Understanding The Endtimes by John Corin - HTML preview

INTRODUCTION

This too is a subject capturing the attention of many. Even Muslims and the ungodly find it of great interest, so much so, millions now wait for the ‘Antichrist’ to take control of much of the world. With this background for the topic, I need to make an introductory statement, one many may regard as contentious, even outrageous. But trust me, I am not being overly dramatic when I say this popular expectation advanced for the ‘Antichrist is a fallacy based on a false supposition promoted by even supposedly knowledgeable interpreters of scripture. This seriously mistaken schema for the end times leaves numerous Christians with a dangerous understanding of this figure—a falsehood this chapter seeks to rectify.

The notion of the ‘Antichrist’ as a strong political leader heading a powerful, authoritarian consortium or something similar, in fact, differs little from how non-believers hooked on conspiracies imagine the ‘new world order’. Indeed, when the Muslims (some of its branches) expecting the arrival of the Mahdi are added, there is a growing convergence around this falsehood.

This emerging scenario can only be deeply troubling as anyone holding it is in for a rude shock! Now, any frustration I have with how the ungodly view the ‘Antichrist’ is nothing compared with my dismay at the number of bible teachers peddling a 139

misconception about the end times based on an incorrect interpretation of Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy. Even greater dismay when they advance the notion of the ‘Antichrist’ breaking a seven-year covenant with Jewry to set up rule in a rebuilt temple—possibly offering up animal sacrifices.

Don’t get me wrong, the end of this age will see a tyrannical political system (beast) arise to rule the world (or much of it) but the ‘Antichrist’ is not the culprit. Not only will believers be embarrassed because of this myth but unprepared to recognize the real culprit—putting at risk their salvation and eternal destiny.

Even more worrying is the number of believers who have bought another worthless ‘bill of goods’—the notion of the ‘Antichrist’

being alive now and living in Europe. How do they know? I kid you not, because Jean Dixon the famous occult medium said it.

FACT FROM FICTION

Though it can be difficult to find the truth on this subject, it is not impossible with a serious effort to search it out. But the believer wanting the right answers must first be willing to suspend beliefs I have called out—at least until this chapter has been read. In particular, shelve any loyalty to the claim the

‘Antichrist’ fulfills Daniel’s seventy weeks prophecy because this error spawns the other false beliefs. (This was dealt with in chapter three). Laying aside these falsehoods temporarily is the only way for the freedom to look elsewhere for understanding about this personage. I have in the following pages, therefore, compiled an ‘identikit’ for the ‘Antichrist’ with absolutely no connection to the prophecy in Daniel. It is based on interpreting 140

the three core biblical passages revealing ‘his’ characteristics and MO (modus operandi). What they draw is a starkly different picture from what most believers have been taught.

‘The Antichrist’. While the term is only found once in scripture (2John v7) (in translations mainly other than the K.J.V’s) it is a convenient way to identify the one personifying the ‘antichrist spirit’ (1Jhn 2.18, 22; 4.3; 2Jhn1.7). In highlighting the work of this ‘spirit’ in his day, John says it denied Christ came in the flesh—what the gnostic heretics did by replacing Him with an ‘ethereal’ one. Now, in forming this ‘identikit’ for the ‘AntiChrist’ it was important to recognize the greek prefix ‘anti’ has two meanings—one is to ‘be against’ and the other means

‘instead or in place of’. Though both must be taken into account in interpreting any texts, ‘in place of’ has the greater significance if the true intention of this personage is to be understood.

The bottom line: rather than outright deny or oppose the Savior, the ‘Antichrist’ will seek to deceive the world into believing ‘he’ is the replacement for Jesus Christ, i.e., pull off the ultimate ‘con job’. And though there is the definite article in this verse, ‘For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ, and will deceive many’ (Mt 24.5), the ‘Antichrist’ will not attempt to be accepted as Christ Himself, but more as the ultimate ‘christ’

or ‘anointed one’ (christos is the Greek word for anointed). The real danger will be the claim to be what ‘he’ is not, especially when gross deceit is employed. With this basic understanding, let’s find ‘his’ other characteristics.

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Identifying characteristics

Even though other features help identify the ‘Antichrist’, never forget this strategy to deceive is the major clue alerting to ‘his’

arrival. The primary text for this is here, ‘For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect’ (Mt 24.24). The ‘Antichrist’, then, will be the ultimate expression of every false prophet or false ‘christ’ (anointed one) who deceived using ‘lying signs and wonders’ previously. With ‘him’, ‘ unrighteous deception’ (2Thes 2.10) reaches its zenith. Occur on a scale never seen before such that the ‘signs and wonders’ will be marvels exceeding anything modern occultists operating supernatural powers perform, e.g., some ‘magicians’, shamans, and Hindu gurus. Such a strong deception, Jesus said it traps the ‘very elect…if it were possible’

(Mt 24.24). Why did Jesus not categorically affirm this by adding the qualifier ‘if it were possible’; He wanted to leave it an open question so no believer assumes they are immune.

‘The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish’ (2Thes 2.8-10).

This is an important witness concerning this personage, with the complete passage giving even more clues to identify this one who comes to deceive. First, it confirms these ‘signs and lying wonders’ of the ‘Antichrist’ are the ‘working of Satan’ using powers so evil, the ‘ deception’ is (patently) ‘ unrighteous’.

Second, this ‘delusion (so) they should believe the lie’ (v11) will be so ‘strong’ (the greek means ‘effectual in its working’) many 142

will be led ‘astray’ (the root meaning of ‘delusion’) from the path of righteousness. The takeaway? When it is not clear who ‘those who perish’ are, it is most unwise to interpret Paul’s words as referring only to the ungodly. Nothing in his statement indicates it doesn’t also apply to believers.

