3 to describe a fast of three sevens, but adds the descriptive phrase ‘of days’ to make it very clear he meant 21 days. He distinguished these ‘sevens’ from his previous ‘seven sevens’ and ‘sixty-two sevens,’ by adding ‘of days’ but he does not add ‘of years’ in chapter 9--- leaving his readers to understand what he meant.

15. Things to Come Q: But if Daniel 9 is true, then he predicted exactly when the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born in Israel? Yes, he did, and the Magi coming from Babylon/Persia [the ‘East’] proved it! Matthew 2:1 – “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east [not west over Bethlehem], and have come to worship Him.”

16. Things to Come Q: What do we know about the historical fulfillment of Daniel 9:24-27? 1.In Ezra 1:1, an edict was made by Cyrus, to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, 538 BC 2.But the decree to rebuild the CITY of Jerusalem was issued by Artaxerxes on March 5, 444 (Nehemiah 2:1-8) 3.On the 10 th Nisan, 4/6/32 AD, Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5) 4.The intervening period was 483 years, in both the Jewish and Gregorian Calendars.

17. Things to Come Q: Where can we find a study of these days and dates? 1.The Coming Prince, by Sir Robert Anderson, pp. 121-123 2.Things to Come, by Dwight Pentecost, pp. 245f 3.Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ, by Harold Hoehner. 4.Daniel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks, by Alva J. McClain

18. Things to Come Jewish Calendar (360 days per year) (7 x 7) + (62 x 7) years = 483 years (7 x 7) + (62 x 7) years = 483 years 483 years x 360 days = 173, 880 days 483 years x 360 days = 173, 880 days Gregorian Calendar (365 days a year)\ 444 BC to 33 AD = 476 years 444 BC to 33 AD = 476 years 476 x 365 days = 173,740 days 476 x 365 days = 173,740 days + 116 days in leap years + 116 days in leap years +24 days between the Triumphal Entry and the Crucifixion = 173,880 days +24 days between the Triumphal Entry and the Crucifixion = 173,880 days

19. Things to Come Q: What about the gap between the 69 th and 7oth ‘seven’ of Daniel 9? The period we are calling the Great Tribulation, the final 7 years of the Wrath of God and judgment upon the earth? a.The Amillennialist and Postmillennialist says it all happened immediately following the death of Christ, with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. b.Some suppose the church age is the 70 th ‘seven’, but that takes a great deal of spiritualizing and allegorizing Scripture, because the ‘church age’ has already lasted 2000 years.

20. Things to Come The present church age is a parenthesis between Daniel 9:26 and 27. Acts 15:13-21 indicates that the apostles fully understood that during the present Church age the Old Testament prophecies would not be fulfilled, but would have fulfillment ‘after this’ when God ‘will build again the tabernacle of David.’ John F Walvoord, quoted in Pentecost, p. 247. The scriptural precedent for such a gap in time is explained there also, by Walvoord The scriptural precedent for such a gap in time is explained there also, by Walvoord

21. Things to Come Q: What is important about Daniel 9:24, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city?” 1.This whole period has reference to Daniel’s people (the Nation of Israel) not the Church. 2.This has reference to Daniel’s ‘holy city’ which is Jerusalem. The decree was made by Cyrus in 537 BC, as recorded in Ezra 1, to rebuild Jerusalem. Three more decrees were issued after this, with the final one to rebuild the city, issued by Artaxerses, recorded in Nehemiah 2, 444 BC.

22. Things to Come Q: How old is Daniel, when he writes Daniel 9? Daniel would be approximately 85 years old. He was made an officer in the Babylonian court about 605 BC, when he was a teenager. Seventy years later (Jeremiah 29:10...) Jeremiah’s words are fulfilled literally when a man Jeremiah names as ‘Cyrus’ actually comes to power, and makes the proclamation.

