His Servants' Ministry

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Last Days Prophecy

HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

www.lastdaysprophecy.org

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Ressurection of Tribulation Saints

Scripture makes it very clearthat when we die spiritually, we are immediately and consciously ushered into the Majestic Presence of the Lord, our God.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (KJV)

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain . . . Paul says that whether He lived or died, he would be blessed. While he lived, he was Christ's servant; if he died, he would witness the truth at the expense of his life, and this would be gain. He would be saved from the remaining troubles and difficulties in life, and be put immediately in possession of my heavenly inheritance. It was a matter of perfect indifference to Paul whether he be taken by a violent death, or whether he would be permitted to continue here longer; in either case he could lose nothing.
I am convinced that the most important thing in the life of a TRUE Christian is to know they have Christ Jesus in their life. This is NOT popular today. The most important thing is to have fellowship with Jesus so that your joy might be full (Jn.15:11; 16:24; 1 Jn.1:4; 2 Jn.1:12). Only then can you have a powerful witness for Him. Most people forget that fellowship with the Lord Jesus is one of the greatest blessings this life has for us. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Now we know why Paul was not disturbed by the criticism being leveled at him. You cannot hurt anyone who is in fellowship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. (KJV)

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not . . . Paul says, should I be spared longer, I will continue serving Christ as I have done; and the fruit of his labor would be that Christ would be magnified by my longer life (verse 20).
Yet what I shall choose I wot not . . . Paul says that if the two conditions were left for him to choose, whether to die now and go to glory, or whether to live longer in persecutions and affliction, by glorifying Christ by spreading the Gospel, he did know which he’d prefer. Paul did not know about his future, and neither do we! We do not know what any single day will bring. Tomorrow we might not be here. That is why it is SO important to get your life in order, for both believers, and unbelievers! If you do not know Jesus as your Savoiur, tomorrow may be too late. Please do NOT wait any longer. Believe God, and accept His Son today. http://www.hisservants.org/truth_about_salvation_h_s.htm

Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (KJV)

For I am in a strait betwixt two . . . dying now, and being immediately with God; or living longer to preach and spread the Gospel, and thus glorify Christ among men.
Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ . . . this seems to be a symbol taken from the commander of a vessel, in a foreign port, who feels a strong desire to set sail, and get to his own country and family; but this desire is offset by a conviction that the best interests of the voyage may be that he stay longer in the port where his vessel is. This was the condition of Paul, he was not at home, but although he was abroad it was on his employer's business; he wishes to return, and is ready to set sail, but he has not received his final orders from his owner, and whatever desire he may feel to go home he will faithfully wait until that order arrives.
Paul was torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

Dear one, there is NO soul sleep, as some people think and teach. On the cross, Jesus told the repentant thief next to Him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” His soul did NOT go to sleep.His body died, his soul lived on until Judgment Day!

When Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death, he cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). Spiritually, both body and soul (spirit) went into Christ’s awesom Presence immediately.

This is the same with the Old Testament saints as well.

Luke 20:38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. (KJV)

IThe Lord Jesus was speaking about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Jesus .

The resurrection of our physical bodies is aseparate event. When will this take place? Some are surprised to learn that the Old Testament saints, New Testament saints, and tribulation saints will be physically raised up at two different (separate) times.

The Power of the Resurrection

1 Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (KJV)

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed . . . some may say: How can this be? There will be many saints alive in the world when Christ shall come at the Rapture. They all will have natural bodies that they were born with, and grew up with in the world until that time. Paul says: I now tell you a secret thing; a mystery (Rom.11:25; 16:25), and in many other texts. See end of chapter for more on Mysteries.
Comment on MANY: I do not believe there shall be as many believers left at the Rapture, as some people think. (Gen.7:7-23; Mat.7:13-14; 13:3-23; 20:6; 22:14; 25:1-12; Lk.12:32; 13:23.30; Rom.9:27-29,32; 11:5-6; 12:2; Eph.2:2-3; 1 Pet.3:20-21). That is why I keep stressing the point of TRUE believers! We must beware! We must watch, for we know not when He shall come!
We shall not all sleep . . . not all Christians will be dead when Christ comes in the Rapture.
But we shall all be changed . . . at the resurrection, all natural, corruptible bodies of the saints shall be turned into spiritual bodies, no more capable of corruption any more. 1Thes. 4:15-17 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (KJV)

