The Kingdom of God

The subject known as the "kingdom of God" is talked about and found in the Bible more than any other doctrine or theological truth, especially in the New Testament.  The book that we call the Bible has the words "Holy Bible" printed across the cover, however if there were a title or a theme given to the Bible it would have to be entitled the "kingdom of God".  The kingdom of God that will restore righteousness on the earth is the general theme of the writings of all the prophets.  Therefore this subject, if understood by sincere Christians, will make the Bible come "alive"; and it will also become a very interesting book!  Some people believe that all prophesy concerning this subject has been fulfilled in the year of 70 AD.  This booklet will explain and show that this is a very serious misunderstanding.  This booklet will also present a different theological view of the kingdom of God than what is commonly accepted in most of today's churches.  Jesus Christ instructed us in the model prayer that we should always pray for God's kingdom to come, so that his will can be done on earth as it is done in heaven.  This truth is clearly explained in Matt. 6:10.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. (KJV)

Please understand that in order for God's will to be done in earth (as in heaven), the kingdom must be here in power and ruling!  Any intelligent observer is aware that the affairs this evil world is not being ruled by the government of God.  This present evil world is in desperate need for the kingdom of God, and tragically this is the last thing the governments of this world would sincerely request and pray for.  Christ asked believers to pray for God's kingdom to come, which proves that the kingdom of God is future; and a type of government that will come on the earth to restore true righteousness.  However this is not to say that the powers of this kingdom can not be felt and "tasted" in the heart and mind of an overcoming believer in Christ.  This will be explained later.
    
It could be said that the Bible had to be written to reveal truth and to give a correct understanding of what is known as government.  Understand this!  The entire creation as we know it and this present evil world has to be governed, ordered and maintained by some power and authority; whether it be good or evil.  It is indeed very obvious that this present evil world, by God's permission, is given over to forces and powers of deception and wickedness.  The history of human self-governments is a record of bloodshed, war, misery, and deception.  Deception and false gods are perhaps the very cause of the evil that nations experience.  It is indeed very strange that governments never question or examine their system of belief and worship. However along with a history of evil is also a history of temporary peace, good, and prosperity for certain nations.  The governments of this world are not aware that they are being used as pawns behind the scenes for control and direction by invisible wicked powers.  The following is one definition of the word "government" found in the Noah Webster Dictionary.

3.  The exercise of authority; direction and restraint exercised over the actions of men in communities, societies or states.

The nations of this world are very much aware of the importance and the need for proper government and restraint to maintain civil order for people in a society to function as nations.  However, the nations of this world are not aware that their system of self-government is destined and doomed to fail.  There is a divine time schedule known as the "plan of the ages" in which God is allowing man's system of godless government to fulfill this age, which is known as this present evil world (age).  Read Gal. 1:4.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (KJV)

Jesus Christ gave himself in sacrifice for our sins, which makes it possible for saints to be legally delivered from this present evil system of man's self-rule; and be "translated" into another government.  This truth will be discussed later.  What is meant by the phrase "the kingdom of God"?  The definition of the word "kingdom" is no. 932 in Strong's Lexicon, and it means royal power, dominion, and rule over a literal territory which is subject to the rule of a king.

932 basileia {bas-il-i'-ah} from 935; TDNT - 1:579,97; n f AV - kingdom (of God) 71, kingdom (of heaven) 32, kingdom (general or evil) 20, (Thy or Thine) kingdom 6, His kingdom 6, the kingdom 5, (My) kingdom 4, misc 18; 162
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule 1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom 1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah 1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom 2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king 3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah

The kingdom of God could be called a government with laws, and it also has a territory with subjects (people); and these laws are to be administered and are to be lived by.  If saints are honestly trying to live by these laws of the kingdom of God in this life, then they will be qualified to rule with authority when this kingdom will replace by force the kingdoms of this world, as this booklet will show.  The world's churches have made the kingdom of God into something "spiritual" and into an emotional "feeling" in the hearts and minds of professing Christian people. This is precisely the attitude, and what many sincere Christian people have been told over the years by the deceived denominational church system.  The Bible is a book that explains government, and indeed it could be called a handbook and an instruction manual on government!  The world's churches never explain how this present system of man's self-government is directly related to and called for the death of Jesus Christ.  This present system of man's government in this evil world is not what the Creator God intended in the divine plan of his creation.  Therefore this deceived and evil world with its governments has been destined in due time to be replaced by the government of God.  However it is in the plan of God to allow the present governments to run their course in human affairs, because Adam made a choice in the Garden of Eden which God honored.  This will be discussed later.

The Gospel of the Kingdom

This subject of the kingdom of God that this booklet will address is the central theme of most prophesy in the Bible, and is at the heart and core of the gospel message of Jesus Christ.  Indeed, it is the very message and the good news (gospel) that Jesus Christ and the apostles brought and preached to the Israelites of their day.  Jesus Christ was the greatest prophet that ever lived, and every parable of Christ and the preaching of Christ was directly based on explaining and proclaiming the gospel (good news) of the "kingdom of God".  There are scriptures too numerous to mention in the New Testament that prove this fact.  The first occurrence of Christ preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God was when John the Baptist was cast into prison.  It was John the Baptist (not Christ) that first preached this gospel of the kingdom. See Matt. 3:1-2 and Mark 1:14-15.

Matthew 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV)
Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (KJV)

After Christ was baptized and John had finished his preaching and was in prison, the time had now come that the kingdom of God was "at hand" (imminent or now possible). The Israelite people were to repent and believe the truth about this good news (gospel of the kingdom).  Baptizing for repentance to prepare the Israelites to receive this message was the calling and work of John the Baptist.  The subject of baptism is very important, and is addressed in my booklet entitled "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism".  It is very important to understand that the basis and the intent of the preaching of Jesus Christ, and also the majority of prophesy in the Bible has to do with government. 

This booklet will attempt to explain why this present evil world is on a path of self-destruction, and if left to its own devises of self-government it will indeed eventually destroy itself and perish!  The only hope for restoring divine order and government to a world that is gone astray is what is known as "the kingdom of God".  This is the very message that Jesus Christ preached!  The reason this present evil world is on a self-destruct course is because the leaders of government are governing on a wrong premise.  They are blinded and deceived to govern this way, because they are under the sway and influence of a certain fallen angel that the apostle Paul called the "god of this world".  See 2 Cor. 4:4 and take note of the words "light" and "shine" because these words are associated with a certain title given to this fallen angel, which will be explained later.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (KJV)

The glorious gospel of the kingdom of Christ (which this verse is talking about) is not believed by the leaders of the governments and nations of this world, which is why they allow themselves to be blinded and deceived.  We know this fallen angel, which is called Satan the devil, is in control of all the governments and kingdoms of this world because they were his to give over to Christ; if Christ would have worshiped the devil.  See Luke 4:5-7.