23. Things to Come Q: These dates are really confusing me....!? 725 BC – Isaiah writes about a leader named ‘Cyrus’ who will come to power (Is. 44:28; 45:1) before Media/Persia even thinks of conquering Babylon 627 BC – Jeremiah writes of 70 years of captivity in Babylon. 605 BC – Daniel is a teenager, and taken to Babylon 586 BC – The Fall of Jerusalem 537 BC – Cyrus rises to power over Media/Persia, and issues a decree to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1) 444 BC – Nehemiah goes to rebuild the city

24. Things to Come 3.New Testament passages such as Eph. 3:1-6, and Col. 1:25-27 make it clear that the church is a mystery and its nature as a body composed of Jew and Gentile alike, was unrevealed in the Old Testament---as a distinct unit in God’s program. Col. 1:25-27 – “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints...”

25. Things to Come 4.Since the church did not have its existence until after the death of Christ (Eph. 5:25-26), until after the resurrection of Christ (Rom. 4:25; Col. 3:1-3), and until after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost with the beginning of His ministries to the believer (Acts 2), the church could not have been in the first sixty-nine weeks of this prophecy of Daniel 9---only the Nation of Israel was. 5.Since the church had no part in the first sixty-nine weeks, which are related only to God’s program for Israel, it is logical to assume it must not have a part in the seventieth week, which is again related to God’s program for Israel.

26. Things to Come Q: Are there passages that say that the Church will be kept from the Great Tribulation period? Yes Revelation 3:10, ‘I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.’ ‘they that dwell upon the earth’ is not a description of the Church. This same expression is listed seven more times in Revelation (6:10; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 14:6; 17:8). ‘they that dwell upon the earth’ is not a description of the Church. This same expression is listed seven more times in Revelation (6:10; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 14:6; 17:8). This is a MORAL description and classification of people upon the earth---the unbelieving multitude. This is a MORAL description and classification of people upon the earth---the unbelieving multitude.

27. Things to Come Q: What are the distinctions that make the Church unique in God’s program? 1.There is a distinction between the true (1) and professing (2) Christian Church and (3) the Nation of Israel. 2.There is a distinction between the true (1) Church and (2) the professing Church. The true church is composed of all those in this church age who have received Christ as Savior. The professing church is composed of those who make a profession of receiving Christ without actually receiving Him (the ‘foolish virgins’ of Matt. 25:1-13?)

28. Things to Come 3.There is a distinction between the true church and true or ‘spiritual’ Israel. Prior to Pentecost (Acts 2) there were saved individuals, but there was no church; they were a part of spiritual Israel, not the Body of Christ, the Church. 4.The Rapture will remove, not all who make a profession of faith in Christ, but only those who have been born again and have received His spiritual life---through the Holy Spirit. Professing unsaved in the church, who are unbelievers in Christ, and those unbelievers within the Nation of Israel, will all go into the Great Tribulation period.

29. Things to Come 5.The Church is manifestly an interruption of God’s program for Israel, which was not brought into being until Israel’s rejection of the offer of the Kingdom. It must logically follow that this mystery program will itself be brought to a conclusion before God can resume His dealings with the Nation of Israel. (Pentecost, Things to Come, p. 201) (Pentecost, Things to Come, p. 201)

30. Handout done to here....

31. Things to Come Q: What are the Biblical differences between Israel and the Church? There are at least 24 differences: 1.Biblical Revelation: 4/5 of the Bible is given to Israel; 4/5 of the Bible is given to Israel; 1/5 to the Church. 1/5 to the Church. 2.Divine Purpose: Israel - earthly promises in the covenants; Israel - earthly promises in the covenants; Church - heavenly promises in the gospel of Christ. Church - heavenly promises in the gospel of Christ.

32. Things to Come 3.Israel is the physical seed of Abraham; the Church is the spiritual seed in Christ. the Church is the spiritual seed in Christ. 4.Israel is formed by physical birth into Abraham; the Church is formed by spiritual birth into a relationship with Christ. the Church is formed by spiritual birth into a relationship with Christ. 5.The head of Israel is Abraham; the head of the Church is Christ the head of the Church is Christ 6.The Covenants are to Israel – the Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenants; the Church – only the New Covenant the Church – only the New Covenant

33. Things to Come 7.Nationality: Israel – one nation; the Church is formed from all nations into the Body of Christ, including Jews and Gentiles the Church is formed from all nations into the Body of Christ, including Jews and Gentiles 8.Divine dealing: to Israel – both nationally and individually; the Church, individually only the Church, individually only 9.Time (Dispensation/s): Israel in each time period; the Church only in the Church Age (a mystery). the Church only in the Church Age (a mystery).

