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Anthony C.
NJ/PA

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Jan 14th, 2020

Recent Posts

Eph. 2:8-9 question
by John_C - Sat Sep 24, 2022 10:16 AM

The Doctrines of Grace
by Tom - Fri Sep 23, 2022 12:29 AM

One Year from Today!
by Pilgrim - Thu Sep 22, 2022 9:34 PM

Exotic Here—At Home There
by NetChaplain - Thu Sep 22, 2022 10:48 AM

Donald Trump and Prophecy
by Nahum - Tue Sep 20, 2022 8:54 PM

The Covenant of Redemption
by NetChaplain - Mon Sep 19, 2022 5:17 PM

One Year from Today! Nahum Fri Sep 23, 2022 12:11 AM If the date that I have for the taking away of the continual sacrifice is Scripturally correct, then Daniel’s latter-day “1290 days” will have been fulfilled one year from today (that is, 9/22/2023).

Of course, there are more days than one from which the count might possibly begin, but I have taken what I think to be the ultimate (and most likely) of such days as my starting point… the day when the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic (after the laboratory-developed weapon had been released upon the world), which was the basis for what led, in most cases, to rather immediate shutdowns and quarantines around the world. The announcement of a “pandemic” by the WHO occurred on Wednesday, 3/11/2020 (based on a source I have seen, I am led to believe that this was at 12:26 PM, although I am uncertain concerning which time zone). The following Sabbath, churches were closed across the world. It is noteworthy that this event occurred in the middle of the natural week (on a Wednesday):

“…and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Dn. 9:26-27 (see also Dn. 8:11,26; 11:31; Mt. 24:15, & Rev. 11:2)

Of course, the week that ultimately is being spoken of in Daniel 9 is not a natural week. While I will not be dealing with Daniel’s 70 weeks in this post, I would simply say here that I do not at all subscribe to the “gap theory” proposed by Dispensationalists. Nevertheless, they are correct in their conclusion that the forecited passage does have a proper reference to Antichrist in the latter days. This is not at all because Daniel’s 70th week was delayed, but rather, it is because there is an entire latter-day (or second) fulfilment of Daniel’s 70 weeks (starting around the New Covenant “second temple” times of the Protestant Reformation, -perhaps this matter can be addressed in another post). As I see it, the year 2020 happens also to be in the very “midst” of one of these latter-day, non-literal “weeks” (i.e., a “week” not consisting of a mere -literal- 7 days).

Another perhaps related matter of interest, is the fact that we are told in Daniel 11:43 that “the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” Whatever else this might entail (and perhaps Scripture's latter-day “Ethiopia” is not even intended to be understood as the literal country which we know as Ethiopia, just as latter-day “Babylon,” “Egypt,” and “Syria” are not to be understood as the actual countries/regions -Rev. 17:1,5,15; Hosea 11:10-11) it is perhaps worthy of noting that the head of the World Health Organization is himself an Ethiopian (Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus).

Daniel does not explicitly tell us what will take place upon the fulfilment of the 1290 days. In this post, I want to briefly address what I suppose to be the (latter-day) significance of Daniel’s 1290 days. We will do so by first taking a look at Daniel chapter 12, which is where the 1290 days are mentioned. I have provided a few comments as well, which I have interspersed [within brackets]:

“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 [“the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” Rev. 3:10 (which passage I will touch upon later)]: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book [i.e., in the "book of life" -Rev. 20:15 even though the final judgement will come later, but in either case, there is no condemnation for these]. 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 [and this is a description of a twofold event, having its beginning in time at the revival of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:11-12, Ps. 71:18-20 &c.) but comprehending also the mass conversion (perhaps esp. with regard to the east) which will follow after that event (Rev. 20:5); all of which things I expect will culminate, most probably some 100 to 107 years later, in the general resurrection of the body and the judgment at the last day]. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever [see also Isaiah 60, esp. vss. 1-5 for another description of what is meant concerning this “shining,” and what will follow in the record of history]. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end [so that many things could not be well understood until then]: many shall run to and fro [running to and fro, -all of the armies of Gog gathering together into “a place” (Rev. 16:14-16, 20:7-9) which will become a "valley of slaughter" in the West; and then also the saints at last being gathered out of all places to Jerusalem, just before the coming destruction (Zech. 12:6, Mt. 24:31 &c.)], and knowledge shall be increased [perhaps a reference to both Christian knowledge (the mystery of God being more and more unsealed up to the time of its full manifestation) and also the Antichristian secret gnosis or “knowledge” so called)]. 5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river [for Christ will bring his people as through a "flood" so to speak, which will destroy their enemies after the manner of Egypt (Is. 10:20-27), and it is usual that the question of the saints is "how long" ...until we reach the other side?]. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half [there are several time periods intended by this, being of various lengths, but all them ending about the same time, -the shortest and most crucial of which being that period of the final (about) three and one half years]; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished [i.e., the “wonders” of this final and greatest of all Church desolations shall then be finished, by which means Christ will have separated the wheat from among the tares.]. 8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end [i.e., this matter cannot possibly be well understood until these final events are already in process of unfolding]. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days [which I suppose to be Daniel’s reference to the same event as John’s 7th trumpet (more on that to follow), from which time the saint’s deliverance will begin (as declared by Daniel in vs. 2 above)]. 12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days [which is when I suppose the saints will be gathered to Jerusalem. And probably the saints should wait until then before going near to the people of [H]Eber[ews] (Numbers 24:24?)?]. 13 But go thou thy way [Daniel] till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days [i.e., at the general resurrection and final judgement on the last day]. Dn. 12