In this same passage, Paul describes this evil personage as also

‘lawless’ (v8) and this also helps form a more accurate ‘identikit’.

This ‘lawlessness’ will have far more to do with ‘him’ giving scant regard to the righteous laws of God rather than the ‘rule of law’ in society. (It also is not, as some teach, rebellion against the Mosaic statutes, e.g., keeping the Sabbath.) And by calling ‘him’

the ‘man of sin’ (v3), Paul reveals the true intent of the deception is to lure believers into sin; into ‘destructive’ ways (2Pet 2.1-3)—

far more so than the ungodly who are already deceived.

By employing highly seductive temptations, ‘his’ foremost goal, then, is to draw believers away from allegiance to Christ.

The strategy believers are warned of here, ‘ For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness’ (Jude v4). In weakening the biblical command to ‘be holy’ (1Pet 1.15), this is evident already in the ‘hyper-grace’

movement. This novel teaching has duped many believers into going down the slippery slope of greater license concerning moral behavior—even to practice the lewdness’ (the greek means without restraint) Jude warns about. A trend the ‘Antichrist’ will undoubtedly seek to capitalize on.

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‘Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing...he is God’ (2Thes 2.3,4).

When Paul here also calls the ‘Antichrist’ the ‘son of perdition’—

the appellation given to Judas (Jhn 17.12)—we have another clue to ‘his’ identity. As the ultimate ‘son of perdition’, the ‘Antichrist’

will epitomize the treachery of Judas in selling out Christ, and when Judas as one of the twelve apostles, we have another possible clue, i.e., the ‘Antichrist’ arises from within the church to be an apostle and then selling ‘his’ soul to Satan to betray Christ.

A strategy of seducing the church from within as Paul confirms when he states this evil figure ‘ sit(s) in the temple of God’ (v4).

This is not as almost everyone believes a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem but the body of Christ—those who are the ‘holy temple in the Lord’ (Eph 2.21, 1Cor 3.16). By the way, bibles don’t do the greek word ‘ antikaimai’ (Str G480) justice when they translate it merely as ‘oppose’ (v4). Its full meaning is, ‘to lie apposite or set over against’ (Vines) to reveal deception is at the center of this ‘opposition’ to all that is ‘called God or worshipped’. The counterfeit nature of ‘his’ mission is the real threat. As to, ‘showing (proving by demonstration) himself that he is God’, I take this to mean ‘he’ will claim to be ‘divine’, not necessarily God Himself, i.e., deceive many into believing the power demonstrated is of God rather than Satan.

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Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone (Rev 19.20). Bible teachers often argue the ‘false prophet’ here is not the ‘Antichrist’ and advance the notion of three ‘beastly powers’ at the end—this ‘false prophet’ and the two in Revelation Chapter 13. Yet only ‘ two’ powers are mentioned here—the ‘beast’, (the first out of the sea in Rev 13), and the

‘ false prophet’ (aka, the second ‘beast’ in the same chapter out of

‘the land’). Scripture supports only two significant evil entities (besides the devil) at the end of the age, not three; confirmed when the description of the ‘falsè prophet’ accords with the modus operandi of the second beast in Rev 13.

THE ‘SECOND BEAST’ OF REVELATION 13

‘I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast…He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from Heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast’ (Rev 13.11-14).

This ‘second ‘beast’ is the final clue in this ‘identikit’ for the

‘Antichrist’, for unlike the ‘first’ political beast, (13.1ff), this one fits the religious figure drawn so far for the ‘Antichrist’. When this second ‘beast coming up out of the earth’ (v11) lines up with 145

the ‘identikit’ formed so far for the ‘son of perdition’, the ‘man of sin’, the ‘lawless one’, and the ‘false prophet’, in preparing for

‘his’ arrival, the believer’s attention must be on it.

First off, this ‘second beast’ with ‘horns like a lamb’ (cf. the Lamb of God) seeks to deceive by passing ‘himself’ as a harmless sheep. ‘His’ intentions, of course, are anything but benign—just the opposite. And when—as Satan’s agent—‘he’ deceives with

‘great signs’ (v13), this confirms ‘he’ is, in fact, the ‘false prophet’(See above). The big question is, who does ‘he’ deceive?

Most translations have it as, ‘th ose who dwell on the earth’ (v14), making it hard to identify who they are. However, an alternative translation using the ‘majority text’ replaces the word ‘those’ with the phrase ‘my own people’; 'his’ intention is to deceive believers.

The other reason for seeing this ‘second beast’ as the

‘Antichrist’ is because ‘he’ ‘comes out of the earth’ (v11)—this is a significant distinction from coming ‘out of the sea’ (Rev 13.1).

A ‘ sea’ in scripture is the recognized symbol for the restless, ungodly peoples of the world, whereas the ‘land’ (earth) is symbolic of the people of God—even as the ‘land’ was taken out of the ‘sea’ at creation (Gen 1.9,10). This ‘second beast’, then, arises from within the body of believers who, like ‘the land’, are chosen to bear ‘fruit’ for the Lord (Cf. Jhn 15) and distinct from those swept along like the ‘foaming sea’ (Jude 1.13). Choosing the first ‘beast’ (a political entity) as the ‘Antichrist’ is not only a grave error but a strange choice when every other clue indicates a religious personage. (Of course, bible teachers choose the ‘first beast’ as it fits their interpretation of ‘Daniel’s 70 weeks 146

prophecy’.) The bottom line: the text above confirms the

‘Antichrist’ is a ravenous ‘beast’ employing religious ‘worship’ to devour(v12) God’s children if at all possible.

