Table of Contents
Don’t Be Deceived
Jesus starts His discussion on the End Times by telling us to be careful that no man deceives us. What Jesus is describing in Matthew 24 will take many years to accomplish and He is letting them know the end would not be any time soon. However, Jesus made this statement 2000 years ago. Many, many years have passed, and a lot of the prophecies have been fulfilled but many have not. Those who know their God and study the Word can see that the last day is approaching.
Matthew 24:4-9 (KJV)
4 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. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
Matthew 24:4-9 (NKJV)
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.
Take a look at the other places this is mentioned. Mark 13:4-8 and Luke 21:8-11.
We hear from Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul, and Peter what time will look like from Jesus’ ascension to the last days before He returns. In the past 2000 years, we have seen many kingdoms rise and fall again. It would be hard to count the number of wars or even the number of earthquakes across the world.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV) 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV) The Great Apostasy
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV) 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV) Perilous Times and Perilous Men
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Peter 3:3-4 (KJV) 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV) 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
Paul and Peter spoke prophetically of this day and age when there are seducing spirits everywhere and hypocrisy runs rampant. We have never had a time in history when humans loved themselves and their pleasures more than they do today. Scoffers are abundant claiming there is no such thing as sin or truth. Scoffers who say there is no God and He is never coming back. Those same scoffers love living in their sin and walking after their own lust.
Jesus told us Himself that the last days would be filled with sin and suffering. Jesus came to this earth to offer us a way to remove sin from our lives.
Jesus Was King From Birth
When Jesus was taken to the temple the first time as a baby, Simeon and Anna were telling people this is the Messiah, this is the one who will bring salvation to our people and the Gentiles.
Luke 2:26-32 (KJV) 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart
in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:26-32 (NKJV) 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Luke 2:36-38 (KJV) 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV) 36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
It is easy for us 2000 years later to think this thing was done in a corner. Paul explains that King Agrippa knew what was going on when Jesus was killed because nothing was hidden from anyone. The Prophets told them what was going to happen.
Acts 26:26-28 (KJV) 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts 26:26-28 (KJV) 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Daniel had told the people when the Messiah would be born. They all knew He would be born in Bethlehem and Daniel had told them to look for a star to know when that time was right. The wise men who came when Jesus was close to two years old, were descendants of the men Daniel had trained. The gifts they brought were gifts for a king. They traveled for close to two years following the star.
And no, the wise men did not come to the manger to see the baby. That is a fairy tale told for kids but was never in the Bible.
Matthew 2:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Matthew 2:1-5 (NKJV)
Wise Men from the East
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
Daniel had told the people when the Messiah would be born. They all knew He would be born in Bethlehem and Daniel had told them to look for a star to know when that time was right. The wise men who came when Jesus was close to two years old, were descendants of the men Daniel had trained. The gifts they brought were gifts for a king. They traveled for close to two years following the star.
And no, the wise men did not come to the manger to see the baby. That is a fairy tale told for kids but was never in the Bible.
Matthew 2:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Matthew 2:1-5 (NKJV)
Wise Men from the East
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
Notice that all of Israel was troubled. They were living in very uncertain times. They didn’t know what the birth of a new king would mean to them and their normal daily lives. Would this new king make their lives better or would He bring more oppression? Would he change their traditional ways of doing things? Would they have to step out of their comfort zone and do things they didn’t want to do? I am sure there were some who were thrilled by the idea and started looking for Christ. Either way the whole nation knew what was up. They knew the Christ was born.
Matthew 2:16 (KJV)
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Matthew 2:16 (NKJV)
Massacre of the Innocents
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
Herod let everyone know the Messiah was born and that he planned to kill him. When he started killing all male babies, under two years old, the whole nation would begin looking for their new king.
