Monthly Archives: June 2023

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Back to Eden: Until The Antichrist

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In my last article, I taught that YHVH walked with people before they turned away. I also mentioned that He will someday destroy this realm and re-create perfection. Here, we’ll unfold the last days as we begin to explore what Jesus revealed about the future. I’ll also introduce John the Revelator and guide you in your own end-times study. John first.

Jesus’ disciple John Zebedee wrote the Revelation in about 95 CE while exiled to the Grecian Island of Patmos. Roman Emperor Domitian sent him there, and Emperor Nerva released the exiles a couple of years later. John then returned to Ephesus to live out his days. While in the spirit, Jesus had revealed the future to John to give to his Asian churches. But he had heard much of this before!

Before Jesus’ crucifixion, several disciples asked Him about the Temple’s eventual destruction and His future return. You can read Jesus’ response in Matthew chapters 24-25, Mark 13, or Luke 21. He revealed a forthcoming departure from the Faith and diminishing true love. Also, that life will continue as it always has until religious deception, war, and environmental issues increase significantly just before the end. Here’s how Matthew 24:5-7 and Revelation 6:2-6 (part of a seven-sealed scroll) reveal Jesus’ time until Antichrist:

  • Deception: Matthew 24:5 and Revelation 6:2 (behind seal #1).
  •  Violence: Matthew 24:6-7a and Revelation 6:3-4 (behind seal #2).
  •  Environmental and geological chaos: Matthew 24:7b and Revelation 6:5-6 (behind seal #3).

Now, I’ll introduce you to the Revelation. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s all symbolic, already happened, or not sequential! Very little is purely symbolic, and most are explained there or elsewhere. Accept what you read as literally as possible unless there’s a reason not to. And compare Scriptures to Scriptures to get a clearer understanding. It’s easier than you think! You may want to check out my 2011 book, Finding the End of the World, to learn more about the end of the age and aid your own study. Here’s a breakdown of the Revelation, which comprises eight primary sections:

  • Revelation 1 – 5. Introduction, instructions, and an invitation to see the future.
  • Revelation 6 – 8:1. Sequence until the end and the protection of God’s people.
  • Revelation 8:2 – 10. Trumpet judgments 1-6 (God’s wrath begins).
  • Revelation 11 – 13. Three perspectives (two witnesses, Satan, and the Antichrist) and details of the Antichrist’s 3.5-year authority ending with trumpet judgment #7.
  • Revelation 14 – 16. Events just before and after the end of Antichrist authority; vial judgments 1-6 (almost the end of God’s wrath).
  • Revelation 17 – 19. Immoralities and the final showdown (God’s wrath ends with vial #7).
  • Revelation 20 – 22. Christ’s physical kingdom, judgment, and re-creation; closure.

Summary: Life will continue until deception, violence, and environmental issues spiral out of control. Next, we’ll deep-dive into the time of the Antichrist’s authority and mayhem revealed by the prophet Daniel, apostle Paul, and revelator John. Meanwhile, honor God and love people more than religion.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Back to Eden: As It Was

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Recently, I wrote a series about our Supernatural God—Elohim led by YHVH, the Creator. I touched on Elohim rebels, including Satan, coming cosmic battles, an earthly Kingdom, judgment, and re-creation. Over the following few articles, I’ll start with the new creation and give a high-level view of the ‘end times,’ which have been in motion since Jesus brought YHVH’s Kingdom to people. But . . .

First, the point is hope. We believe what YHVH has done and is doing. So, we believe He’ll keep His word to restore everything to perfection as it once was. Read Revelation 21:1-22:5 for a glimpse of that beautiful future! Also, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men . . . looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus . . . (Titus 2:11-13)

Second, here’s the basic sequence from now until the coming new age of re-creation:

  • Life will continue as it has until religious deception, war, and environmental issues increase significantly.
  • The ‘Antichrist’ ruler will crush YHVH’s people for several years.
  • YHVH will rescue them and bring wrath against the ungodly.
  • There’ll be peace on Earth for a while.
  • Finally, judgment and a new age when YHVH will again hang out with His creation.

These periods could be categorized as: (1) From now until the Satan-influenced Antichrist; (2) During the time of the Antichrist; (3) After the Antichrist; (4) Return to Eden. We’ll focus on the return to Eden here and then cover the other periods in subsequent articles.

As it was in the beginning. Before some Elohim rebelled, YHVH walked with people in a beautiful place and partnered with them to manage His creation (Genesis 2:6-25). YHVH’s creation was ‘good,’ and the relationship between Creator and the created was perfect (complete). Two unique trees grew there—one that offered enlightenment not meant for people and another that gave indefinite human life. We now die because our access to that Tree of Life was removed (Genesis 3:22-24).

So it will be in the end. In a remarkable reversal, YHVH will destroy this realm and, in its place, create one where He and His creation co-exist as it was and is meant to be (Revelation 21:1-4). No pain. No suffering. No evil. What about the Tree of Life? Read Revelation 22:1-2, and you’ll see that it will be restored. Beauty, purity, eternal life, and perfection will be the order again!

Summary: God has pursued us since we walked away long ago. One day, He’ll tire of our immoralities and self-centeredness and insert Himself into our history for massive reconstruction. In the following article, we’ll continue our end-times journey by unveiling from now until the devil pulls Antichrist’s strings. Remember that God desires our love for Him and people more than religion.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.