‘He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor...to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for the number of man; and its number is six hundred sixty-six. (Rev 13.16-18) Bible teachers using this passage to advance a view of the

“Antichrist’ end up with some outlandish interpretations. Though it counters much of the popular teaching, I offer a viable interpretation for the passage in the following paragraphs. But before doing that, this must be said: Revelation is an apocalyptic book and in keeping with this genre it uses figurative, symbolic language to set forth realities at the end of the age. This extensive use of imagery is why it indicates divine ‘wisdom’ (v18) is required to interpret the book. Indeed, in the task of interpreting Revelation, the enigmatic language presents the ultimate challenge, one bible teachers often fail at—especially in coming to realistic outcomes for the ‘ beast’ in this passage. To sum up: when ‘symbolism’ is the chief characteristic of the apocalyptic genre, it makes no sense to interpret these verses literally (as most commentators do). Hence, the text is misinterpreted when bible teachers claim the ‘mark’ is literal and the ‘buying and selling’ is literal; confirmed by the fact they don't interpret the ‘666’ the same way. Indeed, focusing on what is carnal or natural leaves 147

believers unprepared and vulnerable to what the symbolism represents. A literal approach to the text—excuse the pun—misses the mark.

THE MARK OF THE BEAST

If the ‘mark of the beast’ (Rev 13,16; 16.2; 19.20) truly is literal’ then there is a problem as a similar mark is made on the foreheads of the ‘servants of God’ (Rev 7.3). And though the greek words differ slightly for these ‘markings’, their meaning is essentially the same—to ‘seal with a mark to indicate valid ownership’. There is no other option, therefore, but to regard these markings as symbolic; representing an ‘indelible impression’ made on those receiving them. They are spiritual or psychological, 'branding’ the recipients to signify ownership.

When made on the ‘forehead’ or ‘hand’ it indicates this second

‘beast’ wants control of the person’s mind and/or actions—

affecting their thinking and behavior. The bottom line: to interpret the first details as literal is excusable but not when applied to the

‘engraving’ of the ‘name of the beast’ or ‘the number of his name’. When names in scripture represent the character or nature of the person or place—more so with God—these have to be symbolic—interpreted as the imprint of evil by this second

‘beast’. In other words, the nature ‘he’ wants to clone the earth with. And the clue to understanding this is this ‘ 666’ for like the other symbolic details, the number represents a spiritual reality It is not a literal tattoo, a chip under the skin, or a credit card as many propose. (Note, the literal fulfillments proposed for this mark could be precursors to the spiritual reality.) 148

As to what this number (triple reinforcement of the number six) represents, this is straightforward as the same verse answers it. The problem is most bibles (including the KJV and NKJV) translate it as ‘the number of a man’ (Rev 13.18), i.e. a single person. This error in translation has given rise to all sorts of speculations, often from attempts to calculate if the numerical value of a person’s name or names (from the Pope to other luminaries) add up to 666. Hence, my reason for quoting the Jubilee Bible 2000 for this verse; it stays true to the greek by translating it as, ‘it is the number of man (kind)’— the same rendering as in Darby’s bible, the Net bible, and the Berean Literal Bible. The International Standard translation is even more accurate with, ‘ because it is a human total number’. In scripture, humanity or mankind has a spiritual value represented by the number six. (We were created on the sixth day, the sixth commandment in the Decalogue prohibits the murder of man.) This mark and number, therefore, tells us this ‘religious beast’

(Rev 13.11-18) will impress the fallen, debased nature of humanity upon its victims. In effect imprinting on the psyche the ungodly philosophy of ‘humanism’, the ideology founded in human wisdom, skill, and intellect rather than in God and His Word. The belief system based in human understanding and ingenuity. Yet, when encyclopedias define humanism as, ‘a system of thought and reasoning based on human values and interests, often without accepting the beliefs of religion’, it is more than a philosophy. It is the religion of atheism and secular science with its mechanistic view of the cosmos and the belief 149

system convincing humans they can reach a level of development approaching divinity to live independently of God. This ‘spirit of the age’ (zeitgeist) has in some way already infected every sector of society, influencing even religious centers of learning. By the end of this age, the hubris and rebellion of this ‘religion’ reaches its zenith—as it did at the ‘Tower of Babel’ (Gen 11).

It lacks credibility, then, to interpret the prohibition to ‘buy and sell’ as literal. Now, the first political beast ‘out of the sea’ will almost certainly seek to take control of all commerce and enact authoritarian restrictions and draconian laws to achieve this, but the prohibition on ‘buying and selling’ is under the aegis of the

‘second beast’, a ‘religious’ entity. A literal, natural fulfillment does not fit the context. Instead, this ‘second beast’ exercises control over the ‘buying and selling’ (merchandising) of religious or spiritual truth; what is alluded to here, ‘Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding’ (Prov 23.23), and here, ‘Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money, come, buy and eat…come, buy wine and milk without money’ (Isa 55.1). The ‘Antichrist’ will seek to control the ‘commodity’ with the greatest value and , therefore, will prohibit the teaching and preaching of the Word of God. Only those taking the ‘mark’ will be allowed to promote ‘spiritual’ or

‘religious’ understanding, but it will not be biblical truth—most probably a hodgepodge of new age teachings. Any ministry of the

‘Word of God’ will go underground as in China.

In summary: I was not alarmed when bible teachers warned about having a credit card as it did not make sense to believe this 150

newly introduced cashless system of payment would seal my eternal fate. Today, I also do not regard a simple passive chip, of itself, planted under the skin to purchase goods and services, will condemn a believer to hell. Moral issues from it might arise, but not one’s eternal destiny. Now, as suggested, technological developments used to control or provide security may be symbolic of shifts in the supernatural realm, but are not, per se,

‘the mark of the beast’.