34. Things to Come 9.Time (Dispensation/s): Israel in each time period; the Church only in the Church Age (a mystery). the Church only in the Church Age (a mystery). Q: What are the ‘dispensations’? 1.Innocence (Genesis 2:7...) 2.Conscience (knowing good/evil/sin) 3.Human Government (after the Flood of Noah) 4.Promise (to the Nation of Israel – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) 5.Law (given to Moses) 6.Grace (given in Christ) 7.Millennial Rule of Christ

35. Things to Come 10.Ministry: Israel – little missionary activity---only procreation---literally giving birth to the nation; the Church – a commission to fulfill, leading people to ‘new birth’ in Christ the Church – a commission to fulfill, leading people to ‘new birth’ in Christ 11.The Death of Christ: Israel – guilty nationally, and will be saved in the future (Romans 11:24); the Church – saved now individually the Church – saved now individually 12.The Father: He is the Father of Israel; the Church, we are related individually to Him as our adoptive Abba/Father the Church, we are related individually to Him as our adoptive Abba/Father

36. Things to Come 13.The Son, Christ: Israel – their Messiah, Immanuel, coming King, although they currently reject Him; the Church – Savior, Lord, Bridegroom, Head the Church – Savior, Lord, Bridegroom, Head 14.The Holy Spirit: Israel – came upon some temporarily, such as the Kings of Israel or Prophets; one at a time the Church – He indwells each one who is born again, at that moment of salvation the Church – He indwells each one who is born again, at that moment of salvation

37. Things to Come 15.Governing Principle: Israel – the Mosaic law and sacrificial system; the Church – the Grace system, demonstrated by our daily walk with Christ in the Spirit (Eph. 2:8-9) the Church – the Grace system, demonstrated by our daily walk with Christ in the Spirit (Eph. 2:8-9) 16.Divine Enablement: Israel – none; but protected! the Church – the indwelling Holy Spirit the Church – the indwelling Holy Spirit 17.Two farewell discourses: to Israel – the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21); to Israel – the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21); to the Church – the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) to the Church – the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17)

38. Things to Come 18.The Promise of Christ’s Return: Israel – in power and glory for judgment; the Church – to receive us to Himself, avoiding God’s worldwide wrath on unbelief the Church – to receive us to Himself, avoiding God’s worldwide wrath on unbelief 19.Position: Israel – a servant; the Church – members of the family the Church – members of the family 20.Christ’s earthly Reign: Israel – subjects of His rule; the Church – co-reigning with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12) the Church – co-reigning with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12) 21.Priesthood: Israel – Aaronic priesthood; Church – each true believer is a priest Church – each true believer is a priest

39. Things to Come 22.Marriage: Israel – an unfaithful wife; the Church – the Bride of Christ the Church – the Bride of Christ 23.Judgments: Israel – facing judgment; the Church – delivered from all judgments; because Christ bore our sins upon Himself (Isaiah 53:6...); ‘by His stripes we are healed’ the Church – delivered from all judgments; because Christ bore our sins upon Himself (Isaiah 53:6...); ‘by His stripes we are healed’ except and until the Judgment (‘Bema’) Seat Judgment of Christ, where rewards are given or lost in/for service to Christ (2 Cor. 5:10) for all who are true Christians except and until the Judgment (‘Bema’) Seat Judgment of Christ, where rewards are given or lost in/for service to Christ (2 Cor. 5:10) for all who are true Christians

40. Things to Come 24.Positions in Eternity: Israel – ‘spirits of just men made perfect’ in the new earth; the Church – the Church of the Firstborn in the new heavens, and the New Jerusalem the Church – the Church of the Firstborn in the new heavens, and the New Jerusalem “These clear contrasts, which show the distinction between Israel and the Church, make it impossible to identify the two in one program, which it is necessary to do if the church goes through the seventieth week [of Daniel 9]. These distinctions give further support to the pretribulation rapture position.” (Pentecost, p. 202).