Matthew 2:13-15 (KJV) 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Matthew 2:13-15 (NKJV)
The Flight into Egypt
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
They stayed in Egypt until the death of Herod and yet another prophecy was fulfilled. God brought Israel out of Egypt and now He had brought His Son out of Egypt. The people knew the Messiah would be a son of King David. Jews have always tracked bloodlines. The Bible is full of who begat who lists. Therefore, the bloodline of Mary and Joseph would have been well known to all and watched. Mary came through Soloman’s line and Joseph was from David’s son Nathan.
2 Samuel 7:12-13 (KJV) 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
2 Samuel 7:12-13 (NKJV) 12 “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
John 14:1-4 (KJV) 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
John 14:1-4 (NKJV)
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
God told King David that he would set up a kingdom from his grandchildren that would last forever. God said this final house would be built in His name. Jesus said my father’s house has many mansions and that He has prepared a place for those who are His. For those who carry His name and have the right to take part in His inheritance. Jesus also promises to come back to get those who are His.
2 Samuel 7:16 (KJV) 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Matthew 21:9 (KJV) 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
2 Samuel 7:16 (NKJV) 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.
Matthew 21:9 (NKJV) 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
Hosanna in the highest!”
Satan Tempts Jesus
When Jesus started His ministry, He went into the wilderness and fasted for 40 days. When His fast was over Satan came to try to torment Him. First Satan tries to tempt Him into turning the rocks into bread to satisfy His hungry flesh. Jesus’s answer to this temptation was Matthew 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Notice that Jesus didn’t try to argue or debate with Satan at all. Jesus gave Him back the word of God, which is the one thing Satan can’t argue with when it is plain that you know the word of God for yourself. Jesus didn’t grab his phone to call someone and ask, “What should I say?? He didn’t have to Google up a scripture to use. Jesus had studied the word for himself, and the scripture was ready in his heart.
Next, he tried tempting Him by taking Him to the highest point of the temple and telling Jesus that if you throw yourself down the angels will pick you up in their hands and keep you from being hurt. Jesus answered him again from the Bible saying do not tempt the Lord your God.
Matthew 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Matthew 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Notice that Satan says, “If you are who you say you are!” Satan was trying to weaken Jesus’ opinion of Himself. Satan knew exactly who Jesus was. Jesus was born of a woman but had the spirit and soul of God. He was tempted but did not succumb to the temptation. He remained sinless.
He had human feelings, needs, and weaknesses. But again, He didn’t argue or even attempt to carry on a conversation. He just spits Bible verses at Satan with no emotions or “skin in the game” as they say. When in fact every inch of His skin was in the game, and He knew it. Satan didn’t know the plan at the time and Jesus’s response really confused him. Imagine the fear that entered Satan’s heart when the first human in history was able to resist what he was offering.
Next, Satan takes Jesus up on a high mountain and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world, with their glory and wonder. Satan shows Jesus all these grand things and then tells Him, if you worship me, I will give you these things. Notice the most important point here, Jesus did NOT say Satan was wrong. Jesus did not say all these things are already mine. Satan could not stand in the presence of God and lie. What Satan said was the truth and he could have given that power and authority to the human man Jesus.
Matthew 4:8-11 (KJV) 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Matthew 4:8-11 (KJV) 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Yet again Jesus didn’t argue with Satan, He just told him what the word of God says. Nothing more was needed to send Satan running away.
Who Has Dominion?
Satan has been playing the same games since the Garden of Eden. He was able to trick Eve because Eve proved she didn’t have a clue what God said about the tree or the fruit. God didn’t say don’t touch the tree. God said don’t eat of it. Eve just handed her soul to Satan when she let him know, she didn’t know the word of God. Don’t be that stupid. Learn for yourself what God says in His word.
Genesis 3:2-4 (KJV) 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
Genesis 3:2-4 (NKJV) 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.
Eve was easy to trick because she thought God said, “Don’t touch or you will die”. When Satan got her to lust after it enough to touch it and she didn’t die on the spot, she thought Satan could be right. She thought she would be okay to try a bite of it too. This is how he tricks people today.