1 Cor. 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)

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 . . . this will happen very fast! Blink your eye, it is done! With God all things are possible (Mat.19:26).
This change from corruptible to incorruptible, from earthly to heavenly, will be in a moment. The command of Christ, will first call all TRUE believers out of their graves, just as a trumpet call persons together. We also read of the last trump, in the last days (Mat.24:31). There shall be such a sound made at the Rapture. Whether it is a literal trumpet, or whether it is the booming Voice of the Lord Jesus (1 Thes.4:16), there are many opinions . . . And with the trump of God . . . will there be trumpets there? Personally, I do not think so. I think it shall be Jesus’ Voice that will be like a trumpet. Why do I say this? Rev.1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, (KJV) . . . John said Jesus’ Voice sounded like a trumpet. John turned to see what it was, and he saw the glorified Christ. I believe it is the Voice of the glorified Christ that is like the sound of a trumpet.
When the Lord calls to the dead souls, they shall immediately be raised out of their graves; NOT with the same bodies as they went there with, but with different bodies that shall no longer be subject to corruption. And all those TRUE believers who at that time shall be alive, shall one way or another, also be changed, and shall also be put into an incorruptible (heavenly) state. There shall be NO mistakes! It is my humble opinion that ONLY God’s TRUE children shall hear the Lord Jesus’ call at the Rapture. ALL the unsaved (the unbelieving), shall remain on Earth to go through the Great Tribulation. See more on the Great Tribulation:
http://www.hisservants.org/tribulation_what_h_s.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/tribulation_why_h_s.htm
Glorified Christ: (Dan.7:9-10,13-14; 10:6; Mat.17:2; 28:3; Mk.9:3; Lk.:29; Acts 10:30; Rev.1:13-17; 2:18; 19:12)
Transfiguration, Jesus: (Mat.17:2; Mk.9:2; Lk.9:29; 2 Pet.1:18)

Voice of Jesus, as a trumpet, many waters, thunder, power: (Job 37:1-5; Ps.93:3-5; Jer.51:15-16; Eze.43:2; Rev.1:10,15; 3:20; 4:2; 10:3-4; 14:2; 19:6)

Paul repeats this truth in another passage about the rapture,

1 Thes. 4:15-18 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 hen we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (KJV)

The Lord Jesus Himself shall descend from Heaven with a loud cry of command to those on Earth . . . with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise FIRST. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.

Please note, there are the groups of people who will be taken up in the Rapture: “the dead in Christ will rise first,” and then “we who are alive…will be caught up.” This is the physical resurrection of all New Testament saints . . . of every person who has received Christ as Saviour since His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. When the Rapture takes place, [and it will happen], many of us will still be alive here on earth. Together, we will be taken up to Heaven.

That leads to a question: What about the Old Testament saints? When will they be physically resurrected?

The answer is found in:

Daniel 12:1 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. (KJV)
At that time . . . this identifies the time frame as the time of the end (Dan.11:35, 40; 12:4), and the latter days (Dan.10:14). This is now the end of the vision given to Daniel, and it ends with the Great Tribulation period. Michael . . . the guardian angel of Israel (thy people Dan.10:13). The transactions on Earth affecting God's people have their correspondences in Heaven, in the conflict between good and bad angels; so at the last great fight on Earth which shall decide the domination of Christianity (Rev.12:7-10).
Michael is an archangel, he is NOT the Lord Jesus; for he is distinguished from the Lord in (Jude 1:9). There shall be . . . rather, it shall be . . . a time of trouble, such as never was . . . (Mat.24:21) . . . which partially applies to the time of Antiochus, who was the first to undermine the religion of the Jews . . . and fully applies to the last times of Antichrist, and his persecutions of Israel, who shall be restored to Palestine. Satan shall be allowed to exercise an unhindered, unparalleled power at that time (Isa.26:20-21; Jer.30:7; Mat.24:21; Dan.8:24-25; 11:36).
Thy people shall be delivered . . . (Rom.11:26), with the same deliverance of Israel as in (Zec.13:8-9), the third part... brought through the fire... refined as silver. The remnant in Israel is spared, as not having joined in the Anti-Christian blasphemy (Rev.13:9-10); not to be confused with those who have confessed Christ before His coming, the remnant according to the election of grace (Rom.11:5), part of the Church of the first-born who will share His millennial reign (Rev.20:1-6) in glorified bodies; the spared remnant (Isa.10:21) will only know the Lord Jesus when they see Him, and when the spirit of grace and supplication is poured out on them. Written in the book . . . namely, of God's secret purpose, as destined for deliverance (Ps.56:8; 69:28; Lk.10:20; Rev.20:15; 21:27).
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_millennial_kingdom.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_1000_years.htm