41. Things to Come Q: What are key scriptures that support the pretribulation position?

42. Things to Come Titus 2:11-13 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing () of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing ( ἐ πιφανείας) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” Acts 1:11 – “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

43. Things to Come Revelation 22:20 – “I am coming quickly” was made 65 years after Jesus ascended into Heaven. He had returned tot he island of Patmos, off the coast of modern day Turkey, for the purpose of ministering encouragement to John, and through him, to churches that were suffering from Roman persecution. “The world scoffs at the idea of Jesus’ return. To them, the whole concept is utterly absurd. Some professing Christians take the startling position that His promise to return was fulfilled in 70 AD when God’s wrath was poured out on Jerusalem and the Jews through the Romans. The majority of Christendom---both Catholics and Protestants---argue that Jesus will never return to this earth.” David Reagan, Living on Borrowed Time, p. 11

44. Things to Come Q: Could it be that this majority viewpoint is wrong? Why do some believe in the future, literal, personal return of Christ to reign over all the earth? Why do some believe in the future, literal, personal return of Christ to reign over all the earth? Are these people victims of wishful thinking? Are these people victims of wishful thinking? Are they harboring fanciful hope? Are they harboring fanciful hope? Could there really be a glorious thousand year reign (millennium) of the Lord Jesus here on this earth? Could there really be a glorious thousand year reign (millennium) of the Lord Jesus here on this earth? Has God really washed His hands clean of the Nation of Israel, as the majority of Christianity believes? Has God really washed His hands clean of the Nation of Israel, as the majority of Christianity believes?

45. Things to Come Q: Why is the doctrine of ‘imminence’ important to the pretribulation rapture position? 1.Many signs were given to the nation of Israel, which would precede the second coming, so the nation would live in expectancy when the time of His coming draws near. 2.These signs would tell them the time was near. 3.No such signs were ever given to the Church. The Church was told to live in the light of the imminent coming of the Lord to take them out of this earth into His presence:

46. Things to Come John 14:2-3 – “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”

47. Things to Come I Corinthians 15:51-52 – “Behold, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all sleep [in death], but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Philippians 3:20 – “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself”

48. Things to Come Colossians 3:4 – “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” I Thessalonians 1:10 – “...and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” I Timothy 6:14 – “...and keep the commandment without stain or reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” James 5:8 – “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

49. Things to Come Q: Are there passages that warn Christians to be watching not for SIGNS but for JESUS!? Yes, the attention of a Christian is always to be directed to Christ, never to seeking signs or other events. I Thessalonians 5:6 – “So then let us not sleep [physically, or morally] as others do, but let us be alert and sober” Titus 2:13 – “...looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”

50. Things to Come Revelation 3:3 – [ to church #5--- the Sardis Church] “Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you”

51. Things to Come Q: What about 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8? (7) “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.

52. Things to Come (8) And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming, (9) that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, (10) with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. (11) And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false.”

53. Things to Come 1.The Thessalonian Christians were concerned for fear that the rapture had already taken place and they were in the Day of the Lord (under the wrath of Almighty God). 2.The persecutions which they were enduring, as referred to in 2 Thess. 1, had given them a basis for this erroneous consideration. Paul writes to tell them that such a thing was impossible. 3.He shows them in I Thess. 2:3 that the day of the Lord could not take place until there was a departure.

54. Things to Come 4.Whether this departure would be a departure from the faith---or a departure of the saints from the earth, he does not make clear (at least to us) I Thess. 2:1-2 – “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy [literally --- “taking away” or “falling away”] comes first...”

55. Things to Come 5.Paul reveals that there is to be a manifestation of the man of sin, or the ‘lawless one,’ further described in Revelation 13. Although the mystery of lawlessness was operative in his day, and there was a lawless system, it was to culminate in the person of the lawless one---personifying sinfulness. 6.The lawless one could not be revealed until the Restrainer was taken out of the way. Some One is preventing the purpose of Satan from coming to culmination and He will keep on performing this ministry until He is removed (v. 7-8).