Some were told years ago, “Once saved always saved” and they never once looked to see if that was true. The statement pleases their flesh and lets them do what they want to do without the worry of a Great White Throne Judgement. Search and look. Daily repentance is required of everyone. Rebelliously walking in iniquity, which means doing your own thing, your own way, is a fast ticket to a burning fiery hell forever.
Man was created on the sixth day in the image of God. God gave Adam and Eve dominion over everything on the earth. As long as Adam and Eve walked with God, they were covered in His righteousness, and they had complete dominion and authority on this earth.
Genesis 1:27-28 (KJV) 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:27-28 (NKJV) 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
When Adam and Eve rebelled against God and ate the fruit, they lost their covering of righteousness, and the earth was cursed because of them. Where food was freely handed to them before, now they are cursed to work hard for every morsel of food. They lost eternal life and were from that day cursed to die and return to dust. They lost their dominion over this world, and it was given to Satan.
Genesis 3:17-19 (KJV) 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Genesis 3:17-19 (NKJV) 17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
“Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”
I have heard people argue this point that dominion was given to Satan. We know Adam had it and we know he lost it. Satan could have had dominion before he met up with Adam and Eve, but we aren’t told that he did. We know that there wasn’t any sin or death in the world before Adam and Eve sinned. Now sin rules this world.
We do know that Satan has dominion over this world now. Granted he is on a short chain and God holds the other end, but Satan does have the power to do things in this earth. The first Adam lost his dominion, but the second Adam took it back when He waltzed into hell and took the keys to death and hell.
Revelation 1:18 (KJV) 18 — I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Ephesians 4:9-10 (KJV) 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
1 Peter 3:19 (KJV) 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Colossians 2:15 (KJV) 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Revelation 1:18 (NKJV) 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Ephesians 4:9-10 (NKJV) 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
1 Peter 3:19 (NKJV) 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,
Colossians 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Jesus took the keys to Satan’s house. Jesus now has authority in this world that reaches all the way to heaven and back. Jesus conquered all the demons and powers on this earth. In John, Jesus tells the saints they will have tribulation in this world, but He has overcome the world. That means Jesus has conquered the powers of this world and taken them for himself.
Jesus needed to take authority over death and hell first before He could offer eternal life to anyone. With sin ruling the world and having full control over a human life there was a barrier that God would not cross. God gave mankind the free will to choose but Satan had taken full advantage by filling humans with lust and the need to satisfy those lusts. The things of God didn’t create the same “feel good” reactions that Satan had introduced them to.
John 16:33 – 17:1-2 (KJV) 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 16:33 – 17:3 (NKJV) 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus Prays for Himself
1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
God sent Jesus to this earth to take back all authority. Jesus states that he glorified God’s name in the earth. Those who came to Jesus were sent by God, they understood enough of God’s plan to walk in it. There were over 500 people, including the Apostles, whom Jesus taught for 40 days after He rose again. A hundred and twenty of those people were in the upper room when the Holy Ghost was poured out.
After Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, God couldn’t walk with humans because of their sins. They needed a way to remove the stink of sin from their lives. The work God had given Jesus to do, was to make a way for those who chose to worship God, to come before His Holy presence. Jesus built His church.
1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (KJV) 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
John 17:4-8 (KJV) 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
1 Corinthians 15:5-8 (NKJV) 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
John 17:4-8 (NKJV) 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
John 17:9 busts the bubble of people who believe Jesus will save everyone. Jesus himself says he is not praying for the world. He is only praying for those God gave him. Jesus is the mediator before God and man. If Jesus is not praying for you then you stand before God with all your sins attached to you. You have no savior.
Jesus said they are in the world, but they are saved through the authority of Jesus’ name and the fact that they walk as one with Christ in obedience to God’s word.
John 17:9-11 (KJV) 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:9-11 (NKJV) 9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
Jesus said he gave them the word of God and His name and the world hated them. Once Jesus has marked you as His own, the world can see that you don’t fit into their mold anymore. Because you don’t fit, they hate you. They don’t want to mold themselves after the things that please God, therefore your very presence convicts them. Even if you don’t say a word. Only truth can sanctify filthy human flesh and make it clean enough to stand before a Holy and Righteous God. Jesus gave those who sought for truth the power, authority, and the words to speak to adopt others into His new kingdom.