As I mentioned above in my comment on verse 11, I suppose the “1290 days” to be a reference to the 7th trumpet of Revelation 11:15. We will now take a look at John’s description of the 7th trumpet to see if it agrees with Daniel’s claims regarding both a major “time of trouble” coming upon the world, and a simultaneous “deliverance” for the elect people of God:

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead [or the non-regenerate], that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Rev. 11:15-19

To these things I believe we could add a further description given by John, understanding it as also being a description of things having their beginning at the same time as those events described starting in Rev. 11:18-19 (which was quoted just above):

“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done [i.e., the destroying judgement upon Babylon’s diabolical Gog and Magog latter end (see also Ez. 39:8)]. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city [i.e., Babylon, -being variously described as “Sodom, and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified” Rev. 11:8] was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found [i.e., the nations collapsed before this judgment seat of Christ -Dn. 7:9 (nations often are alluded to in Scripture by use of the term “mountains”)]. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” Rev. 16:17-21

I think we can conclude that these descriptions which were given by John agree very suitably with those which were given by the prophet Daniel. Premillennialists have supposed that the deliverance would come as a “rapture,” in which event the true believers would be caught up to heaven (i.e., meaning the literal “third heaven”). Many (perhaps especially among the Dispensationalist sort) have supposed that this “rapture” would occur before the arrival of tribulation. These suppositions I believe to be very incorrect. The saint’s lot has continuously been one of “much tribulation,” but there is, as well, a distinguishable time of “Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30, esp. vs 7) through which the saints must now come (to whatever degree the Good Shepherd appoints this unto each of his sheep) before the great deliverance is afforded. Deliverance out of a largely trouble-free condition is not much regarded as being a deliverance. The apostle Paul speaks of this deliverance in terms of God recompensing “tribulation to them that trouble you” 2 Thess. 1:6 (see entire chapter). Along with the end of Jacob’s trouble will come the time of great trouble upon the world, but judgment must first begin at the house of God. Whether or not the deliverance involves one’s being “caught up” in the air (as being born along by angels) I know not, although I do not look for it to be after that manner (the saints will be caught up in that manner to meet Christ at the last day). Perhaps the deliverance will (in a seemingly unpleasant manner) involve the armies of that second (or distinct) “king of the north” which will be arriving, Cyrus-like, -as spoken of in Dn. 11:40-42. Whatever the case, we can be certain that the saints in the earth will be gathered to one place, which place I understand to be Jerusalem. It appears that these things are further spoken of by John in his record concerning the seven churches. Therefore, we will briefly look at what is said in Revelation chapter 3:

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength…,

[even as Daniel saith: “And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. 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. 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 [i.e., speaking in terms of a spiritual war lasting for at least 42 months or 1260 days -Rev. 11:2-3 (with regard to some, for a full ten years, leading up to the same end-point as those 1260 days (see Rev. 2:10; also (concerning a spiritual prison captivity) see, Ez. 39:22-39 (in its Gog & Magog context), Ps. 79:11, 102:20, Ps. 142, Is. 42:22))]. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help…” Dn. 11:31-34]

…and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. [this worldwide "hour of temptation" or of trial, I suppose to be the same as the “hour” of Babylon's (or the West's) destruction (Rev. 18:10, 17), which will have worldwide economic (&c.) implications (Rev. 18:11,15-19) involving worldwide systemic collapse, by which means I suppose God will then make his “full end” of the nations (Jer. 30:11 & 46:28) in order that his holy mountain, the new Jerusalem (or Christ’s spiritual and true Israel), might begin to fill the earth (Dn. 2:35). During this time of collapse and destruction, I expect God will richly provide (at Jerusalem) for the needs of his little remnant which for so long had been poor and despised like a beggar under the rich man’s table (see Zech. 14:14)] 11 Behold, I come quickly [by this and by what follows immediately after, we should understand that these things do in fact have reference not only to the ancient church in Philadelphia, but to realities concerning the time of the end]: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God [see also Rev. 21:2-4. This descent of God's holy city should be understood in a manner being directly related to the Church's prior spiritual existence as above the world (e.g., Mic. 4:1, Zech. 14:10, Gal. 4:25, Rev. 12:1), which would continue so long as Babylon existed -having possession of the earthly dominion under heaven. The descent does not imply that the spiritual glory of the Church would fall to its end, but rather (and quite to the contrary), that the spiritual principles of the Church would at last be establish upon earth by means of the gospel; which thing, I believe, will have its initial fulfilment (or its beginning) in time -before eternity…