CONFIRMATION IN TYPES AND SHADOWS

In support of this thesis for the ‘Antichrist’ I now turn to the

‘types and shadows’ of scripture. And though everyone might not be happy, I reiterate, it is to corroborate biblical truth, not establish it. Now, I have already pointed out how one of the twelve apostles, Judas, betrayed Jesus as the archetypal ‘son of perdition’ and a clear type of the ‘Antichrist’. But let’s look at more ‘types’ fitting the pattern of being one out of twelve who betray the Lord or His people. Incidentally, Judaism has a long tradition of heaven originally having twelve archangels with one (Lucifer) falling because of pride. The biblical texts suggesting this are Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, though scripture has only one other archangel, Michael (Jud 1.9). (Gabriel is not an archangel.) Rueben, the eldest of twelve sons, is a ‘type’ because he lost his right to divine blessing, by falling into sin. (Gen 49.3, 4). Dan, one of the twelve tribes, is another and why it is missing from the list of tribes sealed as ‘servants of our God’ (Rev 7). (It confirms we do not interpret these ‘tribes’ as being those of ancient Israel but symbolic of spiritual realities at the end of the age.) Other 151

clues to Dan being a ‘type’ for the ‘Antichrist’ include the name—it has the meaning, to ‘execute judgment’—and when Jacob predicts its future, he says Dan will be ‘ a serpent causing the rider to fall backwards’ (Gen 49.16,17). Nimrod, the twelfth from Adam also fits this pattern (Gen 10.9) as does Esau (the twelfth from Noah) who sold his birthright (Heb 12.15-17).

Because the following are associated with the number 666, they are also ‘types’ for the ‘Antichrist’. This list includes the two giants who posed a grave ‘threat’ to the people of God; the first is Goliath of Gath (1Sam 17.4-7) whose height was six cubits (and a span) and the head of his spear also weighed six hundred shekels, and he had six pieces of armor—triple six. So is the giant of Gath with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot (2Sam 21.20). The ‘ image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits (Dan 3.1—7) set up by Nebuchadnezzar in the plain of Dura is a clear type; it also had six instruments in the musical ensemble to control people and make them worship. The final type is Balaam as his name in hebrew has a numerical value of 666 (the letters of their alphabet have a numerical value). Though a true prophet of God, he became an apostate by giving the king of Moab the plan for the women to seduce the men in Israel (Num 25.1, Rev 2.14)—selling them out for reward (Jude 1.11) More than a political demagogue at the end of the age, the believer will need to be wary of a religious figure working miracles who apostatized after selling his soul to Satan. No one, then, should doubt the true intention of the ‘Antichrist’, for like Balaam, ‘he’ will seek to seduce the children of God far more 152

than the ungodly. Signs of this level of deception are appearing already, e.g., the recent example of a ministry working miracles and deceiving the flock of God with ‘strange doctrines’ (Heb 13.9), including teachings about female angel assistants. Others testify to visiting heaven to ‘receive fire’ or similar ‘ecstatic experiences’—often in a state akin to the Kundalini spirit of Hinduism. Now, the ‘miracles’ in the example mentioned could be a mixture of occult manifestations alongside what are genuine healings. The most dangerous kind of deception as the confusing display of good and bad, true and false, makes it difficult to judge what is of God and what is not. No doubt, a strategy the

‘Antichrist’ will employ, i.e., the ‘miracles’ initially could well be the result of genuine ‘gifts of the Holy Spirit’.

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CHAPTER 11

AN EXCURSUS (DIGRESSION)

ESCAPING DECEPTION

In light of this ‘strong delusion’, it is important to address other factors in play besides the ‘Antichrist’. And at the same time, offer some thoughts on escaping the widespread deceit already catching out the unwary. What is shared is not theoretical as these thoughts are shaped by two personal experiences. The first was my mother being cheated out of almost her entire inheritance after her wealthy ailing father was deceived. A ‘gold-digger’ received almost the entire estate bequeathed after she managed to get him to change the will while on his deathbed.

Then, as related, the church I attended was deceived by a man with a supposed ministry of signs and wonders after a well-known pentecostal denomination recommended him as a genuine

‘worker of miracles’ (1Cor 12.10). But this deception, if the truth be told, was due to our failure to ‘ take heed that no man deceive you’ (Mt 24.4). And when the greek for ‘take heed’ means to,

‘earnestly look, watch carefully or beware’, this is a wakeup call for every believer to lift their game if they are to escape this coming ultimate deception. Take far more seriously than before Jesus' command to be alert and on the lookout.

In war, deception is essential; the one tactic armies have used throughout history. Why, then, are so many Christians not alert to this and the threat deception poses to their eternal destiny? They 154

should be, for no believer can mistake the fact they are in a war with a spiritual enemy majoring in deceptive wiles. This poses grave danger for anyone apathetic about mounting a defense; a passivity about their responsibility in this regard often because they are often afraid to judge what needs judging. But high-sounding reasons like not wanting to ‘think evil of others’, not wanting to ‘touch the Lord’s anointed’, or the notion ‘we are only to love others’, are invalid excuses with the same outcome—the failure to ‘take heed that no man deceive you’. Such sentiments are naïve and disobey a clear warning by Christ.

Jesus said this future deception would be powerful enough to possibly dupe ‘the elect’, and Paul confirms this level of danger by warning, ‘evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse’

(2Tim 3.13). Notice, these deceivers will be ‘ evil’ (meaning harmful and injurious) but also ‘imposters’, and the greek for this latter word means ‘one who casts a spell to bewitch as a sorcerer or wizard’. I hope this changes your mind if in doubt about the power of this coming deception—it will employ witchcraft. What, then, is the key to escaping this delusion? To a large extent it will hinge on having the right attitude of heart. As the strength of the immune system rather than the virulence of the virus determines if the flu is caught, the right mindset will determine who escapes.