John 17:14-21 (KJV) 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:14-21 (NKJV) 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
Jesus Prays for All Believers
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
Jesus is the only door into God’s presence. Those who enter will spend eternity basking in the Holy presence of God and walking in complete authority on this earth. There will still be people here, having children and going about their daily lives. The church will be the rulers of this world.
Had Satan known what would happen he never would have pushed the Jewish rulers to crucify Christ. Satan sealed his doom that day. Daniel 7 is talking about Jesus sitting in judgment and taking Satan’s dominion away so that He can give it to the saints. Daniel explains that Satan’s time to consume and destroy on this earth is limited.
John 10:9-10 (KJV) 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Daniel 7:26-27 (KJV) 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
John 10:9-10 (NKJV) 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Daniel 7:26-27 (NKJV) 26 ‘But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion,
To consume and destroy it forever.
27 Then the kingdom and dominion,
And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven,
Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High.
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’
Satan has authority over the kingdoms of this world. His power is limited to the atmosphere. He can’t do anything past the clouds, but he has full control over this earth. Granted, Satan has nothing that God is not allowing him to have. In the end, God will strip that authority from Satan and place it on the saints of God. The saints will rule the earth forever and ever.
These scriptures debunk the old notion that we will all go to heaven, get wings, and sit on a cloud playing a harp throughout eternity. God is setting up His kingdom to rule the new earth. Those who dedicate their lives to God on this funky sin-filled earth will rule as kings in the next world.
Isaiah 9:7 (KJV) 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,
to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice
from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:7 (NKJV) 7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Remember from the last lesson:
The witnesses are standing before the god of the earth. In every Bible translation I looked at, the word “god or lord” is capitalized, meaning Yehovah God. Yehovah is not called the God of the earth. Satan is called the god of this world, the prince of this world, the prince of the power of the air, and the ruler of the darkness of this world. Therefore, the witnesses are standing boldly before Satan to prophesy his doom. (2Corinthians 4:4, John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 6:12)
They Knew He Was Coming
Jesus came out of the wilderness to be baptized by John. When John the Baptist came on the scene, he was the first prophet since Malachi. God had maintained 400 years of silence and Israel wasn’t sent a word from God in all that time. John came with the message to repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:1-3 (KJV) 1 — 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. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matthew 3:11-12 (KJV) 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Matthew 3:1-3 (NKJV) 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make His paths straight.’ ”
Matthew 3:11-12 (NKJV) 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Daniel had calculated the timing for the Messiah to come. They all knew the time was close at hand and were looking for their king to come. The words John spoke were of Jesus the king, not Jesus the lowly servant. Jesus did baptize them with the Holy Ghost and fire, but Jesus won’t take the fan in hand until His second coming where He will separate the wheat from the chaff.
While the Jews were faithful to studying the word of God, to memorizing it every day, they heard what they wanted to hear. They wanted to hear that their king would come and conquer all their enemies. They wanted to hear that they would not be oppressed or persecuted by Rome anymore. They didn’t want to hear that their Messiah would be killed and it would take years and years for Him to come back as a ruling king.
Exactly the same way people today don’t want to hear that their sinful ways will be judged and condemned. They only want to hear that Jesus is a loving God that would not send them to hell. They only want to hear about Grace and how they can be saved just by believing. They chose to believe the words some lying preacher told them and never once bothered to look for themselves. If they had looked at all God would have shown them the truth. God would have shown them the true plan of salvation and convinced them that He would send them to hell if they don’t follow that plan.
Thousands did listen to Jesus and did want to know the truth. But just as many believed the lies and millions still live in the dark today because of it.
Luke 3:9-15 (KJV) 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
Luke 3:9-15 (NKJV) 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”
11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”
12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”
13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”
14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?”