(that is, in the latter rain/marriage feast: -in support of this supposition, see: Zech. 9:10-17 & chapter 10; Zech. 12:6-10; Zech. 14 (esp. vss. 16-19); Is. 65:15-24 (esp. vs. 20b); Is. 66:15-24; Ez. 47:1-12 (plus entire surrounding context, all of which events follow after the things of Ez. 38-39); Dn. 2:34-35, 44-45; Dn. 7:9-14 (esp. vs. 12) & vss. 18 & 26-27; Mt. 22:1-14 (the latter-day, or ultimate fulfilment); Rev. 7:9-17 (as following after what precedes it concerning a small remnant being "sealed" for the time of trouble) with Rev. 19:1-18, Rev. 11:15, & Rev. 21:24-26, &c. &c. &c.)

…but all of this will culminate in the final judgement and the ushering in of eternity. And it is a thing not at all unusual in prophecy, to have more than one event or period being spoken of in a somewhat seemingly merged together fashion, as I have suggested the case to be here]: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Rev. 3:7-13

If all of these things are so, let the weary and downcast saint look up, and lift up his head; for your redemption draweth nigh. Whatever your pitiful condition at present (you who truly rest in Christ for all) hope still in God, and in watching and in prayer, wait patiently upon the Lord; -your redemption draweth nigh, and it will be better than perhaps you expected. It will be better, in that (along with the destruction of Babylon, the two beasts, and the dragon) an entire world almost (especially the east), now lying in darkness for so many years, is about to be mass converted to Christ (this conversion, very likely starting among Muslims, or the people of modern-day Jordan (Numbers 24:17-24), and spreading from thence eastward to all of Asia and to other regions of the world as well. I expect there will also be a conversion of many Jews to Christ during that time). What better things could you wish for, who have longed, not only for your own salvation, but also for the salvation of a world yet lying in darkness? I believe, based on all of these Scripture considerations, that this is what we have a full warrant to expect before that final victory, which will come with the destruction of the “last enemy,” which is death. Jesus is victorious Lord!

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The Doctrines of Grace Tom Thu Sep 22, 2022 11:38 PM Here is a statement that I thought I would ask opinion on.

“The Doctrines of Grace both by logic and Scripture stand or fall together.”

State why you would agree, or disagree with this statement.

Tom

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Exotic Here—At Home There NetChaplain Thu Sep 22, 2022 2:48 PM There is nothing greater than for one being used by the Father in all that He has him to do! His care for us causes us to “desire and do His good pleasure” (Phl 2:13), which keeps us from ever again desiring the way of sin and condemnation. He knows what the exact amount of difficulty we can endure, because He has prepared us for it, and “makes a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1Co 10:13). Everything our Father does to groom us for trials is out of love. There is nothing He does to punish us, because it’s all within His school of learning; for “Whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son (or daughter) whom He receives” (Heb 12:6).
NC

Exotic Here—At Home There

When we consider that each of us is a plant of the Lord, and not one like another as to leaf or flower, the plantation is most interesting. Though there is no similarity in the circumstances or in the duties of any one, yet the health and vigor of each is hindered or promoted by the condition of any of the rest, for we are members on of another.

You are a plant of the Lord (Isa 61:3), set by Him in His plantation on earth, to have a certain leaf and blossom and fruit. He knows just where He has set you, and He takes into account all the adverse influences which bear upon you. He put the plant where it can best set forth the beauty which He has given it, which is His own. He knows that amount of frost and wind and sun which is needful for the most advantageous development.

We in the new life are exotics (not native to the place where found—NC), but we are placed in circumstances the best suited for us to grow, to neutralize the adverse influences of the old man to which we are so susceptible (vulnerable – I believe “the old man” is Satan’s first line of offense; as the Spirit uses the “new man,” so the enemy uses our old man—NC). As a plant of the Lord you are an exotic, and there is no other plant like you (similar but never exact—NC). The Father has only one specimen of each. But while this is so, and this new plant is not in its own climate and home, and your old man is at home here, and is fostered and promoted according as it uses and enjoys the things here; yet the circumstances you are placed in are the most favorable and the best adapted for your particular spiritual growth.

