Five prophecies yet to be fulfilled. Number one, the rapture. When the Lord returns and descends from heaven, his appearance will be visible to the whole world, as well as the assent of his people to meet him in the air, an event known as the rapture. Some have mistakenly taught about a secret rapture. However, this event will be far from secret. Indeed, it will be one of the most public events in human history, as evidenced by the description
of Jesus. And he will send his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world, from the farthest end of the earth to the heaven Matthew twenty four, verse thirty one. This is not a secret. First, Thessalonians, chapter four provides a comprehensive description of what will happen
at that time. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We say this directly from the Lord. We who are still alive when the Lord returns, will not meet him before those who have died, for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.
First the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth, will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever First Thessalonians four, verses thirteen to seventeen. In the Greek language, there are two distinct words for air. One of the words is ether, which was later adapted into the English language as ether.
The other word is air, which was used to refer to the lower air, which is adjacent to the Earth's surface. This is the term being referred to in the text above. When it comes time to meet Jesus, he will be in close proxies to the Earth. It is hard to imagine anyone not being aware of the momentous occasion when the Lord is shouting, the Archangel is speaking, and the trumpet of God is sounding. It will be a truly
unforgettable experience. Some people say that the word rapture is not contained in the New Testament, Well, that claim is true, it largely depends on the translation used. Since the New Testament was not originally written in English, the interpretation of certain words and phrases can vary. For example, in First Thessalonians four, verse seventeen, the phrase caught up to meet the Lord in the air can be translated in different ways,
leading to a difference in interpretation. And what about this word rapture? It is a fascinating and captivating word. In the Greek language, it is known as halpazzo. This word is used in several passages of the New Testament to describe the rapture. In John ten, the word is used three times to illustrate how a wolf snatches a sheep from the flock. This action is violent and abrupt. A hired hand will flee when he sees a wolf coming.
He will abandon the sheep because they do not belong to him and he is not their shepherd, And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock John ten, verse twelve. In Matthew thirteen, verses four and nineteen, the phrase snatched away is used to describe the action of a bird that descends, grabs a seed, and flies away. In the New Testament, this phrase is used several times to describe people being taken from the earth. For example, after Philip baptized the Eunuch in Acts eight, he was
snatched away. He was snatched away, Acts eight, verse thirty nine. When they came up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the Eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Paul speaks of a friend of his mentioned twice in Second Corinthians twelve, who was caught up to the Third Heaven. Second Corinthians twelve, verses two to four. I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago was caught up to the Third Heaven. Whether it was in the body
or out of the body, I do not know. God knows. And I know that this man, whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, but God knows, was caught up to Paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. In Revelation twelve, verse five, it says she gave birth to a son, a male child who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter, and her child was snatched up to God and to his throne first Thessalonians four, verse seventeen.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will be with the Lord forever. Four times in other pasts sages, the same word is used to forcibly take someone out of a crowd or a situation. Matthew eleven, verse twelve, John six, verse fifteen, Acts twenty three, verse ten, and Jude twenty three. Here is a list of characteristics that the rapture implies will happen without warning, will be
sudden and powerful. There will be no time to prepare. If we are not ready, we will miss the rapture, which will happen suddenly. According to Matthew twenty four, at that moment, two men will be in the field, One will be taken for judgment and the other will be left behind. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken for judgment and the other will be left behind. As per Matthew twenty four, verses forty
and forty one. The Gospel of Luke says that there will be two people in one bed, one will be taken and the other left. As per Luke seventeen, verse thirty four. Therefore there will be a dramatic and sudden separation of people, even those closest to each other, like the two women working at the mill, or the two men in the field, or even the two sharing the same bed. When the rapture happens, it will take one person and leave the other behind. It is crucial to
decide whether we will be taken or left behind. Therefore, let us be alert, pay attention, be cautious, and active in faith, for we do not know on what day the Lord will come, whether near or far. But understand this, If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you who follow me must also be ready, because the son of Man will come at an hour
when you do not expect him. As per Matthew twenty four, Verses forty two to forty four, if the Master had known what was about to happen, he would have stayed awake and vigilant. Jesus advised his disciples to always be ready, for we can never be sure when he will return. Jesus warned against presumption, noting that those who think they
know the time of his return are mistaken. I emphasize this because millions of Christians have fallen for revelations that Jesus came on a specific day or hour, which is entirely contrary to his teaching. As previously mentioned, we find these words in Mark thirteen, verses thirty five to thirty seven. Therefore, let us always be alert, watching if the Master of the house is coming at night, at midnight, at the
rooster's crowing, or in the morning. Let us stay alert, for he may come suddenly and unexpectedly and find us sleeping and unprepared. Each of the three main passages that teach about the rapture indicates that it is only for believers, including innocent children too young to believe. Those who do not believe in Jesus as their Lord and savior will not be caught up to the presence of the Lord.