By what authority do we call this period of time the Great Tribulation? By the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ! WHY? Because He is God and He used the same language in speaking of the Great Tribulation that Daniel uses.
Matthew 24:15-22 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: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (KJV) . . . Jesus said that this would be a brief period, a time of trouble, and that there would never be a time like it before or afterward. This is the time the Lord Jesus called the Great Tribulation period. He certainly knew what He was talking about, and if we are wise, we will accept and believe what He says.
Michael is identified for us here. He is the only angel given the title of archangel (Jude 1:9) in the KJV of the Bible. His name means who is like unto God? Michael is the one who is going to cast Satan out of Heaven (Rev.12:7-9). Michael is the one who protects the nation Israel and stands in her behalf, as Daniel makes clear quite here. Michael’s strategy is clearly outlined by the apostle John (Rev.12:14-16).
For the children of thy people . . . this is without any doubt the nation Israel, it is NOT the church, or else the language has no meaning whatsoever. http://www.hisservants.org/israel_h_s.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_israel_god%27s_chosen_people.htm
And there shall be a time of trouble . . . this indicates the Great Tribulation period as our Lord Jesus so labeled above in verse 21. The believing remnant of Israel will be preserved (Mat.24:22; Rom.11:26; Rev.7:4). Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (KJV)
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_100_facts_about_jesus.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_bible_is_it_true.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_is_jesus_really_god.htm

Time and Length of the Tribulation Period

The Tribulation Period will begin to affect Israel, even before the 70th week begins . . . how long before is not certain, but when Antichrist rises at the beginning of the week, Israel will be enduring persecution from the 10 kings of Revised Roman Empire, dominated by Mystery Babylon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians

Revelation 17:1-5 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (KJV)

SO . . . WHAT or WHO is Mystery Babylon?

Mystery Babylon is a CHURCH: In the Bible a WOMAN symbolizes a CHURCH. This is a very important point that must NOT be overlooked because it proves beyond all doubt that this woman with mystery Babylon written upon HER head and riding a Beast (Kingdom, Rome) has to be a Church. There are several Scriptures that prove this. The only question that remains is which Church? And I think the above Passage gives us the answer.

Consider: And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls . . . WHAT church is known for these colors? The Catholic Church! What church is the richest organization in the entire world? The Catholic Church!

Spiritual adultery: (Judges 3:7; 1 Ki.16:31-33; Isa.1:21; 54:5; Jer.3:20; 9:2; 19:5; Eze.6:9; 16:15-19,30,32; Hos.2:2-5; 3:1-5; 9:1; Mat.6:24; John 12:31; Rom.8:7-8; Eph.2:2; Col.3:2; 2 Tim.4:10; Jam.4:4-5; 1 Pet.14-16; 1 John 2:15-17; 5:19; Rev.3:15-16).

When Antichrist comes he will make a 7-year covenant with Israel (Dan.9:27), promising them protection and peace. Because the Jews will NOT submit to Mystery Babylon, there will be a widespread persecution and they shall be hated of all nations (Deut.28:37, 45-46; Ps.44:13-14; Isa.41:11; Zec.12:2-3; Mat.24:9), during the time of the beginning of sorrows (Mat. 24:8) when Antichrist will be making every effort to conquer all these nations. The Antichrist must have Jewish moral and financial support in his effort to rise over these nations, so he will make an alliance with them for 7 years. The time period of the Tribulation will be a total of seven years, the whole of Daniel's 70th week (Dan.9:27). It starts out with Antichrist supposedly being a ‘nice guy’ (Rev.6:2), but it does NOT last long! He soon shows his true colors (Rev.6:4-8). The Tribulation will end at the Second Coming of Christ (Zec.14:1-5; Mat.24:29-31; Rev.19:11-21).