Luke 4:5-7 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (KJV)

This temptation of Christ had to be resisted in order for Christ to proclaim and preach that the kingdom of God was now "at hand".  This was a very severe test and trial for Christ, because Christ had to be found worthy to overthrow the reign of the devil.  Christ prepared himself by fasting forty days in order to resist this temptation.  Therefore after Christ resisted this severe trial he now could proclaim and preach that the time has now been fulfilled for the kingdom of God to overthrow the kingdoms of Satan.  This overthrow has now been made possible after Christ resisted this severe testing.  However it is very evident that the kingdoms of the devil are still here and in control of world governments.  The reason Christ proclaimed that the time is fulfilled is because he had qualified to restore the kingdom of God to a Godless world by resisting the devil!  Read and understand Mark 1:13-15.

Mark 1:13-15 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (KJV)

The kingdom of God is now destined in due time to overthrow the kingdoms of the devil.  However it is extremely obvious that this overthrow of the kingdoms of this evil world has not yet taken place!  With the inspired word of prophecy, the Bible explains in great detail the catastrophic earth-shaking events that will happen to an unsuspecting and deceived world when this godly overthrow will take place with great power!  The minds of the leaders of this world's governments are blinded (as we have seen in 2 Cor. 4:4) to the invisible powers of wickedness.  These wicked powers are controlling the nations of this world to use them to actually fight against Christ and the true righteous government of God that is destined to come on this earth.  This truth is clearly explained in the book of Revelation, as we shall see.

Why Prophecy?

It could be said that most prophecy is primarily focused on the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ and his actual return with power.  Also it is important to understand that prophecy foretells of the glorious kingdom of God that will bring a kind of righteousness and peace the likes of which this world has never known!  Generally speaking, all the Old Testament prophets under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote about a future time explaining the type of government that the Creator God has in mind for this planet.  The vast majority of prophesy has not yet been fulfilled simply because the evidence of what most prophesy foretells has not yet come to pass.  Any sincere and honest Bible student will have to recognize and acknowledge this fact. 

There are some sincere Christians of today that claim that most prophecy has been fulfilled, and therefore does not apply for us in this modern-day world.  This false assumption makes the Bible a very confusing book, and this is why most sincere Christians tend to put a "spiritual" meaning to certain verses, or will disregard plain scripture and the obvious purpose of prophecy.  It must be understood that the return of Jesus Christ will have a profound effect on the very laws that govern the universe!  Jesus Christ stated that the powers of the heavens would be shaken just prior to his glorious return to this earth, as it shows in Matt. 24:29.

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (KJV)

I believe this universal display of heavenly power will be very real, and not something "spiritual"with a hidden meaning, as some men of today would have you to believe.  If we choose to simply believe the Bible, this truth about the heavenly signs that will signal the return of Christ is explained very well in several prophecies in the Old Testament.  The prophecy in Joel 2:31 is what the apostle Peter quoted in the book of Acts.

Joel 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. (KJV)

The apostle Peter understood the prophecies concerning these heavenly wonders that will actually take place before the great and notable day when Christ comes back to this earth with power.  See Acts 2:19-20.

Acts 2:19-20 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: (KJV)

These universal wonders will severally frighten and panic a deceived world!  This cosmic heavenly display of power will be brought about by a "cloud" from God which will cover the sun. This will of course cause the moon to darken, which in turn causes it to only appear as "blood".  This "cloud" will also cause the stars and the constellations to appear as not giving off their light.  This is explained very well in Isa. 13:10 and Ezek. 32:7.

Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. (KJV)
Ezekiel 32:7 And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. {put...: or, extinguish thee} (KJV)

Christ purposely withheld and never told Peter and the apostles the span of time when these wonders and signs would take place, as will be explained later.  Therefore Peter had no way of knowing when Joel 2:31 would be fulfilled.  This is very important to understand!  Peter only understood that these heavenly wonders would signal Christ's glorious return in power to restore the kingdom of God on the earth.  Peter believed that the second coming of Christ would take place during his life time.  Christ explained to the apostles in detail the events preceding his coming, and this coming of Christ is with power and great glory.  This truth concerning Christ's coming with power is explained in Matt. 24, as we shall see.  Many Christians are deceived to believe that this "coming of Christ" occurred in 70 AD, which in turn causes these people to believe that the kingdom is already here.  Jesus Christ will again set his feet on the Mount of Olives since this is the exact location where he gave himself in sacrifice for sin.  This truth is addressed in my booklet "How Did Jesus Christ Die?".  See Zech. 14:4 and notice the statement "in that day", which gives the correct time frame when the bodily return of the feet of Christ would take place.

Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (KJV)

The phrase "in that day" is used in prophecy many times throughout the Old Testament, explaining events that will take place with the return of Christ and the setting up of the kingdom of God.  This phrase is found twenty times in Zechariah alone!  It is very obvious, if we are honest with scripture, the phrase "in that day" is describing Christ's return and the events when Christ will be joined to many nations and will dwell in the midst of them and will be king over all the earth.  Read and simply believe Zech. 2:11 and 14:9, and notice the phrase "in that day".

Zechariah 2:11 And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. (KJV)
Zechariah 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. (KJV)

There are those of today that believe "in that day" has a kind of "spiritual" meaning, or has already happened and was somehow fulfilled in 70 AD.  If this were indeed true my question would have to be; when did many nations really join with Christ and when did Christ really dwell in the midst of them, and most important; when was Christ (in a real sense) king over all the earth?  This could be humorous if it wasn't so sad and tragic that some sincere people of today actually believe and teach this falsehood.  If we choose to simply believe the plain text of scripture, the bodily return and the feet of Jesus Christ will stand "in that day" on the Mount of Olives.  The apostle Peter explains in very simple terms the purpose of prophecy, and why God inspired holy men to speak and give us the sure word of prophecy.  Please read and understand2 Pet. 1:19-21.

2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Peter explained that we should take heed to the sure word of prophecy since it is as a "light" that shines in a dark place, and also there is no prophecy of any private interpretation.  In other words, all prophecy is interpreted by the Bible, therefore it is important to simply believe what the Bible has to say about a particular prophecy.  It is not that we must understand every detail, or even know the exact time frame of a particular prophecy.  The important thing to keep in mind is that we must simply believe what is stated and leave it as it is written, and generally it will give its own interpretation (literal or figuratively).  It is interesting that in 2 Pet. 1:19 Peter mentioned prophecy as a light that shines in a dark place until the day dawn, and the "day star arise in your hearts".  What did Peter mean by this statement?  This "day star" (or it could also be called the "morning star") is promised by Christ to the saints that overcome and keep Christ's works unto the end.  See Rev. 2:26-28.

