What would speak volumes to me is if you actually gave comments on what I have posted regarding the End Times...
We've talked before. I didn't feel compelled to speak to your comments, which has nothing to do with you personally.
, but no you have again focused your energy on the manner in which I have spoken without considering the evidence that I have presented or presenting your apological rebuttal.
"Focused my energy..." LOL! I wasn't taking any sides with anyone, Jay. But I was speaking in an objective manner on a personal disagreement between you and another poster and your denial of having said anything offensive or personal to said poster. You did, and I felt compelled to offer some ~ you'll bristle at this, possibly ~ constructive criticism, if you will in the hope that you might respond with some modicum of humility... not to me, but to that poster.
Does Isaiah 24:21-22 fit into the events described in the Book of Revelation?
Sure. I would apply that to the whole of Isaiah 24. Which events, I think, would be... a point of contention between us, were we to discuss it. I would... well, equate, for lack of a better word... it with what we read in Matthew 24:19 and following, and with regard to Revelation, Revelation 19:11-21 and Revelation 20:7-10. Chapter 24, along with chapters 25, 26, and 27 are often called "apocalyptic," since they depict the final conflict and God's victory in vivid images.
I believe it does. I believe that it is describing the judgement of the beastly heavenly hosts in heaven, which is described in Rev 12, where no place will be found for them in heaven, and they are forcibly thrown out of heaven down to the face of the earth.
Do you believe there is anything "beastly" in heaven now, Jay? If your answer is yes, I would disagree with you on that. I assume you pray, as all Christians do, that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven (the Lord's prayer)... I would assert that there is no sin where God is. And one day ~ when we have the new heaven and new earth ~ there will be no more sin here. So I would disagree with you ~ I think, if I understand you correctly here ~ that what we read in Revelation 12 is the end of the thousand years, and rather say it's the
beginning. and
through the course of it. In other words...
Satan attacks God’s order and rule, Christ is born, and his triumphant rule over the nations is certain to be established, Satan attempts to destroy the child as soon as it is born, attempts to deflect the accomplishment of God’s salvation, tempts Christ in the wilderness and is active in the background when Christ casts out demons and when he confronts opposition from Jewish leaders... All of this opposition is encapsulated in Revelation 12 in the single picture of Satan seeking to devour the child. But the Messiah Himself is beyond the reach of Satanic attack, which we see in the fact that, in a symbolic sense, the "child was snatched up to God and to His throne," and literally that in ascending to heaven, He now sits at the right hand of God. So then Satan turns his attention to the woman, who represents the followers of the Messiah,
even us. The 1260 days is the entire inter-advent period. It begins immediately after Christ’s ascension. It continues throughout the period of Satanic assaults on the church, that is,
the whole period until Christ's return. During the entire period, God protects the church from satanic attacks. So again, I say we are not to think here of the fall of Satan at the time of creation, but of the
defeat of Satan in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Then, in verses 12-17, Having failed to destroy Christ (12:4-5), the Dragon tries to destroy the people of Christ. He uses his mouth, representing his deceit. When deceit fails, he tries persecuting power (12:17-13:10). The woman flies to the desert, an image that speaks of the powerful and supernatural care of God active on behalf of his people. His people experience powerful protection even in circumstances where it may seem impossible that they would be delivered. By speaking of the desert and the period of three and a half years, Revelation 12 (and into 13 and 14) shows a Godly protection that applies to the entire inter-advent period. Revelation 12-14 is one of the seven concurrent cycles of judgment in Revelation... the third.
And we can compare that to Revelation 20 (the seventh). Revelation 12 compares roughly to Revelation 20:1-6... both cover the entire inter-advent period, from Jesus's birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to His return. In Revelation 12, Christ is born, and from that point Satan's efforts are thwarted in a myriad of ways, whereas in Revelation 20, an angel comes down from heaven (this is Christ) and binds him from deceiving the nations, restricting his power in that way. So both portray the same thing, that Satan cannot stop the spread of the Gospel; it goes forth in power to all the ends of the earth. There's a lot more that could be said here, but I'll leave it at that, at least for now... <
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It seems to me that I am standing all alone "pissing" into the gale of the collective 'christian' opinions which are contrary to God's written word.
Hmmm... <
smile> Yeah, you know, everybody here thinks they have it all right. <
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Sadly, many are not able to see through the haze of the "half-baked truth" that have the air of being believable for them.
I wait with bated breath for someone to actual engage in a discussion that is based on God's word and not on their opinions of how one should present their ideas. That in and of itself is a false argument and is not worthy of any consideration.
I look forward to some member of this forum who can present the "meat of wisdom," for others to get their teeth into so that the rattling bones in the dessert can be clothed with some muscle so that the desolate and devastated places can be inhabited once more.
These words are literally saturated in arrogance and pride. Which are things that Satan relishes and uses well...
Grace and peace to you.