For the plant there is really nothing here, everything hinders it (opposes it—NC). Yet the place and trials which form your particular circumstances, however painful, are the most suited to promote growth, because the Father knows the only spot in His plantation where you can or could grow according to His intention, and places you there. I think it is a great thing to be assured that I am not only a peculiar plant but that I am planted in a peculiar spot; and if I do not express the virtues and qualities of the exotic here, then I could do so less in any other circumstance.

Ill health, for instance, is a very rough wind; but this the Gardener sees necessary, in order to remove some of the vapors which would hang about the valley of the old man, and thus retard and obscure the expressions of the exotic. But there is another good from rough winds, even—that the plant, according to its vitality, really increases in strength on the very side on which it is most assailed (via exercise of resistance—NC).

You will see at once that there must be concert with the wind—the trial and pressure of circumstances, all to break down the influence of the old man. The wind is the cannon to make the breach, but then the soldier, sword in hand, enters it and is victor. When any breach is made, then self-denial is necessary to turn to good account that which God has effected by chastening. There are the rough winds and the frost without; and there is the energy of the Spirit within, seeking to claim for Christ the place where the old man had controlled (the “dominion” of the old man was in the ability to cause us to desire sin, but no longer—NC).

Thus, whatever our circumstances may be, dark or bright, they are really the most favorable and the most adapted for our growth and this is an immense comfort. If they be sorrowful circumstances which break down the old man, the field is claimed by the Spirit (Gal 5:17—NC). If bright ones, seductive to the old man, as Egypt to Moses, they are to be surrendered, that the Lord Jesus Christ may be the full joy of the heart.

—JB Stoney

MJS daily devotional excerpt for Sep 22

"Humility is quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or irritated or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have my blessed home in the Lord Jesus, where I can go in and shut the door and be with my Father in secret, and be at peace when all outside is trouble."
-Andrew Murry (1828-1917)
http://www.abideabove.com/hungry-heart/

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Eph. 2:8-9 question Tom Tue Sep 20, 2022 2:18 AM Talking to an Arminian about Eph. 2: 8-9 and he mentions something I am no expert on.
I believe it is safe to say that in these verses both grace and faith are gifts of God.
I am hoping someone can speak to the following better than I can?

Arminian:

Quote

Grace is the indirect object, the dative case in Greek. Faith is not- it is the genitive case, showing possession or “by way of.” Faith is not the gift.

Probably, the best way to translate this would be “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this (grace received through faith, or salvation) is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…”

Only grace is being given as a gift. It is given as a gift through our faith. Faith is not what is being given.

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The Covenant of Redemption NetChaplain Mon Sep 19, 2022 9:17 PM Is the Covenant of Redemption a thing! Yes, and God is a bit mysterious concerning this one, for it is the one that is for those, whom, created after His image, are also after His “good pleasure” (Phl 2:13). These are they who are more precious to God than the angels; for man is the sole being who is after the image of God!

The present covenant of which the Christian is a recipient is a Covenant between the Father and His Son, in that the Father sacrificed the Son and raised Him from the dead after expiating the sins of the Christian (Heb 13:20, 21; Act 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40, 41; 13:30; 17:31; Rom 1:4; 4:24; 25; 8:11; 1Co 6:14, 15; 2Co 4:14; Gal 1:1; Eph 1:20; Col 2:12; 1Th 1:10; 1Pe 1:21).

In every covenant there is a benefactor and a beneficiary. If you’re in a covenant with God, He is the Benefactor, and you are the beneficiary; and you must be morally good to receive blessing; and not having a new nature presents the possibility of one returning to the “old man.” Being recipients of the Covenant between the Father and the Son we, by the Spirit using the new nature, are made to be good, so that there is no possible chance of returning to the “old man” (Phl 2:13). In the present Covenant the Benefactors are the Father and the Son, and the beneficiaries are the Christians!

We see the covenant language between God and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Lev 26:42), but there is no such language concerning the covenant with Christians. Just, "This is My body which is given for you," and "This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you" (Luk 22:19, 20); and that's all that’s necessary! No covenant between God and Christians, for He desired believers to be assured of desiring and doing His good pleasure.

There will be a New Covenant between God and the Israelites who “believe in God” (Jn 14:1) during the Millennium, after they finally see the Lord Jesus (Jer 31:31 Eze 36:24-28). I say finally, because “Jews require a sign” (Jhn 2:18; 1Co 1:22); and because Israel will not “believe” until they see Him, they forfeit the “blessing” of being in the Son-ship of Christ (Jn 20:29). Thus, they will remain a “people of God” (Heb 8:10); and Christians will be a people of God—but also sons and daughters of God, and “kings and priests” (Rev 21:3; 1:6; 5:10).

Note: I realize this is not plainly taught in Scripture, thus it is an inference; but it is a doctrine that I believe is not just theory but true, and I find it to be the most encouraging of all doctrines, it being the primary reason for creation.

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