An upright heart equips the believer with the divine mechanism alerting to danger. Here, then, are measures the believer can take to ensure the right attitude.

Watchfulness. As emphasized already, this is critical to avoid a disastrous outcome. The current slogan of ‘be alert but not 155

alarmed’ applies to more than terrorists or other natural threats; heightened watchfulness is necessary also for threats of the spiritual kind. This vigilance must extend to any ministry claiming they have a word from God, and why we have this apostolic warning, ‘Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world’ (1Jhn 4.1). When the sexual sins of a number of shepherds of God’s flock have been exposed recently, blithely accepting new or untested ministry is not doing

‘due diligence’. An important caution especially when fallen ministers are routinely ‘restored’ before bringing ‘forth fruits of repentance’ (Mt 3.8). Ministries (this includes musicians) with hidden uncleanness, greed, pride, or lawlessness can cause serious spiritual harm.

Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. This is vital as the discernment to ‘test the spirits’ comes largely from the ‘witness of the Holy Spirit’. When the false ‘miracle worker’ deceived the church I fellowshipped at I was a young Christian, but should have spoken up and shared with the leadership the uneasiness I felt about what was happening. Something was not right as my heart felt no joy after witnessing the supposed ‘miracles’.

Search the Word of God. When the believer has the mandate to ‘prove (test) all things’ (1Thes 5.21) this means all teaching, preaching, and prophetic utterance. Treat it with special caution previous unknown teaching introduced as ‘present truth’. The failure to exercise adequate discernment in these situations has many now with ‘ears turned away from the truth…to fables’

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(1Tim 4.4,5). This mandate to ‘prove all things’ includes a rigorous ‘search (of) the Scriptures...to find out whether these things be so’ (Act 17.11). (It doesn’t mean a license to be a supercritical ‘heresy hunter’ to ‘ make a man an offender for a word’ (Is 29.21)).

Though the ultimate deception may be some way off, this scrutiny has to become more thorough now that ministries will advance ‘truth’ (much of it extra-biblical) they claim was received from angelic visitations or visits to Heaven. Unless these

‘revelations’ are confirmed to be according, ‘ to the law and to the testimony’ (Is 8.20)—in agreement with the objective truth of scripture, explicit or implicit—they should not be accepted.

Regarded as suspect or outright rejected.

The reliability of current ‘prophetic’ insights—most of it spread on the internet—also calls for comment. Much of what is claimed to be ‘the word of the Lord’ lacks trustworthiness and is sufficiently troubling for me to regard prophetic ministries I previously held in high esteem now as ‘suspect’. Now, no prophet hears the voice of the Lord perfectly, yet many appear to have fallen for the ‘way of Balaam’ (2Pet 2.15) or into some other trap of the enemy to damage the purity of their gifting. Israel was told the false prophets with lying signs and wonders was, ‘ the Lord…

testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart’ (Deut 13.1-3). This is important as the warning reinforces this judging of prophets and prophecies must become much more rigorous as the end draws closer.

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A love of the truth. This ‘strong delusion’ will trap many because they ‘did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved’ (2Thes 2.10). When much stronger evil spirits will undoubtedly be loosed to deceive in the future—let alone the ultimate ‘Deceiver’ possessed by Satan—this ‘ love of the truth’ is mandatory. Now, it is tempting to think Paul's statement only refers to the ungodly, but even if the unsaved are the majority of those duped, his warning also applies to believers. They will suffer the same fate with a delusion this strong if lacking a genuine ‘love of the truth’ . You may claim to have such a ‘love’, but don’t be too sure as it is not what many imagine. For instance, it is not a love for biblical knowledge and teaching or even the more elevated love for biblical wisdom. When the greek word for

‘truth’ has the meaning of what is ‘real or genuine and true’, this mandates an attitude in the believer where they are a stickler for what is honest, sincere (not a hypocrite), and willing to face reality (not live in denial).

Though commendable, a believer’s love for the ‘propositional truths’ of scripture must go beyond this to where they are genuinely committed to speaking, living, and tolerating what is truthful and real. In fact, any believer who has not renounced all forms of lying and deceit is already deceived. Not an easy commitment to keep with the current trend (the result of post-modern understanding) to deny there is even such a thing as absolute truth. Even more difficult when reality is now supposedly what we perceive it to be, what is subjectively regarded as valid. The notion, of course, is madness. Truth has an 158

eternal, objective quality and can't change to suit a preference, bias, or personal taste.

A love of righteousness. The same passage also says many will be duped because they enjoy, ‘pleasure in unrighteousness’

(2Thes 2.12). A connection between deception and a lax attitude to holiness already evident in modern Christendom. Indeed, with so many shunning the requirement for a disciple to ‘deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’ (Luke 9.23), this trend to a life of indulgence shows no sign of slowing down—just the opposite. The rise of the ‘hyper-grace’ movement has seen the temptation to follow the world’s mantra of ‘doing whatever you feel is right’ continue to grow. In fact, with so many believers not taking this warning about ‘loving pleasure’ seriously, this doesn’t bode well. Especially when too many seem preoccupied with seeking wealth or a position with status, or fulfilling a ‘destiny’ or a ‘dream’ (the latter a result of American culture). No less troubling, however, is the number of believers seeking an emotional ‘high’ in supernatural experiences with ‘the glory’, ‘the power’, ‘the fire’, or ‘the anointing’. Supposedly spiritual aspirations, but when the supernatural can be a seductive mistress to lead astray, the danger from deception greatly increases.

Rather than ‘seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness’, many are also fawningly following a ministry, e.g. ‘Branhamites’.