56. Things to Come Q: Are there other possibilities for the ‘restrainer’ other than God (Father, son and especially Holy Spirit)? Human government? Human government? Human law? Human law? The Visible Church? The Visible Church? Denominations? Denominations? The Pope and Catholicism? The Pope and Catholicism? It seems logical that the only One who could restrain evil---and Satan---in this fashion would be God the Holy Spirit.

57. Things to Come As long as the Holy Spirit is resident within the church, which is His temple on the earth, this restraining work will continue and the man of sin, the Antichrist, cannot be revealed. It is only when the church, the temple of the Holy Spirit, is removed that this restraining ministry ceases and lawlessness can produce the lawless one. It is only when the church, the temple of the Holy Spirit, is removed that this restraining ministry ceases and lawlessness can produce the lawless one.

58. Things to Come Q: Does the Holy Spirit cease His ministry on earth when He is taken away? No. Neither He nor His omnipresence, ceases when the Church is removed---but His restraining ministry against sin ceases.

59. Things to Come The removal of the Church at the Rapture would be required if the Holy Spirit who resides within all true believers is to be taken away, and the man of sin---the lawless one---(Daniel 9:27) is revealed.

61. Things to Come Pretribulation Rapture Position, continued

62. Things to Come Q: Is there an interval between the Rapture (catching away) of the Church, and meeting with the Lord in His return to the earth to rule from Jerusalem? Yes. Several events must take place in between: 1.The judgment seat of Christ 2.The presentation of the Church to Christ 3.The Marriage of the Lamb (the marriage supper...)

63. Things to Come Q: What are the distinctions between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ to reign? 1.The translation entails the removal of all believers, while the second coming entails the appearing or manifestation of the Son of God 2.The translation sees the saints caught up into the air, and the second advent He returns to the earth from Heaven 3.In the translation, Christ comes to claim a bride, but in the second coming (advent), He returns with the bride.

64. Things to Come 4.The translation results in the removal of the church and the inception of the tribulation, and the second advent results in the establishment of the millennial kingdom. 5.The translation is imminent, while the second advent is preceded by a multitude of signs. 6.The translation brings a message of comfort, while the second advent is accompanied by a message of judgment. 7.The translation is related to the program for the church, while the second advent is related to the program for Israel and the world.

65. Things to Come 8.The translation is a mystery, while the second advent is predicted in both Testaments. 9.At the translation believers are judged, but at the second advent the Gentiles and Israel are judged. 10.The translation leaves creation unchanged, while the second advent entails the change in creation (Romans 8). 11.At the translation Gentiles are unaffected, while at the second advent Gentiles are judged at the Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20...)

66. Things to Come 12.At the translation Israel’s covenants are unfulfilled, but at the second advent all her covenants are fulfilled. 13.The translation has no particular relation to the program of God in relation to evil, while at the second advent evil is judged. 14.The translation is said to take place before the day of wrath, but the second advent follows it. 15.The translation is for believers only, but the second advent has its effect on all mankind.

67. Things to Come 16.The expectation of the church in regard to the translation is ‘the Lord is at hand’ (Phil. 4:5), while the expectation of Israel in regard to the second advent is ‘the kingdom is at hand’ (Matt. 24:14). 17.The expectation of the church at the translation is to be taken into the Lord’s presence, while the expectation of Israel at the second advent is to be taken into the kingdom. These support the contention that there are two different programs for Israel and the church, and they cannot be unified into one event. ( Pentecost, p. 207)

68. Things to Come

69. Topics: 1.An introduction to Biblical Interpretation 2.Prophecies of the Present Church Age a.The Divine Program for the Ages (Daniel) b.The Divine Purpose in the Present Age (Eph. 2:7) c.The Character of the Present Age (Col. 2:24-27) d.The Course of the Present Age (Matthew 13; Rev. 2-3 as it relates to Israel and the Church) e.The Close of the Present Age for the Church & Israel