Revelation 2:26-28 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. (KJV)

It is very obvious that this reward (morning star) that Christ will give to these overcoming saints has something to do with government, because these saints have qualified themselves to exercise power over the nations with a "rod of iron".  It is also very interesting that this similar title of governmental power over nations was given to a certain angelic being called Lucifer, which is called "son of the morning".  See Isa. 14:12.

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (KJV)

It is obvious that this title was held by this angel before he fell from heaven and was cut to the ground, and also before he weakened the nations.  Satan falling from heaven is also found in Luke 10:18, in which Christ stated that he beheld Satan fall from heaven in the same manner as lightning falling from heaven.

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. (KJV)

This statement made by Christ properly identifies "Lucifer", and he is now called Satan which means "adversary".  See the meaning of the word "satan", which is no. 07854 in Strong's Lexicon.

07854 satan {saw-tawn'} from 07853; TWOT - 2252a; n m AV - Satan 19, adversary 7, withstand 1;27
1) adversary, one who withstands 1a) adversary (in general - personal or national) 2) superhuman adversary 2a) Satan (as noun pr)

This fallen angel is now called "Satan", which means he withstood and rebelled against God, and is now an adversary against God.  This title "son of the morning" implies and denotes a title of proper leadership for the good of nations.  Please understand this!  Therefore this title could not apply to this world's governments and nations, as will be explained.  Please understand that Satan is in control this world's nations, however not for the good of these nations.  Nevertheless God does allow this world's blinded and deceived nations to be in the control and power of this fallen angel, as we have previously seen in Luke 4:5-7
    
When did these nations exist that were weakened by this ruling angel before he became Satan?  This certain angel had ruling authority and power over the nations, however he weakened these nations as a result of a rebellion in the world before Adam.  This truth is addressed in my booklet entitled "The World Before Adam".  Keep in mind that this angel that weakened the nations was called "son of the morning".  The term "son of the morning" has the meaning of such words as "day", "dayspring", "light", "dawn", etc.  See no. 07837 in Strong's Lexicon.

07837 shachar {shakh'-ar} from 07836; TWOT - 2369 a; n m AV - morning 12, day 6, early 2, dayspring 1, light 1, riseth 1, Shahar 1; 24
1) dawn 1a) dawn 1b) at dawn (as adverb)

This same title (morning) and reward is now promised to the overcoming saints that will also rule over the nations with a "rod of iron", as was shown in Rev. 2:26-28.  This is the very reason that this ruling angel rebelled against the government of God in the pre-Adamic world.  The knowledge of God's sons also carrying this same title filled this high-ranking ruling angel with envy, pride, and rebellion.  Jesus Christ was called the "light" many times in the gospels of the New Testament, and he was also given the title of "dayspring on high" as it shows in Luke 1:76-78.  Notice also in Rev. 22:16 that Christ calls himself the "bright and morning star".

Luke 1:76-78 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, {by: or, for} 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, {tender...: or, bowels of the mercy} {dayspring: or, sunrising, or, Branch} (KJV)
Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. (KJV)

John the Baptist was called the prophet of the Highest, since he gave the knowledge of salvation and prophesied of the tender mercy of God; which referred to Christ as the "dayspring on high". It is important and very interesting to note that Christ was also given a similar title that "Lucifer"had.  Lucifer (before he became Satan) was a "light" to the nations, and also had ruling powers over these nations.  This is very important because these titles; "morning star", "day star", "son of the morning", "dayspring" all have a similar common meaning, which I believe means a very high rank and position in government!  It is interesting that Christ stated that the kingdom of God does not come visibly (by observation) as it shows in Luke 17:20-21.  Christ plainly declared that the kingdom of God is "within you", or this concept can also be stated as "among you" as it shows in verse 21.

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: {with...: or, with outward shew} 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. {within you: or, among you} (KJV)

Jesus Christ as the ruling head and chief representative of the kingdom of God was certainly "among" the people of his day in preaching the gospel, casting out devils, and healing the sick. Christ repeatedly used the powers of the kingdom in these miraculous good works.  These works are the works and deeds of the kingdom of God, which is why Christ could say "the kingdom of God is come upon you" as it explains in Luke 11:20.  This verse could also read; "the kingdom of God is among you".

Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. (KJV)

What did Christ mean by using the "finger of God" in casting out devils?  Christ used the "finger of God" to do these works as was stated in Luke 11:20, which means he enacted the laws of the kingdom which are the Ten Commandments.  The Ten Commandments were written on stone by the "finger of God", as it states in Deut. 9:10.  Therefore the Ten Commandments are the laws and powers of the kingdom of God!  Please understand this!

Deuteronomy 9:10 And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them [was written] according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. (KJV)

The word "within" in Luke 17:21 is no. 1787 in Strong's Lexicon, and means midst or within your soul.

1787 entos {en-tos'} from 1722;; prep AV - within 2; 2
1) within, inside 1a) within you i.e. in the midst of you 1b) within you i.e. your soul

This is very important since the statement, "the kingdom of God is within you" could also mean the same as "the day star arising in your heart" as Peter explained in 2 Pet. 1:19.  It was previously shown that Peter made this statement referring to prophecy as a light that shines in a dark place as was mentioned in 2 Pet. 1:19.  The following concept is only my opinion, however this could also be explained with what is said in Col. 1:13.  This verse states; "Who hath (present tense) delivered us from the power (government) of darkness, and hath (present tense) "translated" us into the kingdom of his dear Son".

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: {his...: Gr. the Son of his love} (KJV)

We are talking about the government of darkness and the government of Christ!  Any believing saint that honestly lives by the laws of the kingdom of Christ (the intent of the Ten Commandments) has been delivered from the power of darkness.  According to Col. 1:13, the Father looks on believers in Christ as "translated ", and are legally now into the Kingdom of Christ.  We can therefore conclude that the kingdom of God is truly "within" an overcoming saint living by the intent of the Ten Commandments.  "Within you" could also mean the kingdom of God was in the "midst" of the people during Christ's ministry.  It is also possible to "taste" the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come as it explains in Heb. 6:5.

Hebrews 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (KJV)

I believe to mentally "taste" the governmental powers of the world to come is to have the "daystar" arise in our hearts.  This mental and spiritual condition comes by keeping the Ten Commandments, believing and understanding prophecy; which is a "light" that "shines" in a dark place according to 2 Pet. 1:19 as we have seen.  Another important scripture showing a "brightness" and a "shining" that the resurrected saints will have in the kingdom is found in Dan. 12:3.

Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. {wise: or, teachers} (KJV)

These saints will "shine" as the stars (day or morning star) for ever and ever, and they will also be teachers that turn many to righteousness in the coming government of God.  See also Matt. 13:43 in which Christ stated that the righteous will "shine" forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (KJV)

The book of Revelation could be called a "revealing" of prophecy before the second coming of Christ, and it is important to recognize the symbolism that the apostle John was told by the angel to write.  The Revelation letter will interpret its own symbols, however it is my personal belief that some symbolism is "closed" to understanding, and will not be "revealed" until it is meant to be understood by the believing saints.  It is very important to understand that the entire Revelation letter is called a prophecy for the time when the second coming of Christ is "at hand" (prior to and during).  It will be the time for these things to happen that are prophesied to take place.  Read and believe exactly what Rev. 1:1-3 is saying, and notice the statement in verse 3; "for the time is at hand".

Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand. (KJV)

Those that have the courage and the child-like humility to simply read and believe this prophecy, will be blessed!  They will understand the purpose of this prophecy and the love and the concern that Christ has for his people Israel.  This is why Christ carefully inspired this prophecy to be written by his beloved apostle John.  Therefore those that take heed to Christ's love, and the intent of this prophecy will be prepared for the resurrection.  They will also be prepared for what is prophesied to happen to a deceived world.  The seven Churches that the Revelation letter was written to is explained in my booklet entitled "What is the Church?". 

It is very important that these prophesies must be left alone and believed just as they are written, since there is no private interpretation to the prophesies of the book of Revelation.  Indeed, this is true for all prophecy in the Bible as was explained in 2 Pet. 1:19-21.  Sincere Christian men are determined to explain prophecy with their own understanding, as if to"improve" on the inspired written word of God!  Indeed this is the very reason that Christ warned his followers during this time to not be deceived by men that are themselves deceived, as it shows in Matt. 24:4-5 and 2 Tim. 3:13.

Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (KJV)

The important truth to understand about prophecy is that God knows and foretells the future long before it takes place or happens.  God inspired holy men to write about events in government before they happened, because he wants his people Israel to know about certain things that they can watch for and prepare themselves accordingly during the time of the end of man's self-government.  This is the theme and purpose of the Revelation letter.
    
My booklets entitled "Lost Israel and the Gentiles" and "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism" should be requested to understand who the modern-day Israelites are.  These important prophesies were written for these people in order to warn them, and to prepare them for the trying times ahead of them.  There are certain prophesies in the Revelation letter regarding the thousand year rule of Christ that will be discussed later.  The prophet Daniel was inspired to write and show what would befall true Israel in the "latter days" as it explains in Dan. 10:14.

Daniel 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days. (KJV)

Daniel was told to write in detail the events of government and the setting up of kingdoms leading up to the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up which will never be destroyed.  Read and believe Dan. 2:44.

Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (KJV)

This last kingdom that will "consume" the other kingdoms will not be left to other people (other than Israelites), and this is all prophesied to happen in the time frame known as the "latter days" (Dan. 10:14).  The kingdoms that existed prior to the time of the kingdom of the God of heaven will all be broken up and consumed together at the same time, because it plainly states "in the days of these kings"; which sets the correct time frame.  Dan. 2:44 sets the stage and is the theme for the entire prophecy of Daniel.  This is important!  The following chapters add and fill in more details how the events concerning these kingdoms will take place, which the angel carefully explained to Daniel.  A kingdom is prophesied to finally come that I believe is the world-wide kingdom that will deceive the whole world. 

This one-world government is clearly explained in the Revelation letter, and this kingdom will attempt to prevent, or you could say, attempt to copy the coming kingdom of God.  Daniel's prophecy together with the Revelation prophecy, explains how a world-wide government will come on the world scene that is yet future; which will be a very clever copy of the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up.  This is very important to understand, because this type of deception has never been possible in the affairs of human self-government until this present day.  This is why Daniel did not and could not understand his own prophecy.  This very clever deception with the age of rapid transportation and communication, and with the help of computers is the only way to bring the world together as one society with one government.  Daniel's prophecy says that this deception would only be possible in "the latter days", and it is very easy in this day and age to understand why.
    
The seventy weeks (of years) spoken of in Dan. 9:24 is a time period of four hundred ninety years, which most Bible scholars will agree on.  This time period is determined on the people Israel and on the holy city Jerusalem.  What is this period of time determined to do for Israel and the holy city?  Read and study Dan. 9:24, and simply believe that the things spoken of in this verse will all be fulfilled within this time period of four hundred ninety years.

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (KJV)

Some sincere believers of today make the claim that Dan. 9:24 has already been fulfilled.  Those that believe this do not seem to realize that Daniel's vision and prophecy extends to the time yet future, because this vision and prophecy explains the setting up of the kingdom of the God of heaven on this earth!  It is true that the things mentioned in Dan. 9:24 could apply to what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ accomplished two thousand years ago, however only legally and only in type!  Let me explain.  We know that the death of Christ legally made an end to sin, and also legally made reconciliation for iniquity.  However it is very evident that everlasting righteousness has not yet come, and cannot be brought to this deceived world with its self-governments!
    
Dan. 9:24 could not be fulfilled yet, simply because the most Holy (which is Christ) has not yet been anointed with power!  Also this period of time (seventy weeks) would end with what was prophesied by Daniel's vision and prophecy, which is the setting up of the kingdom of the God of heaven.  This fact is very important to understand!  This "seventy weeks" will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ will return and be anointed with power to destroy the last kingdom; and only then will Christ bring in real everlasting righteousness to this planet.  It is important to understand that a certain covenant will be confirmed with many for one week (seven years), which is another proof that the seventy weeks prophecy has not yet been fulfilled. This final week of the seventy weeks prophecy is the time of the "abomination of desolation", which Christ also made reference to and stated that it would stand in the holy place (Jerusalem). Read Dan. 9:27 and Matt. 24:15-16, and notice the word "stand" in Matt. 24:15.  This word will be addressed later.

Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. {the covenant: or, a covenant} {for the...: or, with the abominable armies} {the desolate: or, the desolator} (KJV)
Matthew 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (KJV)

In the middle of this final week is when something called the "sacrifice" and the "oblation" (offering) will end, and this "abomination" will be set up that will cause something to become "desolate".  It could also be called an "astonishment" as another scripture will show later.  Please understand that this "desolation" started at the middle of this seven year period, and will continue until the consummation.  This is very important!  The word "consummation" in Dan. 9:27 is no. 03617 in Strong's Lexicon, and has such meanings as consume, full end, complete destruction or annihilation.

03617 kalah {kaw-law'} from 03615; TWOT - 982a; n f AV - ...end 11, altogether 3, consume 3,consumption 2, consummation 1, determined 1, riddance 1; 22
1) completion, termination, full end, complete destruction consumption, annihilation 1a) completion 1a1) completely, altogether (adv) 1b) complete destruction, consumption, annihilation

This is obviously the time (final week) when these kingdoms (mentioned in Dan. 2:44) together with the last world-wide kingdom will be consumed and be destroyed by the second coming of Christ.  This can only take place of course when Christ will be anointed and given great power to do this!  Go back and read Dan. 2:44 again and notice the word "consume".  According to Dan. 9:24, as we have seen, Daniel's vision and prophecy will be sealed during the seventy weeks, however only until what is known as the "time of the end".  See Dan. 12:4, 9.

Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (KJV)
Daniel 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end. (KJV)

The scattering of the power of the holy people will be accomplished in the first three and a half year period, which is a time, times, and an half.  The angel explained that when this has happened to the holy people all the things prophesied can then be finished.  Daniel did not understand any of these things, and therefore wanted to know what would happen at the end of all these things (Dan. 12:7-8)

Daniel 12:7-8 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished. {a time...: or, part} 8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]? (KJV)

The angel then explained to Daniel the time schedule of the final events of the seventy weeks prophecy, and this was explained to the accuracy of the exact day!  It is my belief that the "time of the end" extends seventy five days beyond this seven year period as the angel explained to Daniel.  With simple arithmetic it clearly shows this truth in Dan. 12:11-13.

Daniel 12:11-13 And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days. {the abomination: Heb. to set up the abomination} {maketh...: or, astonisheth} 12 Blessed [is] he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 13 But go thou thy way till the end [be]: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. {for thou: or, and thou, etc} (KJV)

The abomination that makes "desolate" could also mean to make an "astonishment" as it shows in Dan. 12:11.  I believe something will be set up in Jerusalem that will astonish the world, which causes the world to believe what is called "the lie".  This  will be discussed later.  The "abomination" that was set up, which was done in midst of the week, would continue for a period of 1,290 days.  This is known as the "time of the end" and is of course 30 days over the 1,260 day last three and a half year period.  According to the angel, the "time of the end" was ended at the 1,335th day, and the saints that waited (or endured) until the 1,335th day were blessed.  1,335 days minus 1,290 days is of course 45 days.  This obviously means that during these 45 days would be the glorious return of Jesus Christ which will destroy the last kingdom. Also during these 45 days would be the resurrection of the saints!  Daniel was told to go his way (of death) and was to "rest", and then be resurrected and receive his reward at the end of these days; which would be the 1,335th day.  The thirty day time period beginning at the end of the last three and a half years is the time when I believe the gospel of the kingdom will be preached by an angel flying in the air (midst of heaven).  See Matt. 24:14 and Rev. 14:6.

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (KJV)
Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, (KJV)

This is also the time (final week) that Michael the angel will stand up to protect those of God's people Israel that are found worthy of protection.  It will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; which is known as "Jacob's trouble" (great tribulation).  Read Jer. 30:7and Dan. 12:1-3 and notice the statement "at that time" is mentioned twice in Dan 12:1.

Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. (KJV)
Daniel 12:1-3 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (KJV)

The most important proof that the seventy weeks prophecy has not yet been fulfilled is because these verses clearly explain that this will be the time (last week) of the deliverance and resurrection of the saints!  This is also the time that the "man of sin" will exalt himself above all that is called God, as the apostle Paul explains in 2 Thes. 2:3-4.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (KJV)

See also Dan. 11:37 because this scripture fits very well with what Paul called the "man of sin", which will show to the world from Jerusalem that he is God.  I believe Paul quoted directly from Dan. 11:37.

Daniel 11:37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. (KJV)

It is interesting that Paul stated that this man of sin is sitting in the temple, showing of course that he has a throne and is now in power.  Go back and review Matt. 24:15-16.  This is important because when Christ warned those to flee from Judaea into the mountains, the abomination was only standing (not sitting) in the holy place.  This means that the man of sin had not yet convinced the world that he is God, therefore those in Judaea still have time to flee to the mountains.  There are those of today that believe this chapter of Matt. 24 has somehow been fulfilled in the year 70 AD, or they will attempt to give this chapter a kind of "spiritual" meaning.  The apostles wanted to know how and when important events will take place that will signal the coming of Christ and the end of the world (age).  See Matt. 24:3.

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (KJV)

Are we to assume that Christ would not carefully answer the apostles question?  It is very obvious that Christ prophesied and went to great detail explaining these very important events of Matt. 24 that are very obviously yet future!  Christ repeatedly explained that the saints are to watch for these events to unfold that will signal his second coming with power and great glory, which will consume and bring an end to this present evil world!  See Matt. 24:30.

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (KJV)

The "end of the world", or it could be said the end of man's rule, is also the time when the angels will be sent to separate the wicked from the just.  This is important because this event of course has not yet happened, and it is also not something "spiritual"!  These are very real angels that will do this separating, and it could not be only mortal men that are "sent" as some people of today believe and teach that they are.  Read Matt. 13:49.

Matthew 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, (KJV)

I believe this will also be the time when the last (seventh) trumpet sounds for the angels to be sent to gather God's elect people that came through and endured Jacob's trouble (great tribulation).  I believe these saints have by now also been resurrected, because this was the same trumpet (seventh) that signaled both these events to happen; as it shows in Matt. 24:31 and 1 Cor. 15:52.

Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. {with...: or, with a trumpet, and a great voice} (KJV)
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (KJV)

It is very important to have a child-like attitude to simply believe all these scriptures concerning these prophecies about Christ's glorious and powerful second coming.  To believe that the seventy weeks prophecy is fulfilled is to believe that the consummation and Christ's second coming has already happened!  Also to believe this falsehood is to believe that the resurrection has also already happened and the kingdom of God is already here with everlasting righteousness!  If a believer chooses to believe this falsehood, then the statements made by the apostle Paul must be discarded; and the majority of the Revelation letter must also be discarded along with Matt. 24!  These things that were prophesied simply did not and could not take place yet, because we still live in an ungodly self-governed evil world.  Understand this truth and fact!  According to Dan. 9:25-26 a sixty nine week time period will be divided into parts of time; however keep in mind that Daniel's prophecy covers an exact time period (not span) of four hundred ninety years.

Daniel 9:25-26 Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (KJV)

Notice two time periods are mentioned, however it is still just a total of sixty nine weeks of years that are accounted for.  It is not and could not be a single uninterrupted span of time of seventy weeks of years.  I believe this division of the seventy weeks of years was necessary because the death of Christ called for the age of grace for as many as possible of God's people Israel to overcome in this life and qualify to rule in the coming kingdom of God.  The age of grace is very important to understand and will be explained later.  This two thousand year suspension of the final week of the seventy weeks prophecy also allowed the devil to deceive the nations of this evil age to run the course of self-government.  Finally in the "latter days" the devil will achieve and make it possible for a final kingdom to deceive the whole world by the "man of sin".  This very cunning deception has to do with a certain lie that the whole world will believe, as will be explained soon.
    