This too is dangerous, for no matter how spectacular the signs and wonders accompanying a ministry, such devotedness automatically clouds the judgment. After being blinded by the

‘signs and wonders, many have been led astray into sectarian or 159

heretical beliefs. Indeed, when the devil finds this a most useful bait to entrap, a prophecy by Stanley Frodsham (a father of the pentecostal movement) exposing the danger from this is salutary.

It says in part, ‘many whom I shall anoint mightily with signs and miracles shall become lifted up and shall fall by the wayside…they shall be like bright lights and people shall delight in them. But they shall be taken over by deceiving spirits and shall lead many of my people astray…therefore I say that you should not give your hearts to men, nor hold people’s persons in admiration or adulation’. The lesson to be learned is those believers who ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’ (Mt 5.6) are filled with the grace to discern between the true and false.

Humility ‘ The pride of your heart has deceived you’ (Obad 3).

The prime reason for the Pharisees and other leaders rejecting Jesus as the promised Messiah was arrogance and their refusal to countenance their ‘eschatology’ was erroneous. At this end of the age, a similar blunder could be made if there is not more humility with some believers. Hubris concerning beliefs about the end times, especially if held on to with a dogmatic certainty and little evidence of humility could see them failing to recognize the ultimate deception. While the fundamental truths of scripture are not negotiable, interpretations outside these core beliefs must be held lightly and with a humility of heart open to correction—

especially when matters of eschatology often still lack clarity.

Certainty about what happens in the end times can have it ‘puffing us up’ (1Cor 8.1) to a level of pride where we are an easy target.

This pride is certainly unhelpful when survival in the future will 160

depend upon the ability to discern if something ‘is of God’ or not, e.g., if a ‘move of God’ is genuine. If the believer is not to be deceived, any judging of supernatural manifestations must be rooted in a deep humility of spirit; willing to ‘suspend judgment’

in many instances and wait patiently on the Lord for a verdict.

A submitted will. The last generation alive is to see the

‘mystery of lawlessness’ (2Thes 2.7) reach its zenith. Not only a

‘lawlessness’ within general society, but it will seek to infect the people of God. With many failing to heed these core words of Christ, ‘if you love me keep my commandments’ (Jhn 14.15), this spirit of rebellion has already made serious inroads. With increasing numbers joining the world in its demand for ‘liberty’

(license) and to ‘do what feels good’, millions of believers are being drawn to a life of ‘loving pleasure’ (2Tim 3.4). Only to hear the Lord say, ‘ I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Mt 7.21-23).

Isaiah highlighted the danger of this here, ‘ this is a rebellious people…Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” And to the prophets,

“Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things (and) prophesy deceits’ (Isa 30.9, 10) and confirms the wisdom of this proverb, ‘The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it’ (Prov 30.17). Though couched in figurative language, the rebellious are warned here of losing the

‘discerning eye’ essential to escaping deception! A salutary warning for the believer ‘disobedient’ to their ultimate parent, the

‘Father of lights’ (Jam 1.17).

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CHAPTER 12

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

To write a book on eschatology without commenting on Revelation would be remiss, therefore, I conclude with a few remarks on interpreting this example of the apocalyptic genre.

But rather than claim as an author did by titling his book, ‘The Ultimate Guide to the Book of Revelation’, I offer only a limited number of suggestions to understand this mysterious of genres.

And because it interprets its message best, my comments are limited to the ‘futurist’ view of Revelation (but not what is espoused by the ‘Dispensationalists’). Despite the growing popularity of the ‘preterist’ view, a conviction of mine after many years of examining various interpretations of the book. For me to believe the book of Revelation was largely fulfilled in the first centuries of this age stretches credulity.

THE PROBLEM OF IMMINENT RETURN

This current attraction for the ‘preterist’ view, I suspect, is due to the N.T. seeming to promote the imminent return of Christ; especially when there are verses like these, ‘Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand’ (Jam 5.8), ‘But the end of all things is at hand’ (1Pet 4.7), ‘Little children, it is the last hour’ (1Jhn 2.18), ‘Let your gentleness be known to all men.

The Lord is at hand’ (Phil 4.5), ‘But this I say, brethren, the time is short’ (1Cor 7.29), and finally , ‘The night is far spent, the day is at hand’ (Rom 13.12). When Revelation also opens with these 162

similar words, ‘things which must shortly take place’ (1.1) and

‘ for the time is near’ (1.3) I need to address this first. It is also necessary if I am to convince you the ‘futurist view’ best interprets the book.

With these texts seeming to bolster an imminent return, what can be made of it when two thousand years have passed and still no Second Advent? As a possible solution, I suggest Paul and the other apostles were not shown the long interval between the first and second Advents. Or if they were, chose not to reveal it because it would damage the fledgling faith of the early believers as an imminent return produced watchful waiting. A necessary ploy when there were already signs of creeping apathy and wavering commitment to Christ (mainly because of increased persecution). Certainly enough of a concern for Paul to exhort believers to ‘wake up’ (Rom 13.11). However, in contrast to this

‘evidence’ for an imminent return, Jesus doesn’t appear to promote such a scenario—just the opposite—in the parables He told. More than a few indicate a long delay, (e.g. Mt 24.48; 25.5,14,19) and why Peter predicts many will question ‘the promise of His coming’ (2Pet 3.1-10).

KEYS TO INTERPRETING THE BOOK OF REVELATION

When Revelation is apocalyptic genre, interpreting it can never be simple. In fact, for two thousand years the book has resisted the efforts of countless scholars and expositors to fully explain the highly figurative language and symbolism. (Oh, for divine insight into its mysteries.) Even the generation it was meant for elicits disagreement, with ‘preterists’ insisting it was expressly penned 163

for the first-century church; others, though, cannot agree on the generation it was meant to ‘bless’ (1.3).