The Divisions of the Tribulation:
#1. The first part is the first 3 ½ years of the 70th week and could be called the ‘lesser Tribulation’. It will not be near as severe as the last 3 ½ years because of the protection of Israel by the Antichrist during that time. Israel's persecution then will be from a source entirely different from that of the last division. In these first 3 ½ years she will be persecuted by Mystery Babylon and the 10 kings. This part will fulfill Rev.6:1 through Rev.9:21 (the seal and trumpet judgments).
#2. The last part is the last 3 ½ years of the 70th week and is called the Great Tribulation because it will be much more severe in the persecution of Israel than the first 3 ½ years. The Antichrist will protect Israel the first 3 ½ years, but will show his true colors, and will break his peace treaty with her in the middle of the week and become her worst ever enemy. He will try to destroy her, which will call down the judgments of the 7 vials (bowls) in the last 3 ½ years. This part of the Tribulation includes the fulfillment of Rev.10:1 through Rev.19:21. Daniel, Jeremiah, Jesus and others speak of this time of Israel's trouble as being worse than any other time that has ever been on Earth or ever will be (Dan.9:26; 12:1; Isa.65:15; 66:15-16; Jer.30:4-11; Joel 1:2; 2:2; Zec.14:2-3; Mat.24:21-22; Lk.19:43-44; Rev.11:1-2; 12:14-17; 13:5-7).
WHAT will happen in the Tribulation Period? http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_tribulation_what.htm

WHY . . . the TRIBULATION??

For each and everything God does, He has an ultimate purpose. So, too, with the horrendous Great Tribulation period. Just what will it accomplish? He has more than one reason in mind!
#1. Time (now on Earth) as we know it, will come to an end. Daniel introduces the events that climax the consummation of time. 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]
From Adam to the Rapture, God’s grace has and will flow freely. He has given ALL people the opportunity to believe Him, accept His Son, and worship Him willingly. Our time on Earth is a testing period; will we turn to Him? OR will we reject Him and His marvelous grace? He gives us every opportunity!
#2. It will fulfill Israel’s prophecies. Many prophecies about Israel are not yet fulfilled. Some have returned to their land, and they have been recognized as a nation in 1948 (see Ezekiel ch. 36 & 37). But rebuilding the Temple and restarting to offer sacrifices will be completed during the Great Tribulation.
#3. To shake man’s false sense of security. A steadfast and prospering world makes people think they can ‘do it themselves.’ They don’t need God, is their attitude! So it will take earthquakes, plagues, famine and death, to shake their confidence in their own powers, so that when they hear the Gospel, preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, they may be more receptive to the Message.
#4. To force people to a decision: Christ? OR Antichrist? One main and very important reason for the Great Tribulation, is to give billions the one last chance to make up their mind: will it be Jesus? Will they accept Him? Or will they continue to reject Him and run to the horrendous impostor . . . the Antichrist? Those who do accept Christ during these most traumatic judgments by God, will receive the mark of God on their forehead (Rev.7:3). But, when they do, they will be headed for martyrdom. Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Harlot (Mystery Babylon, false religious system) all hate Christ intensely! There will be MANY Tribulation saints killed during this awful time period. But, eternity in Heaven is much to be desired, rather than a very short-lived traumatic life on Earth during the Tribulation. Better still, if you have not accepted Christ as your Saviour and Lord, do it NOW! In doing so, you will NOT have to be concerned about the Tribulation. You will NOT go through it! For when Jesus comes at the Rapture (1 Thes. 4: 13-18), you will go with Him to Heaven then!

Characteristics of the Tribulation
God's wrath will be poured out upon mankind for their wickedness and corruption which will EXCEDE the days of Noah and Lot (Gen.6:5-7; 7:19-23; 18:32; 19:28; 2 Tim.3:1-12). Words cannot describe the utter rebellion and wickedness of men during this period of final struggle between God and the devil over possession of the Earth (Rev.11:15; 12:7-12; 19:11-21; 20:1-3). People will reject the TRUTH until God turns them over to the strong delusion of the Antichrist who will cause them to believe a lie and be doomed to Hell (2 Thes.2:8-12; 2 Pet.3:1-9). Even after God pours out His judgments upon men, and they know it is He that is doing it, they will still disobey Him (Rev.9:20-21; 17:1-18; 18:1-24).