During this final week will also be the time that war will be made with the saints, which is when the power of the saints is scattered and will become useless.  This is why this final kingdom can then be given power over all the world which includes all kindreds, tongues and nations.  I believe this final kingdom that scatters the power of the saints, will be controlled and headed up by what is called the "man of sin" as we will see shortly.  Read Rev. 13:7 and understand that the whole world will be effected by this power that was given to this "man of sin".  Please understand that this event could never have happened in 70 AD as some people of today are determined to believe!

Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (KJV)

The "Man of Sin"

We are told in the Bible that there will come a time when this present evil world will be under the control of an individual that the apostle Paul called the "man of sin".  Paul stated that this individual will sit in the temple of God, and he will somehow be able to show and convince the world that he is God.  This is the reason this man will be obeyed and worshiped.  See 2 Thes. 2:3-4.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come],except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (KJV)

This is incredible!  How could a supposedly "intelligent" society be deceived to believe that God himself is sitting in the temple at Jerusalem, when in fact this will only be a man that will impersonate God?!  This will be indeed a very clever deception, and the world is presently being spiritually conditioned to accept this man as actually being God.  Take the time to carefully read  2 Thes. 2:9-12 since these verses explain how this cunning deception will be accomplished and carried out.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (KJV)

According to these verses, the "man of sin" will come on the world scene with the working of a certain fallen angel called Satan the devil.  It would be very helpful to read my booklet "The World Before Adam", which addresses the invisible creation, and the powers and dominion of the angels.  To explain the man of sin, it is needful to understand why this certain angel called Satan the devil fell from his highly exalted position in the government of God.  This understanding will then explain why Satan desires to be worshiped as God by God's own sons and daughters. Some prophets in the Old Testament write about this particular angel, and it is important to understand why this fallen angel wants to be like God, and most important, be worshiped as God.  The world will witness unbelievable power and miracles from this man of sin, thinking of course that he is God.  Satan will be allowed by God to have all the power with any type of miracle at his disposal to convince the world that he is God.  Satan will have to manifest himself and appear as a man, which the world will actually believe is the returned Jesus Christ.  This is the lie that's talked about in verse 11, and God himself will send strong delusion to believe this lie for those that did not believe the truth.  God does this deliberately for the very purpose so that they (those that did not receive the love of the truth) will believe this lie!  This is also incredible!
    
The struggle and conflict for dominion of this earth has to be settled once and for all, and this is the reason that God will allow "the lie".  God will allow Satan to again have control and dominion over this planet for a period of three and a half years.  In the world before Adam, Satan was a perfect ruling angel that was in charge and had dominion of this earth.  However this dominion was destined to be taken from him and given to the family of God.  As a result of this truth Satan and a third of the angels rebelled against the government of God.  Satan knows he is a defeated rebel, however God's sons and daughters will have to be tried and tested to see if they will obey (worship) Satan, or if they will obey their Heavenly Father.  God's "divine" time schedule has come upon a deceived world for his children to make that eternal decision.  This is the purpose of the man of sin, and why God will convince his children by sending them strong delusion to believe the lie that Satan is God, so that they then can be judged (damned) accordingly.  The reason many of God's children will believe this lie is because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved.  It was not necessarily a question of them receiving only the truth.  Paul's statement was that they did not receive (accept) the love of the truth.  There is a difference and this is very important to understand!  Again review 2 Thes. 2:9-12.
    
It is also important to understand that the theme and purpose of New Testament theology is to proclaim that God (through the sacrifice of Christ) has made peace with his people called Israel.  It is very important to read my booklet "Lost Israel and the Gentiles", which explains who God's covenants were made with.  Since the death of Christ, the true Israelites are under grace, and also the Spirit of God is made available to them as a help in keeping the commandments of God. However these laws can never be kept in perfection; therefore in order for grace to be effective an honest effort must be made on the part of believing Israelites to live by the intent of the Ten Commandments.  The Ten Commandments are not "done away", and they must be kept in the heart and mind in order to avoid sin.  They cannot be kept according to the sacrificial laws of the old covenant, or as they were once written in stone (of the letter).  The profound importance of keeping the Ten Commandments with the heart and mind is explained in my booklet "Repentance and Obedience".  What does keeping the commandments, and the false teaching that the law of God is "done away" have to do with the revealing of this man of sin?  This question can be answered by understanding what is meant by the term "mystery of iniquity".  Read and study 2Thes. 2:6-7 very carefully.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. (KJV)

Thanks to the false teaching done by the modern-day ministers, the vast majority of the modern-day Israelites are under the false impression that they are not true Israel and that God's laws are"done away".  It is this deception and the "mystery of iniquity" (verse 7) which is lawlessness, that will make it possible for Satan to deceive God's children into believing that he is God.  Keeping the commandments identifies the true God of Israel!  This is the spiritual insurance policy that will guard Israelites from being deceived!  Matt. 24:24 explains that if it were possible the very elect would be deceived to believe the lie that Satan is God!

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (KJV)

It will not be possible to deceive these very few Israelites because they will have the Spirit of God and will know who they are, and they will also be keeping the commandments of God.  Those that are not aware that they are true Israel will therefore not be able to identify the God of Israel, and it is certain that they will be deceived.  This is the truth that they will not receive and accept when told out of love (2 Thes. 2:10) as to who they really are, therefore by this choice they will be damned.  I believe this will be the work of Elijah that will turn the hearts of the true children of Israel to their proper heritage and inheritance.  See Mal. 4:5-6 and Matt. 17:11.

Malachi 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. (KJV)
Matthew 17:11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. (KJV)

To again review 2 Thes. 2:6-7 is to know that the Spirit of God along with grace and peace is the reason that the revealing of the man of sin is being withheld during this age of grace.  Also the calling of God for Israelites to repent of lawlessness (mystery of iniquity) must take place in this evil world.  The rule of the man of sin and the Spirit cannot exist together in an evil world! Therefore in God's due time grace and peace along with the Spirit and calling of God will be taken out of the way to allow the rule of the man of sin.  This truth is also explained in my booklet "What is the Church?".  Those of God's people Israel that are not worthy to escape the rule of Satan will then have to resist him during the great tribulation in order to be saved.  It is possible for saints to escape this severe time of trouble that will come on this ungodly world.  However during this time the saints must watch for prophesied events to happen, and are to pray always that they may to be counted worthy to escape all these things as it shows in Luke 21:36.