Now, I don’t dispute the early believers would have drawn much solace from the book—even down through the church age—but this fails to recognize the ultimate audience for John’s visions. Commentaries misinterpret the book when they don’t acknowledge the visions were primarily to profit the last generation—not the first. (Is this why much of it is still a mystery?) This understanding is crucial to have any hope of interpreting Revelation and unlocking its mysteries, and why I espouse the ‘futurist’ view of the book (albeit different from other pre-millennial views).

Surely, no one disputes the book is almost entirely focused on two features central to the end of the age—the return of Christ and apocalyptic judgment. This alone must guide any decision as to which generation it was ultimately written to bless. That, along with the book contains the divine insight and instruction so believers at the end of the age can endure its turmoil. To see it written to provide encouragement and solace to the final generation is more than logical. Besides, the ‘futurist’ view of Revelation satisfies this assertion and solves the problem of the two phrases, ‘ Shortly come to pass’ and ‘the time is near’ (Rev 1.1,3). These make perfect sense when the scenes John saw were depictions of the end of the age. What he confirms by writing, ‘I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day’ (1.10), and to interpret this

‘day’ as a Sunday (as expositors do) is without justification. The N.T., refers to the day the Lord’s supper was celebrated as the 164

‘first day of the week’ (Act 20.7, 1Cor 16.2)—never as the

‘Lord’s day’. Hence, John was ‘ in the Spirit’ to be taken to the

‘day’ known as the ‘Day of the Lord’, ‘Day of Christ’, ‘Day of Judgment’, or just ‘The Day’. ‘In the Spirit’ (the realm without time) to be taken there, not just to observe the future.

Finally, when Revelation is an example of the apocalyptic genre, it is why John’s visions (almost all) portray spiritual realities in highly figurative language, i.e., what he saw, in general, is not fulfilled literally. I know this goes against the claims of most bible teachers, particularly when they interpret the letters to the ‘churches’ in the early chapters. The background settings of each city in these letters might suggest they were written for churches existing at the time, but this is not strong enough to negate what I advocate. To not believe these letters were couched in the imagery these churches provide to represent the church in the end time makes no sense when many other first-century churches needed encouragement. I’m sure Christ’s letters helped these existing seven churches in Asia Minor, but they were chosen for their symbolic value; each one represents a particular grouping in a ‘sevenfold’ end time church. To limit the exhortations and promises in the letters to those first-century churches is illogical.

The genre of Revelation also dictates it is prophetic, i.e. to reveal ‘apocalyptic’ events at the end of the age. It complies, therefore, with this governing principle of prophecy here, ‘Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, 165

or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating’ (1Pet 1.10,11). To doubt Revelation was mainly written for the last generation of believers is, therefore, unwarranted. The bottom line: these seven churches represent realities and truths only those living in the end time will understand, and why I stand by my conviction Revelation uniquely reveals the ‘grace to come’ to the church at the end.

Given the fact these churches portray the body of Christ at the end of the age and the number ‘seven’ is eschatological, they reveal the differing ‘conditions’ within the church at the end.

Each symbolizes the spiritual state in a group of believers and the dangers that particular ‘grouping’ of believers faces—the threats they must overcome to remain faithful. Important cautions for each grouping as only those who overcome receive the rewards.

Portraying the return of Christ and apocalyptic judgment—

features dominating the end of the age—by drawing on motifs from the O.T. has also forced the book to use symbolic language for these realities. For instance, the judgment meted out to Egypt and its gods allowing Israel freedom to worship the Lord supplies the motif for what is to be poured out on a rebellious world at the end. And with the citizens of Egypt doomed to slavery under a despotic ruler (albeit under guidance by Joseph), this supplies the motif for much of what Revelation depicts about the end times.

Both confirm the book’s intent is eschatological.

Hence, this use of figurative language to represent spiritual outcomes far outweighs any literal fulfillment the book may have.

It also mandates it is wise to avoid dogmatism about the 166

interpretations arrived at, especially in deciphering the more obtuse symbols. Now, some parts of Revelation have a literal fulfillment, e.g., the two witnesses will be actual people (likely, Moses and Elijah) in the physical ‘city’ of Jerusalem (Rev 11), but such an outcome is rare. Establishing their spiritual fulfillment remains the central challenge in interpreting the many symbols. Difficult, but not impossible when the Holy Spirit will unlock its mysteries at the right time. (See 1.20, 10.7, 17.5.) Incidentally, the portrayal of Christ as our High Priest in the first chapter (1.9-20) is another motif from the O.T.. His appearance amid the seven golden lampstands (the church, the light of the world) reproduces the layout of the Tabernacle of Moses/ Temple of Solomon—dwelling places of God. His head depicts the glory of the ‘Holy of Holies’, the seven stars in His right hand represent the ‘golden lampstand’, and His feet of fine brass symbolize the ‘altar of brass’ in the outer court, i.e., Christ is seen standing amidst the final dwelling or temple of God.

THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

When understanding all that John beheld still eludes us, it is prudent for me to examine a limited number of passages. And any interpretation offered should not be considered sacrosanct; I am happy to modify what is presented when more light is received.

However, what I do present I submit for your judgment and the witness of the Holy Spirit to your heart.