The Resurrections of Old Testament Saints and Sinners (12:2-3)

Daniel 12:2 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. (KJV)
Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life . . . the remnant of Israel living in the Great Tribulation period will be preserved, and that great company of Gentiles who shall be saved during that time also will be preserved. Remnant of Israel: (Eze.34:13-14; Zep.2:7, 9; 3:13; Zec.8:11-12; Rom.9:27; 11:5).
Those of the Old Testament who died belonging to the remnant and the Gentiles saved during the Old Testament will be raised to everlasting life at the end of the Great Tribulation.
The Old Testament saints are not raised at the Rapture of the church. Scripture clearly states that at the Rapture: 1 Thes.4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (KJV) . . . No mention of Old Testament saints, only those who believe God (1 Jn.5:10-13), and have Faith in Jesus to save them. We are in Christ by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor.12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) . . . This baptism began on the Day of Pentecost and will end at the Rapture. Christ told His disciples who were members of the nation Israel that they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit and put into the body of believers, the church (Acts 1:5).
When the church is raptured out of the world, the Old Testament saints will not be raised with born again believers. Why? Because the time to enter the Kingdom is at the end of the Great Tribulation period when Christ comes to establish His Kingdom on the Earth. It will be then that the Old Testament saints will be raised. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob . . . all will be raised to enter the Kingdom on this Earth at that time. Scripture makes it very clear that they will be raised at the end of the Great Tribulation.
Some to shame and everlasting contempt . . . refers to the lost souls of the Old Testament who are raised for the Great White Throne judgment at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:11-15).

Zechariah 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (KJV)

And it shall come to pass in that day . . . "that day" is so often mentioned in this chapter, meaning the latter part of the Gospel dispensation, the spiritual reign of Christ. "And it shall come to pass" . . . I love this. God's Words SHALL come to pass! (Isa.2:2; 3:24; 4:3; 11:11; 14:3,24; 17:4; 22:7,20; 27:12-13; 65:24; 66:23; Jer.3:16-17; 4:9; 5:19; 12:15-16; 15:2-3; 16:10; 17:24-26; 25:12-13; 30:8-9; 31:28; 42:4,16; 49:39; Eze.12:25; 24:14; 33:33; 28:10,18; 39:11; 44:17; 47:9-10,22;23; Dan.2:45; Hos.1:5,10; 2:21; Joel 2:28,32; 3:18; Am.6:9; 8:9; Mic.4:1-4; 5:10; Zep.1:8,10,12; Zec.8:13,20; 12:9; 13:2-4,8; 14:6-7,13,16; Mat.24:6; Mk.13:29; Lk.21:7,9,28,31,36; 24:18; Acts 2:17,21; 3:23; Rom.9:26).

That I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem . . . not to restrain, but to overthrow and destroy them. This seems to refer to Ezekiel chapter 38. "All nations" . . . EVERY nation that comes against, and sets itself up to oppress and/or destroy Jerusalem, God shall completely cut off from being a nation! Destroy them!

In "that day," there shall be a joint, coming together of ALL the nations against Jerusalem, which we clearly see in great detail in the Book of Revelation. All the great prophecies in the Bible are like trains coming into a train station. Every tremendous prophecy, of every TRUE prophet, starts some where else in the Bible, but will end up in the Book of Revelation for its fulfillment!

The repentance of Jerusalem . . . Zec.12:10-14

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (KJV)

And I will pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem . . . "and I" God the Father (Acts 2:17-18; Isa.44:3-4; Joel 2:28-29). "Will pour out" . . . in abundance, as a plentiful rain is poured forth on a dry and thirsty ground. "Upon the house of David" . . . that royal family, is literally the whole family of Christ, Christ Who is the Seed of David, and Who is called David their King (Eze.37:24; Hos.3:5). "The inhabitants of Jerusalem" . . . this means all the remnant of the Jews that finally see the Light, and become members of the family of Christ (Jn.1:12-13; 3:3), and to the heavenly Jerusalem, the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in Heaven. Book of Life: (Ex.32:33; Ps.56:8; 69:28; 87:6; Isa.4:3; Dan.7:10; 12:1; Mal.3:16; Lk.10:20; Phil.4:3; Heb.12:23; Rev.3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; 22:19).