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV)

The Millennium

According to the book of Revelation there will be a time known as the thousand year rule (millennium) of Christ on the earth.  This doctrine that is known as the "millennium" is not understood by some churches of today, however as we shall see this doctrine is not some mystery that cannot be understood.  It is just a very simple matter of believing what is stated, and it is not something secret or complicated to understand.  There are some sincere Christians of today that refuse to believe this thousand year prophecy is a literal thousand year period of time starting with Christ's second coming with power, and starting with the resurrected saints.  The author of the book of Revelation never intended to make this understanding into something secret with a hidden meaning.  This thousand year rule of Christ will commence with the return of Christ, and the setting of the kingdom of God spoken of in Daniel's prophecy.  It is very important to understand, and common sense should tell us, that when this world's kingdoms will be replaced by the kingdom of God, the millennium and Christ's reign can start; which will last forever and ever.  See Rev. 11:15.

Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (KJV)

The resurrected saints will be made kings and priests, and will rule with Christ a thousand years on the earth as it plainly explains in Rev. 5:10, 20:4-6 and 2 Tim. 2:12.  Please read and simply believe these scriptures!

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (KJV)
Revelation 20:4-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.(KJV)
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us: (KJV)

The saints that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God, and had not worshiped the "beast" nor received his "mark", lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years; as was plainly stated in these scriptures.  These saints were blessed and holy, because they were a part of the first resurrection.  However the rest of the dead remained dead, and were not resurrected and did not live again until the thousand years were finished; as these verses clearly explain.  It would be wise to review these previous scriptures again, which will establish a firm theological foundation to the book of Revelation.
    
The thousand year rule of Christ is yet future, and could not start at any time during this present evil world of self-government.  This present evil age must run its course in bringing forth a kingdom with the "man of sin" that will deceive the whole world.  This event simply has not yet happened!  It is very important to believe this simple truth!  Those that make the claim that the thousand year rule of Christ has already begun since 70 AD, simply refuse to take in account the invisible power of the devil that is presently deceiving the nations.  Christ will not rule in the affairs of self-government during the same time that the devil does!  Understand this truth!  Christ will only start his rule when the "old serpent" which is the Devil, and Satan, will be bound for the duration of this thousand year rule of Christ with the saints.  Please read and simply believe Rev. 20:2-3.

Revelation 20:2-3 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must beloosed a little season. (KJV)

Satan will be cast into the "bottomless pit", shut up and sealed so that he cannot deceive the nations no more.  However only until the thousand years are fulfilled, and only then for a "little season" as these verses plainly stated.  Again, it is very important to simply believe what is stated in Rev. 20:2-3.  After the thousand years have expired, Satan during this "little season", will be loosed out of his prison.  Satan will again during this "little season" do his work of deception on the nations over all the earth.  I believe, and it is very obvious, that these nations also need to be tried and tested by the devil to be worthy of the kingdom of God.  See Rev. 20:7-8.

Revelation 20:7-8 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea. (KJV)

Satan will use Gog and the land of Magog to deceive and do battle with the nations, which are numbered as the "sand of the sea".  What nations are biblically numbered as the "sand of the sea"?  According to Gen. 32:12 and Hosea 1:10 the people of Israel are the only people and nations that the Bible states would become as the "sand of the sea", which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Genesis 32:12 And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude. (KJV)
Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God. (KJV)

This prophecy concerning "Gog" and "Magog" is also mentioned in Ezek. 38:2.  Gog is a chief prince of Meshech and Tubal in the land of Magog according to this verse.

Ezekiel 38:2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, {the chief...: or, prince of the chief} (KJV)

The important truth to take note and understand about this prophecy is that this deception by Satan, and the gathering of them together to do battle, takes place after the thousand years have expired; as Rev. 20:7-8 clearly explains.  It is very important to read and study the prophesies in chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel, which describe this important event of Rev. 20:7-8.  Some people make the mistake of placing "Gog" and "Magog" as certain nations of today that will fulfill the prophesies of Ezekiel before the return of Jesus Christ.  It is my understanding that "Gog" and "Magog" will not function in prophecy as deceiving and doing battle with the nations of Israel until after the thousand year rule of Christ is finished.  This is precisely what was stated in Rev. 20:7.  Yet, for some strange reason there are those believing Christians of today that refuse to understand what is plainly stated in this scripture.  This of course is because they have been deceived to believe that Christ somehow returned in 70 AD, therefore they are convinced that the thousand year rule of Christ also started at that time.
    
The nations of this world will of course be deceived, and will be angry when the real Christ comes back with power to bring real peace to this world.  These nations will actually make war with the Lamb and fight Christ when he comes back to establish true righteousness.  This will be the time of God's wrath, and Christ will have the saints with him that are called and chosen to help Christ when he comes to judge and make war to destroy those that destroy and corrupt the earth.  Read, study and believe Rev. 11:18, 17:14 and 19:11.

Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. {destroy the earth: or, corrupt the earth} (KJV)
Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful. (KJV)
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (KJV)

It is very hard for sincere people in this "spiritually-enlightened" Christian world to comprehend how Christ can actually make war in righteousness!  See Rev. 19:11 again.  When the kingdom of God is functioning with power, the saints will be given thrones and will sit on these thrones with judgment given to them.  They will have the authority to judge and to bring punishment on certain people, and to execute vengeance on heathen kings and to bind them with chains.  The resurrected and glorified saints will have the honor to execute the judgment that is already written on these unrighteous kings and people.  Read and understand Rev. 20:4 and Psl. 149:7-9.

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (KJV)
Psalm 149:7-9 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, [and] punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. (KJV)

We are talking about establishing true righteousness for a thousand years in the coming kingdom of God on this earth!  This will be a time in future history when no one will hurt or destroy, and when the knowledge of God will cover and fill the earth as the waters cover the sea, as it explains in Isa. 11:9 and Hab. 2:14.

Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (KJV)
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. {with...: or, by knowing the glory} (KJV)

We in this present evil world simply cannot comprehend the peace and harmony that the kingdom of God will bring to this earth.  This will be the time that the word of God and righteous laws of God will go forth from Zion and Jerusalem, and many nations will want to learn of the ways of God and walk in his paths.  See Micah 4:2.

Micah 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (KJV)

The thousand year rule of Christ will repair and rebuild the old wastes and the waste cities, and will raise up the former desolations of many generations which were destroyed and ruined during the wars of this evil age, and during the earth shaking events of the return of Christ.  See Isa. 61:4.

Isaiah 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. (KJV)

There are many more scriptures that this booklet could present that show the future kingdom of God on the earth during this thousand year period.  There are many scriptures that explain how the kingdom of God will restore divine order, and establish the laws that bring righteousness and true peace to this earth.  During the thousand years, Jesus Christ and the saints will restore new heavens and a new earth that will be suitable for the Father to dwell with his children.  The new heavens and the new earth with true righteousness will come after Christ has put down all rule.  Read and understand 1 Cor. 15:24 and 2 Pet. 3:13, and please notice the term "put down" in verse 24.

1 Corinthians 15:24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (KJV)
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (KJV)

When Christ "puts down" all rule, authority, and power simply means that it is no longer needed!  All rule, authority, and power was upheld (not "put down") during the thousand year reign of Christ and the saints.  After true righteousness is restored, the kingdom will then be delivered over to the Father; which will now be suitable for him to dwell with his children.