The rapture is recipt stricted only to believers. Only those who are followers of Christ will be taken to heaven when he returns. The rapture has the power to transform our lives. It is a source of personal comfort and hope. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about this to alleviate their sorrow for their loved ones who had died. Death is not the end. The effects of death will be reversed
by the resurrection of the believers who died. Everyone who has lost a loved one to the sting of death can find consolation in the knowledge that they will see them again. However, it is also a source of strength. On the night he was arrested, Jesus promised his disciples that he would return for them. Number two The revelation of the final Antichrist. How can we identify the Antichrist?
According to the Bible, during the Tribulation, a man known as the Antichrist will arise with the aim of unifying the world under a single authority. This tyrant, akin to his father, the Devil, will initially appear as an angel of light, but will eventually reveal his true evil nature through his actions. Here are six answers to questions about this future sign of the apocalypse. Who is the Antichrist?
The Antichrist is someone who opposes Christ. Anti can also mean instead of and both meanings apply to this forthcoming world leader. While openly opposing Christ, the Antichrist will do everything in his power to live up to his terrible nickname. As Satan leads the world's forces to the Battle of Armageddon, he will persecute, torture, and kill God's people. He will become the most tyrannical leader in history, surpassing even Caesar.
Although the Bible mentions the Antichrist by name only four times, he has referred to many more times under various identities, such as the Beast, the little horn, and the man of lawlessness, the bringer of destruction second Thessalonians two, verse three, and the wicked One will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the manifestation of his coming. When he appears, people will flock to him like flies to honey, and
will do anything he asks. How will he unite the nations? The prophet Daniel describes the Antichrist as a fourth beast with the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering boastful words. He will speak against the most high in a pompous manner. This description comes from a vision that Daniel had during the night Daniel seven, verse twenty five.
He will speak words against the most high, and wear out the saints of the most high, and think to change the times and the law, and they will be given into his hand for a time times and half a time. As Daniel predicts, the next world leader will be known for his eloquence, which will draw the world's attention and admiration. Daniel foresees that the speaker will speak
in lofty terms and blaspheme against God. The apostle John agrees in Revelation, and the beast was given a mouth the power of speech, uttering great things and boastful and blasphemous words, and was given freedom and authority to act and do as he pleases for forty two months three and a half years Revelation thirteen, verse five. It was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and it
was given authority to act for forty two months. The Antichrist is described as a man whose appearance was greater than his fellows Daniel seven, verse twenty and the meaning of the ten horns kings that were on its head, and the other that came up before whom three fell. This horn had eyes and a mouth speaking great things and seemed greater than its fellows. He will be extremely irresistible to the masses due to his charismatic personality, speaking abilities,
and notable good looks. The apostle John adds to Daniel's account of the Antichrist's blasphemous activities by stating that all living will be compelled to worship him. And it was granted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could even speak, and cause all who did not worship the image of
the beast to be killed Revelation thirteen, verse fifteen. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could speak, and cause that any one who would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. The Antichrist is described as a beast in Revelation thirteen, verses one to eight, which is a fitting representation. In the last three and a half years of the tribulation, the Antichrist will embody
Satan himself. According to Second Thessalonians two, verse nine, the coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders. The Antichrist will move from being a regional leader to a global tyrant, cruelly ruling over the world and ultimately claiming to be a god Revelation thirteen. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne and great authority. I saw one of its heads as if it had been mortally wounded,
But its fatal wound was healed. And all the earth marveled after the beast. And they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, who is like the beast? Who can fight against it? How does the Antichrist gain political power? His rise to power will be subtle and unnoticed at the beginning, even by those closest to him. He will emerge from among the common people. And the dragon Satan
stood on the sand of the sea. Then I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns ten diadems, and on its heads blasphemous names. Revelation thirteen, verse one. And I saw a beast rising out of the sea with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. The sea in biblical imagination represents the general mass of humanity, or more specifically, the gentile nations. The tribulation, as bad as it is,