70. Things to Come 3.What is the Rapture? a.The Partial Rapture Theory (Revelation 8:1??? ) b.The Posttribulation Rapture Theory c.The Midtribulation Rapture Theory d.The Pretribulation Rapture Theory 4.The Events for the Church following the Rapture a.The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10) b.The Marriage of the Lamb (John 3:29; Rom. 7:4; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-33; Rev. 19:7-8; 21:1-22:7)

71. Things to Come 5.What About the Tribulation? a.The Day of the LORD (Isaiah 65:17-19; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1) b.The Source of the Tribulation c.The Purpose of the Tribulation (to prepare Israel for her Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ) d.The Timeline of the Tribulation (Daniel 9:24...) e.Daniel’s 70 th Week (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15...) 6.What About The Church and the Tribulation? a.The Holy Spirit and the Tribulation? b.Salvation During the Tribulation?

72. Things to Come 7.What About Israel and the Tribulation? a.The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1-25-46) b.The ‘Woman’ in Revelation 12, is She Israel? c.What About a ‘Remnant’ in the Tribulation? d.What About ‘The Removal of Israel’s Blindness? e.What About Romans 11:26, “All Israel Shall Be Saved?” f.Who are the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11:3-12?

73. Things to Come 8.What About Gentile Nations and the Tribulation? a.Who is the ‘beast’ of Revelation 13:1-10? b.Who is the ‘false prophet’ of Revelation 19:20; 20:10? c.Who is the ‘antichrist’ (I John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7...) 1.Gorbachev? 2.Putin? (Revelation 17:10 ????) 3.Some other world leader, past, present or future?

74. Things to Come 9.What and When is Armageddon? a.Who are the Armies of the ‘Beast?’ (Daniel 11:40- 45) b.Who are the ‘Armies of the East?’ (Revelation 16:12) c.The Invasion by the Lord Jesus and His Armies? (Revelation 19:19; Zechariah 14:3; Revelation 16:14; 17:14; 19:11-21)

75. Things to Come 10.What About the Judgments of the Tribulation? a.The Seals (Revelation 6) b.The Trumpets (Revelation 8-11) c.The Vials or Bowls (Revelation 16) d.The Judgment of ‘Babylon’ and the religious ‘harlot’ e.The Judgment of the ‘Beast’ and His Empire

76. Things to Come 11.What About the Millennium? a.How long is the Millennium? b.Are there Living and Resurrected Saints in the Millennium? c.What is the Nature of the Millennium?

77. Things to Come 12.What About the New Jerusalem, seen coming out of heaven (Revelation 21:10-21)? 13.What About the New Heaven and New Earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1) 14.What Will We Do In Heaven!??

78. The Judgment Seat of the Lamb

79. Things to Come 4.The Events for the Church following the Rapture a.The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10) b.The Marriage of the Lamb (John 3:29; Rom. 7:4; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-33; Rev. 19:7-8; 21:1-22:7) There are two events portrayed in Scripture into which the church will be brought following the rapture which have special eschatological (end times) significance: the judgment seat of Christ and the marriage of the Lamb.

80. Things to Come Q: Will God bring Christians to a place of examination? Yes 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 “Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad”

81. Things to Come Romans 14:10-12 “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

82. Things to Come 4.The Events for the Church following the Rapture a.The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10) 1.The meaning of the Judgment Seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 – “For also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

83. Things to Come Romans 14:10-11 – “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

84. Things to Come Q: What does ‘judgment seat’ mean in the New Testament? 1.Criterion – James 2:6; I Corinthians 6:2, 4; meaning ‘the instrument or means of trying or judging anything; the rule by which one judges’ or ‘the place where judgment is given; the tribunal of a judge; a bench of judges.’ This meaning would refer to the standard or criterion by which judgment is meted out. 2.Bema – ‘a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune; used of the official seat of a judge (Acts 18:12l). It resembled a throne which Herod built at Caesarea

85. Things to Come “In Grecian games in Athens, the old arena contained a raised platform on which the president or umpire of the arena sat. From here he rewarded all the contestants; and here he rewarded all winners. It was called the ‘bema’ or ‘reward seat.’ It was never used of a judicial bench” L. Sale-Harrison, Judgment Seat of Christ, p. 8

86. Things to Come Q: When will the Judgment Seat of Christ take place? 1.According to Luke 14:14 reward is associated with the resurrection. According to I Thess. 4:13-17, the resurrection is an integral part of the rapture, reward must be a part of that program.