It is my humble opinion that all people are written in that book in Heaven, because God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Pet.3:9) . . . BUT . . . when a person consistently rejects God and disobeys His Word, He simply cannot leave that person's name in the Book of Life. Some passages that bring me to this conclusion are: (Ex.34:6-7; Ps.86:15; Isa.30:18; Lk.18:8; Rom.2:4-13; 9:22; 1 Tim.2:4-6; 1 Pet.3:9-12,20; Rev.2:21-23). I believe that God gives each of us "space to repent of her fornication" . . . BUT when "she repented not" . . . that name is blotted out of the Book of Life. I am not highly educated by this world's standards, and I could be wrong, but this is what seems to be to me. Some may ask: "What about Eph.1:4-6?" I believe, without a doubt that God is 'omniscient' and perfectly and eternally knows ALL things that can possibly be known: past, present and future. Since God knows ALL things, He knows ALL those who shall one day accept Christ as the one and only Way of salvation (Jn.14:6; 1 Jn.5:10-12).
See, describing God: . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/describing_god_h_s.htm

The Spirit of grace and of supplications . . . meaning the Holy Spirit of God, who is called the "Spirit of grace," not just because He is good, gracious and loving to His people, and IS the Grace given to them . . . but because He is the Author of all grace within them! Without the Holy Spirit, we would not have: faith, hope, love, reverence, repentance, humility, joy, peace, meekness, patience or self-denial. He is the One Who reveals things to us, and He He applies blessings to us, He witnesses all the blessings of grace to us, He composes and dictates our prayers for us, putting words in our mouths as we come before the Majestic One on the Holy Throne in Heaven! "The Spirit of Grace" is the fountain of ALL graces within us, and only He can make us lovely in the Eye of Almighty God. Without the Spirit to purify and beautify us, God will NOT delight in us. If the Spirit of Christ is not in us, we are NOT God's children! Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV)

And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced . . . (Acts 4:10-11). The Jews nailed Jesus to the tree. They crucified Him! They pierced His hands and feet and His side (Ps.22:16-17; Jn.19:34-37; Rev.1:7). This was done by their ancestors, as He was pierced and wounded for their sins. And now when they in "that day" would be enlightened and convicted by the Spirit of the Lord (Isa.11:2), they shall look to Him by "faith" (Eph.2:8-9) for the pardon of their sins, through His "precious Blood" (1 Pet.1:18-21); for their justification (Rom.3:24-26; 5:1), by His "righteousness" (1 Cor.1:30); and for eternal life and salvation through Him (Jn.3:15-18,36; 5:24; 8:24; 14:6; 1 Jn.5:10-12).

We as Christians can have absolutely NO doubt that this Passage is speaking of Christ Jesus. All those who have received the Holy Spirit, shall look upon Jesus with an eye of faith, and turn to Him with love, obeying Him and watching for His Coming. Watching: (Mat.24:42-43; 25:13; Mk.13:33-37; 14:38; Luke 12:37-39; 21:36; 1 Cor.16:13; Eph.6:18; Col.4:2; 1 Thes.5:6; 2 Tim.4:5; 1 Pet.4:7; Rev.3:3). Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (KJV)

Spiritual hope: (Ps.9:18; 16:9; 31:24; 33:18,22; 38:15; 39:7; 43:5; 71:5,14; 78:5-7; 119:49-50; 119:74.81,116; 119:166-167; 130:7; 146:5; Pro.10:28; 13:12; 14:32; 23:18; 24:14; Isa.38:18; Jer.17:7; Lam.3:21,24,26; Hos.2:15; Joel 3:16; Zec.9:12; Acts 23:6; 24:14-15; 26:7-8; 28:20; Rom.4:18; 5:2,5; 8:24-25; 12:12; 15:4,13; 1 Cor.13:7,13; 15:19; 2 Cor.3:12; 4:8; Gal.5:5; Eph.1:12,18; 4:4; Phil.1:20; Col.1:5,23,27; 1 Thes.1:3; 5:8; 2 Thes.2:16; 1 Tim.1:1; Tit.1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Heb.3:6; 6:11,18-19; 7:19; 11:1; 1 Pet.1:3,13,21; 3:15; 1 Jn.3:3).