In Conclusion

It is very important to understand that it was the Father's original intent to give his kingdom to his beloved children.  It states in Matt. 25:34 that this kingdom was prepared for his children to inherit from the foundation (disruption) of the world, which was before Adam was created.

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (KJV)

Adam was given the dominion of the kingdom over the "renewed" six-day creation of Genesis.  My booklet "The World Before Adam" explains why the Geneses account of the creation was a "remaking" of a ruined and disrupted creation.  God pronounced this renewed six-day creation as very good.  See Gen. 1:31.

Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (KJV)

However the renewed creation was dependent on the dominion of Adam to stay very good!  The creation that was no longer very good because of Adam's sin, called for the sufferings and death of Christ.  My booklet "The Seventh Day" explains why believers in Christ must not be involved in the Sabbath works that were patterned after this old six-day creation that failed.  The Bible never states that the "Sabbath day" was made on the seventh day of creation.  This is important to understand, because many Christians falsely assume that the Sabbath day came into existence when God blessed and sanctified the "seventh day".  Biblically speaking, the law of the Sabbath day was not in effect until Moses, and it only represented God "resting" on the seventh day.  Please understand this simple truth!  The continuing "rest" of God was made before Adam sinned, therefore those in Christ can enter into this "rest" without doing the works of the old covenant Sabbath laws.
    
This first dominion of the kingdom that was given to Adam is the master covenant of the Bible, and all other covenants were designed to restore this first dominion back to Adam's true descendants.  God honored Adam's choice in the Garden of Eden, which is why God will not intervene in Adam's affairs of self-rule.  Therefore God has allowed this present evil age to continue its course of self-governments.  However with the covenants and promises given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God started his divine plan to restore his kingdom back to his beloved children.  Under the old covenant, God was able to show his children a foretaste or a type of the future kingdom of God; however only if the laws of the kingdom were in place, and if these laws were obeyed.  This is important!  Under the dominion and throne of David and his son Solomon, this kingdom had very much impressed the known world of that day.  Indeed, this earthy kingdom in a sense reflected and was a type of God's real kingdom.  It is very interesting that this earthly kingdom was called the "kingdom of the Lord".  Read 1 Chron. 28:5.

1 Chronicles 28:5 And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. (KJV)

This is the very throne that Christ will take up in the Kingdom of God on the earth.  Christ will establish this throne and kingdom over the nation of Israel, and this kingdom will not end and it will last forever.   See Luke 1:32-33 and Acts 15:16.

Luke 1:32-33 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (KJV)
Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: (KJV)

The apostles understood all about the throne of David, and they also knew from all the prophecies that this kingdom would again be set up to restore righteousness on the earth.  Christ was asked by the apostles if he would again at that time restore this kingdom back to Israel.  See Acts 1:6-7 and notice the word "again".

Acts 1:6-7 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. (KJV)

Christ simply told them it was not for them to know the times or the seasons when the Father will decide in his own power to bring the kingdom.  I do not believe that Christ himself knew the exact duration of the "mystery of iniquity", and how long the calling of God would endure in this present evil world.  This is why I believe the "last week" of Daniel's seventy weeks prophecy had to be suspended or "put on hold" so to speak.  This truth is very important to understand!  Adam's true descendants are the children of the kingdom, however there are also the children of the wicked one (Satan), which are called "tares" as Christ plainly states in Matt. 13:38.

Matthew 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked [one]; (KJV)

Satan and Satan's children do not want the rightful heirs to inherit the kingdom.  Therefore they are presently doing a work of deception on the children of the kingdom in order to prevent them from inheriting their Father's kingdom.  Christ also plainly stated that many of the children of the kingdom will be cast out from their rightful inheritance.  See Matt. 8:12

Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (KJV)

The Father's children will realize (however too late) that they lost their inheritance that rightfully belonged to them, and they will deeply regret their causal "feel good" attitude they had in this life toward the kingdom of God.  They will therefore repent (however too late) with "weeping and gnashing of teeth", because they will now know what they could have had for eternity!  They simply loved and obeyed the false customs and the empty things of this world that the "tares" provided for them, which took priority in their daily lives over the kingdom of God.  They also believed the "religious" lies that the "tares" so cunningly deceived them into believing.
    
There is much more that could be written about the kingdom of God, since truths of this subject are found all over the Bible and is the main theme of the teachings of Christ and the apostles.  We live in a totally deceived world that has its own deceived churches that somehow attempt to explain the subject of the kingdom of God as something "spiritual" which is designed to make sincere Christians "feel good" every Sunday.  In the minds of deceived Christians the kingdom of God is certainly not meant to be taken literally, and to be understood as a real government of God that will replace the corrupt governments of this world.  There are also sincere ministers of today that claim that the prophecies concerning the second coming of Christ, and the setting up of the kingdom of God, have for all practical purposes been fulfilled in 70 AD.  To ignore these prophecies about the coming kingdom of God is to ignore the "light" that "shines" in a dark place, and the "day star" therefore will not arise in the heart, as was shown previously in 2 Pet. 1:19-21.  This is serious! 

It would be very wise for sincere truth-seekers to ignore these ministers that teach this falsehood, and to not listen to their messages.  It would however be more proper for sincere believers to confront and demand that these ministers be honest with the obvious teachings of the Bible!  The sad situation and the spiritual dilemma that these ministers are in (which they are not aware of), is that they themselves do believe that they are honest and sincere with the inspired word of God.  They therefore would never intentionally want to deceive innocent minds.  It is however the responsibility of the Church of Jesus Christ to protest and correct these falsehoods and half truths that are deceiving the lost sheep in a dying world. We must all face our Maker some day and give an account on how we have believed and handled the precious Word of God.  We are also instructed by Jesus Christ to seek the kingdom of God first, as it explains in Matt. 6:33.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

We are to regard the kingdom of God and the righteousness of God above everything else!  This righteousness is simply the keeping of the Ten Commandments, as this booklet explained.  It will be the enforcement of these righteous laws of God that will bring the everlasting peace and blessing to this earth through the kingdom of God.  The believing saints are in training to rule!  It is very necessary to uphold the plain teachings of prophecy, and with a child-like attitude simply believe the truth about the kingdom of God.  We live in a evil world that is already judged, and will be destroyed by the coming kingdom of God.  The only work of God left for sincere believers to be involved in, is to assemble regularly and help build the Church of Jesus Christ.  May our prayers be that our Heavenly Father will provide truth and understanding to share with other sincere believers, which will prepare us for the glorious and powerful return of Jesus Christ and the coming kingdom of God!

Back to Home Page

Questions or comments?... Email: wickey777@verizon.net