87. Things to Come 2.When the Lord returns to the earth with His bride, the Church, to reign, the bride is seen to be already rewarded. In Revelation 19:8, the ‘righteousness of the saints’ is plural, and cannot refer to the imparted righteousness of Christ, which is the believer’s portion, but the righteousnesses which have survived examination and have become the basis of reward Pentecost, p. 221

88. Things to Come 3.In I Corinthians 4:5 and 2 Timothy 4:8 and Revelation 22:12, the reward is associated with ‘that day,’ that is, the day in which He comes for His own. Thus it must be observed that the rewarding of the church must take place between the rapture and the revelation of Christ to the earth.

89. Things to Come Q: Where does the bema Judgment Seat of Christ take place? It must be in the heavenlies It must be in the heavenlies I Thess. 4:17 says we shall be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. I Thess. 4:17 says we shall be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. Since the bema follows this translation, the ‘air’ must be the scene of where it takes place. Since the bema follows this translation, the ‘air’ must be the scene of where it takes place. 2 Cor. 5:1-8, Paul is describing events that take place when the believer is ‘absent form the body, and present with the Lord.’ Thus this event must take place in the Lord’s presence in the sphere of the heavenlies (Pentecost, p. 221) 2 Cor. 5:1-8, Paul is describing events that take place when the believer is ‘absent form the body, and present with the Lord.’ Thus this event must take place in the Lord’s presence in the sphere of the heavenlies (Pentecost, p. 221)

90. Things to Come Q: Who is the ‘judge’ at the Judgment Seat of Christ? 2 Cor. 5:10 makes it clear that the examination is conducted before the presence of the Son of God. 2 Cor. 5:10 makes it clear that the examination is conducted before the presence of the Son of God. John 5:22 states that all judgment has been committed into the hand of the Son. John 5:22 states that all judgment has been committed into the hand of the Son. The fact that this same event is referred to in Romans 14:10 as the ‘judgment seat of God’ would indicate that God has committed this judgment into the hand of the Son also. The fact that this same event is referred to in Romans 14:10 as the ‘judgment seat of God’ would indicate that God has committed this judgment into the hand of the Son also. A part of the exaltation of Christ is the right to manifest divine authority in judgment A part of the exaltation of Christ is the right to manifest divine authority in judgment

91. Things to Come Q: Who are ‘judged’ at the Judgment Seat of Christ? This judgment concerns only true Christian believers. This judgment concerns only true Christian believers. The first-person-pronoun occurs too often in 2 Cor. 5:1-19 to miss that point! The first-person-pronoun occurs too often in 2 Cor. 5:1-19 to miss that point! Only the believer could have ‘a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’ Only the believer could have ‘a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’ Only the believer could experience ‘mortality...swallowed up of life’ Only the believer could experience ‘mortality...swallowed up of life’

92. Things to Come Only the believer could experience the working of God, ‘who also has given unto us the guarantee of the Spirit’ Only the believer could experience the working of God, ‘who also has given unto us the guarantee of the Spirit’ Only the believer could have the confidence that ‘while we are at home in the body, we are absent form the Lord.’ Only the believer could have the confidence that ‘while we are at home in the body, we are absent form the Lord.’ Only the believer could ‘walk by faith, not by sight.’ Only the believer could ‘walk by faith, not by sight.’

93. Things to Come Q: What is the basis of examination at the Judgment Seat of Christ? This is not to determine whether the one judged is a believer or not (heaven/hell). The question of salvation is not being considered The question of salvation is not being considered The salvation given the believer in Christ has perfectly delivered him/her from all wrathful judgment eternally (Rom. 8:1; John 5:24; I John 4:17). The salvation given the believer in Christ has perfectly delivered him/her from all wrathful judgment eternally (Rom. 8:1; John 5:24; I John 4:17).