will always be under God's control. Satan is limited by a leash held by God. Who will worship the Antichrist? According to Revelation thirteen, verse eight, all who dwell on the earth will worship him. According to Daniel seven, verse twenty five, the Antichrist is a cult leader. He will utter boastful words against the most high, will try to change the times and the law. He will try to exalt himself to the level of God and speak from there. In the third event, Jesus meets the Antichrist at the
Battle of Armageddon. What will happen to the Antichrist as he leads the Battle of Armageddon is that people will become increasingly dissatisfied with the leadership of this global dictator who broke all the promises made. Throughout the Battle of Armageddon, major parts of the world will begin to build their own military forces in an attempt to overthrow him. Significant segments of the world will start to assemble their own military forces and rebel against him. In the end, the
king of the South will advance to attack him. The Antichrist and the King of the North will come against him with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. He will enter countries, crush them, and pass through them Daniel eleven, verse forty. Some of the initial attempts at rebellion against the Antichrist will be crushed by him, But something happens that prevents him from achieving his goal of destroying Israel
and Jerusalem. Rumours from the East and the North will alarm and disturb him, and he will set out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many Daniel eleven, verse four. Then the sixth Angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, preparing the way for the kings from the east. Revelation sixteen,
verse twelve. The Euphrates is one of the greatest rivers in the world, and with the disappearance of the Euphrates, the Antichrist will become susceptible to attacks from the rulers of the East. If the Euphrates disappears, its arrival will signal the Beginning of the Greatest Battle in human history. Number four. The Seal of God and the Mark of
the Beast. What is the Seal of God in the Book of Revelation In the New Testament, the term sealed is derived from a Greek word meaning to mark with a private seal, it means to keep something hidden, to protect or preserve the sealed object. In ancient times, seals were commonly used in official contexts to ensure the authenticity of important documents. For example, a Roman official would attach a seal to a document intended to be reviewed only
by his superior. Breaking the seal would indicate that the document had been tampered with or read by someone other than the intended recipient. The use of seals was an effective way to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. We see the Seal of God in the Book of Revelation, which is filled with visions and mysterious messages. It introduces us to the idea of God's seal in a very
special and significant way. Revelation one, verses one and two tell us that this is the revelation of Jesus Christ, his revelation of divine mysteries, that God the Father gave him to show to his faithful servants the things that will soon take place in their entirety. He sent and communicated it through his Angel, divine Messenger, to his servant John, who testified and supported the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, to every thing he saw in
his visions. This part of the Bible begins to explain the important messages that follow, including the meaning of God's seal. The Seal of God is like a special sign from God. It shows that God is protecting certain people who belong to Him and are genuine followers of Him. This seal is mentioned during the wild and Frightening events in the Visions of Revelation. It's important to know that this seal is not a physical mark, but more like a spiritual insignia.
It's a way of showing who is truly connected to God and under his protection. God's mark appears during the Tribulation, a future period of seven years in which God will finalize his judgment on the unbelieving world. Throughout the Word of God, the Tribulation is associated with the Day of the Lord, which refers to the period of time when God will directly intervene in the course of history to bring about the fulfillment of his plan. That day will be a day of wrath. It will be a day
of agony and anguish. It will be a day of distress and devastation. It will be a day of darkness and gloom. It will be a day of clouds and darkness. It will be a day of trumpet and battle cry. The period of the Tribulation will be characterized by a variety of divine judgments, turmoil in the celestial sphere, natural calamities, and horrific plagues. The one hundred and forty four thousand
Sealed Servants. The one hundred and forty four thousand Sealed Servants are a mix of mystery, symbols and promises about the end times. It talks about one hundred and forty four thousand of God's servants being specially chosen and marked for protection. These servants come from the twelve tribes of Israel. The act of sealing, as described in Revelation, signifies a
divine mark of protection and ownership. In Revelation seven, verse four, it says, and I heard the number of those who were sealed one hundred and forty four thousand sealed from every tribe of the Sons of Israel. The sealing process is not just a literal marking, but symbolizes spiritual preservation during times of tribulation. Each of the twelve tribes of Israel contributes twelve thousand members, signifying completeness and perfection in
God's selection. The number one hundred forty four thousand is rich in symbolism. In biblical numerology, twelve often represents divine authority and completeness. Multiplying twelve tribes by twelve thousand members