So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”
15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not,
John the Baptist came preaching as well as baptizing. We only hear about how he baptized people, but John had a very strong message for people to repent, do the right thing, and stay right with God. John made it clear that repentance wasn’t a one-time thing, but it took changing your life. Many of those who heard John did turn from their wicked ways and those people became the disciples of Jesus.
Notice the scripture says they were in expectation. Expectation of what? What were they expecting? They were expecting Christ. They asked John if he was the Christ. John assures them he is not the Christ but that Christ is coming soon. But the time came when life wasn’t going the way John thought is should, and he sent men to ask Jesus are you the Christ for should we look for another?
Matthew 11:2-6 (KJV) 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Matthew 11:2-6 (NKJV) 2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
John was asking this question because what Jesus was doing didn’t fit into the mold of what the fathers had said would happen when the king came to this earth. John was in prison and soon would be beheaded. Things weren’t looking like Jesus was going to slay their enemies. John was about to be killed and he knew it.
John was filled with the Holy Ghost in his mother’s womb. He walked with God, and he witnessed the spirit of God descending on Jesus at his baptism. John the Baptist had more personal firsthand knowledge of who Jesus was, than anyone on earth, other than Mary and Joseph. But even John expressed doubts because things were not happening how he thought they would.
So, you have knowledge that Jesus is coming back in the End Times. You know He is coming as a ruling king. You believe there will be a rapture to take you out of here before things get bad. So, what if that isn’t true?
What if there is no rapture to make a way of escape for you? If they start beheading Christians and telling you that there never was a God, will you believe it? Will it shake your faith? Will it cause you to give in and take the mark of the beast to stay alive and have food, to stop the persecution?
If you don’t have a personal strong relationship with God, the End Time will crush your weak beliefs. When it comes down to the point of losing your life or giving up on believing there is hope coming, what will you do? Your faith must be rooted in the real Word of God. The truth of what the word says, not the fairy tales told by people who want to believe they can go to heaven with all their sins attached. You must study the word for yourself, or risk being lost forever because Satan found a weak point in you to exploit.
Will there be persecution?
Yes, Jesus said there would be persecution. Daniel told us that the beast would wear out the saints. The beast will be given power to kill the saints with a sword, by fire, and by captivity. America is one of the few nations where Christians aren’t being beheaded for what they believe every day.
As Americans we like to think we are safe from religious persecution but look around you at the new hate laws and what they mean. We are living in a time where you can go to jail because you disagree with what someone else believes is true for them. The fact that you don’t agree is now called hate crimes. You don’t have to attack that person or have any hostile feeling toward them at all. We aren’t there yet but anyone who looks can see it on the horizon. The time will come when if you say that you think what they are doing is wrong, then in the eyes of our government you hate them and are guilty enough to sentence you to prison.
Daniel 7:21-22 (KJV) 21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 7:21-22 (NKJV) 21 “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
Notice here that Daniel doesn’t mention a rapture or any type of removal of the saints from the line of fire from the beast. Daniel says the beast will make war on the saints until judgment when the beast’s power will be given to the saints to possess and rule the kingdom. This sounds like a court of law on the earth now, where two parties stand before a judge and the judge determines who is guilty and who is cleared of all charges. In this case, it is exactly like that. Satan will go into punishment and the saints will step in and take over all the authority of the kingdoms of this world.
Daniel 7:25 (KJV) 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Daniel 7:25 (NKJV) 25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time.
Now here is a piece of good news. Daniel says here that the beast will only have power over the saints for the first half of tribulation or the first three and a half years. The beast will stand for all things that are against God and he would not stop persecuting the saints if they were anywhere within his reach. This is the point when the saints leave this earth, at the end of the first three and a half years.
Daniel 11:32-35 (KJV) 32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
Daniel 11:32-35 (NKJV) 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.