The main reasons have been given for interpreting these seven churches as symbolic of the church in the end-time, but a few more are worthy of mention. The first is the reference to the 167

‘Great Tribulation’ (2.22) in them, the period almost all bible teachers (who are not ‘Preterists’) place at the end of the age. But the more telling reason is the rewards in each letter for those who

‘overcome’. When interpreted, the symbolism framing each reward in them clearly refers to a scenario at the end of the age, i.e., all promise a place of safety and refuge during the ‘Great Tribulation’. (You can read more on this in my e-book ‘The Hope of Perfection, unveiling the book of Hebrews’ by requesting a free copy at my email address in the back of this book.) Finally, I take this position on Revelation due to the motif of judgment in these letters sent to these symbolic churches after Christ’s appraisal. We can identify all this with the judgment He predicted the church must have (Mt 13. 30, Jhn 15.5,6). When these seven ‘groupings’ represent differing states of spiritual health within the end time church, it is noteworthy all (except Smyrna and Philadelphia) are warned to turn away from devilish traps. If they refuse to heed the warning and do not repent, there is also the judgment of disqualification from receiving the reward.

The bottom line: the letters reveal lapses in praxis and doctrine within the church in the end time, i.e., certain failures believers must remedy to prepare properly for Christ’s return. Here, then, is a summary of the different groupings and the threats the end time church must overcome.

EPHESUS (Rev 2.1-7). When the name Ephesus means

‘desirable’ this is the clue to identify believers in this ‘grouping’.

Namely, those who persevere and do not become weary in hardship, yet have ‘left their first love’ (v4) (the ‘desirable One’).

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A lapse, due almost certainly to the failure to remember Christ is returning for the bride who desires and loves Him with all her heart. To overcome this, they must repent.

SMYRNA (Rev 2.8-11). With the name for this ‘grouping’

meaning ‘bitter suffering’, these are the believers suffering severe persecution. Christ’s exhortation to overcome this severe trial is simply to remain ‘faithful unto death’.

PERGAMOS (Rev 2.12-17). The name means ‘fortified high-tower’ and is the clue to identify believers in this ‘grouping’, i.e., those lifted up in pride so their judgment is clouded. (High towers and mountains, are symbols for pride, e.g. Is 2.12, Obad.3.) Though commended for enduring strong opposition and not denying the Lord, this arrogance has allowed in doctrinal error. To overcome this, they must repent and contend for the true faith.

THYATIRA (Rev 2.18-27). The name means ‘unwearied’ and represents the ‘grouping’ of believers untiring in ‘love, service and faith’ (v19), yet they have strayed. Succumbed to deception so they are seduced into adultery with the occult; indulging possibly in ‘new age’ practices in prayer, healing, and hyper-faith—already a problem in the body of Christ.

SARDIS (Rev 3.1-6). The name probably means ‘prince of joy’ and is a possible clue to this ‘grouping’ of believers who rejoice in their salvation yet presume it can't be in jeopardy. A false sense of security, conceivably, because they enjoy the ‘good life’ of financial and social abundance. That is, they imagine this is the evidence of God’s favor when, in fact, Heaven judges them as ‘dead’ (v1). If they don’t repent and rouse from sleep to ‘watch 169

and pray’ they are in danger of the Lord coming in ‘an hour they will not know’ (v3).

PHILADEPHIA (Rev 3.7-13) The name means ‘brotherly love’ and is likely the reason there is only commendation for this grouping who ‘kept my (the Lord’s) command to persevere’ (v10).

Loyalty to the word of the Lord so they have the promise of being

‘kept from’ the ‘the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth’ (v10). Clear confirmation believers can escape the ‘Great Tribulation’.

LAODICEA (Rev 3.14-22) The name loosely means ‘opinion of the people’ and is the clue to this ‘grouping’ of ‘lukewarm’

(v16) believers who see themselves as having ‘wealth and lack of nothing’ (v17). In other words, a dangerous complacency and self-satisfaction with a level of boasting exposing pride. Hence Christ’s rebuke and counsel to repent and be zealous for what is of value. This apathy is possibly the result of going along with the credo of the ‘masses’ (Gr Laos), e.g., ‘everyman doing what is right in his own eyes’. What Israel was warned they must reject before entering Canaan. (See Deut 12.8) I trust you witness the application this has for believers today.

Though interpretations could be posited for other passages, it is only wisdom to leave these for another day and perhaps another book. Hopefully, my thoughts on the book of Revelation so far are enough for it to be more relevant for you the believer at the end of the age. As the days unfold I look forward to seeing the Lord give more illumination on this road-map for the future.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Rev 22.20)

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THANK YOU

Thank you for reading my book. If it has helped give a greater understanding of Scripture, please consider leaving a review.

Other books I have written that you may find helpful in preparing for the end times are,

I proved You Can Be Free From Fear

The Hope of Perfection – Unveiling the Book of Hebrews The Keys to Living in the Kingdom

Prepare for Glory

All these can be obtained free of charge as an e-book by requesting them at the email address below.

I also welcome any comments or other correspondence you may want to share.

My email address; johncorinbooks @gmail.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Corin was born in 1943 in Wellington New Zealand, the great-grandson of the founders of the Methodist church in his locale. Converted in 1960 at age seventeen, he served for several years in two evangelistic organizations, Youth for Christ and Open-Air Campaigners before his marriage to Dulcie and relocating his family to Auckland to assist an independent Pentecostal church. There, he lectured in the nighttime Bible College before his appointment in 1981 as Dean of Studies for the full-time Bible College (after 15 years as a retail pharmacist.) In 1985, he relocated his family to Perth Australia after an invitation to be Dean of Studies at an independent Pentecostal Bible College and Pastoral Counselor on the staff of the local church. This tenure lasted for nine years with the final year as Principal of the Bible College. In 1993 he was appointed the inaugural Dean/Registrar at the Perth campus of Tabor College, an independent Charismatic educational facility.

He completed a B.A. in Ministry while at Tabor, and after serving there, he resigned in 1995 to found a Prayer Counseling ministry with his wife Dulcie for inner healing and deliverance.

Now retired from active ministry, he writes and publishes books to prepare believers for the end time purposes of God.

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