And they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son . . . grieve and lament the crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, not only as the sinful, cruel act of their fathers, BUT because their sins had a share in it too, as do ours! "As one mourneth for his only son" . . . with a very deep, continued sorrow, true sorrow, such as would be the sorrow of a father in the death of his only son, retaining it inwardly, and express it outwardly. They shall mourn: (Jer.6:26; Am.8:10; Mat.24:30; 26:75; Acts 2:37).

And shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn . . . this speaks the inward affection of the mourner; there may be tears in some cases without grief or bitterness in the spirit, but here both are joined together. True repentance will bitterly lament the sins which brought sorrows and shame upon our Lord. Sin is a bitter thing, and always brings on bitter repentance. Crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, was not just a sinful, cruel act of their fathers, but as looking back on it, know that they too, with their sins also had a share in it.

When the church is removed from the Earth at the Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18), the Holy Spirit does not leave the Earth, but He will have a different job. He will do what He was doing in the Old Testament; He will "come upon" certain people. Zechariah tells us that there is to be a pouring out of the Spirit upon the remnant that will be back in the land. When that pouring out of the Spirit takes place, the Jews shall finally recognize Christ as their Saviour, their Messiah!

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit "came upon men" (Num.11:25; 24:2; Judg.3:10; 6:34; 1 Sam.16:13). When Jesus was on Earth, the Holy Spirit was "with men" in the Form of Jesus the Man. After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit "indwelled men" (Jn.14:16-17,23; Rom.5:5; 8:9; 1 Cor.2:12; 3:16).

Today TRUE Christians are indwelt by the Spirit of God (Rom.8:9). You do NOT have to seek Him! You do NOT have to be sinless to have the Holy Spirit (Rom.3:10;23). The only thing that you must do is to believe God (1 Jn.5:10), come as the sinner you are to Christ Jesus and accept and receive Him as your Saviour. Since God has been so gracious to me, I have no objection to His being gracious to the Jews or anyone else!

Another question: what about those Christians who are put to death during the tribulation? The rapture will have already happened. When will the souls of the tribulation saints be reunited with their bodies?

Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [2] 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 be loosed a little season. [KJV] Then John saw an angel come down from Heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a big chain in his hand. He grabbed the dragon, that old serpent (the Devil, Satan) and bound him in chains for a thousand years. The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. After the 1000 years he would be released again for a short time.

The 1000 years (Millennium) is mentioned only in this 20th chapter, in the Book of Revelation; but it is mentioned 6 times, 2,3,4,5,6, & 7. An angel of God takes hold of the devil, binds him, and casts him into the “bottomless pit.” Please notice: the Bible plainly states, AN angel! One, single, solitary, lone angel controls this most powerful enemy of God! The Abyss (bottomless pit) represents the place of the demons and of Satan, the king of demons (Rev. 9:11). When the angel throws Satan in, he shuts him up and seals him in! Satan will no longer be in the world to deceive people — not for 1000 years. The people shall have a time of peace and prosperity, but, all her trials are not yet over.

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 worshipped 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]

John sees thrones, and people sitting on them who had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus, for proclaiming the Word of God, and the souls of those who had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They were alive once more, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) Blessed and holy are those who are part of the first resurrection. For on them the second death has no power, and they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him a thousand years.

Who are the “they” sitting on the thrones? Many will die for Christ during the Tribulation. These martyrs would not worship the beast nor his image, would not accept his mark, but stood fast to the Word of God and they witnessed for Jesus — so they were killed! There will be two resurrections: the first will be for God’s people and the second is the resurrection of the damned (Dan.12:1-2). “Blessed and holy” are all those in the “first resurrection.” The reign of these saints will be for the same time period as Satan is bound. The “first resurrection” started with the resurrection of Christ, followed by those who are resurrected at the Rapture, and before the 1000 years begins, those who were faithful to Christ in the Tribulation period will be resurrected also. Those who love, serve and suffer with Christ, shall reign with Him in His Kingdom. The happiness of these servants of God is declared. No one can be blessed unless they are holy; and all that are holy shall be blessed. We know a little of what the first death is, but praise God, saints will never know what the second death is. It is dreadful; it is eternal separation from God. God’s children are saved from the power of the second death.