Daniel explains that those who really know their God will be strong and stand firm in the face of persecution. They will do great things and teach others who God is and what His plan of salvation is. They will die for what they stand for but that will not weaken them, it will make them bolder. Those who know and understand the time will see without a doubt that the REAL end is near. What does this short “blink of an eye” life matter when all eternity is proving to be a real possibility? Who would want to hold on to this pain-ridden and dyeing human flesh, when there is a new body with no pain or sickness just waiting for them to stand firm and say, “I believe in God no matter what you do to me!” I promise you that I won’t be standing in the “I give up” line.
We have seen what Daniel said through the holy inspired word of God, but what about the church and the New Testament? What did Jesus say about the saints being persecuted?
Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV) 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Jesus said exactly the same things Daniel did. Jesus said you will be persecuted and hated but rejoice because you will find a reward in heaven for what you suffer on this earth. Jesus warned us that friends and family would turn against us and turn us over to the authorities to punish. Those who are weak who give up on God and give into the beast will do anything to get into the beast good graces. They will turn you in, just like people handed the Jews over to be taken to concentration camps. Some may not have known those people would be killed but most did and they did it anyway.
Matthew 10:17-23 (KJV) 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Matthew 10:17-23 (NKJV) 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
God doesn’t say He will take us out of this situation, but He does promise to help us through it. He will give us the words to say and courage to say them. Jesus also assures us that it will only last for a short time before He will come back to slaughter all those who oppose Him.
Matthew 24:8-14 (KJV) 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 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.
Matthew 24:8-14 (NKJV) 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
The same message is repeated in Mark 13:9-13, Luke 12:11-12, and Luke 21:12-19. Jesus explains these things are the beginning of sorrows. The persecution will be for those hated for His name’s sake. Meaning all those who were baptized in the name of Jesus. This is the only way to be adopted into the family of God and claim a part of Jesus inheritance. God doesn’t give His treasures to those who aren’t His kids. Jesus doesn’t bother saving people He doesn’t know.
Those who believe the false doctrines and didn’t search the book for themselves to see what the real truth was, will be offended by those who did. Those who see their weak faith dwindle away because it was never rooted in truth will betray those they see still standing firm in their knowledge of God. They will give in to the Mother of Harlot’s spirit and be guilty of apostasy. Apostasy is the total rejection of Christianity by a baptized person. A person who took some of the steps to commit to the Christian faith and then later publicly reject it.
These people will tell everyone that God was never real, that Christians are idiots, and no one should believe what they say. They will take their own disappointments and punish those who took the time to build a lasting relationship with God, built on a firm foundation of truth.
Luke 6:22-26 (KJV) 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.
Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Luke 6:22-26 (NKJV) 22 Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Jesus Pronounces Woes
24 “But woe to you who are rich,
For you have received your consolation.
25 Woe to you who are full,
For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now,
For you shall mourn and weep.
26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Luke adds a bit more information for those who are living it up in their sin on this earth. Luke says you may be rich, fat, and happy now, but the time is coming when misery will be all you have. Woe to those who laugh and poke fun at Christians today because the day will come when they have nothing at all to laugh at and their days are spent in mourning over what they missed and crying over their torment.
There is also a warning to the true saints here. Luke warns us to beware of feeling the need to please people or being liked. We shouldn’t offend people on purpose, but it is also not our goal to have everyone on earth love us. Those who are living in sin should not love us. They should be convicted when they see that we don’t do the things they do. If you are living to be pleasing to all people you can’t be pleasing to God.
Peter was always outspoken and was usually the first to receive revelation from God. He was also the first to show his weakness in the face of fear. He gave into fear and denied Christ with a curse. Peter warns us to be prepared ahead of time to give an answer. Meaning we should make up our minds now on what we believe and why. Don’t wait until you are faced with the life-or-death situation to make that determination. Make your calling and election sure. Be ready to stand for what you believe and know why you believe it.
1 Peter 3:12-17 (KJV) 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Peter 3:12-17 (NKJV) 12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
Suffering for Right and Wrong
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Peter learned from his mistake and never again was caught denying Christ. Peter’s message here is straight and to the point. You are going to suffer one way or the other. You can suffer in this world for doing what God says is good or you can suffer in the after world for doing what man says is good on the earth. Peter also gives us hope that God will hear us and He will help us in our time of need.