from each tribe suggests an expanded completeness. Contrast with the mark of the Beast in the Book of Revelation, the Seal of God and the mark of the Beast are powerful marks that represent the eternal battle between good and evil and the stark contrast between God's divine authority and the earthly power of the world. These symbols have captured the imagination of generations of believers and non bavers, continuing
to inspire reflection and contemplation to this day. The Seal of God, the seal of God mentioned in Revelation Chapter seven, Verses two to three, represents divine protection and ownership. It is given to God's faithful followers, marking them as His in a spiritual sense, unlike a physical mark. It symbolizes a deep personal commitment to God and his teachings. Possessing the Seal of God indicates spiritual protection during times of trial and judgment. It's a sign of being chosen by God,
reflecting a life lived in accordance with divine principles. The mark of the Beast the mark of the beast, spoken of in Revelation thirteen, verses sixteen and seventeen, is a sign that shows loyalty to the Beast, an evil character against God. It means turning away from God and choosing to follow the power of people in the world, which is often not right or good. The mark of the Beast appears in Revelation and is referred to as such because it is brought into existence by a man known
as the Beast. According to the biblical passages in Revelation sixteen, verse two and Chapter nineteen, verse twenty, the mark of the Beast is a symbol that distinguishes those who worship the beast. Revelation thirteen, verses sixteen and seventeen he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the
Beast or the number representing his name. He causes all to receive a mark, a mark that will be given to every one under the government of the Beast and his associate. This mark is necessary to participate in the economy, and those without it will not be able to buy or sell anything. Only those bearing a special number on a visible part of their body, hand or forehead will be allowed to trade, and the number will only be marked on those who engage in imperial idolatry. Revelation thirteen,
verse eighteen. Here is wisdom. Let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the Beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty six. Six hundred sixty six is the number that captures attention. It is made up of sixes, a number that always alludes to the human inability to achieve the seven, which represents complete perfection. It is used here as a clue to the identity of the last world dictator before
Jesus reigns for a thousand years. The term mark has no special Biblical usage apart from its association with the beast. The Greek term charagma was most commonly used for imprints on documents or coins. Karagma is well attested to have been an imperial seal of the Roman Empire US used on official documents during the first and second centuries, in
addition to its use in Revelation. The term charagma appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Acts seventeen, verse twenty nine, where it refers to an artistic image. Accepting this mark is like turning your back on God. It shows your choosing to side with those against God. It's not just a mark you can see on your body. It truly means you're living your life against what God wants. The seal of God versus the mark of the beast. The seal of God and the mark of the Beast
are two opposing marks. The seal of God represents divine authority and protection and is often associated with spiritual marks that denote faith and obedience to God. On the other hand, the mark of the beast signifies submission to the world's corrupt power, and is often interpreted as a physical or visible sign of compliance with evil forces. These symbols been used to signify the struggle between good and evil and
the importance of choosing the right path in life. The New Heaven, the Celestial City, the New Jerusalem, also known as the Tent of God, Holy City, City of God, Celestial City, Quadrangular City, and Celestial Jerusalem, is a celestial paradise on Earth. The Bible mentions it in several passages, such as in Galatians four, verse twenty six and Hebrews eleven, Verses twelve and thirteen. However, it is described more extensively in Revelation twenty one. There is an end to the
history recorded in Revelation twenty one. All ages have come and gone, The tribulation has passed. The Battle of Armageddon has been fought and won by our Lord Jesus Christ. Satan was chained for a thousand year reign of Christ on Earth. A new and glorious temple was established in Jerusalem. The final rebellion against God was crushed, and Satan received his just punishishment and eternity in the Lake of Fire. The Great White throne, judgment took place, and humanity was judged.
The New Jerusalem is a city that is in heaven. Revelation twenty one, verses one and two. Then I saw a new heaven and a new Earth. For the first heaven and the first Earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. We see in Revelation twenty one, verse two that this Holy City
was prepared and came down from heaven from God. The phrase was prepared implies that the New Jerusalem has been completed by this time. John does not say he saw the New Jerusalem being created. He states he saw the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven. The idea of a new Earth with a new atmosphere and sky is a familiar theme in scripture. Many of the prophets, both Old and New Testament, spoke of this new heaven and new earth.