In the Millennium, Christianity in doctrine, worship, and holiness, will be made known over all the Earth. By the all-powerful working of the Holy Spirit, faith and holiness will prevail, just as unbelief and wickedness do now. Pain, diseases, and other calamities will cease. All the evils of the world will cease, and happiness of every kind will be greatly increased.

Antichrist could still be killing saints up to the very end of Armageddon. Therefore, the Tribulation martyrs who were beheaded [killed] for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands” are resurrected as a group to reign with Christ the moment Antichrist is defeated and Christ takes the throne of David to begin His earthly rule from Jerusalem (Rv 20:4).

Of these martyrs coming back to life God's Word says, “This is the first resurrection” (Rv 20:5). Yet this “first resurrection” is specifically stated to include only those slain for not worshiping the Antichrist or taking his mark, leaving out all the saints who lived and died before Antichrist. Clearly, this cannot be the entire “first resurrection” or Moses, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc., even Paul who though martyred was not killed by Antichrist will never be resurrected. Christ referred to two resurrections only:“the resurrection of life” and “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29), and the only resurrection that remains after this first one is “the resurrection of damnation,” which occurs when “the dead, small and great, stand before God” and are judged and sent to the Lake of Fire (Rv 20: 12-15). So, “This is first resurrection” cannot describe all of the first resurrection . . . but lets us know that these martyrs are included in the resurrection which occurred at the Rapture and that they partake of its benefits as part of the church of all ages.

Because those martyred during the Tribulation are resurrected after Antichrist is “taken ...[and] cast alive into [the] lake of fire” (Rev.19:20) and Christ is on Earth, they will not be raptured to heaven but gathered by angels, along with the living remnant of Jews not in Israel, into His Presence on Earth:

The Coming of the Son of Man
Mat.24:29-30 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: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 Jews so gathered will be in the earthly kingdom ruled by Christ, while the Tribulation martyrs will reign with Christ over the Millennial Kingdom.

Our future physical resurrection is guaranteed. We know this because Christ Himself rose from the dead, making it possible for us to rise too. As Jesus so wonderfully proclaimed shortly before He raised Lazarus from the dead, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV)

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body . . . our vile body could be body of corruption. This means that He shall change our earthly body, He will refashion us from corrupt to incorrupt (1 Cor.15:42-44,48-54), that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious Body (1 Jn.3:2). The bodies of TRUE believers shall be raised up at the great day in the same likeness, immortality, and glory, of the glorified humanity of Christ Jesus; and be so completely changed, as to be not only capable through their immortality of eternally existing, but also of the unlimited spiritual enjoyments at the right hand of God.
According to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself . . . according to His power, by which He can bring all things under subjection to Himself. So we find that the resurrection of the body is attributed to that power which governs and subdues all things, for nothing less than the power that produced the human body at the beginning, can restore it from its lapsed and degraded state into that state of glory which it had at its creation; and make it capable of enjoying God throughout eternity. The thought of this glorious change was a subject of the highest joy and confidence among the primitive Christian, and of TRUE Christians today! New bodies: (2 Cor.5:1-10). This earth is not our permanent home! Thank You Jesus!

Every believer from all time has the Promise of physical resurrection. We have nothing to fear from death. Spiritually, we go immediately into Christ’s Presence, and physically, whether we are resurrected at the Rapture OR at Christ’s Return, our mortal bodies will put on immortality (1 Cor. 15:54). As Paul so triumphantly exclaimed, because of Christ, “death is swallowed up in victory”!

When non-Christians [unbelievers] die, their spirits go to hell and will eventually go into the Lake of Fire which burns forever (Rev.20:13-15). Jesus told us in Matthew 25:46 that everyone lives forever. The only question is where will YOU live?

What Do You Really Know About Resurrections?

Resurrections

Born Again

Elijah's Return

Enoch and Elijah in Heaven

First and Second Resurrections

Great White Throne Judgment

??Is There Really a HELL??

Judgment Seat of Christ

Millennial Kingdom

Millenniaum, The 1000 Years

Rapture Resurrection