94. Things to Come To bring the believer into judgment concerning the sin question whether his sins before his new birth, whether his sins before his new birth, his sins since his new birth, his sins since his new birth, or even his unconfessed sins since the new birth or even his unconfessed sins since the new birth is to deny the efficacy [effectiveness] of the death of Christ and nullify the promise of God that ‘their sins and iniquities I will remember no more’ (Heb. 10:17). is to deny the efficacy [effectiveness] of the death of Christ and nullify the promise of God that ‘their sins and iniquities I will remember no more’ (Heb. 10:17).

95. Things to Come Q: What does the word ‘appear’ mean in 2 Cor. 5:10? A: ‘to be made manifest’ – “For it is necessary for all of us to be made manifest.” This suggests that the purpose of the bema is to make a public manifestation, demonstration or revelation of the essential character and motives of the individual. “We shall not be judged en masse, or in classes, but one by one, in accordance with individual merit,’ substantiates the fact that this is an individual judgment of each believer before the Lord” (p. 223)

96. Things to Come Q: When it says we will be brought to judgment for the things done in the body, whether ‘good or bad’ what does Paul mean? A: The word for bad is not the usual Greek word/s (kakos or poneras) either of which would signify that which is ethically or morally evil The word is The word is φα ῦ λον (phaulon) which means worthless, wicked or base. Good for nothing Thus the judgment does not determine what is ethically good or evil, but rather what is acceptable and what is worthless: rewarded or not?

97. Things to Come Q: What does I Corinthians 3:14-15 add to this? – a reward received, or a reward lost? Yes A trial by fire: “Every persons work shall be made manifest (as in 2 Cor. 5:10, translated ‘appear’ there). It is the believers work done for Christ that is tested The examination is not an external judgment based on outward observation It is a test to determine inner character and motivation What is destructible, and what is indestructible?

98. Things to Come Q: What is destructible? That which is done in the flesh, and in our own strength, and for our own glory, regardless of what the act might be. “I keep my body under control [buffet], and bring it into subjection [slavery], lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway [disqualified]” (I Cor. 9:27)

99. Things to Come Q: What is the reward promised at the Judgment Seat of Christ? - ‘indestructible’ Five areas that are mentioned in the NT as reward, describes as a ‘crown’: 1.An incorruptible crown for those who master the flesh – the ‘old man’ or ‘old nature’ before Christ (I Cor. 9:25) 2.A crown of rejoicing for soul winners (I Thess. 2:19) 3.A crown of life for those who endure trials (James 1:12) 4.A crown of righteousness for loving His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8) 5.A crown of glory for willingly feeding the flock of God (I Peter 5:4)

100. Things to Come Q: Is there a difference in the use of the word ‘stephanos’ or ‘crown’ and the word ‘diadema’? Yes ‘stephanos’ – This is the wreath of victory (I Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 2:5) This is the wreath of victory (I Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 2:5) It is a festal ornament (Prov. 1:9; 4:9; Song of Solomon 3:11; Isaiah 28:1) It is a festal ornament (Prov. 1:9; 4:9; Song of Solomon 3:11; Isaiah 28:1) It is a public honor granted for a distinguished service or private worth, as a golden crown (or as a ‘watch’ is given on retirement...?) It is a public honor granted for a distinguished service or private worth, as a golden crown (or as a ‘watch’ is given on retirement...?) ‘stephanos’ is not a kingly crown, but it is used of a conqueror’s crown ‘stephanos’ is not a kingly crown, but it is used of a conqueror’s crown Jesus alone wears the ‘diadema’ or imperial crown

101. Things to Come Q: Could the reward given at the Judgment Seat of Christ be a matter of ‘glory’ which is given to the individual to shine for Christ and give Him glory through eternity? Yes (Pentecost, p. 226) “The greater the reward, the greater the bestowed capacity to bring glory to God. Thus in the exercise of the reward of the believer, it will be Christ and not the believer that is glorified by the reward. Capacities to radiate the glory will differ, but there wil be no personal sense of lack in that each believer will be filled to the limit of this capacity to ‘show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9) (Daniel 12:2-3)?