Isaiah sixty five, verses seventeen and eighteen. For behold, I create new heavens and a new Earth, And the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind, but be glad and rejoice forever in what I create for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy and her people to be a gladness. The city is distinguished by its holiness and newness, making it unique compared to any other earthly city. The name Jerusalem gives continuity to the land,
especially to the place of our redemption. Throughout history, humans have never experienced a community entirely free from sin. Adam and Eve knew only a limited community, and community in a broader context only came much after the fall. In the new Jerusalem, we have a completely unique community, one that is sinless, pure and righteous. It is a holy city. Problems arise when believers accept this type of community. Now the city cannot be attributed to human achievement, but rather
is a gift from God. Revelation twenty one, verses three and four. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have
passed away. John hears a proclamation from heaven that the Tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell among them as God's chosen people. They will have a level of closeness with Him that they could never have imagined possible. God will be present with them. The tabernacle that Moses built was to represent the dwelling place of God here on earth. This tabernacle of God is the reality of his presence. He will establish residence among them,
and they will serve as His people. Revelation twenty one, verses five to eight. And he who was seated on the throne said, behold, I am making all things new. And he said, write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. And he said to me, it is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end to the thirsty. I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be
his God, and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars. Their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. He who is seated on the throne, announces that he is making everything new, and he also says he is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end to the thirsty. He will give freely from the spring of the water of life.
All who are victorious will inherit these things, and He will be their God, and they will be his children. But for the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake of fire, which is the second death. We read that all things are made new. At this point in the plan of the Ages, the plan is complete.
Everything is new. Our instinct is to romantically consider innocence as the perfect state of man, in which Adam would never have done what he did. But we fail to realize that the redeemed man is greater than the innocent man, that we gain more in Jesus than we ever lost in Adam. God's perfect state is one of redemption. In Revelation twenty one, verses fifty and sixteen. The angel who was speaking with me had in his hand a golden measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
When he measured it, he found it was a square as wide as it is long. In fact, its length, width and height were each two thousand, two hundred kilometers. One of the reasons many people try to spiritualize and dismiss the city is because of its enormous size. It
is a city that goes beyond what you can imagine. Now, if you calculate to give you an idea, each of the walls of the cube, they all range between two thousand, two hundred and two thousand, four hundred kilometers, and the square area of the ground floor is approximately four million, eight hundred sixty thousand square kilometers on the first level. Have you heard it said that London covers an area
of one thousand, five hundred seventy two square kilometers. The quadrangular city has four million, eight hundred sixty third thousand square kilometers on the first floor. This city is twenty times larger than all of New Zealand. It's ten times larger than Germany, It's ten times larger than France, it's forty times larger than all of England. It's much larger than India. We read that it had a great and
high wall. The wall was not needed for defense, as there were no more enemies, but the great and high wall gave the city definition and shows that some will be excluded from the city. Only the righteous can enter. Are there really streets of gold in heaven? Is it true that there are streets of gold in heaven? Look at verse eighteen and then verse twenty one of chapter twenty one. The structure of its wall was of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like clear glass, and
the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each of the gates was of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. I can't imagine again. Can you imagine seeing the city as you approach. When the Bible says this city reflects light, it's not from any material combustion, it's not from any consumption of fuel. The light of the world comes from the lamb, and he will be the light of the city at that time. No wonder. Paul described our future this way in First
Corinthians two, verse nine. But as it is written what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined. What God has prepared for those who love him. And in the city are the Tree of Life for the healing of the nations, and the River of Life. The New Jerusalem is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises. The New Jerusalem is God's goodness made
fully manifest. The Tree of Life is first portrayed in chapter two, verse nine of the Book of Genesis as being in the midst of the garden of Eden, along with another divine tree called the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and evil. As a result of his disobedience, Adam l lost his eternal life. The Tree of Life in Eden must have had some role in sustaining the life of Adam and Eve. The Bible opens with a description of the Tree of Life, and now we see the Tree of Life again. Let us pray, Dear Lord.
We thank you for your guidance and your protection as time moves forward. We pray for the understanding of these prophecies. We ask for forgiveness of our sins, both known and unknown. We pray that you guide us from now until eternity. In Jesus's name. We pray amen,