1 Peter 4:12-16 (KJV) 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
1 Peter 4:12-16 (NKJV) Suffering for God’s Glory
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
Again, Peter warns us not to suffer as sinners on this earth. He also warns us not to be shocked when we are forced to suffer on this earth because we have chosen to do the will of God. God never once promised us a pain free, problem free, prosperous life on this earth. In fact, He promised the exact opposite. Any time a preacher tells you that God is all about love, all you have to do is give your money in the offering and everything in your life will be coming up rainbows… that man is a liar and false prophet.
God promised us a pain free, problem free, prosperous after life where we will live and reign as kings in His name. This earth is not supposed to be wonderful for us. This is not our home.
Revelation 2:10-11 (KJV) 0 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation 2:10-11 (NKJV) 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Now this is a promise to go to heaven on. Yes, they will come after you. Yes, you will suffer and be cast into prison. Tribulation will come for ten days but those who are faithful to death will receive a crown of life.
The ten days mentioned here does not appear to be at the End Times but at the time of John’s writing. The church of Smyrna would have suffered under Roman persecution for 10 years or more. The main point here is that God tells them they will suffer, and He does not promise to take them out of the trouble. He does promise that not only will they receive a crown, but they will not be taking part in the second death.
The Souls of Them Slain
In Revelation 5, John is shown the Book with the Seven Seals. Jesus was found worthy to open the book and began to release the seals.
In Revelation 6 the first, second, third, and fourth seal are opened and the four horsemen are sent out.
When the fifth seal is opened there are souls shown under the altar of God, who have been slain for the word of God. These are people who were killed because they stood for God and had a testimony that the Word is true. These slain saints are asking God how much longer before you avenge us?
Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV) 9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Revelation 6:9-11 (NKJV)
Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs
9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
White robes were given to these souls, and they were told to wait until more of their brothers and sisters were killed exactly as they were. This is the middle of the seals being opened and God says there are still saints on earth who will be killed for what they believe.
The beast will be given power and allowed to make war on the saints. The beast will kill the saints from all nations who refuse to worship him. This is very plainly stated in the word of God. While it sounds good to say God will take His church out of here before things get rough, that statement is not backed up by the word of God. If the word of God says the beast will kill you, then the beast will kill you because he was given the chance.
Revelation 13:7-10 (KJV) 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. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Revelation 13:7-10 (NKJV) 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Only those whose names are written in the Book of Life will have the strength to resist the beast. Moses was pleading with God to forgive the children of Israel and Moses asked God to blot his name out of the book. God said he only blots out those who sin against Him.
Only those whose names are written in the Book of Life will have the strength to resist the beast. Moses was pleading with God to forgive the children of Israel and Moses asked God to blot his name out of the book. God said he only blots out those who sin against Him.
Exodus 32:32-33 (KJV) 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Luke 10:20 (KJV) 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Exodus 32:32-33 (NKJV) 32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.”
33 And the LORD said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.
Luke 10:20 (NKJV) 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
After Revelation 13:11 there is no more mention of the saints being killed. Everything said after this point is talking in the past tense or is speaking of people in general. The saints won’t be the only ones being killed in the End Times. Those who are just stubborn and refuse to do what they are told will also be killed.
Revelation 13:15 (KJV) 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
Revelation 14:13 (KJV) 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Revelation 16:6 (KJV) 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Revelation 13:15 (NKJV) 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
Revelation 14:13 (NKJV) 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Revelation 16:6 (NKJV) 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
And You have given them blood to drink.
For it is their just due.”
Revelation 13:15 is talking about people being killed for not worshipping the beast but it doesn’t state those people were saints. Then in 14:13 it says those who die in the Lord may rest. These people could be the Jews who were marked by the angel. They are not the church, but they still believe in Yehovah God. In 16:6 the people who tormented the saints, prophets, and the Jews are receiving the justice they deserve.
